by Melanie Buhrmaster & Gregory Boroff
Co-Chairs, AFP New York City Annual Meeting

Philanthropy is evolving, and those of us who work in fundraising are feeling it every day. The way donors engage, the questions they ask, and the values that drive their giving are shifting rapidly. This moment calls for curiosity, openness, and a willingness to rethink what meaningful partnership looks like in today’s philanthropic landscape.

That is why we are so excited to gather our community for this year’s AFP New York City Annual Meeting. Together, we will explore a topic that feels both urgent and energizing: how the next generation of philanthropists is reshaping the way impact happens. Simply put, this is not your grandfather’s philanthropy anymore.

Younger donors are coming to philanthropy with new expectations. They want transparency and authenticity. They want to understand impact clearly and quickly. They want to be engaged as partners, not just contributors. Many are navigating new wealth, generational transitions, or first-time giving at scale, and they are asking fundraisers to meet them where they are, not where we have always been.

At this year’s Annual Meeting, we will dive headfirst into this conversation through a dynamic fireside chat, From Legacy to Leadership: How the Next Generation is Transforming Philanthropy. We are thrilled to be joined by leaders from the Robin Hood Foundation Next Gen program, along with two Next Gen philanthropists, who will share candid perspectives on what motivates them to give and how they choose to engage with nonprofit partners.

This conversation matters deeply for fundraisers. Understanding how younger philanthropists think about giving, risk, values, and outcomes is no longer optional. It is essential to the sustainability of our organizations and to the future of our sector. During this discussion, we will explore what today’s donors are looking for in their nonprofit partners, how they want to be involved beyond the check, and how nonprofits can build trust and relevance with this next generation.

We will also hear directly from those working every day to cultivate and support these donors. The Robin Hood Next Gen team will offer insight into what they see resonating, what approaches are working, and how they help younger philanthropists connect meaningfully to the mission. This is a rare opportunity to listen, learn, and ask honest questions in a space designed for reflection and growth.

But this Annual Meeting is about more than one conversation. It is about community, leadership, and honoring the past while boldly stepping into the future.

We are especially excited to hear from our incoming Chapter President, Jenn Moore, who will share her vision for AFP New York City and what lies ahead for our chapter. Jenn will speak about how we are strengthening our programming, expanding opportunities for learning and connection, and ensuring AFP continues to be an indispensable resource for fundraisers and nonprofit leaders across the city. Her remarks will offer a thoughtful look at where we are headed and how we can collectively elevate our profession.

In addition, this year’s Annual Meeting will be a moment to pause and celebrate one of the true pioneers of fundraising in New York City. We are honored to recognize Margaret Holman as the recipient of the Ralph E. Chamberlain Award. Margaret’s career has been defined by her leadership in advancing planned giving and by her generosity as a mentor, coach, and colleague to countless fundraisers. Long before planned giving became a core strategy for many organizations, Margaret was helping to shape the field, building relationships rooted in trust, and modeling what it means to lead with integrity and heart.

Honoring Margaret at this moment feels especially meaningful. As we look ahead to what is next for philanthropy, Margaret’s work reminds us of the vital role legacy giving plays in sustaining and strengthening our organizations for generations to come. She has taught so many of us how to have thoughtful, values driven conversations that honor donors’ intentions while building lasting impact. Margaret’s influence lives on not only through the programs and planned gifts she helped shape, but through the countless fundraisers she has mentored and inspired to approach this work with care, patience, and purpose.

Taken together, this year’s Annual Meeting reflects the full arc of our profession: where we have been, where we are going, and how we move forward together. It is a space to learn, to celebrate, and to challenge ourselves to think differently about how we engage donors, support one another, and create impact across our city.

We hope you will join us for what promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking gathering. Whether you are a seasoned fundraiser, a rising leader, or someone navigating change in your organization, this meeting is designed with you in mind. Come ready to listen, to ask questions, celebrate, and to be part of shaping the next chapter of philanthropy in New York City.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Melanie Buhrmaster & Gregory Boroff

Co-Chairs, AFP New York City Annual Meeting

Melanie Buhrmaster is a highly accomplished non-profit leader with over 30 years of experience advancing mission-driven initiatives. She currently serves as the Vice President, Philanthropy at the Food Bank for New York City, where she leads efforts to build meaningful, trust-based partnerships with donors and stakeholders.
Her career highlights include leading capital campaigns and major gift programs, securing transformative philanthropic investments through authentic, purpose-driven partnerships. Beyond fundraising, Melanie excels in designing sustainable programs that align resources with organizational goals, fostering collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of non-profit leaders. A compassionate and strategic thinker, Melanie is dedicated to creating impactful donor experiences that shift the focus from giving to an organization to giving through an organization, ensuring lasting support and meaningful change.

Gregory Boroff oversees our fundraising, marketing, communications, volunteer services and special events initiatives. Gregory returned to City Harvest 17 years after having worked here earlier in his career. Over his 25+ year career working with nonprofits, Gregory has raised more than $900 million for organizations that include Friends of Hudson River Park, amfAR, Food Bank For New York City, and Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC). BizBash Magazine named Gregory one of the most innovative people in the event industry. Gregory serves on the Board of EventFluence, as a member of the Steering Committee for Allies in Action, and as a mentor for AFP-NYC. He has previously served on the Board of the Greater New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, as Chair of AFP’s Fundraising Day in New York, as a member of the BizBash Magazine Advisory Council, on the Board and as Program Dean of the CAE Career Enrichment Committee for the New York Society of Association Executives, and as a mentor for the Point Foundation. Gregory is a proud supporter of New Hope for Cambodian Children. In 2025, AFP recognized Gregory with the esteemed Ralph E. Chamberlain Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership, dedication, and impact.