Program
October is Ethics Awareness Month for the Association of Fundraising Professionals—a time to reaffirm the principles that sustain donor trust, organizational credibility, and public confidence in the fundraising profession.
Join us for an engaging, practical session focused on the ethical questions fundraisers encounter in their work every day. Ethics is more than a set of rules; it shapes how we build relationships, steward gifts, navigate competing interests, and represent the missions we serve.
The session will begin with an ethics quiz designed to spark reflection on key principles, professional standards, and common gray areas in fundraising. Participants will then move into small groups to examine several case studies, discuss possible responses, and consider how the AFP Code of Ethical Standards can guide sound decision-making.
Whether you are new to the profession or a seasoned development leader, you will leave with fresh perspective and practical language for approaching challenging situations involving donors, organizational leadership, confidentiality, stewardship, conflicts of interest, and more.
Programming Co-Chairs Clara Bergan and Colleen Rogers Messenger will moderate the exercise, helping guide conversation and connect participants’ insights to ethical fundraising practice.
Come ready to think critically, share your perspective, and strengthen the values that support our profession and the missions we serve.
Your MODERATORS
Colleen Roger Messenger
AFP Programming Co-Chair
Colleen Rogers Messenger, CAP®, has been a board member of AFP Central Iowa since 2018 and a member of the chapter since 2016. She has nearly 20 years of experience in donor-centered fundraising and her background spans pediatric healthcare, youth mentoring, housing, conservation, and higher education. In addition to AFP, she is a member of the Rotary Club of Des Moines, where she has served as a board member, chaired the Community Service committee, and led efforts for a Thanksgiving fund drive to support a local elementary school.
Clara Bergan, VP of Resource Development
Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity
Clara Bergan, CFRE, joined the AFP Central Iowa Board earlier this year and first joined AFP in 2015. Currently Vice President of Resource Development at Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, she brings broad fundraising experience spanning team leadership, corporate partnerships, capital campaigns, individual giving, planned giving, special events, and more. Clara’s favorite part of her role is helping local partners connect volunteerism and philanthropy to create meaningful impact through affordable homeownership. Outside of AFP, she supports her spouse’s small business, Chain & Spoke, and enjoys spending time as a mom, knitter, and cyclist.
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 admin@afpcentraliowa.org.
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 Vegetarian sandwich, Classic BLT Wrap, Autumn River Salad, or Fresh Strawberry Salad. Anyone who does not submit a lunch choice by 10/7/26 will receive the Basic Brown Bag Turkey sandwich.
RSVP DEADLINE
Please register and submit your lunch choice by noon on Wednesday, October 7, 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.