Association of Fundraising Professionals - Memphis Chapter

05/05/2026

Join us for our Learn Over Lunch event on May 14th at the Overton Park Shell.

The caterer said what?

A behind-the-scenes look at event planning with longtime Memphis expert Charlie Nelson. Expect real stories, honest lessons, and plenty of audience interaction, plus a unique chance to gather at the Shell.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9wcfy4e

04/15/2026

Did someone say Happy Hour? WE DID! Register and join us tomorrow for our Spring Strategy Social Hour at the Botanic Garden. Grab a cocktail and let's talk about fundraising! (The drinks are us!)

03/24/2026

If you’ve ever thought, “You want me to raise money for what?” — you’re not alone.

It’s a moment every fundraiser (and plenty of board members) faces.

This Friday, I’d love for you to join us at the AFP Memphis luncheon as we dig into that exact challenge.

We’ll hear from Jenny Turner Koltnow, Executive Director of the Campbell Clinic Foundation, in conversation with AFP Board Member Tanya Frey. Together, they’ll share practical insight on how to confidently talk about and support a mission—even while you’re still learning it.

📍 Campbell Clinic Foundation (Midtown)
🗓 Friday | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

It’s going to be a great conversation and an even better room of nonprofit leaders from across Memphis.

Join us: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/epaj5tv?mode=preview&source_id=f0c6828c-3c9f-403a-a53b-a85e979c8526&source_type=em&c=

03/10/2026

You asked. We listened. A non-Thursday AFP Memphis lunch.

We’re excited to welcome Jenny Turner Koltnow, MBA, MEd, Executive Director of the Campbell Clinic Foundation , as our featured speaker for our upcoming AFP Memphis luncheon.

Now five years into her leadership at the Foundation, Jenny brings more than two decades of experience in communications, philanthropy, and community engagement. Her career includes leadership roles with Church Health, AutoZone, and the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation, where she served as the organization's founding Executive Director and helped build it from its earliest days.

At this luncheon, Jenny will join us for a candid conversation around a moment many fundraisers recognize:
“You want me to raise money for what?”

We’ll explore what it looks like to fundraise while you’re still learning the mission — building credibility, asking good questions, and translating complex work for donors.

And because fundraisers always have a story…

What’s the weirdest ask you’ve ever made?

👇 Drop it in the comments or come share it with us at the luncheon.

Many fundraisers step into roles where they’re expected to raise money before they fully understand the organization, the issue area, or the community it serves. Whether you’re new to the sector, a cause, or a specific field, the learning curve can feel steep and public. How do I talk about this...

02/20/2026

Last night was one of those reminders of why this community matters.

🍷We gathered at Dixon Gallery & Gardens for happy hour at Park + Cherry, which, let’s be honest, fundraisers rarely slow down long enough to enjoy, and then experienced a thoughtful docent-led tour of Black Artists in America: From the Bicentennial to September 11.

💫There’s something powerful about stepping out of the office and into a space that sparks conversation about art, history, our work, and how we support one another in it. Fundraising is deeply relational work. Nights like this strengthen the relationships behind the scenes that make our nonprofit community stronger.

🙏Thank you to Jessie Wiley and the Dixon team for hosting us so graciously. We’re grateful for partners who create space for connection.

If you’ve been looking for a room full of people who “get it,” you belong here. Join us next time.

02/18/2026

Fundraising resiliency in 2026 starts with diversifying your revenue mix. From monthly giving and endowments to foundation, corporate, and earned income strategies, the goal is simple: don’t rely too heavily on any one source.

Worth the read as we plan ahead.

This article is part of a five-part series:

02/17/2026

Need a midweek reset? Join us for a FREE evening at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens this week.

No agenda. No pressure. Just a relaxed drink reception, meaningful art, and time with fellow fundraisers who understand the work you do. We’ll explore Black Artists in America: From the Bicentennial to September 11 and Roger Allan Cleaves: A World on Fire — two exhibitions that are sure to spark thoughtful conversation.

If you’ve been thinking about connecting with AFP Memphis (or bringing a friend), this is the perfect chance. Come as you are. We’d love to welcome some new faces.

Regsiter and let us know you're coming! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qu3w2uy

02/16/2026

Happy Presidents Day.

Leadership shows up in many forms, not just in public office, but in board rooms, donor meetings, events, strategy sessions, and community partnerships, just to name a few.

At AFP Memphis, we see leadership every day in how our members advocate for their missions and inspire generosity. Thank you for all you do!

02/14/2026

Fundraisers of Memphis… this one’s for you.

You run on coffee. ☕
You update the CRM (again).
You send the proposal. You resend the proposal.
You answer the donor’s 14 follow-up questions.
You handle the rejection with grace.
You smile at the event like you slept eight hours.

And you do it all… because you love the mission. We see you! And we’re grateful you’re part of this community of generous, resilient, slightly caffeinated professionals.

Let's show some love! Tag your favorite fundraising friend in the comments.
❤ Your “Can I bounce this idea off you?” friend.
❤ The one who always says, “Have you tried…?”
❤ The person who texts before every event: “Do you need anything?”
❤ The friend who totally gets it because they fundraise too.

Memphis runs on generosity. And fundraisers like YOU make it happen. Thank you for doing what you do!

02/14/2026

Fundraising often asks us to be on—polished, prepared, ready.

This event is an invitation to be the opposite. Come as you are, bring a friend, and let's relax.

Off the Clock is a casual evening at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens—a drink reception, time with powerful exhibitions, and space to simply be together without an agenda. No program. No pressure to perform. Just good art, easy company, and room to breathe.

Register to let us know you're coming!
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qu3w2uy