Affinity Group Program


In the field of fundraising, there are many challenges we all share. How can my organization gain new donors? How can we increase the effectiveness of our annual appeal? What can we do to make our gala more successful? While many organizations face these challenges, different types of organizations and different roles within them will have unique experiences in facing each.

To help our members deal with the unique challenges of their roles and their organizations, AFP Charlotte offers a number of affinity groups free to all members! Below is a list of affinity groups currently offered by AFP Charlotte. For additional information, contact Michelle Spreitzer, CFRE.

Annual Fund

Annual giving is one of the most important areas in an organization's fundraising efforts. Development professionals with a focus on annual giving are encouraged to join this group to share best practices, dos and don'ts, growth techniques and more!  All levels of experience are welcome. Contact Sydney Hammond for more information or to be added to the Annual Fund Affinity Group contact list.

Development Management

Managers face unique challenges in leading their fundraising teams to success. Development professionals who supervise at least one other fundraiser are encouraged to join this group to share their experiences and challenges in supervising a fundraising team. Contact Jim Kelley for more information or to be added to the Development Management Affinity Group contact list.

Major Gifts

If you spend at least 50% of your time raising gifts of $5,000 or more, join fellow major gifts officers to discuss best practices, strategies and ideas around key topics. Contact Shannon Hinson for more information or to be added to the Major Gifts Affinity Group contact list.

Emerging Fundraising Leaders 

Are you early in your fundraising career or new to the profession altogether? Come network with the next generation of fundraisers to share challenges and ideas that will quickly make you a seasoned veteran. Meeting topics will range from best practices in fundraising to career development to current trends in philanthropy. This group is targeted to professionals with less than five years' experience in fundraising. Come join us! Contact Abbey Craig for more information or to be added to the New Fundraising Professionals Affinity Group contact list.

Nonprofit Communications

The Nonprofit Communications Affinity Group will focus on the marketing and communications techniques that philanthropies throughout the community utilize for successful appeals, campaigns and events. This group will provide a space for nonprofit communicators to share resources (ex: printers that offer great products at nonprofit prices), campaign ideas for fundraising and stewardship needs, resources for graphic design, and any other pressing needs that those in the marketing space need help with.  We invite you to join us for our next meeting! Contact Claire Lechtenberg with questions. 

Planned Giving

Planned giving is any major gift, made in lifetime or at death, as part of a donor's overall financial and/or estate planning. Join us as we discuss best practices and how to communicate knowledgeably about planned giving options. Contact Jim Kelley for more information or to be added to the Planned Giving Affinity Group contact list.

Small Shop

Development professionals working on teams of two or fewer face unique challenges. This forum allows small shop fundraisers who share many of the tactical and strategic challenges you juggle to come together and share ideas and best practices. This group is designed for those working on development teams of one or two. Contact Mary Ann Thomas for more information or to be added to the Small Shop Affinity Group contact list.