AFP NC Cape Fear Region

Monthly Meeting: Building a Major Gift Program
2026-03-04 08:00 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28403, United States
Building a Major Gift Program
Program Details Coming Soon!
Presented by Kinetic: Karin Cox and Aaron Johnson
Networking: 8 a.m.
Program: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting is free for AFP members and $10 for non-members.
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Monthly Meeting: Boundless Impact For Fundraising Events
2026-02-04 08:00 - 09:30 | New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28403, United States
Boundless Impact For Fundraising Events
Join AFP Cape Fear Region for our February Chapter Meeting featuring presenter Magen McRoberts and her session, Boundless Impact for Fundraising Events.
This education series presentation provides a comprehensive look at planning and executing successful fundraising events—from initial concept through post-event follow-up. Attendees will gain practical insights into creating a seamless and engaging experience for donors, guests, and sponsors, while maximizing impact and strengthening relationships.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
8-8:30am Coffee/Networking
8:30-9:30am Program

RegisterREGISTER NOW!

1-Day Conference, Wilmington, NC
2025-09-05 | Hotel Ballast, 301 N Water St, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
The 2025 conference will be hosted by AFP Cape Fear on Sept. 5, 2025!
Our annual conference offers innovative and timely information in fundraising programs presented by knowledgeable speakers. These educational programs cover an array of topics to meet the broad needs of our diverse membership. We invite you to share your expertise, connect with a state-wide network of fundraising professionals, and tap into your creativity by attending, presenting or sponsoring the conference.
If you are interested in sponsoring the 2025 conference, email the AFP NC Sponsorship chair, Julie Schuldner
Early-Bird Conference Registration Open NOW!
Early Bird from now until July 7

Member: $175
Non-Member: $225

Registration closes August 29

Member: $250
Non-Member: $300

Walk-in day of the conference

$350 for members and non-members

Refunds are offered through August 15. No refunds will be offered after this date.
REGISTER HERE!
Not an AFP member? Click here to read more about the benefits of being an AFP member.
Thank You Sponsors!Conference Website

August 6 - Secrets of Happiness
2025-08-06 08:00 - 09:30 | New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28403, United States
Secrets of Happiness
Scientists and academics have spent entire careers exploring what truly makes people happy. Presented by Mona Johnson-Gibson, in this session we’ll dive into bite-sized, easy-to-digest insights from The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People by David Niven, Ph.D. You’ll leave with practical, uplifting takeaways—maybe even one that helps turn an ordinary day into a more joyful life.
Networking: 8-8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting is free for AFP members and $10 for non-members.
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Presenter: Mona Johnson-Gibson
Mona has more than 30 years of experience in the private, public and non-profit sector in the areas of human service, marketing, training and administration. She formerly was the CEO of the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte for 12 years before retiring in January 2020 to Brunswick County. Mona currently contracts with UNC Wilmington as a non-profit coach for the QENO program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from UNC-Charlotte and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Wake Forest University. She is a past president of Metropolitan Business & Professional Women (BPW) and has served BPW at the district and state levels. She also has served on the Cabarrus Mediation and Teen Court Board helping teens in trouble. In 2011 she was named one of the Mecklenburg Times 50 Most Influential Women.
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July 2 - Sharing Our Development Journeys
2025-07-02 08:00 - 09:30 | New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28403, United States
REGISTERSharing Our Development Journeys

Notice: Our July presenter, Reid Murchison, had a family emergency and unfortunately cannot make it to this month’s meeting. We are pivoting and will follow-up on last month’s meeting Evolution of a Development Leader Presentation with Bert Armstrong. Many of us were inspired and validated last month by hearing Bert Armstrong share his own career story and the Evolution of a Development Leader presentation. We’ll continue the conversation this week by sharing our own journeys. Several of the more experienced members of our chapter will begin by briefly sharing their own journeys and then we will split into discussion groups where we can each briefly share our story and a goal we have for the evolution of our own career.

Networking: 8-8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting is free for AFP members and $10 for non-members.

REGISTER

Monthly Meeting: Evolution of a Development Leader
2025-06-04 08:00 - 09:30 | NC
Evolution of a Development Leader
Evolution of a Development Leader
Development is more than a job; it is a career. Join this interactive session to learn how to proactively shape your own career with intention and grace, as well as how to help others grow in the profession. Whether you are a rising development star or a mentor to others, this session will help you think about ways to enhance the journey while achieving your professional goals.
Bert Armstrong has served the nonprofit and philanthropic community as a fundraising professional, senior administrator, consultant, volunteer, and board member for more than three decades. As co-founder and principal of Armstrong McGuire, he has spent the past 18 years leading searches for nonprofit and philanthropic executives and professionals, facilitating dynamic planning efforts, and helping Armstrong McGuire clients raise tens of millions of dollars. Today, Bert leads a talented team that is dedicated to helping Armstrong McGuire’s clients reach their potential for doing great things in their communities.
Networking: 8-8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting is free for AFP members and $10 for non-members.
RegisterREGISTER

Special Event: Uncharitable Screening (free)
2025-03-27 16:00 - 19:00 | Plaza on Princess at Harrelson Center, 410 Princess St, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Thursday, March 27th
2 opportunities:
10:30am | 3:30pm
Screening followed by discussion
Plaza on Princess
You are invited to attend a FREE screening of “Uncharitable”.
This 90-minute documentary, inspired by Dan Pallotta’s provocative TED Talk, introduces a new way to think about the critical role nonprofits play in our community and the philanthropy that can support us in having an even greater impact.
Following the film, there will be a meaningful discussion about the opportunities we have as nonprofit leaders to change the narrative about funding to build momentum for the entire sector.
Please invite your board members to attend with you.
Co-hosted by the Harrelson Center and AFP Cape Fear Region Chapter
Co-sponsored by moss+ross and Angel Oak Creative
Register Now (free)

Monthly Meeting: Ethics
2025-03-05 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Dr. Rich Clerkin and board member Jeff Hunter will present about nonprofit and fundraising ethics. We usually host our Ethics program during Ethics Awareness month (Oct), but we wanted to shake it up this year. Join us for an engaging conversation!
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Rich Clerkin – Distinguished Professor in the UNCW Department of Public and International Affairs Jeff Hunter – Underwriting and Major Gifts at WHQR Public Media
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Monthly Meeting: The Art of the Ask
2025-02-05 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
“The Art of the Ask” with Janell Johnson and Aaron Johnson from Kinetic
Not every ask will end with an immediate yes, but with the right approach, you’ll never hear a definitive no. Through thorough donor research and tailored cultivation, you can uncover key insights into a donor’s capacity and interest. Confidence in asking comes not from self-assurance, but from trust in the process built over time. Even if the answer isn’t a resounding yes, you’ll hear, “Not now, but maybe with more cultivation,” turning every interaction into a future opportunity.
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Monthly Meeting: SECOND WEDS - Nonprofit Outlook (CapDev)
2025-01-08 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
NOTE SECOND WEDNESDAY INSTEAD OF FIRST
Compass Points: Navigating Findings from a Statewide Survey of Nonprofits and Funders
CapDev conducted a first-of-its-kind statewide survey of nonprofits and funders in 2024 – Nonprofit Outlook – and has summarized its key findings in the Compass Report, released at the annual NC Center for Nonprofits Conference. Having gathered input on the results from major NC foundations, CapDev is now sharing key takeaways from the report with the nonprofit sector as a spark to engage deepened communications and to ignite opportunities, furthering our work of constantly making our world better. Join CapDev VP, Clare Jordan, to consider the four key takeaways from the report: reimagine governance structure; educate and empower future workforce; mobilize collaboration for transformative impact; build stronger philanthropic relationships. All of this and much more can be found in the full report here: www.capdev.com/compassreport2024.
This is a great opportunity to invite your CEO, ED or a board member to join you at AFP.
Register Now!

Monthly Meeting: Reset and Recharge
2024-12-04 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
December 4 – Reset and Recharge
Speaker: Stefanie Adams We are deep in the weeds of year end and already looking at 2025. Let’s take a moment together to reset and recharge with local friend and author, Stefanie Adams. We’ll be reminded of why we do this work and reset ourselves to keep pushing our missions forward while also celebrating personal, team, and organizational success.
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National Philanthropy Day Celebration
2024-11-18 17:30 - 19:00 | CFCC Union Station 5th Floor, 502 N Front St, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
The Cape Fear Region Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is hosting the annual National Philanthropy Day (NPD) celebration to honor and recognize work that organizations and people do to positively impact our community – organizations and people like YOU!
Date: Monday, November 18
5:30pm doors
6:00pm program
$25/person
Location: CFCC’s Union Station Building, Daniels Hall, 5th floor (parking will be provided)
Enjoy refreshments prepared by CFCC culinary arts students, beverages, and great company.
RSVP Now!

Monthly Meeting - Let's Talk about Ethics
2024-10-02 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Trust is a commodity in our culture and as fundraisers we are an integral part of building and sustaining the relationships of trust that empower our mission. Join us as we spend time together digging into several of the AFP standards in the Code of Ethics and discussing how they apply in our daily work.
October is Ethics Awareness month for AFP and the updated AFP Code of Ethics will be rolled out on October 1, going into effect in 2025. Watch for an email from us with the new Code of Ethics and attend our October meeting for a timely conversation.
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Deep Dive: Grants and Campaigns
2024-09-19 09:30 - 16:00 | Plaza on Princess at Harrelson Center, 410 Princess St, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Thursday, Sept 19 – Special Program
Plaza on Princess, Harrelson Center
9am – 2pm
3 sessions plus lunch
Grants | Foundation/Corporate Funder Relationships | Capital Campaigns
Full day: $45 member (includes lunch), $85 nonmember (includes lunch)
Morning + lunch: $25 member, $45 nonmember
Afternoon + lunch: $25 member, $45 nonmember
Registration coming soon
Register Now!

Monthly Meeting - POSTPONED till Oct 2
2024-08-07 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
POSTPONED UNTIL OCTOBER 2
Collaboration and Influence with your Team and Board

Founded in 2008 by a small group of concerned parents and volunteers, NourishNC is now one the area’s most recognizable non-profits improving the lives of children in our community. Their growth and success has come from a passionate dedication to their mission, growth together as a team, and harnessing the power of their board.
On Oct 2nd, Executive Director Steve McCrossan and Development and Communications Director Heather Sellgren will discuss how collaboration and influence, both with each other and with their board members, has led to their success and our community’s well-being.
Register Now for Oct 2!

Monthly Meeting - Annual Funds
2024-07-10 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
July 10 – The Fun and Fundamentals of the Annual Fund
Speaker: Ellie Barker, Director of Annual Giving, UNCW Designed for fundraising professionals at all experience levels, Ellie will share the basics of annual giving and why it is important for your organization’s success; strategies for gaining, keeping, and upgrading donors; and best practices for effective campaigns. We’ll explore some fun and innovative ideas for social media campaigns, fundraising challenges, and personalized donor engagement. Attendees will leave with practical tips, strategies and new ideas that work for small and large teams. *Note change in date: 2nd Weds!Show lesschevronNorth icon
Location: Red Cross Training Room, 1102 S 16th St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Date and time: Wed, Jul 10, 2024 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Register Now!

Monthly Meeting - Small Group Discussions
2024-06-05 08:00 - 09:30 | NC
June 5 Monthly Meeting Digging Deeper in Small Group Discussions: Communications, Donor Engagement, DAFs/IRAs
Join us for our June meeting as we divide into discussion groups and dig deeper into some of the topics from our recent meetings:
– Communications Planning – led by Kendall McGee Englehart
– DAFs and IRAs – led by Julie Schuldner
– Scaling Donor Engagement – Katie Lord
Pick a topic you’d like to learn more about and discuss with peers – even if you weren’t at the monthly meeting on the topic. Slide decks from past presentations will be mailed to registrants prior to our June meeting for your review.
***Please note change in location: Boys & Girls Clubs of SENC, Brigade Campus***
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Free for AFP members, $10/non-members
Invite a friend!
Register Now!

Monthly Meeting - May 1 - 5 Digital Steps to Scale Donor Engagement
2024-05-01 08:00 - 09:30 | NC
May 1 Monthly Meeting The Responsive Maturity Model: 5 Digital Steps to Scale Donor Engagement
Speaker: Erik Tomalis, Virtuous
Learn 5 key shifts to your team, tactics, and technology to drive increased giving. Donors feel disconnected from the cause at many nonprofits, and nonprofit teams feel siloed and ineffective. The Responsive Maturity Model provides clear, actionable building blocks for healthy, effective teams and increased giving.
Presentation format is hybrid – Erik will be presenting virtually. Registrants can choose to participate virtually from their own computer beginning at 8:30AM or join us at the Red Cross at 8:00AM for coffee and networking followed by the live virtual presentation. There will be capacity for interaction with Erik regardless of the format you choose.
Link will be sent to registered participants the day before.
Free for AFP members, $10/non-members
Invite a friend!
Register Now!

Monthly Meeting - Multi-Faceted Perspectives on Fundraising
2024-04-03 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Multi-Faceted Perspectives on Fundraising

A conversation with Reid Murchison, who has direct experience with fundraising from many perspectives.

Reid has been a prospect for contributions from many nonprofits, a donor, a volunteer, a founder of a nonprofit, and has a robust financial planning practice for clients seeking his advice connected to philanthropy and legacy giving.

Register Now!

Monthly Meeting: Planned Giving
2024-03-06 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Julie Schuldner, CFRE
Senior Consultant, Sharpe Group
March 6, 2024
What Should Be in Your Gift Planning Toolbox?
How can effective gift planning help donors make meaningful gifts today as well as plan for large future gifts through popular gift planning techniques?
Learn which planned gifts should be your focus without the need for extensive technical expertise.
Coffee and Networking 8-8:30
Program 8:30-9:30
Register Now!

Monthly Meeting: Communication Plans
2024-02-07 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Creating a Communications Plan
Speaker: Suzanne Jalot, Chief Development Officer, WARM NC
What are your organizational goals for 2024? A strategic communications plan is a key piece of making those goals a reality. Suzanne Jalot comes to development with an extensive background in communications and will walk us through the process of creating a plan with your goals in mind.
Registration open now!
Free for AFP members, $10/non-members
Invite a friend!

Monthly Meeting: Grants
2024-01-10 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States

Pop-Up Holiday Social
2023-12-06 17:30 - 20:00 | Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St, Wilmington, 28401, United States

National Philanthropy Day Celebration
2023-11-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Waterline Brewing, 721 Surrey St, Wilmington, 28401, United States
National Philanthropy Day signifies the importance of working together for the common good.
Join us at the Waterline Brewing Company on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 to celebrate to celebrate the charitable work that organizations and people do to make a difference and create impact in our community.
President Reagan first proclaimed November 15 as National Philanthropy Day in 1986, and communities all throughout the world have celebrated the importance of this occasion ever since.
Come celebrate with us! We will be honoring Outstanding Philanthropist Ken Dull and Outstanding Fundraiser Katie Tate!
Sponsor – or – RSVP online here!

Chamberlain Scholarship Application Deadline Oct 15
2023-10-15 | Online
Chamberlain Scholarship

AFP ICON, AFP’s flagship “International Conference,” is held each spring and brings together nearly 4,000 fundraising professionals to discuss important trends and issues related to fundraising and philanthropy, with a focus on fundraising practice and technique.
The AFP ICON 2024 will be taking place April 7-9 in Toronto, Canada!
An AFP Cape Fear Region Chapter Member who has never gone to ICON, may submit a Chamberlain Scholarship application. The Chamberlain Scholarship covers the registration to the ICON – AFP International conference thanks to the AFP Foundation’s BE the CAUSE campaign.
AND, thanks to the AFP Cape Fear Region Chapter’s efforts and proceeds from the annual National Philanthropy Day event, our Chapter will provide up to $1,500 reimbursement towards qualified travel and lodging expenses. (Receipts required.)
The selected Chamberlain Scholar is responsible for paying a $10 processing fee when registering for ICON.
Applications are due by 5pm on October 15th, 2023.
Applicants will be notified of their status by October 28, 2023.

Apply Online Here!

October 4, 2023 Monthly Meeting
2023-10-04 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Each year the Cape Fear Region AFP chapter meets to discuss the importance of ethical fundraising. Join us as we do a guided roundtable of fundraising ethics.
Free for members | $10 for non-members
Register

Nominations for NPD - Deadline soon!
2023-09-22 | Online
On November 13, 2023, we will be honoring an Outstanding Philanthropist and and Outstanding Fundraiser at our annual National Philanthropy Day Celebration. Nominate someone online by Sept 22. Honorees will be announced no later than October 13th.
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National Philanthropy Day signifies the importance of working together for the common good. President Reagan first proclaimed November 15 as National Philanthropy Day in 1986, and communities all throughout the world have celebrated the importance of this occasion ever since.
Join us at the Waterline Brewing Company on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 to celebrate to celebrate the charitable work that organizations and people do to make a difference and create impact in our community.

Student Membership Scholarship Application Deadline September 15
2023-09-15 23:58 - 23:59 | Online
The Cape Fear Student Scholarship is an outreach initiative to encourage diversity and broaden participation in the AFP Cape Fear Region Chapter, and by extension, the nonprofit fundraising profession in the southeast region of North Carolina.
The scholarship seeks to broaden participation in our chapter by students in public administration or similar programs.
The scholarship provides a one-year membership to AFP Global and the AFP Cape Fear Chapter, with full access to education, tools, and resources. Several scholarships will be awarded.
Applications are due by 5pm on Friday September 15th, 2023.
APPLY ONLINE HERE!

Future of Fundraising Special Program
2023-09-15 09:00 - 13:00 | Harrelson Center, 20 N. 4th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
The AFP Cape Fear Region Chapter presents speaker, trainer and nationally recognized nonprofit founder and thought leader, Rachel Muir. Join us to learn new and exciting ways that fundraisers are changing the game. Full details online.
Three Participation Options:
All-inclusive: $40/Member | $80/non-member
Morning Workshops Only: $20/members | $40/non-member
Lunch and Keynote Only: $20/members | $40/non-members
Morning Workshops:
Stewarding Today’s Mid-Level Donors to Become Tomorrow’s Major Donors
What the Best Fundraisers Do Differently
Keynote:
The Future of Fundraising
(Sponsored by Armstrong McGuire)
Register

Making the Ask
2023-05-03 08:00 - 09:30 | American Red Cross, 1102 S. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Major Donors: Making the Ask
An opportunity to hear from three Wilmington area major donor development officers and their experiences in discovering, cultivating, and asking for gifts that make a difference. Joining us are Cindy Cheatham, Lower Cape Fear Hospice; Martin Feurer, Salvation Army; and Kevin Jacques, Capital Development Services.

8-8:30 – Networking
8:30-9:30 – Program
REGISTER
