AFP WNY Chapter

members were treated to a professional development session this afternoon with Aquarium of Niagara CEO Chad Fifer on capital campaign planning followed by a behind-the-scenes tour. The Aquarium has successfully raised more than $10 million over the last ten years to modernize and rightsize its exhibits - with more initiatives on the horizon! Missed it? Visit our website for more opportunities to learn, grow and celebrate philanthropy in WNY.

Early bird pricing ends tomorrow, September 25! Secure your ticket or table NOW for the 2026 National Philanthropy Day luncheon!

Individual Ticket - $55
Table - $400
Distinguished Honoree Table - $600
Prices increase after tomorrow!

Interested in purchasing a ticket, acknowledging your supporters through our Distinguished Honoree program or purchasing a program book advertisement?
https://community.afpglobal.org/afpwny/npdwny/aboutnpd

Early bird pricing ends September 25! Secure your ticket or table NOW for the 2026 National Philanthropy Day luncheon.

Individual Ticket - $55
Table - $400
Distinguished Honoree Table - $600
Prices increase after September 25!

Interested in purchasing a ticket, acknowledging your supporters through our Distinguished Honoree program or purchasing a program book advertisement?
https://community.afpglobal.org/afpwny/npdwny/aboutnpd

Thank you West Herr Auto Group for your incredible support, as well as Univera Healthcare!

JOIN US NEXT WEEK THURSDAY, 9/24!

Capital campaigns don't start with a fundraising ask—they start with planning. We’ll explore the groundwork Aquarium of Niagara is laying ahead of a major campaign and expansion with CEO Chad Fifer. Chad will cover how the Aquarium’s completed master plan is shaping the short-term strategic plan now underway, and why a fundraising feasibility study and a separate business planning and economic impact study are essential next steps before the campaign begins. Whether your organization is years out or just starting to think about capital planning, you'll leave with a clearer picture of the sequencing and studies that set a campaign up for success. This session includes a “behind the scenes” tour of the Aquarium.

Join us after the presentation at W**e on Third around 5pm in downtown Niagara Falls for happy hour and light bites. The first drink is included!

LOCATION:
3:30pm presentation
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14301

Immediately following
Happy Hour at W**e on Third
501 3rd Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14301

COST: $20 AFP members; $25 non-members

Plan First, Ask Later: The Roadmap to a Successful Capital Campaign Capital campaigns don't start with a fundraising ask—they start with planning. We’ll explore the groundwork Aquarium of Niagara is laying ahead of a major campaign and expansion with CEO Chad Fifer. Chad will cover how the Aquarium’s completed master plan is shaping the short-term strategic pl...

🔔 Back to school means back to AFP! 🔔

We have two great events this month that you don’t want to miss!

Join us on September 9, 8:30am, at Craft Coffee House in Lockport for Coffee & Conversation - our FREE networking event, open to members and non-members alike. Learn more and register: https://community.afpglobal.org/afpwny/connect/coffee-conversation

Interested in learning about capital campaigns? On September 24, join us for “Plan First, Ask Later: The Roadmap to a Successful Capital Campaign” at the Aquarium of Niagara! Learn from the Aquarium’s CEO Chad Fifer, then continue the conversation at a post-session Happy Hour at W**e on Third. Learn more and register: https://community.afpglobal.org/afpwny/professionaldevelopment/pdseries

Professional Development Series - AFP, Western New York Chapter

National Philanthropy Day is a celebration of benevolent donations of time, talent and treasure. Nearly 300 guests from throughout the WNY community gather to acknowledge individuals and organizations whose long-term achievements have made a significant impact on the WNY community.

Awards will be presented for the following categories:

⭐Stephen Zenger - Outstanding Philanthropist
⭐Ray and Mary Beth Orrange - Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
⭐Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies - Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation
⭐Lexington Co-op - Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation
⭐Franco's Pizza - Outstanding Philanthropic Small Business
⭐7 News WKBW - Outstanding Philanthropic Media
⭐Miles for Smiles - Outstanding Philanthropic Organization or Group
⭐Hannah Koepsell (Patti Anne) - Outstanding Young Philanthropist
⭐Lisa LaTrovato - Earle Hannel Fundraising Professional

Be in the room where it all happens! Purchase your ticket today!
https://community.afpglobal.org/afpwny/npdwny/aboutnpd

Thank you West Herr Auto Group for your support, as well as Univera Healthcare!

What a fun Cocktails and Conversations at Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI) and supporting The Service Collaborative of WNY yesterday! Thank you to everyone who joined us for a fun evening of networking.

We look forward to you joining us for our next FREE networking event, Coffee and Conversation, on September 9 at Craft Coffee House in Lockport at 8:30am!

This year’s National Philanthropy Day honorees have dedicated so much to our community! Show them some love with a program book ad! 🏆

▪️$600 - Inside Front Cover - Digital Full Page, Color, Full Page
▪️$600 - Inside Back Cover - Digital Full Page, Color, Full Page
▪️$500 - Full Page Digital Program Book Ad, B&W, 5" w x 8" h
▪️$250 - Half Page Digital Program Book Ad, B&W, 5" w x 3 3/4" h
▪️$125 - Quarter Page Digital Program Book Ad, B&W, 2 1/4" w x 3 3/4" h

⭐Interested in purchasing a ticket, acknowledging your supporters through our Distinguished Honoree program, sponsoring the luncheon, or purchasing a program book advertisement?⭐

➡️Please visit https://community.afpglobal.org/afpwny/npdwny/aboutnpd

🍸Cocktails and Conversations is tomorrow evening! 🍸

Join your fellow fundraising colleagues at The Westside Bazaar on Thursday, August 20 from 5:30pm until 7:30pm.

Members and non-members are welcome. Join us for the Bartending for a Cause event at the West Side Bazaar, proceeds from tips to benefit The Service Collaborative of WNY, Inc. Connect with fellow fundraisers all while supporting two great fellow nonprofits!

Register here:

Cocktails and Conversations Members and non-members are welcome. Join us for the Bartending for a Cause event at the West Side Bazaar, proceeds from tips to benefit The Service Collaborative of WNY, Inc. Connect with fellow fundraisers all while supporting two great fellow nonprofits!

💫Member Benefit Alert! 💫

Looking for some professional development opportunities this week? Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is offering two free one-hour webinars this week, each worth one CFRE Education Point!

Find out more details and register by clicking the link: https://afpglobal.org/professional-development/webinars