National Philanthropy Day 2026
Celebrate generosity. Connect with your community.
Join AFP Minnesota for a luncheon celebrating the people and organizations strengthening our communities through philanthropy. Hear from this year’s honorees, reconnect with colleagues, and find renewed purpose in your work through a keynote with Sonya Perez-Lauterbach.
Friday, November 13, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Central
Gatherings at Station 10
754 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102
Registration: $50 early bird through October 23; $60 beginning October 24.
Register for National Philanthropy Day
A conversation with our honorees
Hear directly from this year’s honorees about their work and the many ways generosity creates change. Moderated by Max Poessnecker (he/him), development director at Exodus Lending, this panel will bring together perspectives from across Minnesota’s philanthropic community.
Honoree Panel Sponsor
Thank you to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for generously sponsoring our honoree panel and helping AFP Minnesota celebrate the people and organizations making a difference in our communities.
Keynote with Sonya Perez-Lauterbach
Fundraisers are an essential force for social good, but the work can be challenging, especially when so much feels outside our control. In this inspiring keynote, we will explore how caring for ourselves helps us remain grounded, resilient, and connected to the purpose behind our work.
How do you see yourself as a fundraiser, and are you showing up in a way that reflects the important role you play in creating change?
About Sonya: Sonya Perez-Lauterbach is a holistic leadership coach, change expert, and creator of Leadership Atlas™. With more than 20 years of experience across nonprofit and social enterprises, she helps social impact leaders reconnect with clarity, joy, and purpose. She holds an M.S. in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University.
Meet the 2026 honorees
Aiyana Sol Machado and Walken Schweigert
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers
Aiyana Sol Machado and Walken Schweigert bring their experience in the arts and community leadership to Philadelphia Community Farm. Aiyana, an organizer, artist, and scholar-activist, serves as president and board chair, supporting regenerative agriculture, conservation, and community-led governance. Walken, a queer/transgender actor, musician, composer, and director, is a collective and board member of the farm and founder and co-artistic director of Open Flame Theatre.
Sarah Henely
Outstanding Professional Fundraiser
Sarah Henely is director of development and communications at Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. She has also advanced individual giving at YWCA Minneapolis, the Center for Victims of Torture, Scholarship America, and Animal Humane Society. Her commitment to the fundraising community includes eight years of service on the AFP Minnesota board of directors.
Fourth Generation Fund
Outstanding Contribution to Philanthropy
Fourth Generation is a giving circle for young professionals hosted by the Minneapolis Foundation. Members learn about a shared issue, connect with nonprofits addressing it, and award unrestricted grants to organizations across the seven-county metro area. Advisory board chair John Wulterkens will accept the award on behalf of the fund.
The Volunteers of an Anonymous South Minneapolis School
Notable Philanthropic Effort
Represented by Veronica Mendez Moore
When immigration enforcement left school families afraid to leave home in early 2026, parents and volunteers quietly mobilized their networks to help. They raised and distributed more than $1.6 million in rent relief, provided thousands of pounds of food, and helped cover utility bills for hundreds of families. Guided by immigrant parents’ needs, their grassroots effort offered a trusted lifeline. The school remains unnamed to protect the families it serves.
Join us on November 13
Whether you’re a fundraiser, volunteer, donor, or nonprofit leader, join us to celebrate the people behind the impact and connect with others who care about our communities.
Register for National Philanthropy Day
Questions or interested in sponsoring? Contact info@afpminnesota.org.