Hello & Happy New Year!
It’s always interesting to wake up on 1st of January. Will it be the start of something brand new? Will it be a continuation of the year prior?
For many, a new year means new goals. An opportunity to hope and dream, to define what success looks like and how to achieve it.
It’s also an opportunity to reflect. Take a moment to look back: perhaps to celebrate, perhaps to dissect. Either way, once done, leave the past (with some learnings) and then move forward. These first steps will help you move toward a plan.
Whether professional: craft a new development plan or personal: carve out more time to spend with family, we’ll all be laying the groundwork for a successful 2026.
At AFP-NJ that’s focused on you. Our members, our community, our state. We ask ourselves, “What would make you leave your (home) office? What is valuable for your education? With whom do you want to connect and collaborate?”
Our annual calendar offers a blend of in-person professional development events like the Whitley Lecture to the Conference on Philanthropy, coupled with moments of inspiration, like the Excellence in Philanthropy Awards and our Year End Lunch (where we celebrate recent CFREs, volunteers and hear from young philanthropists). In between you can learn at your desk – a suite of webinars are offered thanks to our chapter partners – amplifying your ability to be successful.
As nonprofit professionals we speak a lot about time, talent and treasure. It can be hard to find more time (is there any?) in the day to give back. We can feel budget constraints which impacts your decision to become a member, renew or add another layer to your experience like attending our annual conference. However, I know it is rewarding to have a plan to ensure those align so you can join a community that offers you expertise, engagement and education.
As you develop your annual plan, consider how AFP plays a role. I encourage you to hear from expert speakers (AFP Global includes webinars in your membership as a benefit), attend social events (meet people to complement your existing network) and learn at educational sessions (if you haven’t yet attended one, you may able to for free with a board member).
My career has been enriched by my AFP experience and the New Jersey Chapter is here to help you do the same.
If you’re a member already, thank you. If you’re not yet a member, I encourage you to take the first step. Reach out to me, or another member of the board. We’re always happy to connect and chat.
Our work is more than work. It’s an opportunity to shape our communities, and help our neighbors live, grow and thrive.
I hope to meet many of you, learn your stories of why fundraising and play a (small) role through the chapter as you achieve your dreams.
Best,
Natalie R. Krauser, CFRE
President, AFP-NJ Chapter
natak@aiche.org