News

More than 30 attendees gathered on March 25 to learn how to track and use metrics through the following roundtable opportunities.

Equity means being fair and a whole lot more.  In an equitable society, people have access to the necessities of life with no obstacles based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or gender to name a few.  In an equitable society, people can go as far as their talents and abilities will allow.  It sounds quite simple.  Why isn’t this our reality?

In looking back on history, we can note some parallels with current events. We are surrounded by the advancement of innovations, while at the same time overwhelmed by the call for reforms in the areas of social justice, economics, and politics.

If your strategic plan is collecting dust, then your potential is as well. During the AFP SEWI “Visioneering Your Organization” webinar watch, area AFPSEWI professionals discussed the importance of strategic planning to lead to the success of both their department and their organization.

Every year, AFP honors chapters for achieving goals that align with key objectives in its long-range strategic plan. Chapters receive the Ten Star Award for performing specific activities designed to increase professionalism within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy. Just one-third of all AFP chapters are named Ten Star Chapters, and I happy to report that our Chapter is one of a select group of chapters to earn this honor.

Though virtual networking and learning continues as the method to meet the needs of AFP members we have decided to provide opportunities that are 'more than just a meeting.’ Find out what the fuss is all about...

This black history month, let’s remember the pandemic that has plagued our country long before the Coronavirus.

Your annual fundraising plan is ready to go. That’s great…but have you put it to work yet? A plan on paper is only as good as its implementation strategy. 

AFP members tuned in on January 28 for a webinar where diversity-focused fundraisers shared case studies and discussed the importance of and opportunities provided by, inclusion in the charitable sector.

It’s hard to believe that we are almost one full month into a new year. I hope everyone had a great year-end and that you are well on your way to achieving your 2021 goals. As our AFP Chapter looks at a new year...

On a snowy morning last February, a small group met at the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin for the monthly AFP Grant Group. After great discussion, the March meeting was scheduled at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Then came March and COVID hit...

Each of us must be intentional about incorporating equity and inclusion in our personal lives and in our planning and goal setting at an organizational level. What could that look like?

This year was tough on many nonprofits and we all understand that challenge all too well. But be assured we are here to support you and your organizations in our community.

The funding community throughout Wisconsin “really stepped up” in an inspiring way to meet the extraordinary challenges facing the nonprofit community in 2020, according to Tony Shields, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Philanthropic Network.

The year 2020 has been unprecedented in so many ways.  It only follows that the year’s nonstop changes would affect the holidays as well. That explains the song I heard on the radio the other day:  “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire Coronavirus all around CARES Act tax law changes now will inspire Good donors to spread their money around…”

Are revenue rollercoasters keeping you awake at night? Is the special event ‘hamster wheel’ eating all your time and energy? Are annual fund deadlines causing too much stress?

Hint: You’ll have to work at it. Opening your arms is not enough.  People feel included only when you truly invite them in and make them feel welcome.

In response to questions from the moderator and attendees, panelists reflected on what it will take to achieve meaningful change. Major takeaways included...

Our AFP chapter is committed to join the movement toward a just society where there is inclusion and equity. But how do we get there?

We fundraisers are committed to philanthropy.  But some things are even more important, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us: "Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary." Read AFP’s Milwaukee Business Journal column and get involved in NPD 2020.

A:  Ethical fundraising - Ethics is essential to fundraising because everything we do pivots on public trust.  During its Ethics Month, AFP illuminates our path to the highest standards of practice. Reflect on these resources from AFP Global and learn more about Ethics Awareness Month.

BE the CAUSE, the annual campaign of the AFP Foundation, gives us the chance to offer a helping hand to fellow fundraisers in Southeastern Wisconsin and beyond.  Immediate past president Nancy Seidel Nelson reflects on her reasons for giving.

Do white women have a responsibility to initiate in conversations about race? On October 6, AFP Global’s webinar confronted this question with a compelling webinar and a candid conversation among participants.

AFP is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible community. In order to cultivate and create a diverse environment, we ask that you take just a few moments to update your demographic information in your AFP member profile. Together with your help, we can continue to provide you with tailored resources, statistics and reports, and create an environment that fosters inclusion for all.  

Almost by definition, communities unify people for collaborative action and shared benefit. That’s why 2020 will be remembered as a year when the unifying powers of community were put to severe test. When circumstances divide us, it’s too easy to lose sight of what unites us. Together, let’s commit to change that on November 10.

Have you ever thought about what your next career move would be? Or wondered how you would set yourself apart from other non-profit job seekers? If so, then it’s time to consider pursuing your CFRE and becoming a Certified Fundraising Executive.

The 2020 National Philanthropy Day Committee is excited to share with you that we are thinking creatively and working collaboratively to plan a special celebration in November, in the context of our current world. It is going to look a little different this year, since we can’t be together in person – but we can still appreciate the power of our collective impact.

Hey there, Congress!  So sorry to hear about your recent politicized stall (what, again?) on a new coronavirus relief package.  Quick bipartisan suggestion:  how about injecting $200 billion into the economy over three years without costing taxpayers a dime?

So you’re chatting with a group of fellow AFP members, asking around for solutions to your latest fundraising challenge, when one of the group replies, “Wow, your situation sounds familiar. I’ve worked with about a dozen organizations who approached that challenge in five different ways.”

Our first meeting with eleven attendees went so well we decided to meet every other week instead of monthly!