Association of Fundraising Professionals Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter, Milwaukee, WI (2026)

10/21/2026

Get to know the 2026 NPD Awardees! These awards recognize individuals, organizations, and volunteers who have made our lives, communities, and the world a better place. Join us in celebrating those who are making a difference in our community - early bird tickets are on sale now! https://www.afpsewi.org/national-philanthropy-day/

2026 NPD Philanthropists of the Year: Barri & Dave Drury
Nominated by Children's Wisconsin

Barri and Dave Drury are visionary philanthropists, community leaders, and lifelong advocates for the health and well-being of kids in Wisconsin and beyond. For decades, they have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to strengthening pediatric health care, advancing medical research, and inspiring a culture of generosity throughout the state.

Their philanthropy has been transformative for Children’s Wisconsin, where their landmark $10 million investment through the Drury Family Discovery Fund helped complete the historic Brighter Than Ever campaign, supporting innovation at the Children’s Research Institute, recruitment of world-class scientists, and breakthroughs that will improve outcomes for generations of kids.

Beyond their financial generosity, the Drurys have dedicated countless hours of service as board members, committee members, campaign leaders, volunteers, and advocates. Dave served as Board Chair of the Children’s Wisconsin System while Barri has provided influential leadership on the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation Board and helped enhance donor engagement programs that inspire philanthropy and community involvement.

Through their compassion, leadership, and enduring service, Barri and Dave Drury have created a lasting impact on the well-being of Wisconsin communities as well as the future of pediatric health care!

10/14/2026

Get to know the 2026 NPD Awardees! These awards recognize individuals, organizations, and volunteers who have made our lives, communities, and the world a better place. Join us in celebrating those who are making a difference in our community - early bird tickets are on sale now! https://www.afpsewi.org/national-philanthropy-day/

2026 NPD Volunteer of the Year Award: Christine Both
Nominated by Lake Area Free Clinic

I earned a degree in Medical Technology from UW-Milwaukee, completed an internship at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee, and began working with Falls Medical Group. My husband, Frank, and I had two children, and I worked part-time for 16 years while enjoying both motherhood and a career I valued. After 20 years as a medical technologist, I began working toward a master’s degree in health services administration. Around that time, Falls Medical Group joined with other independent medical groups to form Advanced Healthcare. After completing my master’s degree, I continued with Advanced Healthcare as Director of Imaging and Rehabilitation Services until my retirement.

After retiring, I served as a part-time healthcare volunteer at the Lake Area Free Clinic in Oconomowoc. I began as a greeter, served on the board for nine years, and have spent the past 15 years on the fundraising team. We had a wonderful time raising money and promoting the clinic through creative events, including casual and fun galas, trivia nights, golf outings, and Christmas on the Isthmus.

About six years ago, the mayor asked my husband and me to help lead an effort to raise money for a new Oconomowoc park. Two lots on N. Lake Road, along Fowler Lake, had been slated for development, a project strongly opposed by many residents. An Oconomowoc family purchased one of the lots and donated it to the city. The developer agreed to sell the adjoining lot to the city for $1,350,000, provided the funds could be raised within six months; otherwise, the development would move forward. My husband and I quickly formed a community group, Build a Park at 517, to lead the fundraising effort. Many motivated and talented residents joined us. We launched a website, page, Instagram account, and GoFundMe page, and signs soon appeared throughout the city. Progress was shared through newspaper stories and large signs updated weekly, and thousands of brochures were distributed.

Thanks to generous contributions from more than 1,000 donors, with individual gifts ranging from $5.17 to $300,000, we met our goal within the six-month deadline. It was an extraordinary community accomplishment. Together, Oconomowoc secured a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a park on two lakefront lots. Located in the heart of the city, the park is now a treasured place for residents, visitors, and generations to come. As one donor so beautifully stated, “The pleasure and joy of its existence will be our immediate reward. Gratitude for our foresightedness will be our legacy.”

Working to help make Oconomowoc a better place to live has brought great joy to our lives and introduced us to many wonderful new friends. I am deeply honored to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

10/07/2026

Join us on Thursday, October 15 for our October Education Session: Planned Giving Panel at St. Camillus.

Join AFP Southeastern Wisconsin for a panel conversation featuring professionals who approach planned giving from different perspectives: those who work in planned giving as their primary focus, fundraisers who incorporate planned giving into a broader development role, and a trust attorney who works with donors and their advisors.

Hear how these professionals approach planned giving, identify opportunities, build relationships with donors, work with advisors, and navigate the questions that come up along the way. Whether planned giving is a major part of your portfolio or something you’re just beginning to explore, you’ll leave with practical ideas and a better understanding of how planned giving can fit into your fundraising work.

Bring your questions and learn from colleagues who work with planned giving from different sides of the table.

Thank you to Catherine Steinhafel from Marquette University for moderating this panel!

Register now at https://www.afpsewi.org/event/planned-giving-panel/

09/30/2026

We are excited to offer multiple scholarships to members, including:

✨ AFP ICON Scholarships to three chapter members to attend the AFP International Fundraising Conference (ICON) in Baltimore from April 11-13, 2027. The Chamberlain Scholarship (1 available) covers the cost of conference registration, plus $2,000 to use toward travel and lodging. The AFPSEWI Chapter Scholarship (2 available) provides a total of $2,000 to be used toward conference registration, travel, and lodging. Applications for AFP ICON Scholarships are due by the end of the day on October 2nd.
✨ Membership Scholarships that cover one year of free AFP Global and chapter membership. Applications are due by the end of the day on Friday, October 9th.

Learn more and apply now at https://www.afpsewi.org/scholarships/

09/23/2026

Get to know the 2026 NPD Awardees! These awards recognize individuals, organizations, and volunteers who have made our lives, communities, and the world a better place. Join us in celebrating those who are making a difference in our community!

2026 NPD Philanthropic Youth of Today: Beau Cerniglia
Nominated by Pathfinders

Beau Cerniglia is a powerful example of what youth-led philanthropy can achieve. Passionate about supporting unhoused young people, Beau hosts an annual birthday fundraiser for Pathfinders, asking loved ones for donations in lieu of gifts. Over seven birthdays (ages 8 to 15), Beau raised a total of $6,213.45 to benefit Pathfinders’ youth. Beau also fundraises for his local wrestling and football programs and volunteers to support youth on the middle school wrestling team.

A sophomore at Brookfield East High School, Beau is well-respected by his teachers, coaches and peers. He even inspired a friend to start his own holiday fundraiser. In Beau's own words, “Young people need to lead by example and show others in the community how much good can come from helping others."

09/16/2026

Get to know the 2026 NPD Awardees! These awards recognize individuals, organizations, and volunteers who have made our lives, communities, and the world a better place. Join us in celebrating those who are making a difference in our community!

2026 NPD Wisconsin Organization Philanthropy Award: Zilber Family Foundation
Nominated by United Community Center

Established in 1961 by Joseph J. and Vera Zilber, the Zilber Family Foundation is a private grantmaking institution dedicated to increasing access to social and economic opportunity. Rooted in the Zilber family’s longstanding commitment to giving back to the communities they called home, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and community partners in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Oahu, Hawaii.

Over its history, the Foundation has contributed more than $204 million to nonprofit and public institutions. Its philanthropy addresses immediate needs while investing in long-term solutions that strengthen economic stability, improve quality of life, and build stronger communities. Today, the Foundation partners with more than 100 nonprofit organizations and awards approximately $21 million in grants annually.

The Foundation’s philanthropy centers on systemic, lasting change across several focus areas: economic stability, including pathways to safe housing and access to cash and capital; basic needs; and the health of the nonprofit sector itself. Through this work, the Foundation continues Joseph and Vera Zilber’s legacy of philanthropy by investing in the people, organizations, and systems that help communities thrive for generations.

Learn more and celebrate on 11/19! https://www.afpsewi.org/national-philanthropy-day/

09/09/2026

Join us next Thursday, 9/17 from 8:30 - 10:30 am at COA Youth & Family Centers Goldin Center for "Building Impactful Corporate Partnerships" with presenter William Prom, Director of Partnerships at the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

Strong corporate partnerships are built around shared goals, meaningful value, and thoughtful relationship-building. In this session, we will explore practical strategies for developing these partnerships.

The session will cover:

📌Prospect Research: Techniques and tools for identifying and evaluating potential corporate partners

📌Creating Value: How to develop partnership opportunities that align with a company’s priorities and create meaningful impact

📌Making the Ask: Approaches for confidently presenting partnership opportunities and making an effective ask

Whether you are new to corporate fundraising or looking to strengthen your existing approach, this session will provide practical ideas and strategies you can put to work right away. https://www.afpsewi.org/event/building-impactful-corporate-partnerships/

09/01/2026

Join us for Fundraising Day Wisconsin on Monday, September 14 from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM in Madison!

Join fundraising professionals, nonprofit leaders, and changemakers from across the state for a day of learning and connecting. Your registration includes attendance at three sessions and the luncheon keynote address, Next Generation Philanthropy: More than Avocado Toast and Lattes, presented by Dr. Holly Hull Miori.

The theme for Fundraising Day Wisconsin 2026 is "Building for What’s Next." This theme centers on building sustainable strategies, resilient teams, and the next generation of giving.

Learn more about how to apply for a scholarship to attend at https://www.afpsewi.org/scholarships/

08/28/2026

AFPSEWI is excited to offer three scholarships covering registration for the Fundraising Day Wisconsin Conference on Monday, September 14 at the DoubleTree Hilton Madison East!

The conference offers opportunities to learn from nationally known presenters and network with over 300 area development and nonprofit professionals. This year’s theme is advancing philanthropy's work through sustainable strategies, resilient teams, and the next generation of giving.

You must be a current member of AFPSEWI to apply.

The online scholarship application will be open through EOD on September 4. Learn more and apply at: https://www.afpsewi.org/scholarships/

08/21/2026

The rain missed us! ☀️

Cheers to another AFPSEWI Summer Social with absolutely perfect patio weather. We’re a fun bunch of professionals who know how to work hard and play hard.

But gatherings like this are about more than just a good time. We invest in making connections, building relationships and supporting one another—and then we take those relationships back to our organizations to help advance the work we do.

Considering membership? Visit our website to learn more about the benefits of AFP membership and see what’s coming up next. We’d love to have you join us!

Association of Fundraising Professionals Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter

10/21/2026

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