You'll find all the latest news about AFP Greater Madison and articles written by our local nonprofit community right here. If you're interested in creating or sharing news content, such as an article or a video, please contact us.
Eliza’s Art and Giving Spirit Recognized at National Philanthropy Day
With National Philanthropy Day 2022 on the horizon (November 10 at the Overture Center) we wanted to continue to honor our 2021 honorees! This month, we spotlight Eliza Gepner and her beautiful, unique art. Eliza was celebrated as the 2021 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award after being nominated by MOM (Middleton Outreach Ministry).
Pursuing your CFRE?
Creal Zearing (Gathering Waters) and Lynn Perez-Hewitt (Hewitt Consulting Enterprises) recently started a CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) monthly working group that is intended to bring together those in the greater Madison community looking to learn more about and pursue their CFRE certification. Join this dynamic duo on the second Tuesday of every month from 4-5 pm!
Celebrating 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 Baltazar De Anda Santana, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Latino Academy of Workforce Development, Inc.
Stoughton Students Learn to Dance Thanks to Jonathan and the Madison Ballet
Stoughton Courier Hub and Scott De Laruelle’s recently released a full article about our very own AFP GM board member, Jonathan Solari (CEO), and Madison Ballet teaming up with the Stoughton Area School District to bring dancing summer classes to Stoughton. This was a great opportunity to highlight how Madison Ballet is making a difference in our community through partnerships and new ideas!
Local Member and Chapter Director Receives Recognition
Jen Davie, the AFP Greater Madison Chapter Director, will be recognized with Outstanding Alumnus Award from the UW-Platteville College of BILSA (Business, Industry, Life, and Agriculture). This award acknowledges an alumnus who contributed to a body of knowledge that advances a profession through research or professional activities, has made a significant contribution to society in the form of philanthropic contributions, or has demonstrated visionary thinking and actions.
Celebrating Black Philanthropy Month
Recognized annually in August, Black Philanthropy Month is a global celebration of Black American gift-giving in the form of time, talent, and treasure. We talked to fundraising veterans and philanthropists here in Dane County, Timeka Rumph (Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association) and Jamie Sims (100 Black Men of Madison and Middleton School District) about black philanthropy and what it means to them and our community.
Five Qualities of a Great Fundraiser
Hear from Angela and Patricia about their Top 5 qualities below! Do some of these sound familiar? Living out these qualities in our every day work is why we do what we do.
Angela Davis
Director of Grantmaking
Madison Community Foundation
AND
Patricia Eldred, CFRE
Patricia has more than 25 years of development experience, having raised significant dollars for arts, human services, education, early childhood and animal rescue organizations. Patricia has been an AFP Madison Chapter member since 2002, and in 2005 was honored as Outstanding Professional Fundraiser by the Chapter. She received her CFRE certification in 2005.
AFP Greater Madison Strategic Plan Update
The AFP Greater Madison Chapter Board of Directors gathered on Friday, July 8th to review the Chapter’s strategic plan. The strategic plan outlines the mission, core purpose, core values, and goals for our organization and is meant to guide the chapter year over year. Normally the plan would follow a three-year plan, but due to COVID, the current strategic plan has been in place since 2019.
While the plan itself is still being finalized with the Board of Directors, the group is excited to share an update on the core values. These core values will guide the overall strategic plan and inspire activities within the Greater Madison Chapter moving forward.
Celebrating Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month and here at AFP Greater Madison we wanted to highlight some of our members and close connections that are part of our Madison community and are also making a difference in their own communities!
Led by our Diversity Officer, Arlen Moss, our chapter continues to improve our vision of the world through a JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) lens and we are grateful to all of our members and friends, including Lori and Jason, for sharing their experiences with us.
With that being said, we are always looking for insight, stories to share or advice from all of our fundraisers of varying backgrounds and experiences. Keep us in the loop and share your story today, right here!
Hear more from Lori Werbeckes (Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired) and Jason Beloungy (Access to Independence) below as they share about their work, the communities they serve and other thoughts on the community of folks with disabilities.
Freedom Inc. Honors and Supports the Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Community All Year Long
Throughout the month of May, various organizations in the Greater Madison Area have hosted activities in honor of AAPI Heritage Month. One such organization is Freedom, Inc. Freedom, Inc. is a Black and Southeast Asian non-profit organization that works with low- to no-income communities of color. The organization’s AAPI base are Southeast Asian women, youth, and LGBTQ folx. Freedom, Inc., defines Southeast Asians through a political lens, meaning individuals from countries that were directly impacted by the war in Southeast Asia (Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam).
Cryptocurrency Resources
As cryptocurrency become more popular, you might be wondering what role it will play in fundraising. We've gathered some resources that might help you in accepting this new form of currency.
Neighborhood Kids Newsletter Adds Fundraising Component
Never doubt the abilities of a child - or, in this case, a neighborhood of children.
The Neighborhood Kids Newsletter (or NKN) was born out of the isolation and lack of interpersonal connection of early pandemic schooling. Daniel Pell, a teacher and father of two young sons, recently added “Editor in Chief” to his list of titles, when he gathered the children of their neighborhood together to report on local and global news.
The children’s reporting covered the national presidential election, the ongoing pandemic, and - more recently, the invasion of Ukraine.
Award-winning connection: Kelley and Creal share a friendship and passion
Kelley Van Egeren, the Director of Stewardship and Development, was named Outstanding Fundraising Professional at last November’s National Philanthropy Day awards. She was nominated by former colleague and friend, Creal Zearing, the Director of Philanthropy at Gathering Waters.
We asked them to share about their connection and a little about their environmental fundraising and work in the community.
Learning and fun is a sure bet for local members attending VIVA ICON in Vegas
Ten people from AFP Greater Madison are having a blast in Las Vegas enjoying the opportunity of a lifetime at this year's AFP ICON 2022, held May 2-4.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve reached out to some of them and asked what they were looking forward to gaining from the experience. Here’s a sampling of what they shared.
It will be my first AFP conference and my first in-person fundraising conference! I’m looking forward to learning, growing, and connecting with new people in the fundraising sector.
Jenni Speth, CUDE, Events and Donor Experience Senior Manager, National Credit Union Foundation, Madison
Check out what others are saying in the full article!
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 ICON and Scholarship Representation from AFP Greater Madison
After two years of going virtual, AFP ICON is back in-person for 2022! AFP ICON is an annual conference hosted by AFP Global and this year’s event will be held May 2-4 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The conference features more than 100 educational sessions and is attended by thousands of fundraisers from across the world.
The AFP Greater Madison Chapter will have fantastic representation at AFP ICON, thanks in large part to the Chapter’s Scholarship Program. Five members of the AFP Greater Madison Greater Madison Chapter received awards and stipends to attend AFP ICON: Jamie Quam, Natalie Glumm, Creal Zearing, Bryan McCormick, and Ash Collins.
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.
Women’s History Month: Brenda and Bird’s inspiring “Forward” progress
I had the absolute joy of sitting down and chatting with artists Bird Ross and Brenda Baker about their journey to their “Being Forward” social practice piece, which has blossomed into something more (see below). This led to Bird and Brenda receiving the Outstanding Grassroots Fundraisers Award at last fall’s National Philanthropy Day, hosted by AFP Greater Madison!
The two reflected on their earliest memories of philanthropy and how it has shaped their lives and their amazing work today.
7 Tips To Make Thank-You Messages Memorable
If you’re like most people, you appreciate recognition for your kindness or generosity.
I’ve donated to many organizations in the last few years. But when I think about all the thank-you messages I’ve received, only two made a lasting impression.
One was a call from a board president. The other was a personalized message from a volunteer. Both were thoughtful and remain top-of-mind.
Saying “Thank You” is a vital part of a comprehensive donor stewardship plan.
Community Partnership! WYC, Little John’s Team Up
When Little John's Kitchen reached out to Elver Park Neighborhood Center, operated by Wisconsin Youth Company, it was the middle of 2020. We were still in the process of discovering how to provide services to children and families in the midst of a global pandemic. We weren't ready for a partnership, but Little John's Kitchen said "That's ok. Call us when you're ready."
Welcome aboard! Say hello to 6 new board members
A total of six new board members joined the team at our latest meeting in January 2022. We’re honored to welcome Natalie Glumm, Beth Larson, Creal Zearing, Erin Krysinski, Lynn Perez-Hewitt, and Jamie Quam! Find out more about these individuals.
A Year In Review 2021
Thank you for joining me as we kick off another year of fantastic programming, networking, and supporting each other at AFP Greater Madison (AFPGM). I’m thrilled to be starting my second year as your chapter president, and I look forward to the great things we’ll accomplish together. But, before we get too far into 2022 plans, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the great things that happened for our chapter and members last year. Take a few moments to read through reflections on this past year's work.
Annual Meeting 2021
Thank you for being with us this year. We are grateful for all of the support and involvement from our Greater Madison community. You allowed us to continue to provide professional development and networking opportunities all year long. Check out the full report of this year's work.
We Want You! New Committee Members Welcome
Our AFP Greater Madison chapter is looking for new committee members!
We have numerous areas you can help out, get to know some of the best fundraising professionals in Madison/Dane County, and also gain experience for your own career. Email Jen Davie, admin@afpmadison.org, if interested or have questions!
Giving Tuesday Vibes in Dane County
“Show me the Money, Jerry!”
Cuba Gooding, Jr. said it best in his famous line from the well-known 1996 movie, Jerry Maguire.
Giving Tuesday, arguably one of the most famous national fundraising events, is certainly built on raising funds to help non-profits, but it’s also a day that shows the goodness of our communities (including here in Madison) and how we can help and support one another.
It’s an important piece to many organizations, who use it strategically in their development plans, in their community and awareness building, and to have fun while making a difference.
Hear from some local Madison non-profits (The River Food Pantry, Goodman Community Center and the Literacy Network) and their thoughts on Giving Tuesday 😊.
“Do More Good”! Mentor program flourishing in year two
Year two of AFP Greater Madison’s mentor program is under way! Six pairings of mentor and mentees started the program back in November as the second class to participate. Last year featured four pairings.
Thanks to the great work of Lily Mize, Pete Schwieger, Ash Collins and Anna January for making this happen and for creating a program of lifelong learning for those in our development/fundraising community!
Don’t take it from us, hear from those in the program.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Recognizing the Difference Makers
Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 this year. We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. Marcos, Karime, and Faatima embody this spirit and are moving the Madison and Dane County forward at their respective organizations (Centro Hispano and Agrace) in helping Hispanic Americans and their families. Thanks for everything you do!
Member Spotlight: Paul Harrison
This month we highlight Paul Harrison, the longtime Development and Communications Director for Access Health Centers of 15+ years in Madison. Check out his lengthier feature in Madison Magazine here. Thanks for your commitment and good works in our community, Paul!
Honoring and Celebrating Black Philanthropy Month
Recognized annually in August, Black Philanthropy Month is a global celebration of Black American gift-giving in the form of time, talent, and treasure. We talked to fundraising veterans and philanthropists here in Dane County, Arlen Moss (Co-founder of I-jedi, LLC) and Michael Johnson (President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County), about black philanthropy and some of the challenges at their organizations.
In Memory of Boris Frank
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Boris Frank. His presence, influence, and spirit will be greatly missed at AFP Greater Madison and in the community. Our sincere condolences to Boris' family. Boris was a founding member of AFP Greater Madison and served our organization in many ways throughout the years. Boris' obituary may be found here. We encourage you to share a message with his family. A celebration of life will be announced for a date in the near future.
