The Value of AFP Membership

The Greater Vancouver Chapter recently asked board members to share their perspective on the value of their AFP membership. The chapter’s President, David Love, CFRE, wanted to get their overall thoughts on how their AFP membership has benefited them as fundraisers, but particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the virtual learning opportunities to the networking community—and everything in between—these individuals say their membership has always served them well but find it even more important during these challenging times.

Here’s what they shared:

These past few weeks I recognize just how valuable my AFP membership is to me. The situation we are currently in is new to all of us and having access to my AFP colleagues and online resources has been instrumental in navigating through this uncertainty. Sharing ideas and advice amongst our AFP community has helped my organization move forward and thrive in this new environment of fundraising.

- Kristy James, CFRE - CEO Burnaby Hospital Foundation

Despite this being a very challenging time, it is often through adversity that we see disruption, innovation, and so many people step up as leaders.  It's been heartwarming to see donors, colleagues, organizations, friends, and family come together to support each other. AFP's COVID-19 Resources (https://afpglobal.org/covid19resourceguide) have been so valuable and AFP Connect has been a wonderful way to digitally connect with colleagues to see how they are managing the crisis at their own organizations to provide support to their beneficiaries.

- Sofia Janmohamed MBA, CFRE,  Director, Leadership Giving Canadian Cancer Society

The AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada is making a number of webinars available at no cost to members, like me, that focus on how we, as leaders, can perform our roles during challenging times: https://afpglobal.org/afpfoundationcanadawebinars.

- Darius Maze, Executive Director, Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall

Now more than ever, I've realized that We are stronger together by being together – despite socially distancing. During this uncertain time my AFP community has been there – in the first few weeks of social distancing, I picked up the phone and called some of my AFP peers and mentors and asked them questions and collectively we talked through issues that our organizations were facing, encouraged each other and asked ourselves what's next. As a Chapter we were able to provide member only webinars with local experts and experts across the country. These webinars brought experts all the way from Vancouver to Nova Scotia together, providing a place to learn, but also a space to be and ask questions, ponder and gain access to resources and insights.

- Deb Abma-Sluggett, CFRE, Director of Philanthropy, Take a Hike Foundation

This is a time to re-extend your network. Send a quick email or text to people you haven't seen or spoken to in a while – professional connections through AFP, friends, past mentors or mentees – to say hi. These gestures go a long way, even without adding another Zoom or phone call to your agenda! AFP resources are, and have always been, a great resource for me for best practices and connections. 

- Christoph Clodius, Vice President, The Discovery Group

I look forward to attending National Philanthropy Day and the Giving Hearts Awards in November (either in person or virtually) to celebrate all of the outstanding philanthropic contributions to our community.

- Kyle Tiney, CFRE, Director, Annual Giving, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

We are indeed stronger together. I hope you will invest in yourself and take advantages of the many benefits and the potential of your AFP membership. We're in this together. 

- David Love, CFRE, Principal, LOVEfundraising and President, AFP Greater Vancouver Chapter

Fundraising Support For You

AFP is here to support you during the best of fundraising times, and even now—when things are uncertain and challenging. Learn more about how AFP is supporting our membership, and resources that are available to you as a member, in our new Case for Membership: Fundraising Support When You Need it Most.  

To renew your membership, visit the membership renewal page, and if you need to pay your dues in installments, visit the Installment Payment Plan page for a one-time offer to pay in six installments.

We’d love to hear from you!

To share your perspectives and reflections on the value of AFP membership, please send an email to paffairs@afpglobal.org.