PROGRAM:
If your board still cringes at the word fundraising, you’re not alone! Many nonprofit leaders struggle to move their boards from passive approval to active participation when it comes to raising money. But what if fundraising didn’t feel like asking for favors — and instead felt like advancing the mission you all care about?
In this month's education program, we’ll unpack why boards resist fundraising and what actually moves them from compliance to commitment. You’ll learn how to reframe fundraising as mission leadership, clarify expectations without creating tension, and equip board members to contribute in ways that align with their strengths — even if they “hate asking.”
You’ll leave with concrete tools, conversation frameworks, and a clear action plan you can implement immediately to increase board ownership and reduce staff strain. Fundraising doesn’t have to feel like a solo sport — and your board can become an asset instead of an obstacle.
YOUR PRESENTERS:
Kim Stewart, Owner/Lead Consultant
Athena Coaching & Consulting
In addition to being YOUR local AFP Chapter Administrator, Kim has over 35 years experience leading nonprofit organizations of all sizes. She is a fierce advocate for transforming well-meaning but ineffective boards into engaged, high-performing leadership teams. Kim's expertise comes from years of guiding volunteer Boards of Directors with YMCAs across the Midwest and Colorado. Athena Coaching & Consulting focuses on supporting organizations with their board development needs through coaching, consulting, facilitation, and training.
Mollie Giller, Principal
Giller Consulting Group
Mollie Giller possesses over ten years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, outreach and coalition-building, and administration. Her knowledge of development and capacity building, work with vulnerable populations, passion for community, and focus on collaboration drives her work. She holds a Master of Public Health degree in Community and Behavioral Health and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Communications Studies, and International Studies from the University of Iowa, with an emphasis in International Communications and a Minor in Spanish.
location/PARKING:
Ample free parking is available on the north and south sides of the building.
REMINDERS:
As an AFP member, you may bring one guest annually FREE OF CHARGE to an AFP monthly education meeting. If you would like to use your free guest pass, please email Kim at afpcentraliowa@gmail.com.
MEAL OPTIONS:
We will enjoy catering from In the Bag for this month's luncheon. Please complete this google form to make your choice between: Basic Brown Bag Turkey sandwich, Basic Brown Bag Roast Beef sandwich, Basic Brown Bag Vegetarian sandwich, Autumn River Salad, or In The Bag Salad (vegetarian). Anyone who does not submit a lunch choice by 4/8/26 will receive the Basic Brown Bag Turkey sandwich.
RSVP DEADLINE:
Please register and submit your lunch choice by noon on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
CFRE CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS:
This program is eligible for CFRE credits. To search CFRE credits for past AFP programs please visit: My Education Finder.