Upcoming Events
June 6th, 2023 | Columbus College of Art and Design
What Inspires Big Gifts? Big Ideas. - presented by J.D. Beiting and Susan Brekelmans | June Continuing Education Program 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Major donors give to major visions. These big ideas can propel major social advances, like eliminating disparities in health care, providing better educational opportunities, or building a new performing arts center. 60% of donors listed in the Forbes Top 50 Givers list claim their primary philanthropic goal is to be a powerful force for social change.
Yet, a big idea is anything but easy to achieve. It is akin to an epic adventure, filled with progress and pitfalls. It involves many partners, diverse perspectives, much coordination, and financial support from a variety of sources. The key to success is a well-articulated vision, collaboration, determination, and a good plan.
In this session, hear examples of how a big idea was formed, how it inspired major donors, addressed significant challenges, and stayed on the epic path. The topics explored in this session will dive into the roles of collaborating with multiple partners, addressing barriers, inclusive leadership, fundraising, and new trends in philanthropy.
The session will provide opportunities for dialogue, questions, and answers.
Learning Objectives:
• How to develop a big idea by fostering a healthy culture of collaboration with multiple partners.
• How to establish key priorities and plan to achieve the big idea.
• What to do when the inevitable pitfalls happen, how to address, and how to stay on the path in the epic journey.
Approved for 1.25 CFRE CE credits.
Due to space limitations, registration is limited to first come, first served. Pre-registration required and the registration deadline is June 2nd at noon.
The first 30 minutes are dedicated to networking. The session will begin promptly at 12:00pm.
Boxed lunch will be provided!
July 11th, 2023 | TBA
Cocktails & Calamities | July Continuing Education Program
August 8th, 2023 | Olentangy River Brewing Company
Boundaries: Boondoggles & Booyahs - presented by Jeff Redfield, Jodi Bopp, & Erich Hunker | August Continuing Education Program 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
September 12th, 2023 | TBA
IDEA Committee Lecture | September Continuing Education Program
October 10th, 2023 | TBA
Joint Event with the Charitable Gift Planners of Central Ohio | October Continuing Education Program
October 24th, 2023 | COhatch Polaris - The Pub
Networking | October Event 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Additional Information
Central Ohio AFP offers a variety of educational opportunities throughout the year. Sessions are planned by the Education Committee and are typically held the second Tuesday of each month as breakfast, lunch, or happy hour meetings. These learning opportunities for fundraising professionals cover a wide variety of topics to benefit the range of our membership—including those new to the profession or considering a career in fundraising, as well as mid-career and seasoned professionals.
Guest speakers are identified locally, regionally, and nationally to present on a wide range of topics. Around the end of each calendar year, our committee circulates a Request for Proposals (RFP) application to evaluate and select an upcoming slate of speakers. If you’d like to join our committee or have a suggestion for a future topic presentation, please email [email protected]
Educational presentation formats include:
- General Monthly Session – 1-hr long presentations that include provided time for networking beforehand and Q&A with the speaker afterwards
- Speaker Series – a more in-depth presentation involving a special speaker or national expert
- Brown-Bag Series – offered for free or reduced cost, partnering with local catering companies
- Cocktails and Calamities Happy Hour – this annual summertime tradition calls on local AFP colleagues to share their “horror stories” and the lessons learned.
Event announcements, registration information, and general updates can be found on this page as well as our respective social media channels: LinkedIn and Facebook. An email will also be sent to our membership mailing list as soon as event details are confirmed.
Attendees are surveyed following each educational program to receive feedback on presenter, topic, and location. Suggestions through these surveys lay the groundwork for future programming.
For questions about current or future programming, contact this year’s Education Co-Chairs.

Monthly Education Programs Chair
Michael Haddock (he/him/his)
614-688-1363Learn More
Position Title:Monthly Education Programs Chair Capacity: Board Member Reports to: Vice President of Professional Development Key Responsibilities:

Education Chair-Elect
Hardy Kern
412-337-4673Learn More
Position Title: Education Programs Chair and Chair Elect Capacity: Board Member Reports to: Vice President of Professional Development Key Responsibilities: