We welcome involvement from all chapter members on our committees. Active and effective committees boost the value and quality of membership for all chapter members.
Estimated time commitment varies throughout the year, with an average minimum of 1 in-person meeting per month, plus 1-2 hours a month of email, research, and related work; some additional time when preparing for events. We are dedicated to making committee membership accessible for our chapter members throughout Western New York, so virtual options are available for all meetings.
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Annual Conference
Chair: Krystina Burow, Director of Development, Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY.
VP: AnneMarie Haumesser, EdD, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Overview: Committee prepares and executes a plan for a one-day professional development conference. Develops programming to meet educational needs of chapter members and other potential attendees, in cooperation with Monthly Luncheons committee. Secures speakers, researches venues, promotes events via newsletter copy development and social media copy development & posting, hosts and emcees events.
Meets: once a month, about 10 months of the year
Busiest time: January - June
Sign up to volunteer with the Annual Conference committee
External Relations
VP/Chair: Bob Van Wicklin, Vice President for University Advancement, St. Bonaventure University
Overview: Committee guides and executes efforts to promote, expand impact and presence of our chapter, AFP, philanthropy and fundraising profession. Includes development and execution of advocacy efforts inclusive of both government and media relations.
Meets: once a month, about 10 months of the year
Busiest time: March – May
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I.D.E.A. (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Access)
Chair: Theresa DeLuca, Chief Advancement Officer at Journey’s End.
VP: Katheryn Ross-Winnie, Associate Director of Advancement, University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education
Overview: The committee develops recommendations and implementation plans to improve the inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility to the fundraising profession within Western New York.
Meets: Once a month
Busiest time: work is spread equally throughout the year
Sign up to volunteer with the I.D.E.A. committee
Membership
VP/Chair: Katheryn Ross-Winnie, Associate Director of Advancement, University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education
Overview: Committee drives member recruitment and retention, engages and welcomes members, provides information about member benefits, helps with prospect mailings, produces member-only events and recruitment events.
Meets: once a month, about 10 months of the year
Busiest time: March – August
Sign up to volunteer with the Membership committee
National Philanthropy Day
Chair: Caroline Hurley Nardin Fund Associate and Event Coordinator at Nardin Academy
VP: Megan Smith Graves, Grateful Patient Officer, Catholic Health
Overview: National Philanthropy Day is AFP’s annual celebration of the exceptional philanthropic efforts that change our community with a giving heart. Held every year around November 15th, the event draws nearly 500 fundraisers and representatives from local businesses and non-profits. The committee manages all aspects of logistics, day-of-event operations, invitations, securing sponsorships, production of the event program book, script, awards nomination and selection process, and event promotions including development of email copy and development & posting to social media.
Meets: once a month from March – November
Busiest time: September – November
Sign up to volunteer with the National Philanthropy Day committee
Professional Development – Monthly Luncheons
VP/Chair: AnneMarie Haumesser, EdD, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Overview: Committee prepares and executes a plan for approximately eight one-hour professional development sessions. Develops programming to meet educational needs of chapter members and other potential attendees, in cooperation with Monthly Luncheons committee. Secures speakers, researches venues, promotes events via newsletter copy development and social media copy development & posting, hosts and emcees events.
Meets: once a month, about 10 months of the year
Busiest time: January – May; September – December
Sign up to volunteer with the Monthly Luncheon committee