COMMITTEES

Community is at the core of AFP Greater Cleveland.

Are you looking to deepen your involvement with AFP Greater Cleveland and connect with fellow professionals who share your passion for philanthropy? Joining one of our volunteer committees is a powerful way to make a meaningful impact while helping shape the future of our chapter. Whether you're interested in programming, advocacy, membership, marketing, or National Philanthropy Day, there's a place for your voice, skills, and creativity.

Committee service is a rewarding opportunity to expand your network, develop leadership experience, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen our local nonprofit community. No matter your background or experience level, we welcome your energy and ideas. Get involved, make new connections, and help us continue to grow a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive AFP chapter—together!

To join, please email admin@afpcle.org and submit which group(s) you want to join.

Explore our Committees and find your community within AFP Cleveland!

COMMUNICATIONS

The AFP Greater Cleveland Communications Committee strives to inform our members of exciting events, updates, and stories. Members can expect a monthly newsletter, an updated website (afpcle.org), timely social media, and responsive communication. The committee is also responsible for fielding requests for and updating our job board.

Lead: Ryan Zapolski, Smile Train

IDEA

The IDEA Committee champions AFP Greater Cleveland’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible fundraising community. This group works to ensure that our chapter reflects the broad range of voices, experiences, and backgrounds within our profession and the communities we serve. Committee members help guide chapter policies and programming through an IDEA lens, plan initiatives that elevate underrepresented voices, and collaborate with other committees to embed equity into all aspects of our work. If you're passionate about social justice, equity in philanthropy, and creating meaningful change, the IDEA Committee offers a powerful platform for impact.

Lead: LeAirra Lacey, Birthing Beautiful Communities

MEMBERSHIP

The Membership Committee is the welcoming heart of AFP Greater Cleveland. This committee focuses on recruiting new members, retaining current members, and ensuring everyone feels connected and valued. Volunteers help plan strategies to grow a diverse and inclusive chapter. If you're passionate about building community and love making people feel like they belong, this is the committee for you!

Lead: Melissa Stevenson, Beaumont School

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Professional Development Committee is dedicated to fostering the growth and advancement of all fundraising professionals in Greater Cleveland by providing enriching and diverse educational opportunities. The committee seeks to empower fundraising professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact in the community.

Lead: Brian Browne, BWF

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

The AFP Greater Cleveland Chapter Sponsorship Committee's primary function is to secure financial and in-kind support for the chapter's activities and events. This involves identifying potential sponsors, consulting with the Communications Committee in the development of sponsorship packages and actively seeking opportunities to secure partnerships that benefit both the chapter and the sponsors. The committee also plays a role in promoting the value of philanthropy and ethical fundraising practices.

Lead: Calvin Wood