Announcement

Happy May, AFP friends! I am excited to jump in on this month’s newsletter as the new IDEA (Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access) Chair for the AFP WNC Board. Earlier in April, I had the opportunity to attend AFP ICON 2024 in Toronto - this year’s global fundraising conference really focused in on rich conversations around how IDEA values show up in philanthropy and fundraising. The experience got me thinking about one of my favorite quotes by Lilla Watson* that I have posted on the whiteboard in front of my desk in West Asheville. “If you have come to help me, [...]

How many times a year are you connecting with your donors? We've all heard the magic number 7 - enough times that your donor feels valued, informed, and confident in your stewardship of their gift - enough that they’ll give again without hesitation the next time they’re asked. So here's the next big question - how many times a year are you connecting with your volunteers? You know, the ones who stuff envelopes, stock pantries, tutor kids, answer phones, and support your events… Volunteers are often the backbone of your nonprofit, helping you stretch your resources and having an intimate understanding [...]

Welcome to the madness that is March! Take a look at your jam-packed calendar. How many of those commitments don’t involve fundraising? Scarcity mentality is still prevalent in small shop nonprofits. We’re nonprofits – we do more with less! We’re nonprofits – of course most of our time is spent doing “other duties as assigned!” We’ve prided ourselves on wearing many hats – often at the same time! Perhaps you’ve had a few of these on your head recently? - the event planner’s pillbox hat - the grant writer’s magician top hat - the content generator’s newsboy cap - the customer [...]