Connect, Learn, Advocate
Last January, your AFPWNC Board came together for a retreat to plan for the year ahead. While we had no idea what 2024 would bring (and I’m sure Helene wasn’t on our BINGO cards), we discussed why we exist as an organization and how we would lean into our mission with our members. As I reflect on how far we’ve come this year, and how far we still want to [...]
Post-Helene Fundraising Resources for WNC Nonprofits
As our Western North Carolina community continues to recover and rebuild from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, many nonprofit organizations in our region are grappling with complex challenges around funding. Organizations that are directly involved in crisis and disaster response—providing essential services like food, shelter, housing repairs, counseling, medical care, and resource distribution—are under tremendous pressure to secure the resources needed to support both immediate needs and long-term recovery [...]
Fundraising after a Disaster
The disaster caused by Hurricane Helene can make it challenging to fundraise for your institution. At this time, you are likely figuring out how to reconcile your desire to help with the need to fund your organization and its mission. Your mission is still valid and important to the community, but depending on where you sit in the larger relief effort, it may take a back seat temporarily to other [...]
Tropical Storm Helene
On September 26, I sat down to write this monthly article, planning to make light of the “spooky season” and question if candy corn was in fact candy or just flavored wax. Now, several days later, I’m penning a very different message.Many have likened Hurricane Helene to be Asheville’s Katrina, and I can see the parallels. Lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed, and many parts of this region [...]
NC Philanthropy Conference – Lessons Learned
Last month, eight of us drove from Asheville to represent the AFP WNC chapter at the NC Philanthropy Conference in Winston-Salem. Hosted by the AFP Triad chapter, upwards of 400 attendees from across the state gathered to connect, network, and learn. One session I attended focused on community-centered leadership and asset mapping – focusing on what you already have instead of what you lack. By leaning into possibilities instead of [...]
Re-imagining National Philanthropy Day
National Philanthropy Day is the highlight event of the year for local philanthropic organizations, nonprofits, and Asheville area businesses - think celebration meets recognition and awards plus lots of networking, all in the name of philanthropy and community impact. Since the early 1990s, our local AFP chapter has participated in this national, annual event. This day celebrates the importance of giving and renews our sense of community and shared purpose in impacting this [...]
Diving into the Data
Happy July AFP Friends. I’m excited to jump in on this month’s newsletter as AFP-WNC’s Treasurer and resident Advancement Services professional. During June’s professional development topic Beyond CRM Data, our presenter Philip King asked an interesting question, “Who are pre-donors?” or put another way, “What are the actions a person takes before they make their first donation to your organization?” I wanted to share the resources that Philip outlined and [...]
Beach, Blanket, Book! – Your Nonprofit Summer Reading List
School’s out for summer! If you embraced your inner nerd like me during your formative years, then diving into your class’s summer reading list was a highlight of the summer. Whether you prefer podcasts, audiobooks, Kindle editions, or paperbacks, you can find a wealth of resources for nonprofit professionals who want to sharpen their skills. I’m currently reading "The Happy Healthy Nonprofit: Strategies for Impact without Burnout" by Beth Kanter and Aliza [...]
Re-imagining Philanthropy: IDEAS from AFP ICON 2024
Happy May, AFP friends! I am excited to jump in on this month’s newsletter as the new IDEA (Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access) Chair for the AFP WNC Board. Earlier in April, I had the opportunity to attend AFP ICON 2024 in Toronto - this year’s global fundraising conference really focused in on rich conversations around how IDEA values show up in philanthropy and fundraising. The experience got me thinking [...]
Two, Four, Six, Eight – Who Do We Appreciate?!
How many times a year are you connecting with your donors? We've all heard the magic number 7 - enough times that your donor feels valued, informed, and confident in your stewardship of their gift - enough that they’ll give again without hesitation the next time they’re asked. So here's the next big question - how many times a year are you connecting with your volunteers? You know, the ones [...]
Are You Wearing Too Many Hats?
Welcome to the madness that is March! Take a look at your jam-packed calendar. How many of those commitments don’t involve fundraising? Scarcity mentality is still prevalent in small shop nonprofits. We’re nonprofits – we do more with less! We’re nonprofits – of course most of our time is spent doing “other duties as assigned!” We’ve prided ourselves on wearing many hats – often at the same time! Perhaps you’ve [...]
Look Before You Leap Day!
In 45 B.C, Julius Caesar introduced the leap year, adding an extra day to the calendar every fourth year because our solar year was just a smidgen longer than 365 days (365.24219 days, to be exact). Thus, February 29 was born! While this may seem like a minor adjustment, it prevents a gradual misalignment with the natural order of months and seasons. If we didn’t hit reset periodically, in 100 [...]
Nominations Now Open for National Philanthropy Day Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Marielle DeJong npd@afpwnc.org afpwnc.org June 23, 2020 Nominations Now Open for National Philanthropy Day Awards Asheville, NC -- The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Western North Carolina Chapter is now accepting nominations for 2020 National Philanthropy Day Awards, which will be celebrated this November. The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 28th. National Philanthropy Day is a special day to recognize and pay tribute to the great [...]
Fundraising Day in New York Goes Virtual for all AFP Members Nationwide
Fundraising Day in New York (FRDNY) goes online! For 40 years Fundraising Day in New York has offered critical educational content in a one-day event every June. In 2020 it will be accessible to all online! Currently, our esteemed faculty of experts is working to produce the incredible content for which Fundraising Day in New York is famous. Once launched, the online platform will offer unlimited access to all recorded sessions. [...]
Get ready! July 15 is next CFRE application deadline
It’s been an upside-down year in so many ways. If you’ve vowed to take control of your career and professional development in 2020, mark your calendar for July 15—the next CFRE application deadline. By submitting your application, you’ll take an important step towards CFRE certification. Our members always enjoy a special discounted CFRE initial application fee of $700. Don’t forget that when you submit your application on or before June [...]
AFP WNC HONORED AS TEN STAR CHAPTER
(Arlington, Va.) – The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Western North Carolina Chapter has been named a 2020 Ten Star Chapter. Every year, AFP, the largest association of professional fundraisers in the world, 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 [...]
Putting The Research Into Practice: A Day With The Experts
November 5 | 10:00am - 2:30pm | Laureate Center, Kannapolis, NC The North Carolina Council of Charitable Gift Planners is pleased to present this half-day seminar with leading national planned giving experts Michelle Mancini and Dr. Russell James.* Michelle Mancini is a Senior Director and Wealth Consultant for the American Cancer Society. Ms. Mancini works with individuals to help them accomplish their philanthropic goals. She also works in consultation with [...]
Dogwood Health Trust – Community Meeting on Factors That Influence Health, Part 1
Dogwood Health Trust plans to host a series of three community meetings in October that will be used to provide education and obtain input on the priorities for addressing social determinants of health throughout Western North Carolina. During these sessions, national public health experts will take part in a panel discussion highlighting the various factors that influence health and well-being and discuss possible ways to address these issues throughout the [...]
Dogwood Health Trust – Community Meeting on Factors That Influence Health, Part 2
Note: A livestream of this meeting will be available at https://dogwoodevents.org/live/ Dogwood Health Trust plans to host a series of three community meetings in October that will be used to provide education and obtain input on the priorities for addressing social determinants of health throughout Western North Carolina. During these sessions, national public health experts will take part in a panel discussion highlighting the various factors that influence health and [...]
Dogwood Health Trust – Community Meeting on Factors That Influence Health, Part 3
Dogwood Health Trust plans to host a series of three community meetings in October that will be used to provide education and obtain input on the priorities for addressing social determinants of health throughout Western North Carolina. During these sessions, national public health experts will take part in a panel discussion highlighting the various factors that influence health and well-being and discuss possible ways to address these issues throughout the [...]
The Final 2019 CFRE Application Deadline is October 1, 2019
Did you know 90% of current CFREs report the certification has had an impact on providing enhanced job opportunities? Start your application at no cost and be on your way to earning the only accredited, globally-recognized certification for fundraising professionals. View the application requirements to get started. Members enjoy 20% off CFRE initial certification and re-certification. If you have any questions or need help getting started, contact CFRE International at [...]
Now Accepting Applications for the 2020 Chamberlain Scholarship
We are now accepting applications for our chapter's Chamberlain Scholar! If you have never attended the AFP International Convention - and would like to - now is your chance! Applications are due Friday, October 11 at 5:00 p.m. This scholarship covers the full conference fee (minus a $10 processing fee) for the 2020 AFP International Convention to be held in Baltimore, Maryland from March 29 - 31, 2020. In addition, [...]
2019 Philanthropy Institute John Gile Scholarship Awardee
The John Gile Memorial Scholarship commemorates John Gile, a beloved member of our chapter who mentored many in fundraising and championed the development of our profession. The 2019 John Gile Scholarship Recipient was Chelsea Rudisill. Chelsea is a fundraising professional who is passionate about arts and education. She is the Grants Manager for the Asheville Art Museum. Chelsea has a BA in Public Policy from Duke University and an MA in Arts [...]
National Philanthropy Day Awards – Call for Nominations
National Philanthropy Day Awards | Call for Nominations | Due July 26 AFP WNC is now accepting nominations for the 2019 National Philanthropy Day Awards, which we will celebrate this November. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 26. Please give some thought today to your philanthropic leaders and fill out an award nomination. You can recognize outstanding philanthropic work in seven different categories: Youth, Foundation, Volunteer Fundraiser, Philanthropist, Fundraising [...]
2019 Philanthropy Institute John Gile Scholarship
The John Gile Memorial Scholarship commemorates John Gile, a beloved member of our chapter who mentored many in fundraising and championed the development of our profession. The scholarship is awarded annually to two fundraising professionals requiring financial assistance to attend Philanthropy Institute. If you wish to apply for the 2019 John Gile Memorial Scholarship to attend the 2019 Philanthropy Institute Thursday, July 18, the AFP-WNC Board of Directors encourages you to apply. Scholars must register [...]
AFP WNC Earns 2018 Constant Contact Solution Provider All Star Award
Recognized for achievements using online marketing tools to drive success ASHEVILLE, NC — March 13, 2019 – Virtual Business Services along with Association Fundraising Professional Western North Carolina Chapter, has been named a 2018 Solution Provider All Star Award winner by Constant Contact, an Endurance International Group company and a leader in small business marketing solutions. The annual award recognizes the most successful 10 percent of Constant Contact’s customer and Solution Provider [...]
AFP WNC Honored as a Ten Star Chapter
(Arlington, Va.) – The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Western North Carolina Chapter has been named a 2019 Ten Star Chapter. Every year, AFP, the largest association of professional fundraisers in the world, 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 [...]
Call For Speakers – 15th Annual AFP NC Philanthropy Conference
The Charlotte, Triad and Triangle Chapters of the Association of Fundraising Professionals invite you to apply to present a breakout session at the 15th Annual NC Philanthropy Conference on Monday, August 5, 2019, at the Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC. Please complete a Speaker Application, by the deadline of Friday, March 15, 2019 toncphilanthropyconference@gmail.com. Sessions are 60 minutes long and range from 35-70 attendees. Microphones and projectors are provided; most presenters provide their own [...]
Wristband Nonprofit Program – Asheville Downtown Association
The Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) is now accepting applications for our Wristband Nonprofit Program, part of the Downtown After 5 summer concert series. The nonprofit organization works the wristband sales tents at the event and receives a $2000 grant. The ADA will select 5 nonprofit organizations, one for each Downtown After 5, held third Fridays, May-September. Applications must be completed by March 1 in order to be considered for the 2019 season. Please [...]
Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Announces the Launch of its All For NC Fellowship
The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR) is seeking to invest directly in young innovators, change makers, visionaries, entrepreneurs and risk takers between the ages of 21 and 35 with bold ideas for how to make a difference in North Carolina and its communities. The newly established All For NC Fellowship is a 12-month program designed to provide funding, coaching and mentoring to young people who have a vision and plan that could [...]
Rotary Club of Asheville New Project Proposal Form
The Rotary Club of Asheville is seeking your ideas for a new signature project that will address a top need within the community. We believe a new project is vital to help keep our club’s service activities fresh and relevant and keep our membership engaged. New project proposals will be assessed against the following five criteria: Address a top-tier community need Involve a partnership with a local non-profit Include both [...]
So You Want to be a Capital Campaign Consultant
Check out this helpful slide presentation by Amy Eisenstein and Andrea Kihlstedt from our past Wake Up Workshop. So You Want to Be a Consultant
Building a Culture of Philanthropy | Simone Joyaux, ACFRE
Check out this valuable webinar presented by Simone Joyaux, ACFRE. Click here to download in dropbox.
AFP-WNC Chapter Announces International Fundraising Conference Chamberlain Scholarship Recipient
Asheville, NC - The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Western North Carolina Chapter is pleased to extend the 2019 Chamberlain Scholarship to Jessica Frantz, Director of Membership and Operations for Public Radio Program Directors Association in Asheville. Ms. Frantz will receive the full registration fee and additional funds for travel expenses to attend the 2019 AFP International Conference on Fundraising in San Antonio, TX which will take place March 31 - April [...]
Homegrown Leaders Training Program Dates Announced
The Homegrown Leaders training program is a three-day regional leadership and economic development training that develops and supports highly-skilled, highly-motivated leaders who are committed to building regional collaboration across multi-county regions in the state. Homegrown Leaders is an extension of the Rural Center’s 27-year-old flagship, leadership development program, the Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI). Homegrown Leaders provides opportunities for participants to hear from economic development and leadership experts, engage with [...]
Harry Morrill Endowment Fund Grant Opportunity
The Asheville Rotary Club receives income from the Harry Morrill Endowment Fund, part of which is used for scholarships and part for Community Grants. This year 10--$1,000 grants will be rewarded. Application forms can be downloaded from the club website at www.rotaryasheville.org. Submissions are due October 31, 2018.
Major Gifts August 2018 Monthly Luncheon Presentation
Loretta Shelton shares her August 2018 Presentation on intimacy and donor relations.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2019 Chamberlain Scholarship
We are pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the Chamberlain Scholarship. This scholarship covers the full conference fee (minus a $10 processing fee) for the 2018 AFP International Convention to be held in San Antonio, Texas from March 31 - April 2, 2019. In addition, AFP-WNC will also reimburse up to $500 in travel expenses. The recipient MUST be a current AFP member to receive the Chamberlain Scholarship. Complete the online [...]
David Novak’s Story Actions Worksheet
David Novak presented his Storytelling Workshop at AFP WNC's 2018 Philanthropy Institute on July 19, 2018. Your story expresses your organizing principle, your core meaning and motivation. This workshop helped you understand how to discover and tell your story in a compelling and effective manner. Click here for David's storytelling worksheet.
Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Asheville Tuition Discount
There’s still time to take advantage of your tuition discount at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Asheville campus! As a member of AFP, you are eligible for a 10% markdown on pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree that could enhance your professional and personal life. The following programs are taking applications through August 1st for the Fall 2018 Semester. Classes are held at our facility in downtown Asheville or online. MA in Counseling (Clinical [...]
2018 Philanthropy Institute John Gile Scholarship Applications Due July 6
If you need financial assistance to attend the 2018 Philanthropy Institute on Thursday, July 19 the AFP WNC Board of Directors encourages you to apply for one of two $85 scholarships. These John Gile Memorial Scholarships commemorate John Gile, a beloved member of our chapter who mentored many in fundraising and championed the development of our profession. Scholars will be notified and then registered by the AFP WNC Chapter Administrator and will receive [...]
Philanthropy Institute Registration Now Open
Philanthropy Institute will take place on July 19 at the Crowne Plaza in Asheville, NC.
AFP International Conference Scholarship Recipient Experience
The AFP International Conference was a great learning experience and tons of fun! I've already implemented many of my personal takeaways, such as donor surveys, monthly giving tips, and relationship building techniques, and I hope to implement even more, such as how to make Board meetings more engaging. In addition to the workshops that focused on fundraising skills, I really enjoyed the workshops I took on management and leadership. One [...]
AFP WNC Honored As Ten Star Chapter
(Arlington, Va.) – The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Western North Carolina has been named a 2017 Ten Star Chapter. Every year, AFP, the largest association of professional fundraisers in the world, 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 [...]
International Fundraising Conference Chamberlain Scholarship Recipient Announced
Press Release from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Western North Carolina Chapter Contact: scholarships@gmail.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AFP-WNC Chapter Announces International Fundraising Conference Chamberlain Scholarship Recipient Asheville, NC – The Association of Fundraising Professionals Western North Carolina Chapter is pleased to extend the 2018 Chamberlain Scholarship to Leah Craig Fieser, Communications and Annual Fund Director at Friends of the WNC Nature Center. Ms. Fieser will receive the full registration fee [...]
2018 Chamberlain Scholarship
The 2018 AFP International Fundraising Conference will be held in April 15-17, 2018, in New Orleans, LA. Big things are coming to the Big Easy in 2018 — and not just the city’s 300th anniversary! We’re talking the world’s biggest and baddest conference for professional fundraisers. Join fellow fundraising professionals in New Orleans, the home of jazz and Mardi Gras, for three days of learning, connecting, and culture; with a side [...]
National Philanthropy Day Impact Survey
In preparation for National Philanthropy Day we are collecting quotes from local nonprofit leaders to highlight the impact of philanthropy in our region. Responses will be showcased at the National Philanthropy Day event on November 14, 2017. Please take a moment to share the highlights of your work in our survey.
AFP International Fundraising Conference Diverse Communities Scholarship
The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy is pleased to once again offer the Diverse Communities Scholarship program for members of diverse communities to attend the AFP International Fundraising Conference in New Orleans, LA, April 15-17, 2018. The application process will open September 1 – October 31, 2017. This fund is broken out into three categories: African American Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender (GLBT) General Diversity Fund AFP is pleased to offer $1,500 scholarships ($799 conference registration fee [...]
North Carolina Network of Grantmakers Foundation Fair
Foundation Fair 2017 The Foundation Fair will be held on October 18th, 2017 in Swannanoa, NC. Each year, foundations and nonprofits throughout the state gather for a "career-fair" style event that serves as an opportunity for foundations and nonprofits to have quick interactions and learn more about each others' funding needs and interests. Participating nonprofits and foundations both have found it useful to learn more about one other. The Foundation Fair will be held [...]
Lenoir-Rhyne Offers AFP WNC Discount for Graduate Programs
If you’re a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Western North Carolina Chapter and you’d like to earn a graduate degree, Lenoir-Rhyne University will discount your tuition. In Asheville, Lenoir-Rhyne offers ten Master’s programs through the Center for Graduate Studies located at 36 Montford Avenue, just off I-240 and minutes from downtown. The Asheville graduate offerings include programs in Business Administration, Community College Administration, Counseling, Nursing, Public Health, Religious [...]
What do successful grads think you should study?
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Former student discusses success in the fashion industry
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How do you best prepare for university?
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