Community Announcements

Thank you to GiveSmart for providing this informative webinar specifically for AFP-GLAC members!  Members check your inbox for registration details!

When: Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Your Pivot to a Virtual Fundraising Event

You CAN do this. We can help.

Silver lining: Your brilliant fundraising peers have been hitting targets via virtual events for several years, and your org can too. So what should you do if your organization needs to host a virtual fundraising event instead of a live one? We’ve got data, inspiration, and some best practices to run virtual events so that all of your fundraising dollars don’t go out the window.

We’ll discuss:

• You’ve canceled or postponed, now what? A checklist for you.
• What a virtual fundraising event looks like
• Various online fundraising components
• BONUS: How to use these tactics to fundraise all year long

Presenters:

Dianne Kleber 
VP of Sales 
GiveSmart

Eric Newman
Director of Event Operations
GiveSmart

Maureen Blandford
VP of Marketing
GiveSmart

Thank you to CCS Fundraising for providing this informative webinar specifically for AFP-GLAC members!  Members check your inbox for registration details!

When: Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Key Elements of Prospect Management

Join your friends from CCS to explore the importance of, and key elements to, prospect management. Given the present circumstances, prospect and donor management has never been more important. How you build your pipeline, steward your donors, engage your prospects, record your data, and build your metrics are all topics to be explored and discussed. Together, we’ll share proven solutions and generate new ideas to bring your prospects closer, keep your donors connected, and build systems and plans that will only serve to advance your philanthropic efforts during this current crisis and when we emerge from it.

Presenters:

Chris Looney Principal & Managing Director CCS Fundraising	Jill Whiting Corporate Vice President CCS Fundraising

Be on the lookout for our email blast on our Virtual April Chapter Meeting on Leadership Development with Julie McDonald: "Honoring Your Personal Bandwidth"

Continue the discussion online. Click here for details

Fear manifests in fundraising in many ways. When we finally relax and turn to abundance we realize that it is not about us. Whether we make it rain, or even whether our individual organizations succeed. It is about the work.

8:00 - 8:30: Log in, get your coffee, a snack, and chat with others
8:30 - 9:30: Group meeting and discussion
9:30 - 10:00 Networking time

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) NW PA has been named a 2020 Ten Star Chapter.

 Every year, AFP, the largest association of professional fundraisers in the world, honors chapters for achieving goals that align with key objectives in its long-range strategic plan. Chapters receive the Ten Star Award for performing specific activities designed to increase professionalism within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy. Just one-third of all AFP chapters are named Ten Star Chapters, so the AFP NW PA  is one of a select group of chapters to earn this honor.

Ten Star Chapters are recognized at the AFP International Conference on Fundraising (ICON). Chapters also earn the privilege of displaying the Ten Star logo on their website, newsletters and stationary.

 

Criteria for the award are determined by AFP Global Headquarters. A list of several goals is published annually, and chapters must accomplish 10 of these goals during the year and submit a nomination form for verification to be honored.

For more information on the Ten Star Award process, please visit www.afpglobal.org. 

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Since 1960, AFP has inspired global change and supported efforts that generated over $1 trillion. AFP’s more than 31,000 individual and organizational members raise over $115 billion annually, equivalent to one-third of all charitable giving in North America and millions more around the world. For more information or to join the world's largest association of fundraising professionals, visit www.afpglobal.org.

Thank you to the Chattanooga Times Free Press for publishing chapter President Phil Trammell's letter about the need our member organizations are facing - those on the front line of this crisis and the cultural, educational and heritage organizations that make our city uniquely ours. 

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central New York chapter has been named a 2020 Ten Star Chapter!
Every year, AFP, the largest association of professional fundraisers in the world, honors chapters for achieving goals that align with key objectives in its long-range strategic plan. Chapters receive the Ten Star Award for performing specific activities designed to increase professionalism within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy. Just one-third of all AFP chapters are named Ten Star Chapters, so Central New York is one of a select group  to earn this honor!

Every year, AFP, the largest association of professional fundraisers in the world, honors chapters for achieving goals that align with key objectives in its long-range strategic plan. Chapters receive the Ten Star Award for performing specific activities designed to increase professionalism within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy. Just one-third of all AFP chapters are named Ten Star Chapters, so the AFP First Coast Chapter is one of a select group of chapters to earn this honor.

Click here for a one-stop shop resource guide and connection to discussion groups to help as we navigate this new reality

Check here for an up to date list of nonprofits who’ve asked AFP GDC to help spread the word on changes to their events as a result of the Coronavirus, along with special fundraising or volunteer needs they have.

Due to Covid-19 and our statewide shelter-in-place order we are closing nominations for Silicon Valley Philanthropy Day 2020 through April 30.  We understand that many of our members and friends are struggling with many competing demands at the moment and we wish to relieve the stress that filling out a nomination form might bring at this time. 

Make sure to visit The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits webpage for up to date resources and information.

AFP NOVA SCOTIA HONORED AS TEN STAR GOLD CHAPTER

(Arlington, Va.) – The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Nova Scotia Chapter has been named a 2020 Ten Star GOLD Chapter.

Every year, AFP, the largest association of professional fundraisers in the world, honors chapters for achieving goals that align with key objectives in its long-range strategic plan. Chapters receive the Ten Star GOLD Award for performing specific activities designed to increase professionalism within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy.

Less than 20 percent of AFP’s 243 chapters earn the Ten Star Gold Chapter recognition, making the Nova Scotia Chapter one of the association’s leading chapters around the world.

Ten Star Gold Chapters are recognized at the AFP International Conference on Fundraising (ICON). Chapters also earn the privilege of displaying the Ten Star Gold logo on their website, newsletters and stationery.

Criteria for the award are determined by AFP Global Headquarters. A list of several goals is published annually, and chapters must accomplish 16 of these goals during the year and submit a nomination form for verification to be honored.

For more information on the Ten Star Award process, please visit www.afpglobal.org.

* * *

Since 1960, AFP has inspired global change and supported efforts that generated over $1 trillion. AFP’s more than 31,000 individual and organizational members raise over $115 billion annually, equivalent to one-third of all charitable giving in North America and millions more around the world. For more information or to join the world's largest association of fundraising professionals, visit www.afpglobal.org.

All monthly meetings will move to Zoom until further notice.  Go to the events page for how to connect information for each meeting.

Click here for more information from the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits

CITY OF CALGARY Call for funding proposals:

The Alberta Government is providing $30 million to municipalities, charitable and non-profit organizations to provide help to individuals, seniors, families and other vulnerable Albertans who are isolated or impacted by measures to contain COVID- 19.

Through grants from their local Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in Edmonton and Calgary, and from Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) representing the remainder of the province, funding will be distributed to civil society organizations.

These organizations will support a range of services needed from at-home help for seniors, crisis and helplines, food security issues, emotional and mental health counselling or any other identified community issues.

• https://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/CNS/Pages/Neighbourhood-Services/Call-For-Funding-Proposals.aspx

Alberta Government gives $60M to organizations for social services

Last week, the Alberta government committed $60 million for municipalities, charitable and nonprofit organizations providing social services during the COVID-19 crisis.

• The funding will be provided to adult homeless shelters, women’s emergency shelters and the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) programs.
  Guidance for Providers of Services to Albertans Experiencing (or at-risk of) Homelessness (PDF, 647 KB)

For more information and support, please check the Government's website regularly


Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis has released new information about use of casino funds during this Covid-19 pandemic:

• https://aglc.ca/sites/aglc.ca/files/aglc_files/QA%20-%20Use%20of%20Proceeds_23March2020.pdf

AFP Global has put together a thorough list of resources:

• https://afpglobal.org/covid19resourceguide

The Calgary Foundation has created this support:

•  COVID-19 Urgent Charity Needs page

ViTreo Group:

• Fundraising in the Time of COVID-19

Momentum has developed a resource regarding financial supports for people impacted by COVID-19

• https://momentum.org/financial-supports-for-people-impacted-by-covid-19/

Grant Connect Community Edition: Work-From-Home Access
In light of library closures and funding shortages, Grant Connect, a database for grant opportunities, wants to ensure smaller charities continue to have access to their Community Edition. This program is typically accessed in person at licensed libraries, universities, and resource centre computers, but eligible organizations can now register for and have work-from-home access until April 8, 2020. The service is exclusively for Canadian charities, and the length of access may be extended depending on how the situation evolves. 

• Learn more on the Imagine Canada website.

United Way Community Response Fund
The COVID-19 Community Response Fund is a collaboration with The City of Calgary (including the Calgary Emergency Management Agency), and United Way of Calgary and Area, to support community agencies who are working diligently to keep Calgarians safe and well. Your organization is eligible if it has a charitable number, or has a formal partner sponsorship agreement with a registered charity, and is central to the provision of supports and services to meet immediate community needs related to COVID-19. Initial applications will focus on response needs within a three-month time frame.

• Learn more on the United Way website; please email rfp@calgaryunitedway.org to request access to the application. 

From Harvard Business Review: That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief

• https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief?fbclid=IwAR00AzNJotTre4rXX21yTXspMtkzj-y0GRQ-9_dToZI8yg0hxNp4wANKzjA

Sector leaders across our country have been working together to send a common message to the government: COVID-19 is impacting our sector too! Our government needs to include charities and nonprofits in its response to the crisis at hand. A letter has been sent to the Prime Minister requesting urgent support for our sector. AFP Canada, along with nonprofits and charities from across our sector, has endorsed this letter.

• It's time to advocate! Please take a minute to ADD YOUR VOICE by sending a letter to your MP. Imagine Canada has created a form that only takes a minute to complete. Once you have sent your MP a letter, please share this message with your network, including others in your chapter. The time for us to act is now as the government is making important decisions that will have an impact on our sector.

Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

Canadian Heritage’s FAQs :

• https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/information-covid-19.html

Canada Council for the Arts’ FAQs:

• https://canadacouncil.ca/covid-19-information

Tool for risk-assessment of mass gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/mass-gatherings-risk-assesment.html

Venues that may be willing to offer space to governments and health authorities for testing spaces, clinics, etc. If you are interested in adding your venue, please enter your information directly into the spreadsheet: 

• https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19h6p4uWgnL7j7FwXgW8zcb0P-EaJjJDE09c2sL9xVEA/edit?usp=sharing

Document on various metric categories for COVID19 impacts that arts organizations are documenting.

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Qwdu7S-t-DGZCWAs-tq1SErgVITH-jbLM0gYTOD_1bg/edit?usp=sharing

Brent Barootes, Partnership Group shared an hour-long session from March 26 on how to manage sponsorship during COVID 19. 

• http://www.partnershipgroup.ca/videos/

Kathy MacFarlane, MA, CFRE has provided a tip sheet she has developed with great advice for mental and emotional wellness during this difficult time: Tips_for_being_a_calm_and_healing_presence_in_uncertainty_.pdf  



The Calgary Zoo is closed to the public, but did you know you can WATCH the pandas on camera live? You can get a daily dose of happiness from afar. We could all use a bit right now!

• https://www.calgaryzoo.com/visit/animals/giant-pandas

Have you developed or come across a resource we should list here? Send an email to info@afpcalgary.com

For the latest resources regarding COVID-19, visit the resource page at AFP Global.

Hello AFP-GLAC members and friends,

During these challenging times, when our work lives have changed dramatically, we often turn to our professional associations to provide support and guidance. We want to be a catalyst in this endeavor.

Yesterday, many of us nationwide participated in a webinar hosted by CCS Fundraising entitled "Navigating the Challenges Presented by Coronavirus."   Featuring three senior leaders of CCS,  the presentation was substantive, with ideas about how to navigate fundraising activities in the weeks ahead. Wanting to investigate how this webinar could be available for our chapter (since many could not register due to limited space), I reached out to Chris Looney, Managing Director of CCS Fundraising Southern California and a friend to AFP-GLAC. He generously provided the recording for us HERE.  Just a bit over ½ hour in length, I encourage you to listen.

Another way for us to build community on-line is to send links to interesting articles about fundraising during this pandemic to our Chair of External Communications,  Felicity Palmer (fpalmer@escsc.org) so she can share via social media.

The leaders of our chapter value your membership and wish for you to continue valuing your relationship with AFP! Despite the need for social/physical distancing, we will provide opportunities where you can participate conveniently from a safe place. Stay tuned for information about an exciting webinar coming up in later in the month.

Remember too, we are here for you. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out at communications@afpglac.org. 

Here's wishing all of us patience and good health as we adjust to our new normal. 

Sincerely,

Mauria McPoland, MPA, ABC
President, AFP Greater Los Angeles

We apologize to anyone that tried to join the forum but wasn't able to. We received an overwhelming response and exceeded the number of participants allowed through Zoom. We will be hosting additional virtual town hall forums in the near future, so stay tuned!

Free webinars, articles and resources for development professionals.

Due to the current status of the COVID-19 virus, the AFP-RI team has decided to postpone the March 27th professional development meeting. We will be in touch as new information becomes available.

Click Here for to view this brainstorming session if you weren't able to join us.

Dear AFP NL Members & members of our Fundraising Community,

The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has brought us to a situation that no one could have ever imagined.  Health and safety of our members and the members of our community are paramount.  For this reason, AFP NL Chapter will be cancelling all upcoming PD sessions until further notice.

We must act responsibly and in the best interest of everyone.

We will look at some options for online learning opportunities for our chapter in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, AFP NL Members can still access the AFP Global Community (afpglobal.org), with articles, resources and webinars and many opportunities for online learning, including the 2020 AFP ICON Virtual Conference (www.afpicon.com).

These are challenging times for us all, but the strength and resilience of our NL spirit is stronger.  Thank you for everything you are doing to keep our community safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

AFP NL Executive 

During ICON Virtual Conference, March 29 -31, AFP Global is partnering with Blackbaud for the "Good Takeover" challenge. Blackbaud will match any gifts made to the BE the CAUSE Campaign during this time. Gifts must be $10 or more. Give online or Text AFP to 56512.

The April 21 Chapter meeting will be offered virtually via Zoom meeting. For more information, please visit the Events page of the website. Click here to register.

Want more insight on how the COVID-19 virus will impact your nonprofit going forward? Join this free Zoom webinar on 3/20. Read more . . .

To the AFP-WNY community,

I wanted to take this opportunity to write to you with this note on behalf of our chapter board of directors.  All of us within the AFP-WNY community are likely dealing with similar professional and personal challenges bought on by the COVID-19 situation.  During these rapidly-evolving and unprecedented circumstances, please know that you are not alone and that members of this chapter, as always, are here to support one another.

 

Support and connection are critical in times like these. It is also abundantly clear that safety and social distancing are immensely important.

 

To that end, I am very proud that our chapter, with years of supportive membership, has built a foundational balance of assets that, in times like these, allow us to focus on our members and our community first, and on financial implications in due course. 

 

Below are a few forthcoming changes to our regularly-scheduled engagement opportunities. We believe in seeking the appropriate balance between safety and adherence to local, state and federal guidance, while also being able to provide members helpful resources and networking opportunities.

• Professional Development Series that are scheduled in the near future will be moved to a virtual meeting space, and will be free for AFP members. Please be on the lookout for follow-up communications related to each event.
• We will also be implementing virtual networking opportunities, centered on topics of interest and timeliness. These forums will provide space for connection, best practice, and idea sharing within our community.
• Information on future events and their respective formats will be communicated as circumstances evolve. Please be on the lookout for regular updates via email, as well as on the AFP-WNY website, afpwnychapter.org.

Lastly, and most importantly, I hope that each of you are prepared for the disruptions we will continue face in the coming days and weeks. Please know how thankful we are to have you as a member of AFP-WNY, and that we will continually strive to provide helpful resources and support during these unprecedented times.

Best,

Justin Johnston

President AFP-WNY

The AFP Chapter Workshop at Bridgewater Retirement Community has been cancelled. View the email announcement.

The first CFRE study session of the year will take place via Zoom meeting. Please visit the Events page of the website to register.

AFP-CNY recognizes the unique challenges presented by the threat of COVID-19 and is committed to maintaining the health and safety of our members and community.
At this time, currently scheduled meetings will either be cancelled or offered virtually through April 30, upon which time we will reevaluate and reassess.
We will continue to monitor this rapidly developing situation, following all guidelines set forth and provide updates to our membership as we learn more about the impact of COVID-19.  The health and well-being of our membership and our community at large is our top priority.

The first post, a special message from Chapter President Steve Ragan, discusses sharing best practices and other information on how we as fundraisers respond to the coronavirus.

26th Annual Arizona Planned Giving Conference!

When: May 8,2020

Where: Sheraton Phoenix Crescent Hotel 

Read more about the Planned Giving Conference here 

Due to the coronavirus, we have cancelled our March monthly meeting, featuring Susan Wommack. We hope to reschedule her talk later this year. Thank you for understanding and let us know if you have any questions at centexafp@gmail.com

AFP Colorado Chapter response letter on COVID-19 and resource page are now available.

https://community.afpglobal.org/afpcocoloradochapter/aboutus23/new-item4349

As a benefit of your membership, the Central VA Chapter of AFP offers an opportunity to chapter members who want to benefit from the experience and wisdom of seasoned colleagues through the Mentoring Program.

Applications are now available and due Friday, May 1.

How to Create a Balanced, Sustainable Fundraising Strategy for Your Nonprofit This workshop is ideal for nonprofit leaders who feel pulled in multiple directions when it comes to what strategies they need in their fundraising mix today and in the future. Each participant will leave with a fundraising strategy template, an action plan, and a workbook of activities to help your nonprofit become more sustainable over time. Date: Monday, April 27 9 am - 12 pm Fee: $59 Location: Flinn Foundation 1802 North Central Avenue, Phoenix 85004 Instructors: Dr. Bev Browning, CSPF - Director - Grant Writing Training Foundation Laura Ingalls - Communications & Content Marketer Abeja Solutions Brianna Klink -Operations Manager

Please stay tuned for information on our April 9 meeting in conjunction with the Strategic Nonprofit Alliance Partnership (SNAP).

AFP Western Maryland has decided to postpone the AFP Talk that was scheduled for March 26, 2020. We are closely monitoring developing news regarding COVID-19 and committed to following the guidelines and recommendations of our federal, state and local governments. The health and safety of our program participants and members are our first priority. We will provide an update on this event when it is known.

March 18, 2020

In consideration of the health and well-being of all our members, AFP Chattanooga is canceling the March meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you all at the April meeting!

In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and following our local government recommendation regarding event gatherings, AFP Miami will be postponing its upcoming events till further notice.

Friends,

AFP Arkansas Chapter has been closely following the developing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic over the past weeks. The AFP Board and I have made the decision to cancel next week’s education session scheduled for March 19. The chapter leadership feels this is the most responsible step to take in order to protect the health of our members and guests.

We will provide updates on rescheduling this program. Thank you for your understanding.

Regards,
Christine Gronwald
AFP Arkansas Chapter President

We are sorry, but this event has been cancelled.

Due to some members’ concerns about the COVID-19 coronavirus, we have decided to postpone the Young Professionals Event scheduled for March 12.

Once a new date is announced, there will be no need to register again.  Your current registration will be transferred to the rescheduled event.  If you have any questions please email the office at office@afpglac.org.

For those attending AFP ICON in Baltimore, please check the conference website to stay up-to-date on the latest messages from AFP Global and the steps they are taking to ensure a healthy and safe experience for attendees. CEO Mike Geiger recently announced a virtual attendance option.

Stay informed by official sources including CDC.gov, PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and LAMayor.org/Coronavirus.

In light of the uncertainty over the COVID-19 virus, we felt it was prudent to reschedule our March 12 educational program. Ironically, this kick-off event for 2020 was focused on giving trends in challenging times. This couldn't be more timely in light of this election year and the media's focus on catastrophic events. Details will be posted on our site as they are finalized.  

We will do our best to continue to deliver timely information and programming to our members during these challenging times. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Now in its 12th year, the Principles of Fundraising series of workshops continues to provide high-caliber, basic-skills development in the art and science of fundraising for nonprofits. Created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Connecticut Chapter, the series provides five introductory-level, half-day workshops focusing on theory and practice taught by AFP members who are experts in their respective fields. Workshops are designed to help new and established nonprofit organizations raise money more effectively and efficiently.

Dear Colleagues,

Like you, the AFP Greater Los Angeles Chapter is closely monitoring the latest developments around COVID-19/novel coronavirus.  I wanted to take this opportunity to personally reach out to our loyal members and supporters to address the current situation and our chapter’s response.

Please be assured that the AFP-GLAC is committed to the health and safety of all of our constituents as well as the larger Greater Los Angeles community. You are our top priority. 

You may have seen recent guidance from the Los Angeles Public Health Department about large gatherings of people, specifically the LA Marathon coming up:

“We are not currently recommending the suspension of any large public events, including the LA Marathon,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “The public can continue to enjoy all that LA County has to offer, including this historic event. However, we do want people to take enhanced measures to protect themselves from the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19; this includes staying home if you are sick and frequently washing your hands.”

Business continues as usual for AFP-GLAC and all events are still scheduled to operate as planned.

To ensure the health and safety not just of our members, but the larger community, our chapter is implementing the following changes, effective immediately:

1. Monthly luncheons and other planned events will continue as planned, but we encourage all members to enjoy a “handshake free” experience.
    
2. We will avoid communal food service as much as possible.
   
   • At events that provide food, such as monthly luncheons, we will provide individually packaged meals. Condiments and dressings will be individually packaged for service.
      
   • We will not provide communal water jugs or pitchers. At events without hands free water stations, we will provide a limited amount of bottled water. We encourage everyone to bring their own filled reusable water bottle to all AFP-GLAC events.
      
   • To avoid cross contamination from communal coffee pots, we will not provide coffee or tea service until further notice.
     
3. We advise all attendees to wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, especially before eating. We will also have a multitude of hand sanitizers available for use.
    
4. We insist that anyone who is sick stay home instead of attending an event.   
    
   

We are aware that some local conferences have been canceled, but these conferences had much larger expected attendance than anything conducted by the AFP-GLAC Chapter. 

AFP Global - AFP International Conference (ICON) is still proceeding as planned in Baltimore from March 29 to March 31. Please check the AFP Global website for future updates.

We will continue to monitor this situation as it develops and will heed the advice of federal, state, and local authorities, as well as basic common sense. Any changes will be communicated via email and our website.

We also ask for all to remain informed by official sources including CDC.gov, PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and LAMayor.org/Coronavirus.

Sincerely,
Mauria McPoland, MPA, ABC
President, AFP Greater Los Angeles

Join us as we learn from Jeff Clarke & George Virtue of Avail CPA on the important topic of Succession Planning.