This month, I am grateful for the leaders who make up our philanthropic community, both across the country and here in Atlanta. As we celebrate Black History Month, we have recently seen multiple calls from across the sector to encourage funders to give to Black-led nonprofit organizations. I hope you’ll keep an eye on the stories, including the open letter centering the Black Feminist Fund and the open letter circulated by the California Black Freedom Fund, and continue to examine the ways our work in the sector could do more to uplift the organizations and leaders who deserve our support - not just in moments of crisis, but consistently.
We also have some fantastic events coming up for you to attend which showcase the expertise here in our own community. On February 21, our virtual chapter meeting will give attendees a glimpse into the work of a successful corporate giving strategy, and for our March meeting, we’ll be featuring Atlanta local and AFP Global Chair Birgit Smith Burton to share her vision of the philanthropic movement. Plus, on March 28, we will be celebrating fundraising at its best with our Be Haas award ceremony, sponsored by Alexander Haas. Please keep an eye out for your invitation to join us for the return of this event, which will be bigger than ever before. See you soon!Kate McNeely, CFRE2023 AFP Greater Atlanta Chapter President