Association of Fundraising Professionals - NW Pennsylvania Chapter

11/04/2026

Check out long-time AFP member Gary Bukowski on the cover of this month's Giving Magazine! We love seeing our members recognized for the phenomenal work they do each day. If you know Gary (and frankly, who doesn't), you know he works hard to raise the funds needed to make Sarah Reed's mission possible. Check out this wonderful piece regarding their work with the 100-year-old St. Ann's School for proof.

Congratulations on this spotlight, Gary!

11/03/2026

🥳National Philanthropy Day is next week! Come celebrate with us and join us in honoring these four phenomenal honorees. Get your tickets today: bit.ly/4y58fyQ

11/02/2026

Meet AFP Member Kelly Stolar with Inner City Neighborhood Art House.

"My journey began in Catholic grade school, when I went door to door selling candy bars to help raise money for our school. That was my first introduction to fundraising and to the joy of helping others. As a child, I also organized a carnival in our family’s side yard to raise money for the Jerry Lewis Telethon and walked around the neighborhood collecting donations that people would place in small milk cartons for the cause. As I grew older, through high school, college, and into early adulthood, my desire to help those less fortunate than me continued in many different ways. That commitment has never stopped, and it continues to be at the heart of what I do today."

"AFP has provided me with a network of like-minded individuals who have become colleagues, mentors, friends, and fellow advocates for the nonprofit sector. Being part of AFP has encouraged me to continue educating myself, growing as a professional, and striving for a better future for all. AFP NWPA also gave me the opportunity to share my expertise and experiences while helping build a stronger, more connected, and more engaging chapter. Over my 10 years as a member, I was fortunate to serve in many different roles, each of which allowed me to contribute, learn, and grow alongside an incredible community of nonprofit professionals."

"My mom always said this, and I try to follow her words of wisdom: Don't worry about what you can't control."

10/28/2026

National Philanthropy Day is just around the corner, and we have wonderful opportunities to join this momentous occasion with a sponsorship!

If you'd like to join at one of these levels, you can conveniently pay at this link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/8FF7TFNPYEAWJ

10/26/2026

Meet AFP Member Juliet Hilburn with Northwest Hospital Foundation.

"Like many in our profession, I entered the fundraising field by chance. I was looking for a position that would be personally fulfilling and close to home, and a job opening happened to come up that I thought looked interesting. Fast forward almost four years and I’m still loving every day. I didn’t know when I started that fundraising would become a passion!"

Favorite part of being an AFP Member? "The amazing network of like-minded professionals that comes with AFP membership. I participated in the AFP Mentorship Program a few years ago and it was a great experience that really helped me grow as a fundraiser. Everyone in AFP is happy to help, so I encourage anyone new to the profession to reach out to other members for advice."

Advice to others: "Be a sponge! Never stop learning and seeking out new experiences."

10/13/2026

We are saddened by the passing of John Trombetta, Sr., a true pioneer of our local fundraising community.

John was among the dedicated individuals whose early efforts helped shape the organization we know today as the AFP Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter. From the Development Directors of Erie to NSFRE and eventually AFP NWPA, his commitment helped build a network that has strengthened philanthropy across our region for generations.

We honor John’s leadership, service and lasting influence. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time.

Thank you, John, for helping build the foundation on which we continue to grow.

John J. Trombetta, Sr., age 75, of Erie, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026. John was born in Palo Alto, CA on October 20, 1950, and the son of...

10/13/2026

If you haven't registered yet, consider this your sign! AFP-ers can earn a CFRE credit, too! Will we "see" you there (it's virtual...)?

Last call! Join us virtually this Thursday for Visible Stewardship: Making Stewardship Visible to Strengthen Donor, Board, & Community Confidence.

Visible Stewardship will explore how nonprofits can turn strong stewardship into a visible sign of credibility, accountability, and long-term sustainability. Walk away with practical language and strategies for building greater confidence among your donors, board, and community.

This session is presented in collaboration with the Association of Fundraising Professionals - NW Pennsylvania Chapter and is eligible for 1 CFRE point. RSVP here: bit.ly/3URC1YR

10/12/2026

Meet AFP Member Leslie Young with Crawford Area Transportation Authority (CATA).

"I didn’t necessarily set out to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector; I chose a career where I felt I could make a meaningful difference and help others, which led me to where I am today."

"The most rewarding part of my job is seeing firsthand how the work I do
every day makes a positive difference in the lives of the people in our community who rely on our services. A few years ago, I secured a grant that allowed us to establish a new bus route that we had been getting requests for, for years. I’m proud of it because I was able to help turn a long-standing community need into a reality."

Favorite part of AFP - "The professional development opportunities. I appreciate all of the webinars, trainings, and educational resources."

"“Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere”. - Anton Ego, Ratatouille

10/08/2026

🤩 We're so excited for this one. If it sounds familiar, it's because it was so popular that NPP brought it back! We love partnering with them for these educational sessions. AFP members earn a CFRE credit!

Learn how to better show your supporters how their impact shapes your work. How do you make decisions? How do you use your limited resources? Join us next week for this powerful session.

Trust isn't built through impact stories alone. Donors, board members, and community partners also want to understand how your organization makes thoughtful decisions with the resources entrusted to it.

Visible Stewardship on October 15 will share practical ways to make your nonprofit's stewardship more visible and understandable—helping demonstrate your track record, strengthen confidence, and reinforce long-term sustainability.

Presented in collaboration with the Association of Fundraising Professionals - NW Pennsylvania Chapter and eligible for 1 CFRE point.

🔗 Register: bit.ly/3URC1YR