The AFP-RI Annual Meeting and Half-Day Conference returns!
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Rhode Island chapter (AFP-RI) is pleased to present a half-day nonprofit fundraising conference on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The event will be held at the St. Mary’s Academy – Bay View. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. The day will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude by 2 p.m. The conference will feature several educational sessions and a panel discussion about the state of nonprofits in Rhode Island.
AGENDA:
8:00 - 8:45 am: Breakfast and registration
8:45 - 9:45 am: Panel on Navigating Stormy Nonprofit Seas. In 2025, nonprofit fundraisers face more uncertainty than ever. “Navigating Stormy Nonprofit Seas” features local nonprofit sector leaders who will offer guidance, discuss key issues, and respond to questions in an interactive panel format. This panel features:
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Moderator: Amy Gravell, President, St. Mary Academy - Bay View
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Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies, Executive Director, Economic Progress Institute
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Jennifer Pereira, Vice President of Grants & Community Investments, Rhode Island Foundation
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Nancy Wolanski, Director, Alliance for Nonprofit Impact, United Way of Rhode Island
9:45 - 10:00 am: Networking Break
10:00 - 11:00 am: Keynote featuring Abbie J. von Schlegell, CFRE, FAFP. This timely and actionable talk will address remaining resilient during prolonged periods of challenge and unpredictability. Abbie has over 40 years of experience in development, both as a fundraising executive and as a consultant with several national firms. You don’t want to miss her session!
11:00 - 11:30 am: AFP-RI Annual Meeting & Service Award Presentations
11:30 am - 12:45 pm: Lunch
12:45 - 1:45 pm: Breakout Sessions
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Everything Events: What’s working, what isn’t, and what’s next? Join members of the AFP-RI Board for a fundraising events idea share and deep dive. We will explore what’s working in 2025, what isn’t, what you should try, including shifting events from transactional to relations, what virtual events look like in 2025, the value of community-based grassroots events, offering successful third-party events, auctions, and more. Bring your experience and questions!
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Direct Mail 101, co-presented by Bud McCann of Allegra Print & Imaging and Jenn Remmes, Director of Donor Engagement at United Way of Rhode Island. This breakout will cover direct mail basics, the power of collecting and maintaining accurate data, trends and innovations, the role of AI and technology, and some best practices for success.
1:45 - 2:00 pm: Wrap up and raffle! Raffle items are a one-year AFP-RI membership scholarship for non-members, and 2 tickets to “Back to the Future” at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, June 11 for current AFP-RI members.
Full participation in the AFP-RI Half-Day Confernece is applicable for 3.0 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.