Fundraising Day in New York!

Chapter Leadership Brief 6.13.25

by Craig H. Shelley
President, Fundraising and Strategy Services, Carey & Co.

This morning more than 1,000 fundraisers and nonprofit leaders are gathering in Times Square for Fundraising Day New York. Whether you’re here with us at the Marriott Marquis or cheering from afar, I want you to feel part of the day and of this community.

Why we gather

As chapter president I have two guiding commitments:

Content & community. Fundraising is tough, often lonely work. AFP NYC is here so no one has to go it alone.
Excellence through inclusion. New York’s greatness—and our profession’s future—depend on diverse voices at every table.

You’ll find plenty of ways to engage: professional-advancement programs, our mentorship network, volunteer opportunities, or simply membership itself. Keep an eye out this summer for a brand-new website that will make connecting even easier.

A story worth remembering

Fans of The West Wing may recall the parable of the man stuck in a hole:

This guy’s walking down a street when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep, he can’t get out. A doctor passes by, and the guy shouts up, “Hey you, can you help me out?” The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a priest comes along, and the guy shouts up “Father, I’m down in this hole, can you help me out?” The priest writes out a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a friend walks by. “Hey Joe, it’s me, can you help me out?” And the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, “Are you stupid? Now we’re both down here.” The friend says, “Yeah, but I’ve been down here before, and I know the way out.”

One jumps in because he “knows the way out.” Our sector faces plenty of holes—funding shifts, economic headwinds, challenges to the very values we serve. But we’re in this together. If I see you down there, I’ll jump in. I ask only that you be ready to do the same for someone else.

We’ve been here before, and together we know the way out.

Thank you for the work you do every day, for the causes you champion, and for being part of this vibrant New York fundraising family. Whether you’re attending sessions, joining us for lunch, or following along online, I hope you’ll take a moment to say hello—and to let us know how AFP NYC can support you in the year ahead.

A community powered by volunteers — and you

Events of this size exist because people give their talent and heart. My deepest thanks to Erica Joy West, our fearless event chair, and to program co-chairs Lucretia Gilbert and Adam Glick for curating an exceptional lineup. I’m also grateful to our entire organizing committee, the AFP NYC Board, and our chapter staff—Amanda, Mary, Debbie and Nora—who make the magic look easy.

Partners who invest in our sector

We’re enjoying a record year for sponsorship, led by chair Mike Esposito. A special salute to Orr Group, our keynote sponsor for the fifth year running, and to Carey & Co. and gofundmepro, co-sponsors of today’s Happy Hour. Their generosity fuels the learning and networking that lift all boats.

Craig H. Shelley, CFRE is President, Fundraising and Strategy Services, Carey & Co. Craig partners with nonprofit leaders to accelerate impact through strategic planning, fundraising, and board development. As President of Fundraising and Strategy Services at Carey & Co, he helps to guide the firm’s vision while ensuring clients receive tailored, high-impact solutions from a team focused on results.

Craig is a frequent speaker and writer on philanthropy and nonprofit leadership and currently serves as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals New York City Chapter. He previously held senior roles at a national consulting firm and led campaigns and strategy efforts for organizations such as the Obama Foundation, Mercy Corps, and The Rockefeller Foundation. Earlier in his career, Craig served as National Director of Development and Corporate Alliances for the Boy Scouts of America, leading national fundraising and over supporting 300 affiliates.

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