AFP SC Lowcountry Chapter

05/12/2026

Strong nonprofits need strong boards.

Join AFP Lowcountry for “The Making of a Strong Board,” a conversation focused on what board members really need to lead effectively and support organizational success.

We’ll explore:
• Ensuring resources
• Providing oversight
• Setting direction and strategy

Plus, learn practical tools to better engage and motivate your board members.

https://afpsclowcountry.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/27188

📍 The Ripple Fund
📅 Wednesday , May 20
🕐 1:00 – 2:30 PM

Executive Directors are encouraged to attend alongside board leadership for this important conversation.

04/29/2026

Look out, Lowcountry! We’re coming home from Icon full of ideas, energy and most of all, hope.

04/02/2026

🗣️ Ready to master the art of storytelling that drives real impact?

Meet Scott Robertson! As a 25-year veteran of the advertising and marketing world, Scott knows exactly what it takes to craft a narrative that moves people. Currently serving as the Director of Partnership Development for MBI Direct Mail + Digital, he works with nonprofits across the country to transform how they connect with their communities.

In his upcoming presentation, "Great Storytelling: A Balance Between Head & Heart," Scott is bringing his decades of expertise right here to North Charleston. He will dive into the actual physical impact storytelling has on donors and share a highly practical process you can take straight back to the office.

You'll learn exactly how to ensure your donors, board members, and staff can easily recall and share your organization's most powerful stories to motivate real donor activity.

Don't miss this chance to turn your organization's mission into an unforgettable story.

Event Details
🗓️ Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026

⏰ Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (Program begins at Noon)

📍 Location: We Are Family | 1801 Reynolds Ave Unit B, North Charleston, SC 29405

✉️ RSVP: afpsclowcountry.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/27075

03/31/2026

Join AFP Lowcountry for an afternoon of connection, insight, and community!

📅 April 8th @ 4:00 PM
📍 Opportunity Center

Mission & Mingle: AFP Open House & Social

Curious about what AFP has to offer? Come learn about our programs, member benefits, and opportunities—both locally and globally. Then stick around for a relaxed social hour to meet and connect with fellow development professionals from across the Lowcountry.

Whether you’re a longtime member or just getting to know AFP, this is the perfect chance to grow your network and strengthen our philanthropic community.

We can’t wait to see you there!

03/18/2026

☕️ Rise, sip, and strategize, Lowcountry fundraisers!

Join us for our AFP Lowcountry Member Meet-Up Friday, March 20 at 8:30 AM at Mercantile & Mash.

We’re talking all things spring appeals; what’s working, what’s flopping, and everything in between. Bring your ideas, your questions, and your caffeine order. You’ll leave with fresh inspiration (and maybe a new go-to strategy).

Let’s connect, collaborate, and make this season our strongest yet. 🌸💡

02/23/2026

In today’s crowded nonprofit landscape, your personal brand isn’t optional — it’s strategic. Every interaction, story you share, and insight you publish shapes how others perceive your expertise, builds trust with donors and partners, and amplifies the impact of your mission.

Intentional personal branding helps you stand out, expand your network, and elevate your voice as a fundraiser and leader — because people connect with people, not just logos and missions.

📸 Want to strengthen your professional brand? Join us for the AFP Lowcountry Professional Headshot & Personal Brand Session on Wednesday, February 25 at 10:30 am at Blackbaud HQ (65 Fairchild St, Daniel Island).

You’ll receive a $50 professional headshot from Sirena Singleton and walk away with practical tips to elevate your personal brand — both online and in your fundraising work.

🔗 Register via the link in the comments — let’s show up with confidence and clarity! 🙌

Brand Strategist Daniel Francavilla , Marketing Advisor & Brand Strategist and founder of The Good Growth Company, ​led the session on 10 Things Nonprofits Need to Know About Personal Branding for Changemakers as part of this series . Read on for a recap of the session with some key tak

02/13/2026

This is your sign that you need new professional headshots 📸

In the world of fundraising we devote our lives to carefully cultivating awareness of our organizations’ causes, but often neglect our own personal brands.

Whether you are looking to open the door to future opportunities or leave a lasting first impression to prospective donors and community partners at your current position, the first step to building your personal brand as a fundraiser is through a professional headshot that showcases the humanity behind the mission. ❤️

Join us at HQ in Daniel Island on Wednesday February 25th at 10:30 AM for a special reduced rate $50 headshot session from Sirena Singleton of the 📷

In addition to expertly captured photos, Sirena will share practical insights on how to strengthen your personal brand so it reflects try’s, leadership, and impact.

Sign up through the link below and get ready to take the first steps towards building YOUR brand ✨

https://afpsclowcountry.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/26671

02/03/2026

Nonprofit work runs on compassion. But when caring for others outpaces the support behind the mission, it can take a real toll.

Join us for a meaningful conversation on compassion fatigue, burnout, and building sustainable support systems in fundraising. Together, we’ll explore how to protect your energy while staying connected to your purpose.

After the session, stay for a guided decompression time at the shelter and spend a little joy-filled time with our puppies. 🐾

Sign up here: https://afpsclowcountry.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/26372

📅 Wednesday, February 4, 2026
⏰ 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Charleston Animal Society
(2455 Remount Rd, North Charleston)

01/27/2026

Plenty of big ideas for 2026 were flowing through the room today at the 2026 AFP Lowcountry Board Retreat 💡

Our board came together to discuss the growth and development they plan on implementing in our amazing community this year.

Stay tuned for more updates and events in 2026! 🎉

12/11/2025

Thank you to the Opportunity Center SC for hosting AFP Lowcountry’s Annual Meeting and Holiday Party 🎄

It was amazing to celebrate another successful year of building our amazing community of fundraising professionals across the Lowcountry.

We were excited to vote on and approve our new slate of AFP Lowcountry Chapter Board Members:

✨President, Erin Hall, Spelman Johnson
✨Immediate Past, Taryn Mason, SC Historical Society
✨President-Elect, Bryan Adams, Metanoia
✨Program Co-Chair, Natassia Donohue, Charleston Animal Society
✨Program Co-Chair, Jenalyn Walton, Blackbaud
✨Sponsorship, Elijah Melendez, North Charleston Dental Clinic
✨Membership & IDEA/Scholarships Co-Chair, Ratri Lertluksamipun, Turtle Survival Alliance
✨Membership & IDEA/Scholarships Co-Chair, Amy Meola, Friends of Charleston National Parks
✨Be the Cause Chair, Michel’le Cathey, The Ark of SC
✨Secretary, Liz O’Brien, Beaufort Open Land Trust
✨NPD Chair, Emily Van Der Mooren, Trident United Way
✨Treasurer, Elijah Melendez, North Charleston Dental Clinic
✨Awards Chair, Victoria Williamson, Coastal Community Foundation
✨Communications Chair, Will Howell, Charleston Animal Society
✨Ethics Chair, Nancy Appel, Capital Development

Stay tuned and get ready for another amazing year of fundraising excellence across our community!

11/05/2025

🌟 What an incredible day celebrating philanthropy in the Lowcountry! 🌟

Thank you to everyone who joined us for AFP Lowcountry’s 2025 National Philanthropy Day Awards at The Porter Room at Holy City Brewing. Your energy, passion, and commitment to strengthening our community made this year’s celebration truly unforgettable.

A huge congratulations to our 2025 honorees, whose generosity and leadership inspire us all:
🏆 Corporate Philanthropist of the Year: Wells Fargo Foundation
🏆 Fundraising Professional of the Year: Nancy Appel
🏆 Future Philanthropist of the Year: Ella Lathan
🏆 Individual of the Year: Wes Carter
🏆 Volunteer of the Year: Dr. Kerry Solomon

Thank you as well to everyone who attended the educational session with Roger Ali and to those who rolled up their sleeves for our volunteer opportunity. Your participation fuels the spirit of collaboration and giving that defines our sector.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our event sponsors — Blackbaud, CapDev, and Coastal Community Foundation — for making this celebration possible and for their continued commitment to philanthropy in the Lowcountry.

Here’s to the changemakers, the givers, and the champions of community impact. We’re proud to celebrate you! 💛