The 5 Pillars Of Fundraising Excellence: What’s New At AFP Chicago In 2025
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Chicago Chapter continues to stand as the premier network for development professionals in the Midwest, driving ethical practice and innovation in the philanthropic sector. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, the chapter is heavily focused on its 2025 strategic initiatives, which include a major commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA), a robust professional development calendar, and the celebration of its 49th Annual Philanthropy Awards.
This deep dive into AFP Chicago reveals the most current leadership, the strategic priorities that are shaping the future of fundraising in the region, and the key events that every Chicago-area nonprofit executive, consultant, and board member needs to know about for 2025 and beyond. The organization’s recent recognition as a 2025 AFP IDEA Champion underscores its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse fundraising community.
The 2025 Leadership and Organizational Structure
The success of the AFP Chicago Chapter is built on the dedication of its all-volunteer Board of Directors, a diverse group of 29 leaders from across the Chicago philanthropic landscape. Their governance ensures the chapter’s policies and procedures align with its mission of advancing philanthropy and the fundraising profession. The chapter operates from its official base at 222 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1870, in downtown Chicago, working in partnership with its association management firm.
2025-2026 Executive Committee and Key Officers
The Executive Committee guides the chapter’s strategic direction, with terms of office beginning in January 2026 for the newly elected officers.
- President: Kelsey Nelson
- President-Elect: George Rattin
- Executive Director (Non-Board): Sarah Spunt (Habitat for Humanity Chicago)
Selected 2025 At-Large Board Members
The At-Large members bring a wealth of diverse experience and expertise to the board, representing various facets of the nonprofit sector.
- Jeanelle Chang, MA
- Judith Coleman, CFRE
- Raynard Crosland, MBA, CFRE, CAP®
- Joe Donohue, MBA
- Jaye
The board’s structure, which includes the Executive Committee and numerous specialized committees (such as IDEA/Diversity, Peer Mentoring, and the Continuous Learning Council), is designed to maximize member engagement and topical authority.
IDEA Champion Status: Driving Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access
AFP Chicago’s recognition as a 2025 AFP IDEA Champion highlights its deep institutional commitment to making the fundraising profession more representative and equitable. Diversity and inclusion are explicitly stated as cornerstones of the chapter's mission, fueling innovation through cross-pollination of ideas among diverse backgrounds.
Key IDEA Initiatives and Goals
The chapter has translated its commitment into measurable goals and high-impact programs, ensuring the organization actively works toward systemic change within the sector.
- Chicago Fellows Program: This signature initiative is more than just training; it’s a movement designed to reflect AFP Chicago’s commitment to IDEA by supporting and developing fundraising professionals from diverse communities.
- IDEA Scholarships: The chapter provides scholarships to support participation in its programs, removing financial barriers for individuals from underrepresented groups.
- Volunteer Diversity Goal: AFP Chicago strives for 30% of all volunteers to come from diverse communities.
- Board Nominee Goal: A significant goal is for 50% of all board nominees to be from diverse communities, directly addressing representation at the highest level of leadership.
- Continuous Learning Events: The IDEA Committee collaborates with the Continuous Learning Council (CLC) on specific programming, such as the event focused on "Understanding Giving from Diverse Communities (Black, Latinx...)," to educate members on culturally competent fundraising strategies.
This strategic focus ensures that AFP Chicago is not only discussing diversity but is actively implementing policies and programs that create tangible opportunities for professionals of all backgrounds.
The 2025 Calendar: Must-Attend Events for Philanthropic Leaders
The AFP Chicago calendar is packed with high-value events designed for professional development, networking, and celebrating philanthropic achievement. These events are crucial for development professionals looking to stay current on best practices and build their professional networks.
1. The Midwest Conference on Philanthropy (MCP)
The Midwest Conference on Philanthropy is the region's largest and most important gathering for fundraisers. It offers deep dives into cutting-edge strategies and economic trends impacting charitable giving.
- Keynote Spotlight: The conference features sessions with high-profile speakers, such as John List, who will open the conference with a discussion on "The Why of Generosity: The Economics of Why we Give."
- Topical Sessions: Programming covers critical modern fundraising challenges, including:
- "A Tale of Two Fundraisers: Winning the War for Talent" (Speaker: Jason Lewis, CFRE)
- "Social Media and Fundraising: Best Practices" (Speaker: Elizabeth)
- Funder Panel Insights: Recent panels have focused on complex topics like "The Role of Donor Advised Funds (DAF) and Wealth Managers in Philanthropy," providing actionable intelligence on major gift trends.
2. The 49th Annual Philanthropy Awards (National Philanthropy Day)
The Annual Philanthropy Awards luncheon is the chapter’s flagship event, celebrating the outstanding achievements of individuals, foundations, corporate philanthropists, and fundraising volunteers. The 49th iteration is a major milestone for the Chicago philanthropic community.
- Save the Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
- Venue: The event is often held at prestigious locations like the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, recognizing the stature of the honorees.
- 2025 Honorees Spotlight: Early recognition for the 2025 awards highlights the caliber of leadership in the region:
- Professional Grantor Award: Leslie Ramyk, Conant Family Foundation
- Executive Leader Award: Curtis Reed, JPMorganChase
Nominations for the awards are a competitive process, requiring nominators to be current AFP Chicago chapter members, underscoring the importance of membership in the organization.
Commitment to Professional Development and Ethical Practice
Beyond its major events, AFP Chicago is dedicated to the continuous professional development of its members. The chapter is a Ten Star Gold Award Chapter, a designation that recognizes its commitment to ethical fundraising, sector leadership, and comprehensive member services.
Continuous Learning and Peer Mentoring
The Continuous Learning Council (CLC) provides year-round workshops and programs covering a wide range of topics, from capital campaigns and planned giving to donor stewardship and annual fund strategies. The chapter also runs a formalized Peer Mentoring Program, which pairs experienced Certified Fundraising Executives (CFREs) and senior development professionals with those newer to the field, fostering knowledge transfer and career growth.
Ethical Standards
As a chapter of the global Association of Fundraising Professionals, AFP Chicago adheres to the highest standards of ethical practice. This focus on ethics is integrated into all its programming and is a core value of the organization, ensuring that fundraising in the Chicago area is conducted with integrity and transparency. The IDEA Champion status itself is tied to ethical fundraising and sector leadership.
The AFP Chicago Chapter serves as a vital hub for the entire Chicago-area nonprofit ecosystem, providing the resources, network, and ethical framework necessary for professionals to excel. Its robust 2025 calendar, dynamic leadership under Kelsey Nelson and George Rattin, and pioneering IDEA initiatives confirm its role as a forward-thinking leader in the world of philanthropy. By engaging with these programs and events, development professionals can ensure they are equipped with the most current knowledge and strategies to drive extraordinary change in their organizations.
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