Salary Negotiation Tips for Fundraisers: The Results of the 2026 AFP Compensation and Benefits Study

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we explore the latest findings from AFP’s 2026 Compensation and Benefits Study and what they reveal about fundraising salaries and the persistent gender pay gap. The episode offers practical strategies for negotiating your salary, advocating for raises and promotions, and building a career that reflects your true value. Listeners will gain evidence-based insights to approach compensation conversations with confidence and maximize their earning potential. *AFP members can access the full report for free here. Non-members can purchase the report here.*  Guest: Colton C. Strawser, Ph.D., CFRE, BCC: Colton is the president of Colton Strawser Consulting, an Arlington, Texas-based firm that empowers organizations to create change by strengthening their data, funding, and leadership capacity. Strawser served as the lead researcher and author of the AFP 2026 Compensation and Benefits Study.    Hosts:  Jarrod Williams, MBLI, CFRE, is a courageous, strategic, and results-oriented fundraising leader with over a decade of experience driving revenue growth, donor engagement, and organizational visibility. He is committed to building cultures of philanthropy within mission-driven organizations and brings a proven track record across major gifts, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, event strategy, and data-informed decision-making within both arts and social justice and organizations. He serves as a Client Experience Leader for Veritus Group, where he educates and coaches fundraisers across the country on innovative mid-level and major gift strategies. In this role, he partners with organizations nationwide to strengthen donor pipelines, elevate fundraising performance, and build sustainable revenue models. Jarrod has been recognized for his leadership and influence and remains actively engaged in advancing the fundraising profession. He serves on the AFP Global Emerging Leaders Committee and the AFP LEAD Education Committee, supporting the development of the next generation of fundraising professionals. In 2020, he was named a Top 30 Under 30 Young Professional by 101.1 The Wiz in Cincinnati. He is also a graduate of the Urban Leaders Institute through the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, where he earned the Best-in-Class Award for Best Connector—recognizing his ability to build meaningful relationships and mobilize others around a shared vision. He is a proud Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a graduate of the AFP Global Faculty Training Academy. Jarrod holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Wright State University and a master’s degree in Business Leadership and Innovation from Northern Kentucky University. Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, ACNP, GPC, CAP, Founder & CEO, AQP Consulting & Executive Director, ENP: Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier has fourteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has collectively raised approximately $5 million for over 75 organizations. She serves as Executive Director of ENP and runs her own nonprofit consulting firm, AQP Consulting, where she helps grassroots nonprofits with fundraising strategy, strategic planning, board development, and grant writing.  Allison is a vocal advocate for gender parity, closing the wage gap, and ending the motherhood penalty. With accolades such as AFP’s Outstanding Young Fundraising Professional, NBJ’s 40 Under 40, NBJ’s Women of Influence, a National Latino Leader, and the Women Who Rock Nashville Social Justice Award, Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier strives to serve and better her community every day. A dedicated AFP member for the last seven years, Allison currently chairs the Women's Impact Initiative (WII) Mentorship Program and serves on the LEAD Education Advisory Committee. When she is not out serving her community, she is spending time with her three kids, Quintan, Karina, and Kamren.