Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan

10/12/2026

It's Member Monday! We are thrilled to highlight Emily Evers, Senior Director of Development and Communication at West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology - WMCAT where they provide a culture of opportunity for people to make social and economic progress in their lives and community.

When Emily was asked why she is part of Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan she said....
"AFP has been valuable to me in all stages of my career — from welcoming me with open arms, to Friday breakfasts as I started my career, and now the continued connection to resources and opportunity to be involved as a fundraiser who now (somehow) has spent nearly 15 years in the greater Grand Rapids network. I truly believe I would not have stayed in the field without the community of support and resources that comes with AFP."

When Emily reflected on an AFPWM experience she was grateful for she said....
"Being able to attend AFP ICON this spring as the Chamberlain Scholar is an experience I'll forever be grateful for. I'm excited to continue to share key takeaways with my team that will help propel us forward."

Check out scholarship opportunities at https://afpwm.org/membership/scholarships/.

10/08/2026

We see you. Making the connections. Learning people's stories. Sharing a vision. The work you do with care and diligence impacts many. In case you haven't heard it enough - you matter and thank you for the work you do.

10/01/2026

Cheers to all the success you have built over a cup of coffee - at your desk, with a donor, building community, and all those events. Thank you coffee for being a strong ally.

09/24/2026

We are thrilled to announce that the Wedgwood Christian Services NextGen Board was chosen to receive the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award at this year's National Philanthropy Day celebration.

Wedgwood's NextGen Board was selected for mobilizing a new generation of philanthropists, raising vital funds and building meaningful community support for children, adults and families experiencing mental health challenges, trauma and instability.

Join us to celebrate the amazing philanthropy accomplished in West Michigan at the National Philanthropy Day mini conference and lunch!

📆 November 4
📍Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
➡ https://afpwm.org/national-philanthropy-day/

09/22/2026

There are still tickets available for this Friday's fundraising breakfast!

Keith Hopkins with Hopkins Fundraising Consulting will share real-world approaches for recruiting, training, motivating, and supporting board volunteers to become effective ambassadors, advocates, and fundraisers.

📆 Friday, 9/25
⏰7:45a - 9a
📍Holiday Inn Grand Rapids, Downtown

Description: Most nonprofit boards understand they have a role in fundraising, but many organizations struggle to turn good intentions into meaningful action. This session will provide practical, proven strategies for engaging […]

09/21/2026

It is Membership Monday and today we are excited to acknowledge Aaron Turner, VP of Philanthropy at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park where they promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Aaron is also a board member for Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan.

Here is Aaron's "why AFPWM?".....

"I am a part of AFP West Michigan because my work in philanthropy reflects a belief in the power of generosity to strengthen communities, expand opportunities, and create lasting impact.

Philanthropy, at its best, is about more than fundraising. It is about building relationships rooted in trust, connecting people to purpose, and helping individuals invest in causes and experiences that reflect their values.

AFP West Michigan brings together professionals who share that commitment. It creates space to learn, collaborate, and strengthen the practice of ethical and thoughtful philanthropy across our region. Through this community, I am able to exchange ideas and contribute to conversations about the future of giving and community impact.

My involvement also reflects a broader commitment to the profession itself. To stewardship, inclusion, and the long-term sustainability of organizations and initiatives that serve others.

At its core, my work in philanthropy is about helping people leave a meaningful impact on the world around them. AFP West Michigan is a community that both supports and advances that work."

09/16/2026

How's 4th quarter/year end planning going? What are you working on this week?

09/14/2026

Help us celebrate Julie Lesniak, Director of Corporate and Community Partners at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park where they promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.

Julie says she is part of Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan because "it connects me with a strong community of nonprofit professionals who are committed to growing and learning together. AFP provides valuable opportunities for professional development at every stage of your career and staying current on fundraising best practices. Being part of this network helps me strengthen my work while building meaningful relationships across the West Michigan nonprofit community."

She added said that the most valuable part of her membership is "the relationships I have built through AFP have made me a stronger and more thoughtful development professional."

Thank you for your membership, Julie! We appreciate you!

09/10/2026

We are thrilled to celebrate Kelli A. Smith that the Benjamin Franklin Award for Outstanding Fundraiser Professional at this year's National Philanthropy Day celebration.

Kelli A. Smith was selected for her nearly three decades of fundraising leadership, remarkable campaign success and commitment to building a more inclusive and impactful philanthropic community.

National Philanthropy is on November 5. Celebrate the importance of philanthropy with us at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Get your tickets at https://afpwm.org/national-philanthropy-day/