Reflections of Karen Rotko-Wynn, CFRE, Chair, AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – U.S.
As fundraisers and leaders of nonprofits, you have faced an unusually challenging year. Amidst a global pandemic, along with social, racial and political unrest and injustice, you have continued to stay focused on the mission of your organization and the people you serve. Some of us have even experienced personal loss during this time as well. All the while, many of us have been isolated from our friends and family and unable to engage in the social interactions that we thrive upon.
And yet, we prevail. We have adjusted the way we work – our fundraising strategies, donor appeals, and major gift approaches have all adapted significantly. We have found new ways to reach out and connect. And we continue to see the impact of our fundraising in the people and communities that we serve during these difficult times.
The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy exists to help you—along with your fellow nonprofit colleagues—as you continue to grow and develop in your career. Whatever you need in your career, the Foundation supports: leadership development, training opportunities research, ethics, diversity, and the enhancement of your ability to expand your networks in your communities and beyond.
It has been an honor to serve as YOUR Chair of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy for the past two years. Even though 2020 will be the year when we were unable to gather in person at conferences and chapter events, it will also be the time when our profession stepped up to the plate and, with creativity and persistence, expanded philanthropy in our society and once again proved that we are the impact profession! We helped lead the nonprofit sector and developed even deeper relationships with our donors and each other. We are truly changing the world!
If you have yet to make a personal gift to the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy this year, I hope that you will join me in supporting the work that we do to provide leadership development, promote ethical practices, create new innovative research and advance diversity in our sector. Current and future leaders in our impact profession rely on your support.
We still have $75,000 more to raise this year to meet our BE the CAUSE campaign goal. Your gifts are so important right now. And remember, a portion of your gift goes back to your chapter to support your local efforts around scholarships and training.
I’d like to personally ask you to please consider becoming a member of the President’s Club ($1,000+) – which means that with an automatic monthly payment of $84 with your credit card, you can make an extraordinary impact in a convenient and affordable way.
Of course, a gift at any level will make a difference, because fundraisers are changing the world. So let’s support each other, and your profession, with a gift to AFP. The human spirit is stronger than ever. Resilience, hope, tenacity, and the love of humankind prevails.
Thank you for all that you do!
Karen Rotko-Wynn, CFRE
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