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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.
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!
Spotlighting Oscar, Madison and Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized from September 15th to October 15th. Hispanic Heritage Month was established to celebrate the incredible contributions of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFP Greater Madison Chapter sat down for a conversation with Oscar Mireles, Executive Director of both Omega School and LOUD (Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development).
Why Did You Become a Fundraiser with David Mossner, CFRE
This month we’re featuring an interview with Certified Fund Raising Executive, David Mossner, CFRE.
Between the time of the interview and its publication, David’s role changed from Development Director to Executive Director of Oakwood Foundation in Madison. We hope the story of his fundraising journey and the lessons he learned along the way inspire and encourage you.
What inspired you to become a fundraiser?
My first exposure to fundraising happened while working as an insurance agent. My goal was to serve individuals or families by helping them to meet their needs and attain their goals with insurance, investments, or a combination of both.
One of my clients had a portfolio of highly appreciated stocks and, as a couple, they were looking for a way to support their philanthropic goals.
Thanks to regular talks at our agency meetings from a planned-giving counselor, I introduced the idea of legacy giving to the couple. Over the next several months, the counselor and I met with them to answer questions. Ultimately, we helped them set up a Charitable Remainder Uni-trust, which thrilled my clients.
As I watched the counselor, I appreciated his patient approach. He never rushed to close the deal but answered all the couple’s questions. That experience made me think I might like to do that kind of work.
Read more about David's career..
Why did you become a fundraiser with Mary Salisbury
This month we asked Mary Salisbury, Director of Philanthropy of Girls on the Run South Central Wisconsin, to share her fundraising journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Mary’s career in fundraising started several years ago in Minnesota. She has worked for several non-profit organizations including PAVSA, a sexual assault service provider, YWCA Minneapolis, and Freshwater in St. Paul.
In her current position at Girls on the Run, Mary helps young women in South Central Wisconsin learn critical life skills. With guidance from trained volunteer coaches, girls and gender-expansive youth are inspired to develop joy, health, and confidence through dynamic interactive lessons and physical activity.
Another of Mary’s most recent responsibilities in the field includes serving on AFP Greater Madison’s Board of Directors in the role of IDEA Officer to help foster a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
We hope her story offers you encouragement as you continue to learn and grow.
Why did you become a fundraiser with Mike Sweitzer-Beckman, CFRE
This month we asked Mike Sweitzer-Beckman, CFRE, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Edgewood College in Madison and our newest President-Elect of AFP Greater Madison, to share his fundraising journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
We hope his story motivates and encourages you.
What inspired you to become a fundraiser?
While in grad school in Berkeley, California, I thought I wanted to be a campus minister. But after a year, I realized it wasn’t for me. Fortunately, the career development director at my school noticed I was passionate about different causes and a strong communicator. He encouraged me to pursue fundraising. I finished the program, moved back to Madison in 2008, and landed a job a couple of months later as an entry level fundraiser.
FIND OUT MORE!
Member Spotlight: Dr. Daniel (Plummer) Koehn, D.M.A
This month, the AFP Greater Madison Chapter is thrilled to highlight one of our seasoned members, Dr. Daniel Koehn, D.M.A. Daniel has been a member of the Chapter for more than 10 years! During his time with the AFP Greater Madison Chapter, Daniel has served on the Board of Directors, chaired National Philanthropy Day, and led our members as Chapter President. Daniel is a friend to many within the Chapter, but we are excited to share more about what he’s been up to lately.
AFP Greater Madison Member Spotlight: Ash Collins
The AFP Greater Madison Chapter is comprised of so many fantastic fundraisers and we are excited to feature one of these individuals this month – Ash Collins.
Ash is the Influencer Relations Specialist at Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization. In Ash’s role, she partners with social media influencers to promote the work her organization does to “Save Them All!”
During Ash’s six-year tenure with the AFP Greater Madison Chapter, she has served in various roles. Ash started as a member of the Young Professionals Committee, served on the Board of Directors, and now sits on the Mentorship Committee.
2020 Member Kudos
Our members have been making an impact and doing amazing things this year. We love to celebrate their success! See what AFP Greater Madison Members have been up to.
Do you have a story to share for Member Kudos? We want to hear about it. Please share your story with us!
- Job changes or promotions
- Unique grant or funding accomplishments
- Honors or awards for you or your organization
- Capital campaign completion
2018 Member Kudos
Our members have been up to great and amazing things this year and we love to celebrate success. See what AFP Greater Madison Members have been up to.
Do you have a story to share for Member Kudos? We want to hear about it. Please share your story with us!
- Promotions
- Job changes
- Unique grant or funding accomplishments
- Honors or awards for you or your organization
- Capital campaign completion
One Good Idea...
By Jenni Jeffress Collins
When I attend a conference, I hope I come back with one practical idea to implement. That certainly was the outcome for time spent at the International Public Library Foundation conference that I attended in June in Denver. AFP Greater Madison supported me with a scholarship to attend this conference, which is in its second year of existence.
