Call for 2027 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 ensures that the Fundraising 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.

Fundraising Board Roles and Responsibilities

Positions Available in 2027
In September 2026, the Committee on Appointment will meet to prepare a slate of candidates to serve on the Foundation Board beginning January 1, 2027. We are seeking nominations for:   

• 2027 Fundraising Board Chair-Elect (two-year term, that will move into the Chair role in 2029 and will also serve ex-officio on the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy Board of Governors)
• 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 on this link below. A current brief bio and photo must accompany the completed nomination form.   

2027 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. Applicants interested in the Fundraising Board Chair-Elect position will receive an additional form to complete. Please contact your nominee in advance of submitting the nomination to determine willingness to serve.

ALL nominations must be submitted by August 15, 2026. 

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 about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact Ann Hale at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate all you DO and GIVE to support our profession. 

Sincerely,

Missy Ryan Penland, MPA
Immediate Past Chair
AFP US Foundation for Philanthropy
Chair, Committee on Appointment and Nominating Committee

2026 AFP Foundation Committee on Appointment Members
Missy Ryan Penland, MPA, Chair              
Catherine M. Connolly, CFRE, MBA 
Heidi Droegemueller,CFRE
Melissa Simon, CFRE             
Brian Bonde, ACFRE 
Jaye Lopez Van Soest, CFRE 
Adrienne McDade-Taylor, CFRE  
Nancy Racette, CFRE 
Scott Staub, ACFRE                             
H. Art Taylor, ex-officio
Roger Ali, MBA, C.Dir., CFRE, ex-officio
Ann Hale, CFRE, ex-officio

Submit Your Nomination