Leading Philanthropy - Elevate Your Fundraising Career
Posted by [email protected] on Aug. 5, 2026 / Events / Subscribe 0
By: Mojdeh Keykhah, AFP-GPC Board Member and Marketing Committee Co-Chair | Director of Donor Relations, Surrey Services for Seniors
AFP-GPC member Meghan McCormick, Corporate Development Manager at the Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, was a first-time attendee to Leading Philanthropy last year. She was “pursuing professional development,” she shared, “as having been relatively new to the fundraising industry.” She saw the announcement for Leading Philanthropy as a member of AFP and found the conference “very valuable and I made some good connections as well...There were things I could take back to my role and my company – actionable steps.”
Meghan will join the hundreds coming to Leading Philanthropy this year.
Leading Philanthropy brings together national thought leaders, regional innovators, fundraising practitioners, philanthropic partners, and technology experts — all under one roof. It’s a one-stop shop for learning, connecting, and leveling up your fundraising practice.
Secure your spot, explore the full agenda, and get ready for a day that will elevate your career and strengthen your impact.
This premier regional annual fundraising conference takes place on Wednesday, September 23, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at The Drexelbrook in Drexel Hill, PA — bringing together bright minds, bold ideas, and committed fundraising professionals across the region.
Click Here to View all Conference Sessions and to Register
This Year’s Theme: What Fundraising & Philanthropy Require Now
Fundraisers are navigating a landscape defined by economic uncertainty, rising donor expectations, rapid technological change, and growing community needs. This year’s theme tackles those realities head-on, offering sessions and conversations designed to help you:
- Strengthen your career momentum
- Sharpen your strategic thinking
- Elevate your organization’s fundraising capacity
- Build a network you can reach out to locally
Opening Fireside Chat: In Good Company
The day kicks off with a powerful Fireside Chat hosted by AFP-GPC President Liz Marafino Fiola, joined by two savvy fundraisers at different stages of their careers. You can expect a candid discussion about: Career triumphs and tribulations; lessons learned the hard way; burnout in the sector; and leading with diverse perspectives.
This conversation sets the tone for a conference centered on career growth, professional resilience, and the shared experiences that shape our sector.
New This Year: Free Professional Headshots
AFP-GPC is thrilled to welcome photographer Isolde Baylor, who will be onsite capturing polished, professional headshots so you can refresh your LinkedIn, your email signature, or your next conference bio.
Breakout Sessions & Learning Tracks
With 20+ breakout sessions across multiple content tracks, attendees can tailor the day to their interests and goals.
Among the featured topics are:
- The Great Wealth Transfer and its impact on PA, NJ & DE nonprofits
- Why donors say yes — insights from neurogiving
- Handling objections in major gift asks with acclaimed author Mary Petersen
You’ll also find sessions directly tied to this year’s theme, including:
- Creating Your Professional Development Plan with Jack Alotto
- Great Fundraiser, Now What? Preparing for Leadership in Advancement with Emily Wells and Julia Barr
These sessions help fundraisers identify growth opportunities, think strategically about their careers, and build actionable plans for advancement.
For conference newcomers, Meghan McCormick recommends reviewing the session descriptions ahead of time, and once at Leading Philanthropy, introducing yourself to the other attendees and asking questions if you have them. She remarked on the camaraderie among fundraising professionals at the conference and the sense of community.
She and two of her work colleagues attended last year, each one taking in different sessions related to their respective professional roles. Meghan concluded that “There’s something for everyone!”
Volunteer at Leading Philanthropy
Make the most of your conference experience by joining the Leading Philanthropy volunteer team, open to conference registrants. Volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming and engaging event while building new connections with fundraising professionals from across the region. It's a rewarding way to give back to the profession, expand your network, and be part of what makes Leading Philanthropy a success. To learn more about volunteering, contact volunteer coordinator Kristen Luke Brooks at [email protected]. Please note that Leading Philanthropy volunteers must be registered conference attendees.
Bring Your Team to Leading Philanthropy
Rob Weinstein, VP of Institutional Advancement at the Gesu School and AFP-GPC Board Member, has watched Leading Philanthropy grow into a powerhouse annual event — and he brings his entire fundraising team every year.
“There is no other local philanthropy-focused conference that brings this depth of knowledge and professional development opportunities in our region,” Rob shared. He also emphasized the cost-effectiveness compared to national conferences and the value of localized professional development paired with regional networking.
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