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Volunteers: The Heart of Your Nonprofit's Mission
In recognition of Volunteer Month, we honor those who selflessly give their time, talents, and often share their treasure.
Volunteers are essential partners who advance your organization’s mission. Working with volunteers and maximizing their impact toward your mission should be haphazard. Consider these best practices in volunteer management when building and improving your volunteer program.
Benefits of AFP Membership: complimentary webinars from AFP Global
Your AFP membership gives you access to national-caliber webinars throughout the year. AFP Global will be offering five complimentary webinars over the next two months, including some open only to AFP members. Presented by a range of qualified presenters, take a look and you may just find your next fundraising “lightbulb moment” in an upcoming webinar.
Months of AFP Greater Madison events ahead
As the co-chairs of the AFP Greater Madison Professional Development Committee, Caitlin Ryan (Madison Community Foundation) and I are excited about the professional development opportunities the chapter will present this year. For years, we have both drawn on resources offered by AFP to learn, share experiences with other fundraisers, and move our careers forward.
AFP Greater Madison Mentorship Program
Mentorship can be beneficial for anyone, not just for folks who are new to fundraising. If you’re looking for some extra guidance from a seasoned fundraiser, or think you have some wisdom/knowledge to share from your years on the job, we’d love for you to get involved in an experience that’s rewarding for both mentees AND mentors!
A note from Beth and the AFP GM Board of Directors
We will continue to advocate for our profession, to provide opportunities for learning and growth, and to foster a community where fundraisers can turn to one another for support. Whether you need resources, a place to talk things through, or simply reassurance that we are in this together, we are here.
Read more from Beth and the Chapter Board of Directors.
AFP Greater Madison Annual Meeting Highlights
Nearly 60 people attended AFP Greater Madison’s Annual Meeting last December at Goodman Community Center. It was great to catch up with and connect with many of our members in person.
Similar to years past, the meeting started with committee updates from chapter board members and committee chairs who shared highlights from 2024, including Beth Larson, Chief Development Officer with Agrace, who has stepped into her new role as chapter president for 2025.
Note from Mike Sweitzer-Beckman, outgoing chapter president
As I enter my final stretch as President of AFP Greater Madison Chapter, I feel a deep sense of gratitude to so many: our members, board members, volunteers, sponsors, speakers, and friends who make our community so special. It has been a privilege to serve you and to work together to support both generous philanthropy that transforms our community, and the profession of fundraising itself.
How I’ve been using AI chatbots in my Development Work
Amidst a lot of hype across all sectors about the power of generative AI, I’ve been slowly trying out different ways to put these new tools to use in my work. I’ve found a handful of ways AI chatbots have helped me be more efficient, informed, and effective as a fundraiser in my role with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.
I’d like to share a few of those with you. I hope they spark your curiosity and desire to experiment with ways these tools might enhance your work, too.
Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Food for Thought
Annually, September 15 through October 15 marks National Hispanic Heritage Month (also called National Latinx Heritage Month). It’s an official commemoration of Latinx and Hispanic culture, history, and achievement in the United States.
This Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month, take a moment to consider the importance of Latinx-led nonprofit organizations in our community and the contributions of greater Madison’s wider Latinx community.
Why did you become a fundraiser with Aleeh Schwoerer
Aleeh Schwoerer (pronounced al'-lē shware) is the Development Manager for Arts Midwest, a regional, nonprofit arts organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
She is also one of the newest members of AFP Greater Madison’s Board of Directors. Aleeh serves on the chapter’s Professional Development and Membership Committees.
Recently, I asked Aleeh if she would share her story and the journey that led to her fundraising career. I hope her story motivates and encourages you.
Keep Your Organization “Top of Mind” During an Election Year
The race is on for the 47th President of the United States. And the candidates are in it to win it.
According to Jim Shapiro of the Better Fundraising Company, we’re entering into an election storm. And that’s exactly how it feels with the barrage of political ads flooding public broadcasts, social media platforms, inboxes, and mailboxes.
Some fundraisers wonder if it is even possible to break through the noise.
The answer is a resounding “Yes!”
Reports from Classy show that charitable giving during election years has increased since 2008. However, Wisconsin fundraisers need to temper that news with Candid’s segmented research, which predicts that battleground states—which describes Wisconsin—may see a decrease in giving.
Start a Group Today!
As Development professionals, we are always looking for ways to grow and improve to help our respective organizations. But we can’t always do it by ourselves, no matter how hard we try! That’s where our AFP Greater Madison community of fundraising professionals comes in.
If you are looking for resources or help on a specific topic, need support or want to brainstorm . . . start a group! Lynn Perez-Hewitt and Creal Zearing, both members, started a CFRE working group from scratch and it was easy to start and maintain.
National Philanthropy Day 2024 – Nominations Open
National Philanthropy Day, or NPD, is an annual celebration held in November to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy – and those people active in the philanthropic community – to the enrichment of our world. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and those who make it possible.
The idea of NPD was originally conceived of and organized by Douglas Freeman in the 1980s, and the first official events held in 1986 after President Reagan signed the official National Philanthropy Day proclamation. Last year, more than 130 AFP chapters held NPD events and activities across North America, including an event here in Madison.
How I Make the Most of the 2024 AFP Compensation and Benefits Report
The 2024 AFP Compensation and Benefits Report came out in June, and as I do each year, I read it to take stock of where we are as a field and to assess my own position and organization in greater context. In this post, I’ll share how I read it each year and how you can put it to work yourself.
Celebrating Black Philanthropy Month
Black Philanthropy Month started in 2011 and has been celebrated and elevated every August for over a decade. Here’s a brief overview and how we can all be a part of it now and later!
What is Black Philanthropy Month?
Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) is a month of celebration and renewal of giving to and by African-descent communities. It is a chance to showcase the work of Black Philanthropists, scholars, practitioners, and champions both nationally and globally. According to BlackPhilanthropyMonth.com, BPM is the world’s only global diasporan community coalition and movement to celebrate and empower Black funding in all its forms, from philanthropy to venture and business investment.
Spotlighting new board member, Courtney Spilker
We reached out to one of our newest board members, Courtney Spilker, who builds relationships and fundraises for the Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association. She joined the AFP Board in 2024.
Name
Courtney Spilker
Profession
Director of Development at the Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association working with alumni and donors of the College of Engineering.
Find out more about Courtney!
Advocacy can support your mission
As a fundraiser, you know that Development touches all aspects of your organization’s programs and activities. You also know some programs are more popular with corporate supporters and foundation grantors. Others garner a better response in personalized direct mail and e-appeals for annual support. Still, other initiatives become proposals presented to individual donors.
However, many nonprofit organizations don’t realize how advocacy can directly support their missions.
Last July, AFP’s Greater Madison Chapter hosted a live event entitled, “Giving Trends in Dane County & Advocacy.”
During the live seminar, Andy Davey of Madison Community Foundation, Melinda Heinritz of Madison Public Schools, and Mike Carlson of Gathering Waters stressed the importance of including advocacy as a key component of every nonprofit’s mission.
Advocacy is often overlooked by nonprofits. In some instances, organizations may even have internal policies that prohibit advocacy-related activities.
Fundamentals of Fundraising 2024 Recap
The fundamentals are important and comprise the foundation for fundraisers’ work. To share these fundamentals, the AFP Greater Madison Chapter hosts AFP Global’s Fundamentals of Fundraising course annually. This year’s class took place in Madison in April.
The Fundamentals of Fundraising course was created in 2010 and revised again in 2017 to serve as a foundational learning experience for individuals new to the field. The two-day class covers the roles and responsibilities of fundraisers, with emphasis on responsibilities fundraisers are likely to encounter at the beginning of their careers.
In April, the Chapter welcomed 12 individuals to the 2024 cohort. These students' nonprofit experiences ranged from Executive Directors to volunteer Board members. During the two-day event, everyone shared their knowledge, collaborated during the workshop sessions, and learned together.
Mentorship Program year 4 starting in June
WOW! What a year! AFP Greater Madison’s mentorship program saw continued growth with our largest cohort yet in 2023: 19 mentee/mentor pairings! And mentorship can be beneficial for anyone, not just for folks who are new to fundraising. We are excited for year 4 of our mentorship program starting this June.
Greater Madison Coffee Shop Round-Up
As fundraisers, one of the most universally uniting experiences is a coffee shop meeting! Whether you’re meeting a prospective donor, connecting with a colleague, or networking with fellow fundraisers – coffee shops are often the go-to meetup locations. However, going to the same place over and over again can get stale. Here are some new ideas for spots to check out for your next coffee date.
Scholarships Open Opportunities: Natalie Glumm shares her experience from AFP ICON
Natalie Glumm, Managing Director of Corporate Giving at PBS Wisconsin, enriched her fundraising experience earlier this spring by attending the world’s number-one fundraising conference, AFP ICON, in Toronto, Canada.
The conference, which took place from April 7 to 9, allowed Natalie to interact with fundraising professionals from around the world.
During the conference, Natalie built relationships, shared ideas, and learned from others in the field during informal get-togethers. She also learned about best practices, innovative strategies, and emerging trends during the workshops and seminars.
“Attending AFP ICON contributed to my ongoing professional development,” says Natalie. “The conference offered valuable learning experiences and opportunities. I left Toronto with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to bring actionable ideas back to my team and community."
You Would Make a Great Mentor or Mentee, Check It Out!
WOW! What a year! AFP Greater Madison’s mentorship program saw continued growth with our largest cohort yet in 2023: 19 mentee/mentor pairings! And mentorship can be beneficial for anyone, not just for folks who are new to fundraising.
Details below:
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Applications Open: March through Sunday, May 5
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Cohort kicks off in June and formally runs for 1 year
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Time Commitment: Min. 1 hour/month – otherwise flexible, dependent on mentor/mentee pair
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Qualifications: You DO NOT need to be member of AFP Greater Madison to participate, loo; looking for both mentors and mentees all areas of fundraising and development
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Questions? Email Mentorship Chair Pete Schwieger at pjschwieger@gmail.com
Honoring Women’s History Month & Jenny Pressman
In March 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women planned the first ever “Women’s History Week.” The week-long celebration in Santa Rosa, California was coordinated around International Women’s Day on March 8. The event sparked interest across the country, and other communities joined in the festivities the following year.
As the movement grew across the United States, Women’s History Week was recognized by President Jimmy Carter for the first time in 1980. Women’s History Week later expanded to Women’s History Month and became an official resolution in 1987.
Each March, the purpose of Women’s History Month is to honor women’s contributions in American History. Within the AFP Greater Madison Chapter, there are dozens of incredible women who are working to better the lives of those around them and contribute to positive changes in our world.
One incredible example of this is Jenny Pressman, Director of Development and Community Partnerships for the UW Odyssey Project and AFP Greater Madison’s 2023 Outstanding Fundraising Professional.
Level Up Your Career and Skills with an AFP Scholarship
Take your career to the next level with a scholarship from AFP Greater Madison.
AFP Greater Madison takes the philanthropy profession very seriously. So seriously, in fact, they provide scholarships to help fundraisers further their careers.
I know this to be true from first-hand experience.
Professional Development Scholarships can help you take advantage of unique learning opportunities.
Last fall, I applied for and received a scholarship to attend the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference. The experience was amazing!
The two-and-a-half-day conference featured an incredible lineup of fundraising experts. Fifty-five sessions covered various topics, ranging from capital campaigns to “weeds” in your direct mail appeals.
Looking for Professional Development? So are we!
As a fundraising professional, you hope to thrive, not just survive. With smaller organizations, it’s sometimes both! We’re always looking to continue learning and growing. There are plenty of professional development opportunities to watch out for this year, including webinars on our AFP Global site, local events, or conferences across the country. Hear where some of our members are heading in the coming months.
FRIENDLY REMINDER: AFP Greater Madison offers scholarships for various professional development opportunities, make sure to check out our scholarship page today!
“I Love What I Do”: Origin Story with Jill McNally
This month, we asked Jill McNally, Director of Stewardship and Development at the Diocese of Madison, if she would share her story and the lessons she has learned along the way. We hope her story motivates and encourages you.
Welcome New AFP Greater Madison Chapter Board Leaders
As the calendars turned to 2024, a new group of dedicated leaders joined the AFP Greater Madison Chapter Board of Directors, guided by a new Chapter President! The team will lend their expertise, experience, and energy to the chapter’s mission of advancing ethical and effective philanthropy through education, professional development, networking, and outreach.
Honoring Black History Month with Two Extraordinary Women
In honoring Black History Month, we wanted to share content from two inspirational and transformational African American women leaders, Birgit Smith Burton and Vanessa McDowell.
Birgit was the first African-American woman in the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ 61 year history to be voted board chair. She has a long list of accomplishments as a frontline fundraiser.
Vanessa was the impactful leader at YWCA Madison for nine years and recently took a new role as Chief Operating Officer at Black Girl Ventures (BGV).
Read more about these extraordinary fundraisers who broke through barriers to make a difference. You’ll find links to their stories below. And thank you to Mary Salisbury, AFP Greater Madison’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) Officer for her suggestions and links!
Oh, No, Facebook Made a Change! Fundraising with Facebook After October 31
Are we really surprised that Facebook (Meta) changed its platform? If we have been following their news, this is just another day in the tech enterprise's world. Facebook announced at the end of August that it would stop covering fees for donations through the platform and turn over the administration of giving through the platform to the PayPal Giving Fund. It would continue allowing nonprofits and donors to fundraise, but all transactions would be run through this third-party PayPal Giving Fund.
Peer Spotlight Mailbag
Wisconsin Youth Company Development Director and AFP Greater Madison member Emily Wills sent this email out to donors the afternoon of Giving Tuesday, pushing to the finish line of their $5,000 match challenge.
It stood out to me as a fun way to prompt quick action while expressing her organization’s unique identity. And we can use it as a reminder of some best practices to follow in our own fundraising communications.
