President's Message

“Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving” - Henry Rosso

That is my favorite quote about fundraising. Our profession is both an art and a science and AFP helps professional fundraisers to balance these two elements.

When you join AFP, you are welcomed into an international group of the world’s most experienced fundraisers. We share our collective knowledge, mentor each-other and provide a supportive network that helps to guide our careers and personal development. Our membership reflects a cross-section of Indian River County’s nonprofit community, as well as the consultants and resource partners who serve our industry. We welcome professionals at all career levels from organizations of all sizes.

As President of the AFP Indian River chapter, I would like to thank all of our members for joining. Our chapter is nearly 100 members strong. If you are considering joining us, I encourage you to become part of this amazing organization. Our chapter offers the best networking opportunities, an unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards, and quality educational and professional advancement opportunities.

While you are on the website, check out all of the things our local chapter and AFP Global offers to our members:

• AFP Indian River programming and Online Learning from AFP Global.
• Jobs that are open in our community, and beyond.
• The innovative member’s only career development partnership between AFP and Korn Ferry called AFP 360°. This is a comprehensive online tool that brings a number of career development options to AFP members, all free of charge.
• Scholarship opportunities to attend AFP ICON, AFP’s flagship “International Conference,”. Held each spring and brings together nearly 4,000 fundraising professionals to discuss important trends and issues related to fundraising and philanthropy, with a focus on fundraising practice and technique.

Warm regards,

 
Jessica Schmidt, CFRE
President, AFP Indian River Chapter