National Philanthropy Day 2026
Celebrate the individuals strengthening our communities through philanthropy
Join AFP Minnesota for National Philanthropy Day as we recognize the individuals and organizations whose generosity, leadership, advocacy, and community spirit are making a difference across Minnesota.
This annual luncheon brings together fundraisers, nonprofit professionals, volunteers, donors, and community leaders for an afternoon of celebration, learning, and connection.
Friday, November 13, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Gatherings at Station 10
754 Randolph Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55102
Pricing
Register by October 9 to take advantage of the $50 early bird rate. Beginning October 10, registration will be $60.
2026 Honorees
Sarah Henely | Outstanding Professional Fundraiser
As director of development and communications at Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, Sarah brings experience advancing individual giving across several Minnesota nonprofits. Her commitment to the profession also includes eight years of service on the AFP Minnesota board.
Aiyana Sol Machado and Walken Schweigert | Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers
Through their leadership at Philadelphia Community Farm, Aiyana and Walken bring together experience in the arts, organizing, and community building. Their work supports regenerative agriculture, conservation, and community-led governance.
Fourth Generation Fund | Outstanding Contribution to Philanthropy
This giving circle, hosted by the Minneapolis Foundation, invites young professionals to learn together and put their generosity into action. Members explore community issues, connect with nonprofits, and award unrestricted grants across the seven-county metro area.
The Volunteers of an Anonymous South Minneapolis School | Notable Philanthropic Effort
When immigration enforcement left school families afraid to leave home, parents and volunteers quietly mobilized their personal networks. They raised and distributed more than $1.6 million to provide rent relief, food, and help cover utility bills for hundreds of families. Veronica Mendez Moore will represent the volunteers, whose school remains unnamed to protect the families it serves.
Hear directly from our honorees during a panel moderated by Max Poessnecker (he/him), development director at Exodus Lending. Their experiences offer an opportunity to consider how trust, relationships, and collective action shape generosity in our own communities.
Keynote Speaker: Sonya Perez-Lauterbach
Fundraisers help power the social good created throughout our communities, but the work can be demanding, especially when so much is outside our control.
Sonya Perez-Lauterbach will invite us to reflect on how we care for ourselves within the fundraising profession and how we choose to show up in our work. Her keynote will offer encouragement and perspective for fundraisers navigating the challenges and opportunities of serving their organizations and communities.
Come Celebrate With Us
Whether you are new to fundraising or have spent years in the nonprofit sector, National Philanthropy Day offers an opportunity to pause, celebrate the impact of philanthropy, learn from others, and connect with colleagues and community leaders from across Minnesota.
We hope you will join us for this special celebration.
Sponsor
This year’s honoree panel discussion is generously sponsored by St. Mary’s University. Thank you for your partnership and support of AFP Minnesota National Philanthropy Day.
About the Keynote
Sonya Perez-Lauterbach is a Holistic Leadership Coach, change expert, and creator of Leadership Atlas™, a holistic approach to leadership development integrating neuroscience, psychology, somatics, and cultural identity.
With 20+ years of experience across nonprofit and social enterprises, Sonya brings deep insight into the realities of social impact leadership, the mindsets and emotional weight of creating a positive impact in a complex world.
Sonya holds a Masters of Science degree from Northwestern University in Learning & Organizational Change and has studied with leading experts in neuroscience, somatics, and cultural identity development. She is the author of the weekly newsletter, Leadership Inside Out™ and host of a monthly virtual call, The Monthly Reset supporting leaders in their mental clarity, emotional wellbeing and physical reduction of stress.
Through 1:1 and group coaching Sonya’s work helps motivated social impact leaders unlock their potential by reconnecting with their joy and empowerment.
Sonya is a bicultural Latina who loves being in nature, global travel, and learning from her two children and husband. She is currently located on the ancestral Land of the Dakota and Ojibwe People (also known as Minneapolis, MN) but coaches clients worldwide.
Subscribe to her inspirational newsletter, Leadership Inside Out™
Connect via LinkedIN / Instagram / SONYAPEREZ.COM