International Alliances & Partners
Note: In September 2011, the AFP Board approved a strategy paper recommended by the AFP International Strategy Task Force on AFP’s philosophy and direction in international matters. Click here to access.
Introduction
AFP Vision: To stimulate a world of generosity and positive social good through fundraising best practice.
AFP Mission Statement: The Association of Fundraising Professionals empowers individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy.
CURRENT STRATEGIC PLAN (2017-2020) PILLARS THAT ADDRESS ALLIANCES AND PARTNERSHIPS:
Pillar: Promote inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA)
AFP reflects a diverse and inclusive community, evolving and enhancing our global influence and mission impact.
Objective: Broaden AFP’s role as an influencer, building on our skills, expertise, and the strength and impact of our chapters, members, volunteers, and strategic partners
Pillar: Lead Ethics, Policy, and Advocacy
AFP inspires members and the public to engage in philanthropy-friendly public policy and ethical fundraising, ensuring appropriate laws, regulations, and standards the encourage giving and volunteering, and strengthen fundraising and philanthropy globally.
Objective: Collaborate with select partners around the world to maximize ethics and advocacy effectiveness.
Pillar: Advance Social Good
AFP advances social good in our local, national, and international communities by empowering members, engaging decision makers, leveraging donors and funders, and mobilizing our networks.
Objective: Build awareness of the power of philanthropy through AFP’s robust network of members, industry partners, and other key stakeholders.
Statistics
International Membership in AFP (2019): 211
International Reciprocal Members through Strategic Alliances (2019): 1832
(International members are classified as members outside of the U.S. or Canada)
Strategic Alliances
AFRICA
KAFP - Kenya Association of Fundraising Professionals
SAIF - Southern Africa Institute of Fundraising
AUSTRALIA
FIA - Fundraising Institute of Australia
BRAZIL
ABCR - Associação Brasileira dos Captadores de Recursos
GERMANY
Deutscher Fundraising Verband e. V.
NETHERLANDS
NEW ZEALAND
FINZ - Fundraising Institute of New Zealand
UNITED KINGDOM
FORMAL PARTNERS
- Asia-Pacific: Venture for Fundraising
- Faculdades Integradas Rio Branco (Sao Paolo, Brazil)
- Argentinian Fundraising Association
- Social Service Training Institute (Singapore)
- European Fundraising Association
- Imagine Canada
- Technologico de Monterrey (Mexico)
AFP International Growth and Development Facts
- The growth of philanthropy and voluntarism in the international sphere is skyrocketing. Because of the body of knowledge AFP has accumulated in its more than 60-year history, fundraisers in many other countries look to the association for information and advice.
- AFP seeks to support international collaborative initiatives through the assessment of current resources and assistance with the identification of new partnerships. Our goal is to work with prospective international partners as they explore, within their own cultural contexts, how AFP may provide added value.
- AFP hosted the first International Fundraising Summit, consisting of representatives of the world’s fundraising organizations, in Toronto in 2003. At the fourth international summit, held in 2006 in Noordwijkerhout, Holland, the International Statement of Ethical Principles was formally approved.
- AFP's internal governance and membership structures have been reviewed to increase international accessibility. As an example of this work, membership processing was transferred from IHQ to Canada and Mexico with materials being made available in French and Spanish.
- The number of Strategic Alliance Partners illustrates AFP’s globalization. Through these partnerships AFP members enjoy reciprocal benefits including attendance at partner conferences at member rates.
- In addition to its American (including Puerto Rico) and Canadian chapters, AFP also has chapters in Mexico, Bermuda, Egypt, Hong Kong and Jakarta.
- AFP is part of The Global Fundraising Associations, an independent group of fundraising associations from around the world who come together to share and discuss local trends, share best practices, learn from and support each other, and work collaboratively across regions whenever possible. The member organizations must be fundraising associations that do not have any ongoing and material financial dependencies, interests or relationships with each other. The GFA intends to meet, at a minimum, in person 1 - 2 times every two years and on teleconference meetings as needed.
AFP International Development Forum
- The AFP International Development Forum provides counsel in light of AFP’s increasing global connections. Current Forum members include representatives from Singapore, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Brazil.
- A key accomplishment in the Forum’s work to date is its role in the implementation of the International Statement of Ethical Principles. The international statement recognizes that while fundraisers work in many varied fields, countries and circumstances, they nevertheless share fundamental values and strive to identify and employ best practices.