AFP-NJ President's Message

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, two weeks into a new year means new goals. An opportunity to retain, renew and grow. It’s also probable you started that work in 2024 – you needed to review and reflect.

Most you know that since 2009, I’ve been a member of AFP and the NJ chapter. What you don’t know is I was likely a recalcitrant volunteer.

I had an infant; was considering starting a graduate program and already held several volunteer roles including being a member of Vestry at my church and as a member of the Alumni Council at my undergraduate university.

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 planned to ensure those align so you can join a community that offers you expertise, engagement and education.

As you lay out your plans for the year, I hope that AFP is factored into your day. I encourage you to peruse our already very robust calendar which offers a mix of expert speakers, social events and education sessions that supports your personal and professional development.

My career has been enriched by my AFP experience peers and our chapter will help you to achieve the same. As I shared early in 2024, I aim for us to bring you value that helps you to reach your goals.

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, or take a look at our upcoming slate of events and sign up (email me first and I’ll comp your first event).

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

Why Join AFP?

Taken from https://afpglobal.org/benefits - Updated July 7, 2021

  • Two new major member benefits have been added, AAUW Online Negotiation Workshops and AFP360°. AFP has partnered with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to provide all members a free one-hour online negotiation workshop. In addition, AFP has launched with Korn Ferry the new AFP360°, our free online career builder and management tool!
     
  • AFP's professional advancement programs and courses give every professional, no matter what level of experience they have, the opportunity to enrich their skills and add to their knowledge base. We also offer Blackbaud University to AFP Members for free. Whether you're a new fundraiser or need a refresh of basic fundraising and nonprofit skills, get free guidance with Blackbaud University.
     
  • Plus, free access AFP’s latest research and reports here.
     
  • AFP’s Code of Ethics is the only enforceable code in the sector. Every member of AFP must sign the code each year and adhere to its standards and practices.
     
  • Members get free access to the AFP Compensation and Benefits Report where you can find benchmarking on fundraisers’ salaries, benefits and other compensation—how does your position and location compare to the national average?
     
  • Members receive a discount to attend the AFP ICON held each spring which brings more than 3,000 fundraising professionals together and offers more than 100 educational sessions.
     
  • To help train you and your staff, members have access to the AFP Online Knowledge Center. You can register for upcoming webinars, Micro-Learning videos, AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising eLearning courses and along with other courses at a discounted member rate. Free webinars are available to members from time to time as well.
     
  • Members can also take advantage of educational opportunities at your local chapter level. Local chapters are the heart of AFP networking and mentoring.
     
  • Visit the AFP Career Center and upload your resume to help build and further your career. You can also find or become a mentor.
     
  • Plug in to AFP with social media tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and benefit from the expertise of others in the AFP Connect.
     
  • Innovative ideas can be found in Advancing Philanthropy which is free to AFP members as well as our members only newsletter AFP Daily.
     
  • AFP Members receive an exclusive 20% discount to Giving USA 2019: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for all pre-order 2019 products, including print and digital packages, data tables, and a full PowerPoint you can use to share and explain the data trends with your fundraising staff and board of directors.
     
  • Get the latest trends and analysis at The AFP Blog.
     
  • The AFP Ready Reference series is free in PDF format to members.
     
  • A 20% discount on initial CFRE certification and recertification fees.