A Message to the VAFRE Community

Today, more than a year since the murder of George Floyd, VAFRE wants to reaffirm our determination to be a professional organization that is inclusive, diverse and supportive of the growth and expansion of fundraising and philanthropy throughout our community, regardless of race or ethnic background. VAFRE stands ready to support the black community and all people of color in the pursuit of justice and the end to the systemic racism which has plagued our nation throughout the past four centuries.

Those horrifying scenes captured on video shocked the world and helped initiate much needed conversations about social justice and racial disparities. So much has happened in the last year, and yet so much has not.

As nonprofits serving our communities, we must continue to listen, learn and take action to help create equity in the organizations where we work and in the society in which we live. As a membership organization, VAFRE will continue to offer educational topics that focus on fostering diversity and inclusion within our field, with a goal of building a pipeline of fundraising leaders that reflect the diversity of our communities. We continue to welcome members from small shops, startup organizations and those with tight operating budgets by offering dues scholarships. Social justice demands that we constantly question what is ethical and what is culturally informed.

As fundraisers, we are often asked to work creatively and resourcefully to raise our organizations to new heights and to meet both expected and unexpected challenges with successful outcomes. We encourage all VAFRE members to join us in raising these issues to a new level and in helping find solutions to systemic racism. 

Together we are powerful. We welcome new ideas and strategies on how we can make VAFRE, the fundraising profession, and our communities better, stronger, and more equitable.