At AFP Nova Scotia, we believe in the power of shared learning. Fundraising Field Notes is a space for fundraising professionals across Nova Scotia and PEI to share insights, experiences, tools, and lessons — from campaigns and stewardship strategies to sector reflections and real-life experiments.
Your voice helps strengthen our community and move the fundraising and nonprofit sector forward.
Fundraising is about more than dollars raised - it takes the expertise of donor relations professionals, fundraisers, communicators, finance leads, data analysts, community-builders and many, many more talented professionals. That’s why we want to hear from you! Whether you specialize in crafting donor journeys, managing campaigns, analyzing giving data, or developing powerful narratives, your insights are valuable.
What to Share
We welcome submissions that are:
- Practical – share tools, strategies, or reflections others can apply
- Brief – ideally 600–1,200 words, but we’re flexible
- Original – written by you (unpublished elsewhere unless permission is granted)
- Reflective – we value learning, not just polished success stories
Topics might include:
- Innovative fundraising strategies or campaigns
- Donor engagement and stewardship
- Reflections on fundraising culture or organizational change
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion in fundraising practice
- Navigating hiring or the 12–18 month tenure cycle
- Technology or platforms you’ve tested (e.g., TipTap, donor CRMs)
- Case studies and lessons learned (from success or failure)
- Working as or with fractional fundraisers or consultants
- Trends, challenges, or sector shifts you're seeing and feeling
We also encourage contributors to explore soft skills and internal practices, such as resilience, boundary-setting, career growth, and collaboration.
Article Structure
To help ensure consistency and reader value, please include:
About the Author
A short 2–3 sentence bio with your name, role, organization, and a little about your work or perspective.
Background and Context
Tell us how your experience or organization connects to the topic. What challenge, idea, or trend are you exploring — and why does it matter?
Summary
Wrap up with key takeaways, a reflection, or suggestions for others in the field. If you’re open to connecting, let readers know how to reach you.
Style Tips
- Write with clarity and purpose — keep it jargon-free when possible
- Use headings and bullets to break up long sections
- If you cite a tool, source, or idea, give credit
- Be honest — we learn from real practice, not just perfect outcomes
When We May Decline to Publish
We aim to highlight a wide range of member voices and perspectives. However, we may decline a submission if:
- Topic lacks sector relevance
- Required sections are missing (Author bio, background, summary)
- Content is overly promotional
- Same author has published multiple pieces recently
- Plagiarism or lack of originality
- Tone is unprofessional, discriminatory, or harmful
- Editorial capacity or timing limits our ability to publish
We may also suggest edits for clarity, structure, or tone before publication — and will always check with you first.
A Note on AI
We understand AI tools can be helpful in writing. If you use one, please make sure the submission reflects your voice and experience.
If you use AI in your writing process, please:
- Review and personalize the content before submitting
- Ensure all examples, data, or stories are accurate and genuinely reflect your work
- Avoid submitting material that was fully AI-generated without your oversight
Remember, the strength of these contributions is in their authenticity and relevance to our community.
How to Submit
We welcome both finished articles and works in progress. You don’t need a polished piece to get started — outlines and proposals are encouraged!
Step 1: Submit Your Idea
Use our Knowledge Sharing Submission Form to share your draft, outline, or article idea.
Our volunteer editorial team will review submissions on a rolling basis. If your proposal is a fit, we’ll provide:
- Feedback and light editorial guidance
- A proposed publication timeline
- Clear next steps for final submission
Step 2: Final Submission
Once approved, you’ll be invited to email your final article as a Word or Google Doc to:
afpnovascotia@gmail.com
We may suggest minor edits for clarity, length, or structure. You'll always have the opportunity to review and approve any changes before we publish.
Note for CFREs and Candidates: If your article is selected and published by AFP NS, it may count toward your CFRE recertification under published materials. We encourage you to retain a copy of your published work and any communication from AFP NS as supporting documentation for your CFRE log.
Where Your Piece May Be Shared
Your contribution may appear:
We’ll always credit your work and include your author bio so readers can connect with your perspective and expertise.
Questions?
Email us at afpnovascotia@gmail.com — we’d love to hear from you!