AFP WNC

The Joy of Fundraising from the Perspective of the Executive Director/CEO
2022-12-14 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy St., Ste 10, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
December Professional Development | The Joy of Fundraising from the Perspective of the Executive Director/CEO

In this talk, Mark Weinstein will examine the differing roles and motivations of the Executive Director/CEO, the Chief Development Officer, the Board, Development staff and other key players in an organization where fundraising is a significant revenue need. He will address issues involved in the development of fundraising design structure, the use of metrics to measure and motivate, as well as the importance of involving the entire organization in development efforts. Mark will speak about the importance of managing expectations while simultaneously setting stretch goals. How can the ED/CEO overcome the reluctance of board members to fund raise? How can one use current donors to broaden the base? How can the ED/CEO act as the chief fundraiser while fulfilling all the other duties of a CEO? What are the key motivations of various types of donors including individuals, corporations and the varying types of foundations? Mark will also talk about key sales techniques that have worked for him over time as well as his success in integrating capital campaigns, planned giving and annual fundraising. Throughout his talk, Mark will share a few interesting (and short!) stories of fundraising moments he has experienced which illustrate important strategic and tactical fundamentals. In sum, Mark will share his love of fundraising from the perspective of the top leader of a nonprofit.

Presented by Mark Weinstein
Mark is a hands-on leader when it comes to fundraising. Since his arrival at the Brevard Music Center in 2013, annual fundraising has more than doubled, and the number of donors has roughly tripled. Mark’s experience at the Music Center includes two successful capital campaigns, raising millions of dollars to renovate many of the 150 buildings on the campus, restructure the main performance venue, and build new dormitories. Most importantly, the monies raised enabled the Music Center to build a new, state of the art concert hall. With the new Parker Concert Hall, the Music Center has been able to expand programming from its annual Summer Festival to year-round concerts with guest artists from all over the world. Mark also expanded student instruction from mostly classical music to include programs in jazz, classical guitar, bluegrass guitar, and banjo. Ticket sales have consistently set new records.
Over his 40 year career in the performing arts , Mark has served as Executive Director of the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center, General Director of the Pittsburgh Opera, Executive Director of the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, Texas. In each of these positions Mark led successful fundraising efforts, working closely with boards and staff. During his career, Mark has partnered with development staff to raise approximately $200 million.
Mark has an MBA from the Harvard Business School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a BA in Political Science from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. His wife, Susanne Marsee, was the leading Mezzo-Soprano soloist at New York City Opera at Lincoln Center for over 20 years.

Register

Gift Planning Beyond Bequests: Three Big Opportunities
2022-10-19 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy St., Ste 10, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
October Professional Development | Gift Planning Beyond Bequests: Three Big Opportunities

The slides from this presentation are available for download HERE.

Ready to ask your donors for more than a bequest in their will? Or at least offer more options
for significant planned gifts? Sheryl Aikman from Alenda Consulting will outline the planned gift
opportunities that can help you move your donors (and your organization) beyond the simple
bequest.

Sheryl Aikman is the principal of Alenda Consulting LLC. She serves a wide range of nonprofit,
individual and professional advisor clients, with a focus on major, life income and planned gifts,
legacy planning, and personal philanthropic consulting. Sheryl is also an affiliated consultant
with Ekstrom Alley Clontz & Associates and Charitable Solutions LLC.

Sheryl led asset development, planned giving, advisor, affiliate and nonprofit fundholder
services at The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for over 21 years. She has
held volunteer leadership roles for the community foundation field nationally, the North
Carolina Planned Giving Council and the Land of Sky Estate Planning Council. For eight years,
Sheryl served as a peer reviewer for the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations,
conducting policy, program and operational accreditation assessments.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Davidson College, she attended the University of Bristol (England)
on a post-graduate fellowship and holds a masters degree in Management of Nonprofit
Organizations from Case Western Reserve University (Ohio). Currently, Sheryl serves on the
board of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in Asheville, where she lives with
her spouse, teenagers, dogs and chickens.

Register

September Professional Development: Crypto Philanthropy
2022-09-21 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
September Professional Development | Crypto Philanthropy
The recording of this presentation is available HERE.
The slides for this presentation are available HERE.
With the massive surge in valuations over the last few years, cryptocurrency is gaining popularity among a rapidly growing number of investors who hope to cash in on its phenomenal growth. As cryptocurrency assets rise, many investors are opting to donate crypto to reduce their tax burden. In this session, we will:
1. Decode what cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is
2. Discuss why crypto donations matter to your organization
3. Outline steps that will prepare you to accept crypto

We will demystify how crypto philanthropy works and how you can add this important giving tool to your menu of giving options.

Presented by Doug Hartjes
Doug is the founder and President of COR Consulting – a firm that specializes in fundraising counsel, strategic planning and major gift/capital campaigns. Doug has spent the last 20 years of his career in nonprofit leadership and has served in varied roles in the nonprofit sector including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Development Officer, Board Member, Board Chair, Mentor and Consultant. Doug is also the founder of the Foothills Nonprofit Collaborative – a group of nonprofit professionals who meet monthly to address relevant topics and share best practices affecting the nonprofit and fundraising profession. Meetings occur once per month and there is no charge to attend.
Doug is a Certified Fundraising Executive and holds himself and those he works with to the highest ethical and professional standards of nonprofit fundraising and leadership. He is a past chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Charlotte Chapter and served on its board for eight years. Doug is also an accomplished speaker and facilitator who works with boards, leadership and
staff on how to achieve fundraising and nonprofit excellence. His leadership and commitment to the fundraising and nonprofit profession has enabled organizations he has worked with to
not only meet but exceed their growth expectations.
Register

The Power of YOU: The Art & Science of Self-Renewal
2022-08-17 11:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Red Cross, 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC, 28804, United States
August Professional Development | The Power of YOU: The Art & Science of Self-Renewal

Balance and resiliency don’t come from a new app or a better time management system – they come from the inside out. Learn how engaging the power of self-renewal, building a support network and managing your energy can increase your ability to be more creative, energized and resourced in all areas of your life. Passionate about supporting men and women in finding balance through the art/science of self-care, Renée Trudeau will share simple, powerful strategies and science-based tools for feeling more focused, connected and calm no matter how crazy your life is.

Make plans now to join us for an engaging, interactive experience and prepare to walk away with a fresh perspective and renewed clarity about your life and career.

Renée Peterson Trudeau is an internationally-recognized life balance coach, speaker and author. Her clients include Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, national conferences and leadership teams. Trudeau has been facilitating transformational events for more than 25 years. She’s on faculty at the prestigious Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, Esalen Institute, 1440 Multiversity, the Art of Living Retreat Center and Omega Institute. A sought-after life balance expert, Trudeau’s work has been featured in The New York Times, US News and World Report, Good Housekeeping, AARP, Spirituality & Health and more. She is the author of two award-winning books on life-balance including The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life. She and her team have certified 400+ women leaders in more than 10 countries to lead self-renewal groups based on her pioneering curriculum. She lives with her husband in Brevard, NC and occasionally Austin, TX. Renee offers national and regional learning opportnities. Find out more at www.ReneeTrudeau.com. NC-based events info can be found at www.ReneeTrudeau.com/WildSouls

Please bring a bagged lunch. This event will be in-person at the Red Cross offices at 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC. We can’t wait to see you! Advanced registration is required.

When you arrive at the Red Cross building, drive around to the upper parking lot in the back of the building, following signs to the 2nd floor training classroom entrance at the far end of the parking lot. Bring a bag lunch. Water and Iced Tea will be provided.
Register

Philanthropy Institute 2022
2022-07-14 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville, 1 Resort Drive, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
Annual Professional Development Opportunity
Thursday, July 14, 2022, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Save the date for Philanthropy Institute 2022—Thursday, July 14th at the Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville.

We anticipate this will be a sell-out event, so hold the date of Thursday, July 14, 2022 and watch the AFP-WNC website for updates, and REGISTER EARLY.

Mandy Pearce, Owner of the Hickory-based Funding for Good will be our Keynote Speaker for a presentation on the timely topic: Leading With Intent: Succession Planning.

For more information, please visit www.afpwnc.org/programs/philanthropy-institute/ or contact Laurel Amabile, Chair, Philanthropy Institute Committee institute@afpwnc.org
*Scholarship funding will be available to registered AFP members. For more information and to apply, check the AFP WNC website after June 1st.

Philanthropy Institute Cancellation Policy
Refunds and/or credits are not available for or applied to Philanthropy Institute or National Philanthropy Day. If payment is ‘pending at the door’ and an attendee is unable to attend, an invoice will be emailed following the program.

Privilege, Power & Philanthropy: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Fundraising World
2022-06-15 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
June Professional Development
Privilege, Power & Philanthropy: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Fundraising World
The recording of this event is available HERE.
The goal of fundraising is to raise money for good causes. In our effort to do “good work”, might we also be causing harm? In presenting Privilege, Power & Philanthropy, Danae Jones Aicher will guide us in thinking more deeply about who we approach for fundraising and how, and how — without an understanding of power and privilege — we might be upholding and maintaining old systems of oppression.

Presented by Danae Jones Aicher
Danaé Jones Aicher is an experienced Equity and Inclusion consultant and facilitator with a gift for creating brave spaces for people to address difficult topics around race within their organizations. A former mass communications professional with a degree in History and more than 20 years of experience in news, politics and public relations, she utilizes all of her experience to help teams understand how racist systems and policies replicate and perpetuate themselves in an ongoing cycle unless they are intentionally interrupted, and guides them through a collaborative process of shifting organizational culture and positioning themselves to be industry leaders with an equitable lens.

Danaé’s career trajectory has taken her from a political journalist to communication and messaging strategist to social/racial justice educator. Her diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work has deep roots in the mountains of western North Carolina, where she began working closely with a variety of organizations as they wrestled with diversifying their organizations and what it meant to maintain diversity. Her clientele has grown to include community groups, churches, a variety of non-profit agencies across the country, as well as for-profit companies seeking to be more culturally competent and responsive.
Register

The Ethical Imperative: Standing Tall in the Face of Pressure
2022-05-18 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy St., Ste 10, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
May Professional Development | The Ethical Imperative: Standing Tall in the Face of Pressure

Join your colleagues on Wednesday, May 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Wedge at Foundation for an interactive and insightful gathering centered around ethics. Kirk Swenson, Vice Chancellor at UNC Asheville, will present a framework for ethical decision making that protects our donors, our organizations and our profession. Kirk will share examples of ethical challenges he has faced in his own career and invites members to submit their own for discussion that day. You may choose to submit your ethical challenge anonymously. Examples of challenges or questions you face might include ethical collection and use of data, accurately representing donor and dollar totals, working with donors of declining cognitive ability… or anything you wrestle with. Please help make this important session highly relevant to all of our members by participating in this way.

Drink ticket included with registration. This event will be in-person at the Wedge at Foundation. We can’t wait to see you! Advanced registration is required.

Register

Getting to Know Dogwood Health Trust - Program and Social Gathering
2022-04-20 16:00 - 18:00 UTC | Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy St., Ste 10, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
April Professional Development | Getting to know Dogwood Health Trust

Join your colleagues on Wednesday, April 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Wedge at Foundation for an informative and fun gathering with our friends from the Dogwood Health Trust. Members of the Impact Team at Dogwood will offer brief remarks and answer questions from attendees. We’ll have ample time to interact with our speakers and one another. The event is a chance to reconnect with your AFP colleagues for our first official in-person program in two years. (Drink ticket included with registration.)

This event will be in-person at the Wedge at Foundation. We can’t wait to see you! Advanced registration is required. Space is limited and we expect this event to sell out, so register now.

Register

Non-profit and Local Government Relationships: A Conversation from Both Sides of the Table
2022-03-16 11:30 - 12:30 UTC | Virtual
March Professional Development | Non-profit and Local Government Relationships: A Conversation from Both Sides of the Table

Critical to our success as fund raisers is understanding the dynamics of how non-profits can build better relationships with their local government and elected leaders. Presenter Amanda Edwards is in a unique position serving as a Buncombe County Commissioner and fundraiser simultaneously. Join us for inside tips and a conversation with Amanda about how to strengthen your case for support and build lasting relationships with your local government and elected leaders.

About Amanda Edwards

Amanda Edwards, CFRE, is the Executive Director of College Advancement at A-B Tech. Over the last 20 years, she served as Executive Director of the Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Literacy Council of Buncombe County. She was recognized as the AFP-WNC Outstanding Fundraising Executive in 2017.

Amanda is also the vice-chair of Buncombe County Commission and represents District 2. She serves on the Affordable Housing Subcommittee, Department of Health and Human Services Board, Local Emergency Planning Committee, French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Asheville-Buncombe Regional Sports Association Board. Amanda also helped revamp and increase transparency for the County’s non-profit funding process. Amanda holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Tennessee and a B.A. in Mass Communication from UNC-Asheville.

Register

Directing Development: We Have A Job To Do
2022-02-16 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
February Professional Development | Directing Development: We Have A Job To Do

The recording of this program is available HERE.

Join fundraising leader P. Kevin Williamson for an inspiring presentation on the hard work of leading fundraising and how to focus on what matters most. Do the day-in, day-out tasks of fundraising sometimes distract you from pursuing your strategies? Do you ever wonder if your daily work aligns with good fundraising practice? Kevin will address these questions and more from his years of experience leading fundraising in higher education and nonprofit settings.

About P. Kevin Williamson

In his current role at NC Agricultural & Technical State University, P. Kevin oversees the Major Gifts Team and works to support other constituencies around campus to include academic areas like colleges and nonacademic areas such as centers of excellence, the library, and the band. He has a background in the management of major gifts, annual giving, leadership annual giving, planned giving, parent & family giving and prospect management & research. A native of High Point, NC, P. Kevin was an English major at NC A&T State University. Following graduation from NC A&T, he worked as a District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America for several years until transitioning into Higher Education philanthropy in 2007 where he served as Director of Development for Leadership Gifts at UNC Wilmington. He has since moved around the system having served in other roles at UNC Greensboro, WSSU and back to UNC Wilmington into the role of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Development. In September 2016, P. Kevin was able to return to his alma mater into his current role at NC A&T. P. Kevin resides in High Point, NC with his wife of 17 years, Tia, their daughters Trinity and Winter, two schnauzers and one Great Dane.

Register

Mobilizing Your Agency with a Tactical Calendar
2022-01-19 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
January Professional Development | Mobilizing Your Agency with a Tactical Calendar
The recording of this program is available HERE.

Have you ever wished you could improve coordination and collaboration across your organization? What if you could leverage advocates throughout the operation to share key messages and reach your audiences?

Join Jim Brewer for an overview of how to set up a tactical calendar to strategically mobilize different departments and/or locations so that you can share your message and mobilize your donors. The objectives of a tactical calendar are to provide an overall framework for the organization, promote monthly themes, clarify communications and expectations, provide cross support for activities and events, identify and marshal resources and personnel, and maintain momentum.

About Jim Brewer

Jim Brewer is the first Director for Altruism in WNC–at least as far as he knows. He has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. He has served in fundraising leadership roles at Winston-Salem State University, UNC Asheville, and Pardee Health; he is currently the Director of Altruism at ABCCM.

Register

Stewardship Through the Donor Lifecycle
2021-12-15 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
December Professional Development | Stewardship Through the Donor Lifecycle
The recording of this event is available HERE.
Materials for download:
Presentation Slides
Stewardship Matrix (excel sheet)
Generational Differences Chart (PDF)

Donor Stewardship is all about relationships – it starts with a gift and continues on throughout the lifetime of that donor and beyond. How do you develop a plan for this? What will a good plan accomplish? How do you connect with online donors and cultivate them? Join us for an interactive hour to explore donor stewardship and begin to create a plan for your organization. We will explore generational differences, the stages of stewardship and learn from one another.

About Kimerly Hinkelman and Olivia Palmer

Kimerly Hinkelman has been a trusted leader, resource and advocate for nonprofit organizations for over 40 years, and applies her diverse leadership experiences to non profit organizations across the country to advance their missions. Her professional experience includes serving at executive-level leadership positions for health systems, hospital foundations, and non-profit agencies. Kim serves as an instructor for non-profit management programs, most recently WNC Non Profit Pathways and Western Carolina University. Kim is currently enjoying her work with Olivia Palmer at Flat Rock Playhouse in Henderson County, serves on the Board of Blue Ridge Literacy Council and is a member of the Athena Committee with the Chamber of Commerce in Henderson County.
Olivia Palmer is a resource development professional at Flat Rock Playhouse, The State Theater of North Carolina. She began her fundraising career in 2018 at the Playhouse having previously served as the Assistant Box Office Manager as well as a Teaching Artist and Arts Education Administrator. Local to Hendersonville, she began her journey at Flat Rock Playhouse as a student in the arts education program. Today, she is thrilled to play a role in supporting the arts at Flat Rock Playhouse, particularly through volunteer management, board support, grant writing, and annual fund stewardship.

Register

Social Gathering at Pleb Urban Winery
2021-12-08 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
AFP WNC Social Gathering
Pleb Urban Winery: December 8, 2021 beginning at 5:00 p.m.

AFP WNC is keeping our programming virtual for the moment, but that doesn’t prevent us from meeting up for a social event.

Please join your fellow AFP WNC members at Pleb Urban Winery on Wednesday, December 8th from 5:00-7:00pm. There’s no agenda or program, just a chance to gather with fellow fundraisers before the mad rush of the calendar year end is fully upon us. Pleb is located at 289 Lyman Street in Asheville. We hope to see you there!

Advance registration isn’t required, but please mark your calendars now. Pleb Urban Winery is in the River Arts District (289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801). See you soon!

The Ethical Challenges of All Positions in a Fundraising Shop: Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Grant Writer, Planned Giving, Director of Development, Event Specialist (and Consultant)
2021-10-20 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
October Professional Development | The Ethical Challenges of All Positions in a Fundraising Shop: Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Grant Writer, Planned Giving, Director of Development, Event Specialist (and Consultant)

The recording of this session is available HERE.

In this session, Alex Comfort, CFRE, is going to share a true story he has never told publicly – not in his book or in his Fundraising Boot Camp. He says people in his past have told him that the story is “life changing”, and he wants us to tune in and consider it. The session considers the ethical challenges of all positions in a fundraising shop: Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Grant Writer, Planned Giving, Director of Development, Event Specialist (and Consultant). Each has its own ethical emphases, and they all influence each other. Hopefully, we can compare these ethical issues in a fun, interactive session.

About Alex Comfort
Alex Comfort, CFRE is President of Mountain Non-Profit Solutions, a consulting company he formed in 2009 after 23 years as a professional fundraiser. He specializes in working with all non-profits for sustainability, capital campaigns, major gifts, agency and development audits, board development, planned giving and endowment growth. Additionally, over the past eight years he had taught an acclaimed 4 day, comprehensive Fundraising Boot Camp which he teaches at Western Carolina University, Biltmore Park. He served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Development: Major and Planned Gifts at the University of North Carolina at Asheville for over 11 years. His first book, “Even a Blind Squirrel Finds an Occasional Acorn: Fundraising Tales from the Front Lines”, was published in October of 2020 and is available on Amazon.

Register

The Fundraiser's Guide to Smart Segmentation
2021-09-15 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
September Professional Development | The Fundraiser’s Guide to Smart Segmentation
The recording of this presentation is available HERE.
In 2021 your organization is a data company. In this presentation we will explore the internal as well as external data insights available to you, which will increase the effectiveness of how you segment your constituents when communicating with them. Creating discrete populations for targeted communications increases response and strengthens relationships.

About Ryan Carpenter
Prior to joining Pursuant Ryan spent time both on the agency side at THD, within a nonprofit at Year Up and offering nonprofit software solutions with Causemo. He has experience and interest in developing innovative strategies that efficiently identify, cultivate and solicit donors and prospects through effective engagement tactics. He has a keen ability to synthesize large data sets and identify the underlying trends and points of importance. Ryan has a proven track record in creating successful cross-channel donor engagement strategies that will deepen donor relationships with organizations and upgrade those with the most capacity and inclination to give. Ryan has always felt most fulfilled working to help causes he cares about exceed their goals to accomplish their missions. Early on he realized that he could help nonprofits by doing something he loved, and they often lacked: Digging into their data and to help them become more efficient and maximize their fundraising potential.

Register

How The Annual Fund Suppresses Giving And What To Do About It
2021-08-18 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
The recording of this event is available HERE.
The slides from this presentation are available for download HERE.
August Professional Development | How The Annual Fund Suppresses Giving And What To Do About It
Don’t miss this very insightful, strategic, and timely topic on the annual fund model and how it, and other fundraising strategies like giving clubs and societies, membership programs and pledge programs and campaigns, if not managed properly, will suppress giving from your best donors.

Richard Perry, Founding Partner of Veritus Group – veritusgroup.com – will lead this interactive session and explore:

How the annual fund and other fundraising strategies suppress giving.
How this suppression dynamic is counter to core donor motivations and inclinations.
Why donors who could give more to your organization don’t do it and steps you can take to correct the situation.
Why most non-profits have so few active major donors and how to correct the situation.
How COVID exposed this suppression dynamic and how progressive non-profits changed their fundraising strategies and secured more net revenue.

When the conversation is about people, their money and giving, you’ll find Richard a deeply caring counselor who helps donors fulfill their passions and interests. Richard believes that successful major-gift fundraising is not fundamentally about securing revenue for good causes. Instead, it is about helping donors express who they are through their giving.

About Richard Perry
Richard Perry is a founding partner of the Veritus Group. Richard has over 40 years’ experience helping nonprofits transform their Major Gift programs. He co-founded The Domain Group, which was one of the largest full-service fundraising consulting agencies serving major national, regional and local nonprofits in the United States. Richard also does management consulting and leadership development and transition, and he has worked with mergers and acquisitions.

Register

Philanthropy Institute 2021
2021-07-15 11:30 - 13:30 UTC | Virtual
Annual Professional Development Opportunity
Thursday, July 15, 2021, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Eastern Time
Philanthropy Institute 2021 will be a live virtual program with a Keynote Presentation by Vu Le from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM followed by a collegial discussion from 1:00 – 1:30 PM. Cost: $20 APF Members*, $30 non-AFP members. All nonprofit leaders are encouraged to register for this timely and thought-provoking event, so relevant to our work as nonprofit and philanthropic leaders in the communities that we serve. To register and for more information: https://www.afpwnc.org/programs/philanthropy-institute/
*Scholarship funding will be available to registered AFP members. For more information and to apply, check the AFP WNC website after June 1st.
2021 Event Information

Race, Equity, Access, Diversity, Inclusion, and the Future of Nonprofit and Philanthropy
The pandemic, combined with society’s reckoning with systemic racism, highlights the important role that nonprofit and philanthropy play in the world. We have been critical in lifting up families and strengthening communities. At the same time, we still have many things holding us back.
In this thought-provoking presentation Vu, author of NonprofitAF.com, will both affirm and provoke.
All nonprofit leaders are encouraged to register for this timely and thought-provoking event, so relevant to our work as nonprofit and philanthropic leaders in the communities that we serve.

Vu Le (“voo lay”) is a writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces, and the former Executive Director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration between diverse communities.
Vu’s passion to make the world better, combined with a low score on the Law School Admission Test, drove him into the field of nonprofit work, where he learned that we should take the work seriously, but not ourselves.
Known for his no-BS approach, irreverent sense of humor, and love of unicorns, Vu has been featured in dozens, if not hundreds, of his own blog posts at NonprofitAF.com.

To provide context for this presentation and Vu‘s dynamic and provocative approach to the sector’s work, we recommend checking out these links in advance of Philanthropy Institute:

Are You Guilty of Equity Offset?
White Supremacy and the Problem with Centering Donors Interests and Emotions
Star Trek and the Future of the Nonprofit Sector
Philanthropy and the Destructive Illusion of Leveling the Playing Field
21 Signs You or Your Organization May Be The White Moderate Dr. King Warned About

For more information, contact Laurel Amabile, Chair, Philanthropy Institute Committee institute@afpwnc.org
Register
Philanthropy Institute Cancellation Policy
Refunds and/or credits are not available for or applied to Philanthropy Institute or National Philanthropy Day. If payment is ‘pending at the door’ and an attendee is unable to attend, an invoice will be emailed following the program.

Social Gathering at Pleb Urban Winery
2021-06-23 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
AFP WNC Social Gathering
Pleb Urban Winery: June 23, 2021 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

It’s been far too long since we’ve been together, and connecting with one another is one of the best parts of AFP!

Join your AFP colleagues for our first in-person gathering since the pandemic began. Pleb has set aside a few tables for us. Buy a beverage, catch up with your colleagues, and browse the offerings at the weekly local farmers market.

Advance registration isn’t required, but please mark your calendars now. Pleb Urban Winery is in the River Arts District (289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801). See you there!

Donor Affinity Purposeful Engagement
2021-06-16 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
June Professional Development.
AFP Webinar: Donor Affinity Purposeful Engagement

The recording of this program can be viewed HERE.

The slides are available for download HERE.

Welcome to the world of ‘Donor Affinity Purposeful Engagement’ where organizational philanthropic goals are aligned to drive your organization to become more focused and strategic- and where you can unleash your team to engage and excite prospects & donors in refreshing and very effective ways. In this new world of ‘purposeful engagement’, those actions that contribute to engagement are placed on the To Do List and those that do not are skuttled to the Do Not Do List. Our hope is that you will depart with an appreciation for the term ‘Treasure what you Measure’, with emphasis on quantifying engagement, promoting donor affinity, building your team of influencers, writing and maintaining multiple case statements, and redefining the role of the development officer.
Leading this adventure to another world are: Bill Kinard, Vice President of Resourcing Impact, Dogwood Health Trust; and Wilson Sims, Sims & Steele Consulting.

Presented by Bill Kinard and Wilson Sims

Bill Kinard is a native of Clinton, SC – a small, rural town of about 8,000 – in Upstate South Carolina. Bill received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology with an emphasis on pre-med studies in 1990 from Presbyterian College. Since January 2018, Bill has been actively engaged in establishing Dogwood Health Trust a private non-operating foundation with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities of Western North Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust was established to receive the proceeds from the sale of the assets of the nonprofit Mission Health System to HCA Healthcare in January 2019.

Wilson Sims, Jr. is a partner at Sims & Steele Consulting. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MBA, Owen School, from Vanderbilt University. Wilson has dedicated 34 years to consulting with non-profits in planning, organizational development and fundraising and has been a consultant for over 90 successful capital campaigns. Wilson is Past President, Association of Fundraising Professionals Western North Carolina Chapter.

Register

Organizational Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
2021-05-19 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
April Professional Development
Organizational Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The recording of this program is available HERE.
Additional DEI resources from the presenters are available for download HERE.
University of North Carolina Asheville Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, Institutional Equity, and General Counsel Heather Parlier will lead the group in an open discussion about our individual organizations’ commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We will discuss how individually we gauge that commitment and how we actively work towards it.

Attendees should submit questions before May 10, 2021 and bring along their individual organization’s statements of commitment to diversity if able.

Presented by Heather Parlier
Heather Parlier joined UNC Asheville as Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, Institutional Equity, and General Counsel in October 2019. Prior to joining UNC Asheville in this role, she served as the Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at Columbia University in the City of New York. As Vice Provost, Parlier was responsible for the management of the University’s policies on discrimination, harassment, and sexual assault and misconduct, and served as Columbia’s compliance officer for nondiscrimination and affirmative action laws and disability access. Parlier was also responsible for creating and implementing training and awareness for campus diversity and inclusion as well as working with all Schools and Departments within the University to create more inclusive and welcoming academic and work environments. Parlier received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her JD from the City University of New York School of Law.
Register

How To Manage Your Career In Fundraising
2021-04-21 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
April Professional Development
How To Manage Your Career In Fundraising

The recording of this event is available HERE.
This session will explore how to know what you want to do, how to change jobs effectively, how to read the signs about when and why to move, and how to make a plan for your career. Doing what is right for you is incredibly important in your life and career happiness.

Presented by Alex Comfort
Alex Comfort, CFRE is President of Mountain Non-Profit Solutions, a consulting company he formed in 2009 after 23 years as a professional fundraiser. He specializes in working with all non-profits for sustainability, capital campaigns, major gifts, agency and development audits, board development, planned giving and endowment growth. Additionally, over the past eight years he had taught an acclaimed 4 day, comprehensive Fundraising Boot Camp which he teaches at Western Carolina University, Biltmore Park.
Register

Managing the Ask...Essential Steps When Soliciting Major Donors
2021-03-17 12:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
March Professional Development
Managing the Ask…Essential Steps When Soliciting Major Donors

The recording of this event is available HERE.
For more than 30 years, Diane M. Carlson has been helping her clients ask for and receive millions of dollars in support for their organizations. In this 45-minute webinar, Diane will walk us through the process of managing the “ask”, starting with prospect identification and ending with how to handle saying “thank you”.

Presented by Diane M. Carlson
Diane M. Carlson is natural born leader and entrepreneur with over several decades of fundraising and nonprofit consulting experience. Diane’s leadership has resulted in partnering with clients to raise several billion dollars. Diane is sought after for her creative solutions to fundraising challenges, nonprofit strategic direction, ethical fundraising practices, and ability to lead our clients to success. Prior to co-founding Catapult Fundraising, Diane served as the Chairman of IDC and Founder of 1-2-1 Philanthropic Solutions. She is one of a few people who have received awards from two AFP chapters, AFP New Jersey and AFP Las Vegas, for her fundraising achievement. Diane is past president of the AFP New Jersey Chapter, past board member of the AFP Global Board and Foundation Board, and the first female Chair of the American Association of Fundraising Counsel (now known at The Giving Institute).
Register

Six Great Ideas for Helping Donors Plan Their Most Significant Gifts
2021-02-17 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
February Professional Development
Six Great Ideas for Helping Donors Plan Their Most Significant Gifts

The slides for this event are available HERE.
The recording of this event will be available HERE.
How can you help the people who love your organization make a plan for a significant gift – now or as part of their legacy? We’ll walk together through six giving strategies, covering gifts from retirement accounts, bequests and beneficiary designations, gifts that pay lifetime income and more. The emphasis will be on describing these gifts in easy-to-understand ways that are proven to inspire donors.

Presented by Sheryl Aikman
Sheryl Aikman led asset development, planned giving, advisor and affiliate relations, and nonprofit fundholder services at The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for over 21 years. In her last 5 years at the foundation, her work resulted in $136 million in contributions and creation of over 400 charitable funds, gift annuity, trust and expectancy agreements. Her volunteer roles have included service to AdNet (Advancement Network for Community Foundations), the Council on Foundations, the North Carolina Planned Giving Council, and the Land of Sky Estate Planning Council. For eight years, Sheryl served as a peer reviewer for the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, conducting rigorous policy, program and operational accreditation assessments. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Davidson College, she holds a masters degree in Management of Nonprofit Organizations from Case Western Reserve University. She is William C. Friday Fellow of the Wildacres Leadership Initiative.
Register

Thanking Donors - a Six Month Update of the Impact of COVID on Donor Relations
2021-02-03 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
February Professional Development (Rescheduled from January)
Thanking Donors – a Six Month Update of the Impact of COVID on Donor Relations
The Heurista team has compiled a list of suggested reading which can be found HERE.
You can access the recording of the program HERE.

Heurista and Eleven Fifty Seven collaborated in March 2020 to survey donor relations professionals to identify the immediate effects of the COVID-19 stay-at-home regulations on the work of thanking donors and to forecast anticipated changes in donor relations practice. The survey questions explore the role of technology with regards to team function, communication with and about donors, the impact on donor recognition and stewardship at large, and what changes may be on the horizon for the field of donor relations. The initial results were compiled into a report that can be found on thankingdonors.net. Follow up interviews are being conducted since the publishing of the first report to garner additional insight on how things continue to change and what ideas will prove successful for the long term. Since the initial survey went live, a Canadian survey was published with a report that will follow later this Fall.

Join us for a six-month update to the survey responses answering questions:

How is donor engagement being maintained?
Will new circumstances affecting traditional donor relations activities such as campus visits, events, and interaction with beneficiaries demand new tools?
What technologies will prove both practical and effective for thanking donors?
How are pandemic-related changes affecting team structure? What tasks are affected?
What activities are most important given the limitations presented?
What metrics are most beneficial during a sustained crisis response?

Presented by Anne Manner-McLarty
Anne Manner-McLarty is lead strategist for the donor recognition firm, Heurista and managing editor of the Journal of Donor Relations and Stewardship. She founded Heurista in 2011 to address the growing complexities of donor relations and stewardship. She and her team work with nonprofits to develop authentic, sustainable programs that help realize nonprofit missions by engaging and motivating donors.
Register

Is Prospect Development Donor-Centered? Yes! The Ethics and Process of Donor-Centered Prospect Development & Data Privacy
2020-12-16 11:30 - 12:45 (America/New_York) | Virtual
December Professional Development
AFP Webinar: Is Prospect Development Donor-Centered? Yes! The Ethics and Process of Donor-Centered Prospect Development & Data Privacy
In the wake of data scandals, security concerns and a growing number of new data privacy laws, is traditional prospect research still relevant and appropriate for fundraising? How does this ever-changing landscape affect how we fundraise and manage our donors’ data? What are the ethical implications in managing information and using publicly available data? This session will explore the new realities in research and data, discuss the ethics surrounding them and how best to ensure your program uses and manages data effectively.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand the basics of prospect research and what is included in publicly available data;
Gain familiarity with new data privacy laws and how they impact the sector;
Frame an ethical approach to data management and prospect research.

Presented by T. Clay Buck and Ryan Woroniecki
T. Clay Buck, CFRE is a passionate advocate for fundraisers and the missions and donors they serve. He is the Founder and Chief Consultant of Tactical Fundraising Solutions, a full-service fundraising partnership firm focused on developing the systems and operations that drive highly effective fundraising. He has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive certification since 2010, served as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Las Vegas chapter for two years. He is an AFP certified Master Trainer.

Ryan Woroniecki has been in the fundraising industry for a decade working in various roles at DonorSearch. He started in sales and built out their partners program and ecosystem which includes DonorPerfect, Bloomerang, Salesforce, Bentz Whaley Flessner. In his time he’s helped hundreds of nonprofits segment their database, design prospect management services and plans for specific prospects. He is a former APRA-MD Board member and currently serves as Secretary of the Board at The Giving Institute and on the AFP Foundation external major gifts committee.
Register

National Philanthropy Day Virtual Celebration
2020-11-18 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
You’re Invited to a National Philanthropy Day celebration!

This year’s celebration will take place virtually.

National Philanthropy Day is a special day to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy – and those active in the philanthropic community – make to our lives, communities and world. Please join us on November 18 for a virtual celebration to recognize our 2020 Honorees and their contributions to philanthropy in the Western North Carolina community.
The event is free, but registration is required. The video of the event will be available to registered participants only for two weeks following the event.

Register

Privilege, Power & Philanthropy: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Fundraising World
2020-10-21 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
October Professional Development
Privilege, Power & Philanthropy: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Fundraising World
View the SLIDES for this event.
View the RECORDING of this event.
The goal of fundraising is to raise money for good causes. In our effort to do “good work”, might we also be causing harm? In presenting Privilege, Power & Philanthropy, Danae Jones Aicher will guide us in thinking more deeply about who we approach for fundraising and how, and how — without an understanding of power and privilege — we might be upholding and maintaining old systems of oppression.

Presented by Danae Jones Aicher
Danae Jones Aicher is an experienced Equity and Inclusion facilitator with a gift for creating brave spaces for people to address difficult topics around race within their organizations. A former mass communications professional with a degree in History and more than 20 years of experience in news, politics and public relations, she utilizes humor and all of her experience to help teams understand how racist systems and policies replicate and perpetuate themselves in an ongoing cycle unless they are intentionally interrupted. In addition to facilitating workshops and trainings for school teams, non-profit organizations and businesses, Danae serves as the Equity Director at Rainbow Community School, a holistic independent school in Asheville, NC, and Rainbow Institute, the school’s adult and organization education counterpart. There, her focus is keeping the school family connected to each other and the broader community by expanding their understanding of, and commitment to, equity and inclusion. Over 30 years, Danae’s career trajectory has taken her from a political journalist to political operative to social/racial justice educator. She left her professional career for a few years to dedicate herself full-time to raising her young family, which prompted her to charter a local chapter of Mocha Moms, Inc., a national sisterhood, support and service organization for mothers of color. She now sits on the national Board of Directors as the National Director for Communication, Advocacy and Public Policy. She also sits on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, and served four years on the Board of Building Bridges of Asheville, the local anti-racism organization that brings together the community in a brave space to talk about race, racism, and how both show up in Asheville and the broader western North Carolina region.
Participants can receive 1 CFRE credit for attending this webinar.
Register

Foundations of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
2020-09-16 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
September Professional Development
Foundations of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
View the SLIDES for this event.

Understanding equity, diversity, and inclusion is key to untangling the complexity of social issues. In this presentation, Aisha will lay the groundwork for professionals to make meaning and draw distinction between diversity, inclusion, and equity to help create safe spaces with the communities they serve.

Presented by Aisha Adams
Aisha Adams is a social media influencer with a heart for community economic development. Through her personal platform Nappy Thoughts (www.nappythoughts.com), Aisha has been a resource to individuals and families healing themselves from mental, emotional, and physical trauma. Her written work has appeared in publications like The Asheville Citizen Times, The Asheville Grit, and The Final Call. Aisha has a BA in English with a concentration in creative writing. She has a Masters in Post-Secondary and Adult Education. Aisha is also the founder of Aisha Adams Media Group.
Register

Five Mistakes Boards Must Avoid
2020-08-19 11:30 - 12:30 UTC | Virtual
August Professional Development
Five Mistakes Boards Must Avoid
Serving on a board of directors is a significant commitment. Yet some board members may not be aware of the nuances of that commitment and how their actions can either accelerate or impede the progress for their nonprofit. In this session, we will discuss five essential mistakes made by boards that can hold your institution back. Make sure to invite your board members to this important discussion!
Presented By Doug Hartjes
Doug Hartjes is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and is a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Charlotte Chapter. Doug is enthusiastic about facilitating conversations around the art and science of fundraising and helping nonprofits enhance their organizational effectiveness. Doug is the founder and President of COR Consulting and has spent the last 18 years of his career in nonprofit leadership. He has served in varied roles in the nonprofit sector including chief executive officer, chief development officer, board member/Chair, mentor, volunteer and consultant. During his nonprofit tenure he has helped institutions not only meet, but exceed their fundraising and organizational goals.

Register

Your Annual Fund During a Worldwide Crisis
2020-07-15 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Virtual
July Professional Development
Your Annual Fund During a Worldwide Crisis – How Do We Get Back to Fundraising?
This presentation will discuss the tools and techniques you should be using to communicate effectively with your donors and how the fundraising landscape has changed since the coronavirus pandemic. Anthony will discuss how cultivation has become one of the most valuable tools in your arsenal for the long-term sustainability of your annual fund. Other topics discussed will be the use of telephone outreach during this time of crisis and how to create a multi-channel strategy to incorporate email solicitations, direct mail, text to give, and social media.

Presented by Anthony R. Alonso
Anthony R. Alonso is one of the nation’s leading fundraisers with over three decades of expertise in direct marketing and tele-fundraising. In 2017, Anthony co-founded Catapult Fundraising.
Anthony is a natural leader and has managed his own business for over twenty years. During this time, he has learned how to overcome obstacles, navigate “gray areas” in an ethical manner, and how to motivate a team while always moving forward.
It’s Anthony’s expertise and passion for helping non-profit organizations that has allowed him to successfully raise close to a billion dollars for organizations in need over the last ten years alone.
Anthony’s impact on the profession goes far beyond serving Catapult’s clients. He has served on the boards of AFP New Jersey, The Giving Institute, Giving USA, the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy, and was a founding member of the AFP Industry Partners Council.
Register
