The Decade of Fundraising Leadership

Hi, everyone. Can you believe we’re already starting the month of February? I want to take a moment to highlight the significance of the new decade we’ve entered: the Decade of Fundraising Leadership!

You may have heard or seen me reference the Decade of Fundraising Leadership, but here’s what I mean. Over the next ten years, the sector will have to fill tens of thousands of nonprofit leadership positions—and I want those positions filled by fundraisers. That means AFP will have to offer new kinds of curriculum—focused on leadership, management, diversity, equity and inclusion, and working to foster strong cultures of philanthropy. 

I’ll be talking more about the Decade of Fundraising Leadership during my comments at ICON 2020, which is just around the corner. In fact, if you haven’t signed up, now is the time. ICON 2020 will feature more than 100 educational sessions, including 14 pre-conference workshops, great keynote speakers such as Zainab Salbi and José Andrés, and tons of networking opportunities.

But attending ICON 2020 is also critical for you as a chapter leader, as we have scheduled several meetings and sessions geared toward chapter development. Beginning on March 27, a Chapter Board Workshop will be held, followed by the Chapter Presidents’ Council Meeting on March 28.
 
Our chapters are the heart of our organization, so it’s important you have the resources you need and that we’re all working together towards the same goal. Head over to afpicon.com to register today—and encourage your chapter members to do the same.

Finally, I want to mention the 2020 Compensation and Benefits Survey you may have received in your inbox last week. We strive to provide you quality research integral to helping you succeed as fundraisers. This year’s survey will include helpful benchmarks for negotiating compensation packages, planning a career move, or adding to your fundraising toolkit through education and certification. Your responses are anonymous and deeply valued, and we ask that you complete the survey no later than Friday, February 6, 2020.
 
As you can see, we have a lot to look forward to. It is my genuine hope that as we move through the next couple of months – and the new decade – that AFP offers you the resources needed to take your career to the next level, tackle critical issues, and help you continue with the incredible, life-changing work that you’re doing across communities and around the globe.
 
I look forward to seeing everyone in Baltimore. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on Twitter at @AFPMikeGeiger or email me at Mike.Geiger@afpglobal.org to ask questions or just engage in conversation.