AFP - GTS Monthly Newsletter

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT...

As fundraisers, we are storytellers, bridge-builders, and the changemakers who ensure that empathy and compassion are never limited by resources.

As we embark on a year of learning and networking, let us remember that fundraising is not just about asking for support—it is about inviting others to be part of something greater than themselves.

We’ve all had moments where we’ve dropped the ball—literally and figuratively. But what if dropping the ball was the first step toward mastering something new? Join us on March 26 for an interactive and engaging session that explores the connections between juggling, resilience, and success.

Through the art of juggling, you’ll gain firsthand experience in embracing failure, adapting to challenges, and celebrating progress. No experience required—just an open mind and a willingness to try! Come early to network and enjoy lunch with fellow professionals. More details below.

See you there!
Kara

Education Committee

Title: Embracing Failure and Success Through Juggling

Wednesday, March 26
Networking (Bring your own lunch) from Noon – 12:30
Session 12:30 – 1:30pm
Location: Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA
No cost to attend!
Developed from a gift from Tom’s grandmother, this growth mindset primer incorporates play, failure, growth, reflection, and discussion all while participants learn how to juggle. We will celebrate success and respond to failure in a “fascinating(!)” way while creating connection and finding ways to grow professionally and personally. Are you ready to juggle?

RSVP Required by March 21 to Wendy Sweeney, wsweeney@hillsdales.org.

Speaker: Tom Hicks, University of Iowa
His passion is supporting individuals and organizations in their leadership journey and providing career development and transition support for higher education professionals. Tom has worked at all levels in higher education for the past 20+ years and is currently building out an end-to-end student support program in the College of Education at the University of Iowa.

Quad Cities AFP Educational Opportunities

AFP Quad Cities chapter will host a full-day conference, Success in Fundraising, on May 1. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/9181732865253735/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A%7D

To see more fundraising education from AFP QuadCities: https://www.afpquadcities.com/continuingeducation

Join us for upcoming Education Events!

See All Upcoming Educational Opportunities

National Philanthropy Day planning is underway and we would like to take the opportunity to invite YOU to participate in making a nomination.

Each year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Tri-State Chapter (AFPGTS) honors donors and volunteers whose gifts of time, expertise and resources make a significant contribution to the success of the not-for-profit agencies and institutions they serve. We need your help to identify those who make a difference with their giving back in our community. Please consider nominating worthy individuals and organizations for their role in supporting the causes that mean a great deal to all of us. Nominations are welcome from all individuals and organizations.

Submit your nomination TODAY!
**Click here to submit a nomination**

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND SAVE THE DATE
National Philanthropy Day
WHEN: Thursday, November 6, 11:45 am - 1:15 pm
WHERE: The Hotel Julien, 200 Main Street, Dubuque
National Philanthropy Day is a special day set aside to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy—and those people active in the philanthropic community—to the enrichment of our world. We look forward to seeing you at this annual event!

Be the Cause NEW! 2025 Goals:
Our chapter goals for the 2024 Be the Cause campaign are:

2025 Low Goal: $1,077.13* (2024 Goal was $1,106.83)
2025 High Goal: $1,238.70 (2024 Goal was $1,272.86)

GTS Chapter BE the CAUSE History: 2024: $990.90, 2023: $965.50, 2022: $1,275

*Our chapter receives a portion of these funds granted back each year to use for chapter education and/or scholarships. This grant increases if we hit certain benchmarks. Those are as follows:

We receive a grant equal to 15% of total $ raised no matter what. ($148.60. from 2024)
We receive a 25% grant if we meet our low goal, and have 100% board participation.
We receive a 35% grant if we meet our high goal, and have 100% board participation.

The ‘Be The Cause’ campaign also supports the Chamberlain Scholarship program nationally, which allows one Greater Tri-States Chapter member the opportunity to attend the AFP International Conference (this year in Seattle in April) at a substantially reduced cost each year. The campaign also supports other scholarships, in addition to the Chamberlain Scholarship. Below are images that show where 2025 gifts went and where your 2025 gift will go.

Be the Cause: SAVE THE DATE
Please save the following dates: April 27-29 and October 16-18 to make your Be the Cause gift this year. A matching sponsor matches $10 on all gifts of $20 or more made to the Be the Cause Campaign during these conferences. Matching funds also go towards our chapter goals listed above. Please mark your calendars to make your gift during these dates. For more information, or to make your gift to the Be the Cause campaign, visit the AFP Website here.

Summer Social: SAVE THE DATE

Date: Thursday, July 17th
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Location: Stone Cliff Winery

The summer social is a great time to introduce new people to AFP, so I encourage you to think about a guest or two you might be able to bring with you, perhaps your Executive Director or someone else on your development staff!

2025 Membership Committee Members: Chelsea Cox(Chair), Jeff Schnider & Beth McGorry
There’s room on our team for more! Reach out to Chelsea if you’d like to join!

Membership Update: We are currently sitting at 36 members. Please share prospective member names with Chelsea Cox at chelsea@dbqfoundation.org. Feel free to start the conversation about how our AFP chapter has impacted your development as a fundraiser and how wonderful our current members are.

There have been some recent local employment opportunities. Check out the postings to learn more. For current positions please click here:

Job Opportunities

Get Social with us! Links below: