Collegiate Chapters
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(L-R) Jenn Heitmeyer, ’16, Connor Hooper, ’16, and Catherine Elliott, ’16
volunteer at the Central Ohio AFP Chapter’s 2015 National Philanthropy Day.
“Our students graduate with a deep understanding of the nonprofit world,
primed for rewarding careers serving our community.”
-Stephanie Mizer, The Ohio State University; Chair, Central Ohio AFP Collegiate Chapter Committee
For nearly seven years, the Central Ohio AFP Collegiate Chapters have connected students interested in nonprofit careers with current professionals and employers. The Columbus area currently boasts two collegiate chapters at The Ohio State University and Otterbein University. For those interested in mission-oriented careers, gaining hands-on experience before entering the nonprofit workforce is invaluable. “The AFP Collegiate Chapter has enabled me to stand out among fellow students by opening the door to a network of professional mentors and facilitating the development of fundamental fundraising skills,” shares Connor Hooper, a class of 2016 undergraduate and president of The Ohio State University AFP Collegiate Chapter. “I encourage any student interested in philanthropy or nonprofits to engage with AFP and take this important first step to launching a meaningful career.”
It’s a win-win-win. Students, nonprofit agencies, and local professionals all benefit from the collegiate chapters.
Students gain hands-on experience across the nonprofit sector, including service projects, networking, job shadowing and mentorships, resume reviews and mock interviews, nonprofit professional speakers series, and Central Ohio AFP events.
Nonprofits advance mission awareness among the local student population, with the opportunity to recruit the next generation of mission-oriented employees.
Professionals inspire and guide students through mentorships, speaking engagements, and membership on the Central Ohio AFP Collegiate Chapter Committee.
Capital University’s Dustin Grovemiller hopes the committee’s work will ultimately lead more students to work in nonprofits. “As fundraising professionals, we want to inspire the next generation to choose careers that will benefit society. So many young people want to change the world, but need more guidance to help them find a path. We owe it to them – and our community – to help them explore the nonprofit field and understand the difference they can make. I wish I’d had an opportunity like this in college!”
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Core Purpose
To expose undergraduate and graduate students to fundraising as a profession, the importance of philanthropy, and the vital role of ethics in professional practice.
Vision
Involvement in an AFP collegiate chapter will instill in students the rewards of professional fundraising as a career path and motivate them to pursue it as a career after graduation, as well as highlight the critical role philanthropy plays in our society.
Mission
The AFP collegiate chapters allow students to identify a cause to support, learn and apply ethical fundraising principles, and support the cause in which they believe, giving them a solid base of understanding and welcoming them into philanthropic and fundraising communities. The core activities to fulfill this mission include education, real-life fundraising experience, mentoring and networking.

Scholarships & Collegiate Chapter Chair
Jennifer MacCartney, MBA (she/her/hers)
330-727-9801Learn More
Position Title: Scholarships & Collegiate Chapter Chair Capacity: Board Member Reports to: Vice President for Membership Key Responsibilities: