AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy Fundraising Board and Board of Governors Nominations Process

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General Information

The AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy is responsible for generating resources to support the following:

• Leadership Development
• IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access)
• Research
• Ethics

The Foundation’s continued success depends on personal commitment and active involvement of all members of the Fundraising board in matters of fundraising and/or governance.

Individuals elected to serve on the board must embrace the responsibility to lead and demonstrate the capacity to support the Foundation’s mission. Foundation board members are expected to be vigorous advocates and enthusiastic and effective communicators, as well as play an integral role in the Foundation’s fundraising, research, education, and leadership development initiatives.

Foundation Structure

Fundraising Board

The AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy Fundraising Board is a working board raising money to support the four areas outlined above.  They do that through various committees that concentrate on the BE the CAUSE Campaign, Major Gifts (from Individuals, Chapters and External partners) and Donor Recognition.

Most work is done via Zoom technology, but meetings are held during AFP ICON and LEAD.

The Fundraising Board Term is for three years beginning on January 1st.

Board of Governors

In addition to the Fundraising Board, there is a Board of Governors that is comprised of officers of AFP Global, the President and CEO and the Foundation Chair, Immediate Past Chair, Chair Elect and Treasurer/Secretary.

These terms are two years in length maximum.  When the position of Chair Elect and Treasurer/Secretary are open, a Call for Nominations takes place in the June – August timeframe.

Nominating Process

You may nominate yourself, a colleague, or invite your chapter to nominate you or a colleague. Prior to making a nomination, please carefully review the criteria for service below.

The nominations process takes place June – August of each year. 2024 nominations are due August 31, 2023. Submit now!

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria used by the committee to select officers and directors include the following:

• extensive experience and documented expertise in fundraising
• volunteer service to philanthropy and the fundraising community locally, nationally and/or internationally
• experience and/or employment in the profession or in an industry sector that serves philanthropy and/or fundraising
• leadership skills needed to govern a professional foundation
• specific leadership needs of the Foundation at the time candidate is being considered
• and advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the fundraising profession and the philanthropy community.

Other criteria that might also be used for consideration is:

• a record of meaningful giving to the AFP Foundation and advocacy for professional fundraising
• AFP Membership current and in good standing (signed the Code of Ethical Standards)
• and, volunteer service to AFP locally, nationally and/or internationally.

2023 AFP Foundation Committee on Appointment Members

Harry Lynch, CFRE, Chair             
Yulanda Davis-Quarrie, CFRE            
Pat Egan, CFRE    
Patrick Feeley, CFRE
Alice Ferris, ACFRE
Alan Hutson, CFRE
Adrienne McDade-Taylor, CFRE 
Melissa Ryan Penland, MPA     
Jeremy Wells, CFRE                            
Birgit Smith Burton, ex-officio
Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA, ex-officio        
Lori Gusdorf, CAE, ex-officio