Call for 2024 Fundraising Board Nominations

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy, it is my privilege as Chair of the Committee on Appointment to invite you to participate actively in the Foundation’s call for nominations process this year. Members of the Committee on Appointment rely heavily on our colleagues to identify experienced and committed candidates who are uniquely suited to support the mission of the Foundation as members of our AFP Foundation for Philanthropy Fundraising Board. Your personal engagement in identifying outstanding candidates is essential to our future success and will guarantee that the Foundation’s board continues to be representative of the finest leaders in the profession.

I urge you to nominate any qualified candidate to serve on the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy Fundraising Board who has distinguished themself by serving in a leadership role.  

FUNDRAISING BOARD
General Information
The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy Fundraising Board is responsible for generating resources to fund:

• 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.

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.

Positions Available in 2025
In September 2024, the Committee on Appointment will meet to prepare a slate of candidates for election in 2024 to serve on the Foundation Board beginning January 1, 2025. We are seeking nominations for a Fundraising Board Chair, Fundraising Board Chair-Elect, and Fundraising Board members for the following: 

• 2025 Fundraising Board Chair (two-year term, this continues to be a transition and this Chair will be the first to serve a two-year term in this new role). This position also serves in an ex-officio role on the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy Governing Board.
• 2025 Fundraising Board Chair-Elect (two-year term, that will move into the Chair role in 2027)
• Fundraising Board Members (two-year term)

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.  

You will find the nomination form by clicking the button below.  It is a real-time interactive nomination form that will be sent to AFP Foundation for Philanthropy staff once you submit it.  Please note that the form will only save if you return to it on the same device where you started it.  A current brief bio and photo must accompany the completed nomination form.  

2025 US Foundation for Philanthropy Fundraising Board Nomination Form

Please provide as much relevant information as possible about the candidate. Some candidates may be asked to supply supplementary information to the committee to ensure thoughtful consideration.  The Fundraising Board Chair and Chair-Elect positions will receive a separate form to complete if the candidate is interested in this position.  Please contact your nominee in advance of submitting the nomination to determine willingness to serve.  

ALL nominations must be submitted by August 23, 2024.

Evaluation criteria used by the committee to select Fundraising Board members include extensive experience and documented expertise in fundraising; volunteer service to the fundraising community locally or nationally; experience and/or employment in the profession or in an industry sector that serves philanthropy and/or fundraising; specific leadership needs of the Foundation for Philanthropy at the time candidate is being considered; and advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the fundraising profession and the philanthropic community.

Other criteria that might also be used for consideration is a record of meaningful giving to the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy 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.

Thank you in advance for taking an active role in this year’s nomination process and for encouraging your colleagues to do the same.  Should you have any questions whatsoever about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Lori Gusdorf, CAE or any member of the Committee on Appointment. We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate all you DO and GIVE to promote excellence.

Sincerely,

Harry Lynch, CFRE
Immediate Past Chair
AFP US Foundation for Philanthropy
Chair, Committee on Appointment and Nominating Committee

2024 AFP Foundation Committee on Appointment Members
Harry Lynch, CFRE, Chair             
Catherine M. Connolly, CFRE, MBA
Yulanda Davis-Quarrie, CFRE            
Alice Ferris, ACFRE
Jaye Lopez Van Soest, CFRE
Adrienne McDade-Taylor, CFRE 
Nancy Racette, CFRE
Melissa Ryan Penland, MPA     
Jeremy Wells, CFRE                            
Birgit Smith Burton, ex-officio
Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA, ex-officio        
Lori Gusdorf, CAE, ex-officio

Fundraising Board Roles and Responsibilities