by Lucretia Gilbert and Adam Glick
FRDNY 2026 Program Co-Chairs
Each year, the heart of the nonprofit world beats a little louder in Midtown Manhattan. On Friday, June 12, over 1,000 fundraising professionals will again gather for Fundraising Day New York (FRDNY) 2026 — the largest single-day conference on philanthropy in the United States. Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals New York City Chapter (AFP-NYC) at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, this event promises a dynamic day of inspiration, education, and connection for anyone dedicated to mission-driven work across the nonprofit sector.
A Conference Like No Other
Since its founding, FRDNY has grown into a cornerstone gathering for the philanthropic community, drawing attendees and participants from every corner of the nonprofit sector, from development associates beginning their careers to veteran chief development officers, CEOs, and other leaders in our field. Whether you are entering the profession or leading transformative campaigns at the highest levels, FRDNY has something for you.
In addition to learning opportunities, FRDNY offers something equally valuable: community. Networking is woven throughout the day, from the morning registration and pre-conference activities to lightning talks, luncheon keynote, and the day’s signature happy hour to close FRDNY. The exhibitor area on the 6th and 7th floors of the Marriott Marquis gives attendees a chance to connect with consultants, learn about new technology platforms, and explore educational programs that can strengthen an organization’s fundraising capacity, further broadening the nonprofit ecosystem and strengthening our collective impact.
Learning at Every Level
One of FRDNY's greatest strengths is its inclusivity of experience. For newer professionals, sessions introduce proven frameworks and foundational strategies. For seasoned fundraisers, advanced discussions tackle complex challenges facing the sector — from navigating economic uncertainty and evolving donor expectations to integrating artificial intelligence into fundraising and stewardship strategies. Flash coaching sessions led by respected industry fundraisers also give attendees a rare opportunity to receive personalized guidance and candid insights from some of the field's most thoughtful practitioners.
AFP-NYC's ongoing commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) is also reflected throughout the day’s programming. Sessions addressing equity in philanthropy, the experiences of fundraisers from underrepresented communities, and strategies for broadening donor bases ensure that the conference speaks to the diverse landscape of the nonprofit world today and the personal experiences of those leading the charge.
Keynote Spotlight: Barron Segar, World Food Program USA
Among the highlights of this year’s FRDNY will be a keynote address from Barron Segar, President and Chief Executive Officer of World Food Program USA. His career brings together the very qualities FRDNY celebrates: bold leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to mission-driven work. Segar’s career stands as a powerful example of how visionary leadership can drive meaningful, global impact.
World Food Program USA mobilizes support across the United States for the United Nations World Food Programme’s efforts to combat global hunger and protect the world’s most vulnerable communities. Under Segar’s leadership, the organization quadrupled its revenue in fewer than three years, while earning exceptional ratings for financial health, accountability, and transparency.
Segar brings more than 25 years of experience advancing philanthropy and cause-driven partnerships across humanitarian aid, public broadcasting, and finance. Before leading World Food Program USA, Barron served as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at UNICEF USA, where he oversaw all regional offices and led the Development Division to raise $650 million. Earlier in his career, Barron directed fundraising for Georgia Public Broadcasting, where his team earned national recognition for record-breaking performance.
A leading voice on global food security and philanthropy, Segar has appeared across major media platforms including Bloomberg TV, CNN, MSNBC, NBC News Now, Forbes, The Hill, The Guardian, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For five consecutive years, The NonProfit Times has recognized him on its Power & Influence Top 50 list for leadership marked by innovation and broad sector impact. He also served for more than two decades as a Founding Board Member of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
His keynote will offer an inspiring perspective on how visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to purpose can drive transformational fundraising results — even amid increasingly complex global challenges.
Join Us
Registration for FRDNY 2026 is now open, with opportunities available for AFP members and non-members alike, including discounted rates for groups and teams. For a profession grounded in connection, creativity, and continuous learning, Fundraising Day in New York remains one of the sector’s most energizing and influential gatherings.
At a moment when nonprofit organizations are being called upon to solve some of society’s greatest challenges, FRDNY offers more than professional development. It offers perspective, possibility, and renewed purpose where we can exchange ideas, elevate one another, and help shape the future of fundraising.
