AFP WNC

Bank of America 2023 Philanthropy Study
2024-04-10 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | AB Tech Ivy Building, 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
April Professional Development | Bank of America 2023 Philanthropy Study

The handout from this presentation are available to download as PDF HERE.
The infographics are available to download HERE.
Guided by closely held values and beliefs, affluent households are increasingly at the helm of our nation’s charitable landscape. Understanding which motivations and priorities guide these households is critical to any effective fundraising effort.
Holland Dunn, SVP with Bank of America will provide key insights from the 2023 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: Charitable Giving by Affluent Households conducted by Bank of America Private Bank and Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The ninth in the biennial series on the philanthropic behaviors of affluent households in the United States, the 2023 report offers a nuanced understanding of the current terrain along with evidence-based pathways to chart bold new beginnings.
During the discussion, Holland will share:

Leading trends influencing charitable giving and volunteering

How the shifting global demography is transforming expectations & casting new opportunities

Emerging models & evidence-based best practices for engaging women, NextGen & more

The sector’s new social contract – broader and deeper engagement

Full participation in this session is applicable for 1.25 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.
Catered lunch is an optional addition to your registration fee. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available.

Presented by Holland Dunn, Senior Vice President and Philanthropic Strategist. Holland Dunn is a Senior Vice President and Philanthropic Strategist for the National Consulting and Advisory Practice at Bank of America Private Bank. In this role, Holland provides counsel to individuals, families, and institutions, adeptly translating closely held values into effective strategies and mission advancement. Holland creates tailored pathways of meaningful and impactful engagement, ensuring the efficient and effective allocation of resources through research-informed practices, evidence-based evaluation, and collaborative enterprises.
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May Crafted Conversations
2024-05-08 16:00 - 17:30 | plēb urban winery, 289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
May Networking Event

Join your colleagues at the Plēb Urban Winery for a Crafted Conversation. This month our theme will be “Empowered Ethics.” An ethical approach to fund development is a key pillar of our reputations as professional fundraisers and one of the reasons our teams and donors look to us as experts in championing the culture of philanthropy for our organizations and donor relationships. At this month’s meeting we will convene our discussions around a few real case studies where you can share your experiences to help solve sticky situations while learning from the wisdom of your colleagues. These gatherings are a great opportunity to discuss topics in-depth in a professional setting.
Registration includes a drink ticket and the chance to win raffle prizes! NA options will be available.

Event venue is located at Plēb Urban Winery, 289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC 28801.

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Beyond CRM Data
2024-06-12 11:30 - 13:00 | AB Tech Ivy Building, 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
June Professional Development | Beyond CRM Data
For years the most important fundraising data lived in our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or donor databases. While this data will continue to play a pivotal role in our future relationship development efforts, there are now data sets and data signals that are playing an increasingly important role in our fundraising strategy.
For example, new AI-driven donation forms are using anonymous data signals to dynamically create suggested giving matrixes on donation forms. New customer data platforms (CDPs) are sitting behind our website content systems, and serving up curated journeys to anonymous website audiences based on clicking and scrolling behavior. Most of this data will never make it into our CRM systems!
What does this mean for our future fundraising campaigns? How will we be able to find new donors differently? What will this do to our segmentation strategies? How can we identify “pre-donors”?
This session will explore these technology trends but is designed for non-technical fundraising leadership.
Catered lunch will be will be an optional addition to your registration fee. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available.
Full participation in this program is applicable for 1.25 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Presented by Philip King, Managing Director of Digital Revenue Acceleration at Stephen Thomas LTD.
“Excellent digital fundraising requires the right mix of commercial marketing and strategy, combined with non-profit heart and soul. I’ve always loved working with fundraisers, and helping them realize their digital revenue dreams.” Philip designed the first online workplace fundraising solution for United Way of Greater Toronto in 1999: UnitedWay@work. He then became President & CEO of Artez Interactive for a decade, establishing this Toronto-based technology firm as a global thought-leader in peer-to-peer digital fundraising. Philip is an author in two of the first books about digital fundraising: “Fundraising on the Internet” 2002, and “People to People Fundraising” 2007, and he launched a popular podcast entitled “The Digital Fundraising Podcast” in 2009. His brushes with fame include a dinner with Johnny and June Carter Cash when he was in high school in Tennessee, and acting in a college play with Matt Damon while at Harvard. When he’s not accelerating digital revenue for great fundraising teams, he’s enjoying time with his family in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, or finding time to scuba dive somewhere deep and blue.
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July Crafted Conversations
2024-07-10 16:00 - 17:30 | The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC, 28803, United States
July Social Gathering
Join your colleagues at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage for some “Crafted Conversations” around fundraising topics you want to talk about! When you register, please add your suggestions, which will help shape the social’s theme. Registration includes a drink ticket. This is a drop-in style event and your first drink is on us. NA options will be available.

Event venue is located at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803.

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Doing More with Your Giving Day(s)
2024-08-14 11:30 - 13:00 | AB Tech Ivy Building, 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
August Professional Development | Doing More with Your Giving Day(s)
Giving days are a national trend, from Giving Tuesday to organizational anniversary dates—but have we reached peak giving days? Western Carolina University has bucked national trends for Giving Tuesday and has also just successfully completed the second annual One Day for Western, an all-in giving day focused on different university priorities. This session will present ideas to help you rethink your approach to running a giving day campaign at your organization.
Catered lunch can be included with your registration fee. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available.
Full participation in this program is applicable for 1.25 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Presented by James Hogan, Ed.D. James is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Engagement at Western Carolina University. His work there oversees annual giving, alumni and family engagement, and advancement communications.
Mr. Hogan earned his doctorate in community college leadership at North Carolina State University’s Belk Center. He is a graduate of the Brinson Honors College at Western Carolina University and an alumnus of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program. He earned his M.Ed. Educational Leadership at UNC-Charlotte.
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September Crafted Conversations
2024-09-11 16:00 - 17:30 | NC
September Social Event
Crafted Conversations: Bright IDEAs

Join your colleagues at White Labs Kitchen & Tap for networking and rich discussion at September’s Crafted Conversation. This month we are diving into all things IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access). What inclusive practices are you proud of as a fundraiser? How do your fundraising campaigns support access for people living with disabilities? Why is diversity and equity essential to forwarding your mission? Let’s discuss!

Registration includes a drink ticket and the chance to win raffle prizes, including self-care items from C&Co.® Handcrafted Skincare! NA options will be available.

This event will take place at White Labs Kitchen & Tap located at 172 S. Charlotte Street, Asheville NC 28801.

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How You Can Put More ‘Zing’ Into Your Recurring Donor Program
2024-10-09 11:30 - 13:00 | AB Tech Ivy Building, 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
October Professional Development | How You Can Put More ‘Zing’ Into Your Recurring Donor Program
This event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for 2025.
In challenging times, monthly donors are true lifesavers. They keep the lights on. They keep your mission going, no matter what happens in the world.
Erica Waasdorp (who wrote two books and lots of resources on monthly giving) will show you how to do exactly that.
After this session, you’ll have the magic combination of tiny stories to share and tools to apply to bring in new monthly donors and how to steward the ones you already have. You’ll learn lots of great practical examples and case studies you can apply in your organization right away. You do not want to miss this!

Attendees will be able to create small stories for monthly giving.

Attendees will know the value of monthly donors and how they’ll support your mission in the long run.

Attendees will come away with practical approaches on asking for monthly gifts they can implement right away.

Attendees will understand the combination of focus, commitment, systems and storytelling to grow your program to the next level.

As an expert in the subject matter, a seasoned presenter, and AFP Master Trainer, Erica ensures that the audience not only learns but is fully engaged throughout the interactive session. There will be time for questions throughout and at the end.
If you’re looking to begin or further develop your monthly donor program, this session is for you.
Catered lunch will be available to add to your registration fee. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available.
Full participation in this program is applicable for 1.25 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Presented by Erica Waasdorp, President, A Direct Solution. Erica is President of A Direct Solution, located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Erica lives and breathes direct response and fundraising and can be considered a Philanthropyholic. She works with non-profit clients all over the country as well as internationally, helping them with their appeals and monthly giving. She is also the former US Ambassador for the International Fundraising Congress (IFC). Erica Waasdorp published two books on monthly giving. Her first Monthly Giving. The Sleeping Giant, published in 2012 and Monthly Giving Made Easy, a How-To Guide, published in May of 2021. She created the Monthly Donor Road Map and several e-books to include the Monthly Donor Retention Play Book and many other resources. Erica is an AFP Master Trainer, and she regularly blogs and presents in person or virtually on appeals, direct mail, and monthly giving. Erica and her husband have one cat, two boys and three grandkids who live in Forest City, NC.

December Lunch Gathering: Free for All to Attend
2024-12-11 11:30 - 13:00 | Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church St, Asheville, 28801, United States
December Networking
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we recognize the great need to come together and support each other. Knowing that, we will be covering the cost of a catered lunch for you on December 11. We’ll gather for a festive meal and fellowship. Please note the new location in the “Church of the Advocate Room” at Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church Street in downtown Asheville. Enter the building through the red door (not the main gate.)

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Brandfluence: Connecting the Dots around Brand Marketing
2025-01-15 11:30 - 13:00 | AB Tech Ivy Building, 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
January Professional Development | Brandfluence: Connecting the Dots around Brand Marketing
The slides for this program are availble to download as a PDF here.
In the heart of every successful organization lies a compelling brand that resonates with its audience and stakeholders. This session that delves into the symbiotic relationship between strong branding and sustainable revenue streams.
Join us as we explore the dynamics of how effective branding can significantly influence giving behavior and long-term patronage. This session will uncover the strategies that the most successful organizations use to align their purpose with their brand message, creating a powerful narrative that captivates and motivates their community.
Key Takeaways:

Understanding Brand Value: Learn how your brand’s perceived value can directly impact fundraising efforts and revenue generation.
Purpose-Driven Branding: Discover how to authentically integrate your mission into every aspect of your branding to build trust and loyalty.
Engagement that Converts: Unpack best practices in brand storytelling that engage supporters and translate into revenue.
Data-Driven Decisions: See real-world examples of how data informs branding decisions and drives sustainable funding.
Innovative Brand Strategies and Learnings: Get insights into innovative branding techniques that can diversify and stabilize your income sources
Learn how to apply some of your favorite corporate brand’s practices at your institution.

Presented by Taylor Wilson.Taylor is the CEO and founder of Creative Shizzle, a brand, design, and content marketing platform company that helps businesses and nonprofits shine through bold, effective storytelling. A TEDx speaker, podcast host, and certified Business Made Simple and Storybrand coach, Taylor draws on over 20 years of experience in marketing, growth strategy, and team leadership to help organizations simplify processes, clarify messaging, and scale with ease.
Taylor has worked with brands like PBS, the Arthritis Foundation, and Southwest Texas College, earning a reputation for her innovative approach to branding and marketing. As the host of the Talking Shizzle podcast, she shares insights on creativity, leadership, and building a thriving business with elbow grease, humor and authenticity.
Passionate about helping organizations “flow hard and glow easy,” Taylor empowers teams to build systems and communications plans that work for them, fostering growth and success through clarity and creativity. Taylor lives in Boone, North Carolina with her two kids, husband and their incredible dachshund named Lady.
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February Crafted Conversations
2025-02-12 16:00 - 17:30 | 12 Bones South, 2350 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC, 28704, United States
February Crafted Conversations
Join your colleagues for some “Crafted Conversations” around fundraising topics you want to talk about! When you register, please add your suggestions, which will help shape the social’s theme. Registration includes a drink ticket. NA options will be available.

The event will be held at 12 Bones Brewing in South Asheville: 2350 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC 28704

Register

Bank of America Philanthropy Study
2025-03-12 11:30 - 13:30 | AB Tech Ivy Building, 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
March Professional Development | Bank of America Philanthropy Study
The following handouts are available to download as PDF:

National Center for Family Philanthropy’s 2025 Trends Report
2024 Bank of America Private Bank Study of Wealthy Americans White Paper
2023 Bank of America Philanthropy Study Report
2023 Bank of America Philanthropy Study Infographic
Relationship Mapping Tool
Guiding Principles for Public Charity Gift Acceptance Policy

Guided by closely held values and beliefs, affluent households are increasingly at the helm of our nation’s charitable landscape. Understanding which motivations and priorities guide these households is critical to any effective fundraising effort.
Holland Dunn, SVP with Bank of America will provide key insights from the Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: Charitable Giving by Affluent Households conducted by Bank of America Private Bank and Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Catered lunch is an optional addition to your registration fee. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available.

Presented by Holland Dunn, Senior Vice President and Philanthropic Strategist. Holland Dunn is a Senior Vice President and Philanthropic Strategist for the National Consulting and Advisory Practice at Bank of America Private Bank. In this role, Holland provides counsel to individuals, families, and institutions, adeptly translating closely held values into effective strategies and mission advancement. Holland creates tailored pathways of meaningful and impactful engagement, ensuring the efficient and effective allocation of resources through research-informed practices, evidence-based evaluation, and collaborative enterprises.
Register

April Crafted Conversations
2025-04-09 16:00 - 17:30 | The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC, 28803, United States
April Crafted Conversations
Join your colleagues for some “Crafted Conversations” around fundraising topics you want to talk about! Our topic for April is all things planned giving, legacy giving, and estate planning. Registration includes a drink ticket and a chance to win raffle prizes. NA options will be available.

The event will be held at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage – 131 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Register

May Professional Development | Leading Through Disequilibrium: Coaching Tools for Nonprofit Leaders and Fundraisers Navigating Change
2025-05-14 11:30 - 13:00 | Asheville Chamber of Commerce, 36 Montford Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
May Professional Development | Leading Through Disequilibrium: Coaching Tools for Nonprofit Leaders and Fundraisers Navigating Change
Join Tracey Greene-Washington—social entrepreneur, author, founder of CoThinkk, and President of Indigo Innovation Group—for a dynamic, coaching-based experience designed for nonprofit executives, fundraisers, development professionals, and consultants. This interactive workshop will explore how to recognize and name disequilibrium during times of uncertainty, using tools like the Blob Tree and Emotions Wheel.
Participants will learn how to deepen their leadership presence, re-align with purpose, connect authentically with others, and strengthen collaboration and cohesion within their team and donor base, especially within the context of social change philanthropy. Grounded in equity, systems thinking, and strategic thought-partnership, this session offers practical insights to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience.
Catered lunch is an optional addition to your registration fee. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available.

Register

June Crafted Conversations
2025-06-11 16:00 - 17:30 | White Labs Brewing, 172 S. Charlotte St, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
June Crafted Conversations
Join your colleagues for some “Crafted Conversations” around fundraising topics you want to talk about! When you register, please add your suggestions, which will help shape the social’s theme. Registration includes a drink ticket. NA options will be available.

The event will be held at White Labs Brewing – 172 S Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801

Register

How You Can Put More ‘Zing’ Into Your Recurring Donor Program
2025-07-09 11:30 - 13:00 | North Carolina Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
July Professional Development | How You Can Put More ‘Zing’ Into Your Recurring Donor Program
The slides from this presentation are available for download HERE.
The handout from this presentation is available HERE.
In challenging times, monthly donors are true lifesavers. They keep the lights on. They keep your mission going, no matter what happens in the world.
Erica Waasdorp (who wrote two books and lots of resources on monthly giving) will show you how to do exactly that.
After this session, you’ll have the magic combination of tiny stories to share and tools to apply to bring in new monthly donors and how to steward the ones you already have. You’ll learn lots of great practical examples and case studies you can apply in your organization right away. You do not want to miss this!

Attendees will be able to create small stories for monthly giving.

Attendees will know the value of monthly donors and how they’ll support your mission in the long run.

Attendees will come away with practical approaches on asking for monthly gifts they can implement right away.

Attendees will understand the combination of focus, commitment, systems and storytelling to grow your program to the next level.

As an expert in the subject matter, a seasoned presenter, and AFP Master Trainer, Erica ensures that the audience not only learns but is fully engaged throughout the interactive session. There will be time for questions throughout and at the end.
If you’re looking to begin or further develop your monthly donor program, this session is for you.
Catered lunch will be available to add to your registration fee. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available.
Full participation in this program is applicable for 1.25 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Presented by Erica Waasdorp, President, A Direct Solution. Erica is President of A Direct Solution, located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Erica lives and breathes direct response and fundraising and can be considered a Philanthropyholic. She works with non-profit clients all over the country as well as internationally, helping them with their appeals and monthly giving. She is also the former US Ambassador for the International Fundraising Congress (IFC). Erica Waasdorp published two books on monthly giving. Her first Monthly Giving. The Sleeping Giant, published in 2012 and Monthly Giving Made Easy, a How-To Guide, published in May of 2021. She created the Monthly Donor Road Map and several e-books to include the Monthly Donor Retention Play Book and many other resources. Erica is an AFP Master Trainer, and she regularly blogs and presents in person or virtually on appeals, direct mail, and monthly giving. Erica and her husband have one cat, two boys and three grandkids who live in Forest City, NC.

Register

August Crafted Conversations
2025-08-13 16:00 - 17:30 | Appalachian Mountain Brewery Taproom and Kitchen, 46 N Mills River Rd, Mills River, 28759, United States
August Crafted Conversations
Join your colleagues for some “Crafted Conversations” around fundraising topics you want to talk about! When you register, please add your suggestions, which will help shape the social’s theme. Registration includes a drink ticket. NA options will be available.

The event will be held at Appalachian Mountain Brewery Taproom and Kitchen, 46 N Mills River Rd, Mills River, NC 28759.

Register

﻿From Awareness to Action: Advancing IDEA in Fundraising and Nonprofit Leadership
2025-09-10 11:30 - 13:00 | WNC Bridge Foundation, 294 Overlook Road, Asheville, 28803, United States
September Professional Development | From Awareness to Action: Advancing IDEA in Fundraising and Nonprofit Leadership
The slides from this program are available to download as PDF here.
Join Rochelle Jerry, a seasoned nonprofit leader and fundraiser, AFP Global Board Member & IDEA Committee Chair, for a timely and empowering session on the role of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) in shaping the future of philanthropy. Through compelling data, historical context, and actionable strategies, this session will explore how fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, and AFP chapters can be catalysts for lasting, systemic change.
Together, we’ll unpack the history of IDEA in America and within AFP, confront current challenges in the fundraising profession, and highlight innovative practices that prioritize equity and inclusion. Whether your chapter is just beginning or deepening its IDEA journey, this session offers the clarity, tools, and courage to lead with purpose and impact.
Outcomes for Attendees:

Gain historical insight into the roots and evolution of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the U.S. and the nonprofit sector.
Understand the current state of IDEA in fundraising, including key data, trends, and systemic challenges.
Explore best practices from AFP Global and local chapters for prioritizing and implementing IDEA strategies.
Learn how to lead courageous conversations and build inclusive cultures within your organization or AFP chapter.
Walk away with practical action steps to support IDEA initiatives in fundraising, governance, and community engagement.
Connect with tools and resources including AFP Global’s IDEA materials, affinity groups, and accessibility toolkit to support ongoing efforts.

Catered lunch is included in your registration fee. Vegetarian and Gluten Free options will be available.
Zoom attendees should plan to join at 11:45 a.m. via the email you receive on Wednesday morning.

Presented by Rochelle Jerry, CFRM. Rochelle is a seasoned nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience specializing in strategic and fundraising development. Her expertise spans grant writing, board leadership, governance, and volunteer engagement. Throughout her career, she has served prominent organizations in leadership roles, such as American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians (AADEP), Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Society of Surgical Oncology/ The Society of Surgical Oncology Foundation (SSO/SSOF), American Society of Plastic Surgeons/The Plastic Surgery Foundation (ASPS/PSF), Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE), and the Indy Arts Council (IAC) raising over $16.1M of new operating funds.
She is the CEO & Co-Founder of Jerry Consulting Group, adjunct faculty member of Indiana University, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Rochelle holds a B.A. in Marketing from DePaul University where she pursued graduate studies in Nonprofit Management. She has further enhanced her expertise with executive
leadership and fundraising development education from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy The Fund Raising School and earned her Certification in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) as well as a Digital Marketing Science Certification from Indiana Wesleyan University. This certification acknowledges the successful completion of the Google Analytics Certification, the Google Ads Search Certification, and the HubSpot Email Marketing Certification.

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners.

Register for Luncheon

Register for Zoom

October Crafted Conversations
2025-10-08 16:00 - 17:30 | River Arts District Brewing Co., 13 Mystery St., Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
October Crafted Conversations
Join your colleagues for some “Crafted Conversations” around fundraising topics you want to talk about! When you register, please add your suggestions, which will help shape the social’s theme. Registration includes a drink ticket. NA options will be available.

The event will be held at River Arts District Brewing Co., 13 Mystery Street, Asheville NC 28801.

Register

Philanthropy Summit 2025
2025-11-12 08:30 - 16:00 | A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Philanthropy Summit 2025
AFP WNC is excited to announce the 2025 Philanthropy Summit, which includes the return of our annual National Philanthropy Day Celebration followed by a half-day professional development conference formerly known as Philanthropy Institute.
The day begins with an elegant breakfast and National Philanthropy Day Awards Ceremony honoring the visionaries, changemakers, and champions of giving in our region. We’ll celebrate those who give, those who raise funds, and those who put resources to work for the greater good—including the presentation of the prestigious Summit Award to a lifelong leader in fundraising and community impact.
Following the Awards Ceremony, the program transforms into a conference-style Philanthropy Institute, complete with a networking lunch, skill-building workshops, and inspiring sessions for fundraisers and community leaders. Attendees will hear a fundraising-focused keynote, dive into practical breakout sessions, and end the day with a dynamic panel of local foundations and funders offering their perspectives on giving in WNC.
Early Bird Registration is open now through October 6—don’t miss your chance to save and secure your seat.

Register as an AFP Member
Register as a Non-member

Cancellation Policy
Refunds and/or credits are not available for or applied to Philanthropy Summit. If payment is ‘pending at the door’ and an attendee is unable to attend, an invoice will be emailed following the program.

December Crafted Conversations & Holiday Social
2025-12-10 16:00 - 17:30 | Highland Brewery, 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville, NC, 28803, United States
December Crafted Conversations
Join your colleagues for “Crafted Conversations” around fundraising topics you want to talk about! This year-end celebration event is free of charge and registration is required. Each attendee will receive a drink ticket. NA options will be available.

Register

February Crafted Conversations
2026-02-11 16:00 - 17:30 | 12 Bones South, 2350 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC, 28704, United States
February Crafted Conversations

Let’s love on each other’s work (Valentine’s pun fully intended!), because fundraising—at its core—is about relationships.
This February Crafted Conversations is all about embodying what makes AFP WNC special: fundraisers supporting fundraisers. Attendees are invited to show up as colleagues—sharing real assets, offering thoughtful feedback, and strengthening one another’s work in real time.
This is not a critique session. It’s a generous exchange of ideas, language, and inspiration, grounded in our shared commitment to Western North Carolina and the communities we serve.
The Ask
We invite each participant to bring one fundraising asset they’re willing to share—polished or still in progress—such as:

A donor email or appeal letter
A sponsorship pitch or flyer
A social media post or campaign graphic
A stewardship touchpoint
A grant narrative excerpt
A board-facing fundraising tool

Printed copies or digital versions on a phone or laptop are both welcome.
Come ready to give encouragement, borrow inspiration, and leave with ideas you can actually use. This is what a community of practice looks like—and we can’t wait to share the space with you.
We hope you’ll join us at 12 Bones for connection, collaboration, and a little fundraiser love.

Registration includes a drink ticket. NA options will be available.

The event will be held at 12 Bones Smokehouse & Brewing, 2350 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC 28704

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AFP WNC Presents: 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
AFP WNC Presents: 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy

Join AFP Western North Carolina for a timely virtual presentation with Dianne Chipps Bailey, Managing Director and National Philanthropic Strategy Executive at Bank of America Private Bank. Dianne will share key findings from the 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy, one of the field’s most influential research reports on charitable giving trends, motivations, and behaviors.
This year’s study highlights insights nonprofit professionals can use to strengthen fundraising strategy, deepen donor relationships, and adapt to a changing philanthropic landscape. From giving patterns to volunteer engagement and donor decision-making, attendees will gain practical, data-informed knowledge to support their work in the year ahead.
Zoom link will be sent closer to the event date.

Presented by Dianne Chipps Bailey. Dianne is a trusted advisor to influential, impactful philanthropists and a passionate advocate for the nonprofit organizations they support. Dianne’s current role is Managing Director and National Philanthropic Strategy Executive for Bank of America. Her team delivers customized consulting and advisory services on topics including strategic visioning, mission advancement, high-impact grant making, leadership development, governance and board dynamics. Dianne is a frequent speaker and commentator on topics related to best practices and trends in philanthropy. Her insights have been featured in Axios, Barron’s, Business Insider, Fortune, Town & Country, Washington Post and New York Times, among other publications. In her TEDx Talk, Dianne makes The Case for Fierce Optimism. Dianne has more than twenty-five years of experience working with operating charities, grantmakers and social entrepreneurs.
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April Crafted Conversations
2026-04-16 16:00 - 17:30 | River Arts District Brewing Co., 13 Mystery St., Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
From Transaction to Trust: Community-Centered Donor Stewardship in a Changing Landscape

Join AFP WNC for our April Crafted Conversations as we explore how donor expectations are changing and what that means for stewardship, communication, and retention.
This month’s conversation is designed for fundraisers across experience levels and organizational contexts, with three guided discussion tracks:

Starting Strong (0 – 3 years experience)
Strengthening Systems (4 – 10 years experience)
Leading for Long-Term Trust (10+ years experience)

Each track will be facilitated by an AFP WNC board member with relevant experience and designed to foster practical conversation, shared learning, and meaningful connection.
Come connect with fellow fundraising professionals and leave with fresh ideas you can bring back to your work.

Registration includes a drink ticket. NA options will be available.

The event will be held at River Arts District Brewing (13 Mystery St. Asheville, NC 28801)

Register
