AFP Regional Conference 2026: The Power of Major Gifts
Presented by AFP Bluegrass, Cincinnati, and Louisville Chapters
Fundraising is, at its heart, about trust, relationships, and shared vision. It invites people to invest not only in an organization, but in the future of their community. When rooted in connection and clarity, fundraising becomes a powerful force for collective impact. Major and planned gifts have the potential to create lasting transformation—not only for donors, but for the neighborhoods, families, and futures we serve together.
The 2026 Conference is designed for the full spectrum of fundraising professionals and changemakers—whether you are new to philanthropy or leading a multimillion-dollar campaign. This year’s theme spotlights Major and Planned Gifts, with three learning tracks tailored to meet you where you are in your fundraising journey:
Foundations Track – For professionals new to development or major gifts
Momentum Track – For mid-career fundraisers building and managing donor portfolios
Mastery Track – For senior leaders shaping strategy and cultivating legacy giving
No matter your title—volunteer, board member, program manager, development director, or executive—you’ll gain the tools, strategies, and connections to strengthen your work and expand your impact.
Participants will:
Understand the essential principles of cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
Explore strategies for engaging donors in planned giving and legacy conversations.
Learn practical techniques to build and manage donor portfolios effectively - with the help of ethical AI strategies.
Strengthen leadership and strategic planning skills for major gift fundraising.
Connect with peers and mentors to exchange best practices and expand professional networks.
REGISTRATION OPTIONS:
Pre-Conference Intensive + Full Day Conference
AFP Members:
$150 before June 21, 2026 | $175 after
Non-Members:
$225 before June 21, 2026 | $275 after
Pre-Conference Intensive Only (August 20, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
AFP Members: $50
Non-Members: $75
Full Day Conference Only (August 21, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
AFP Members: $125 before June 21, 2026 | $175 after
Non-Members: $175 before June 21, 2026 | $225 after
Pre-Conference Intensive – Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
Thursday, August 20, 2026
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Reception Follows
Hosted by Bluegrass Care Navigators
Full Day Conference - Major Gifts & Planned Giving
Friday, August 21, 2026
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Reception Follows
Campbell House | Lexington, KY