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.
A panel discussion followed, including a quartet of accomplished local fundraisers:
Timeka Rumph, Associate Director of Advancement & Events, School of Education at UW-Madison
Paul Harrison, Director of Development, Access Community Health Centers
Nicole Hoffman, Strategic Growth Director, Kids Forward
Jenni Jeffress, President, Oscar Rennebohm Foundation
Mary Beth Collins, the Executive Director for Community & Nonprofit Studies, School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, acted as emcee and asked the panelists to share their “secrets” to a fulfilling career in fundraising.
They were more than happy to reveal their tips.
“Incorporate new folks in your fundraising process because nothing beats the real world experience of doing the work.” ~ Jenni Jeffress
“Think about your own personal growth and find opportunities to be creative. You don’t always have to follow every best practice.” ~ Nicole Hoffman
“Thinking about a career in fundraising longer term . . . I think fit is really important. I like a certain pace and I like to stay busy. I don’t do well if I’m not. And think about the team around you: not just the people around you, but the people you call when you need help on something.” ~ Paul Harrison
Timeka Rumph echoed Paul’s point, sharing it’s key to not overlook annual fund officers or those that work with smaller gifts. Seeing beyond the major gift fundraising is important – it’s a team effort.
AFP Greater Madison’s Annual Meeting provided a professional learning opportunity, a chance for connections within our field, and excitement for a year of strong fundraising ahead.
Key links to material from the Annual Meeting
2025 Board Slate (Proposed)
