The AFP Genesee Valley Chapter invites you to our Annual Regional Conference on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, where we’ll mix great minds and create solutions that really bond with our theme, Creative Chemistry: Blending Ideas. Finding Solutions.  

Together, we'll dive into the science of blending diverse perspectives to address today’s most pressing challenges. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser, a nonprofit leader, or an emerging philanthropist, this conference offers the tools and insights you need to ignite change in your community. Don't miss your chance to be part of this dynamic gathering—register today and help us turn creative ideas into meaningful action!

Interested in becoming a conference sponsor? Email [email protected] for details.

Get your tickets now!

*Please register and request access services and accommodations at least 2 weeks prior to the event.*

AFP Members: $169
 AFP Nonmembers: $199
Full Table of 6: $845

If your employer requires a justification letter for attendance for professional development purposes, please click here.

Who Should Attend?

This conference is ideal for those in fundraising, including board members, volunteers and executives who work in resource development. Anyone who is interested in learning more about fundraising best practices and expanding their professional network would also benefit.

Keynote

Birgit Smith Burton
CEO, African American Development Officers Network

Resilience in the Face of Change: Navigating Philanthropy in a Shifting Political Landscape

Many fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, CEOs, executive directors, boards, and even donors are feeling unsettled by the rapidly shifting political landscape and its impact on our organizations. The uncertainty surrounding the future of funding can be overwhelming, but resilience and adaptability are essential to navigating these turbulent times. There is hope, and there are actionable strategies to help guide us forward.

Balancing the need to keep progressing while protecting your organization’s interests can feel daunting. In my keynote, I’ll share practical tips and strategies that will inspire hope, offer clarity, and—yes—bring a smile to your face. I’m excited to provide insights that will empower you as you continue to lead and create meaningful change. Because these challenges are constantly evolving, this keynote will focus on the most pressing issues facing philanthropy in real-time. Get ready to discover that there is hope, and together, we can navigate these uncertain times.

Birgit Smith Burton is the CEO of AADO, the African American Development Officers Network, which she founded at Georgia Tech in 1999 to provide support for fundraisers of color. A respected speaker on fundraising and diversity, she has authored several articles and co-authored The Philanthropic Covenant with Black America and Collecting Courage, which shares the experiences of Black professionals in the nonprofit sector.

Over her 26-year career at Georgia Tech, Birgit led efforts that raised over $750M for programs, scholarships, and capital projects. She was also part of the first cohort of Leading Women @ Tech and received the Outstanding Achievement in Research Program Development award for the Marcus Center for Therapeutic Cell Characterization and Manufacturing.

Birgit has served on the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for over a decade, recently concluding her tenure as Chair of the AFP Global Board. She received the Opportunity and Inclusion Award from CASE for her leadership in diversity within fundraising. The R.I.S.E. Fund was created in her honor to support women of color in fundraising.

Recipient of the Be Haas Lifetime Achievement Award, Birgit also serves on various advisory boards, including Somos El Poder and Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in media communications from Medaille University.

Professional Headshots at the 2025 AFPGV Regional Conference

Enhance your professional image with a fresh, high-quality headshot! This is your chance to get an updated, polished, professional photo to use when you present, publish research, and your professional digital presence. Participants will participate in a 5-minute headshot session and receive one image sent digitally after the conference. Availability is limited, so be sure to add this option when registering!

Call for Speakers

A heartfelt thank you to our community members who submitted proposals to present and lead discussions at the 2025 AFPGV Regional Conference! The submission period closed on February 21, and we appreciate your contributions. Presenters will be notified of their selection by March 24.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Our conference is made possible in part by the support of our generous sponsors. Want to become a sponsor and partner with us on our conference?

Click Here to Learn More

Scholarship Opportunities

Meyers Scholarship: The Meyers Fund was established to honor Daniel M. Meyers and his contributions to the fundraising profession. Recognizing that many local organizations cannot afford the cost of professional development, Mr. Meyers, in conjunction with the AFP Genesee Valley Chapter, has committed to helping non-profit professionals increase their knowledge and skills through this scholarship program.  Each of the five applicants selected will receive a scholarship that will cover the entire conference registration fee.

Click Here to Apply