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• 2025-2026 Season Pass

  • Start
    Wednesday, June 18, 2025
  •  
    12:00 AM
  • End
    Wednesday, October 29, 2025
  •  
    11:30 PM
  • Location
    not applicable

  Register

  VAFRE members can once again purchase a Season Pass to prepay for all of their meetings, either in-person or virtually!

  A Season Pass covers either in-person or virtual registration for all regular meetings from September 2025 through June 2026, including the monthly luncheons and the Awards reception.* 

  The Season Pass allows members the convenience of one annual payment for VAFRE events at a discounted rate:

  • Just $190.00 for in-person - that's $25 less than paying as you register for each event! 
  • Just $60.00 for the virtual option - a discount of $12 off of the pay-as-you-go rates. Those with a virtual season pass will have the option to upgrade to an in-person registration when they wish to do so for a small fee to cover the costs associated with the in-person event.

  Members may also send another staff person in their place if they are unable to attend a meeting (simply contact our offices to register your substitute).

  ADDED BONUS: Season Pass holders may register one guest to attend any one regular monthly meeting (excludes Awards luncheon) at no additional charge. That's an additional savings of $30 for the in-person pass and $15 for the virtual pass!

  *VAFRE reserves the right to charge Season Pass holders for any additional events that may be scheduled.

  Please note: the Season Pass is available to members only. You must be logged in to register for this option.

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• VAFRE 2025-2026 Professional Partnership Program

  • Start
    Wednesday, June 18, 2025
  •  
    12:00 AM
  • End
    Wednesday, October 01, 2025
  •  
    11:30 PM
  • Location
    not applicable
  • Registered
    5 registrants

  Register

  Part ● ner : one that shares

  Are you new to fund development or would you like to enhance your professional skill sets?  If you answered “YES’ then VAFRE has great news for you!

  The Professional Partnership Program (P3), now entering its twelfth year, offers VAFRE members the opportunity for small groups (the Partners) to meet a minimum of four times with two highly experienced facilitators (the Leaders) between October and June. 

  The Professional Partnership Program will encourage discussion and comment on job-related concerns of greatest interest to each group as identified by the participant applications. Issues and topics for each session will be solicited in advance and facilitated by the Leaders.

  Registrations and all Necessary Documentation should be received by end of day September 1st.

  Thanks to E.L. Freeman for their sponsorship of this program.

  
  

  The Concept: 

  The Professional Partnership Program is an optional supplement to VAFRE’s current and ongoing offerings and is intended to meet the expressed interest of the membership in an initiative that will more formally link the most experienced VAFRE members with those members seeking to learn from their experiences. P3 will offer VAFRE members an annual opportunity to develop more extensive professional skills and understanding through an optional and self-supporting program that will organize small groups (the Partners) which meet periodically with two highly experienced facilitators (the Leaders). 

  
  

  Each group will meet a minimum for 4 times between October 1 and May 31 under the guidance of the Leaders.  Additional sessions may be arranged at the discretion of the Leaders.   The purpose of each P3 group is to encourage discussion and comment on those job-related concerns of greatest interest to each group.  Issues and topics for each session will be solicited in advance and facilitated by the Leaders.   Because of the rather informal nature of this program, it is not expected that participation will qualify for accreditation required for the CFRE certificate.  The administrative and operational expenses of PPP will be underwritten by a non-refundable annual participation fee paid by Partners; such fees will be paid to VAFRE and will not benefit Leaders, except in providing reimbursement for expenses associated with group sessions.

   

  P3 Organization: 

  Under the auspices of VAFRE, 2-3 teams of Leaders will be identified and selected.  Each team would consist of 2 individuals who are specifically chosen from the VAFRE membership for their demonstrated experience and success in conducting fundraising activities on behalf of at least two (2) recognized non-profit organizations/institutions and have achieved the position of chief advancement officer, that person ultimately responsible for the direction and success of all fundraising activities.  Each Leader team will bring relevant experience, including both specific fundraising program direction and management responsibility.  The emphasis in selecting Leaders is to favor those who have had extensive front-line (in the trenches) fundraising and management experience.

  
  

  The Leaders will be responsible to VAFRE for organizing and directing 4 group sessions annually with their assigned Partners.  Leaders may exercise their discretion over the time, duration and venue of such sessions, but they will be separate from VAFRE’s established membership meetings.  Individual meetings and consultations between Leaders and Participants is solely at the discretion of the Leader, but are not included under the program’s auspices.

  
  

  P3 Partners will be expected to apply for Program participation annually, with the completion of a short on-line application provided by VAFRE.   Such application will detail the applicants’ interests and desired expectations for P3 participation.  There will be no more than 8 Partners per team.

   

  Fees: 

  In consideration of their participation, Partners will pay a non-refundable $75 annual fee (discounted to $50 prior to July 31), payable to VAFRE, to underwrite the administrative and meeting expenses of each group.  The fee must be paid in full in advance of the first group session.  They will not be charged any additional fees for their participation.  P3 Leaders will not be compensated for their service to VAFRE in this capacity, but can secure reimbursement of reasonable meeting expenses. 

  
  

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• The Power of Narrative: Using Strategic Storytelling to Move Donors and Multiply Impact - In-Person Event

  • When
    Tuesday, September 09, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Virginia War Memorial
  • Spaces left
    62
  • Registered
    16 registrants

  Register

  Our Program

  In the daily grind of development, it’s easy to overlook the stories that can spark real support.

  But how you communicate your mission is one of your strongest fundraising tools. And the best stories are already inside your organization.

  Join us at the Virginia War Memorial for lunch on Sept. 9 as a panel of marketing pros shares how to make an impact through content marketing and story-driven messaging. This program is presented in partnership between the Virginia Association of Fund Raising Executives (VAFRE) and American Marketing Association (AMA) Richmond.

  You’ll leave inspired to engage your audience more consistently, share your mission in meaningful ways, and grow your fundraising success through smarter, more strategic communication.

  Pending approval for CFRE credit.

  Our Panelists

  Dean Browell leads Feedback’s research as resident PhD with a passion for how generations interact online. He is co-founder of Hidden In Plain Site and on the boards of The Poe Museum and Firehouse Theatre. Dean teaches courses at VCU’s School of Business and University of Richmond’s Institute on Philanthropy.

  Romina Newman is a marketing and communications leader with a passion for turning complex missions into meaningful stories that drive action. As Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at World Pediatrics, she led the organization’s rebrand from World Pediatric Project—a transformation rooted in the belief that delivering care to children around the world is no longer a project, but a standing commitment. She now oversees global storytelling strategies that connect donors to impact and support an organization that has historically reached over 27,000 children in more than 30 countries.
  With a background in brand development, higher education, government, and artistic/commercial photography, Romina brings both strategic insight and creative execution to her work. Her professional experience includes roles with the U.S. State Department in Thailand, academic program development in Portugal, and creative consulting for private companies in Peru. At World Pediatrics, she has contributed to campaigns that supported record-breaking fundraising in the past two years, working as part of a dedicated team advancing the organization’s mission. She also leads the production of the organization’s podcast, further expanding its storytelling platform.
  She believes storytelling is not just a tool for awareness—it’s a catalyst for change.

  Beth Vann-Turnbull is an accomplished nonprofit leader driven to support people in overcoming challenges and financial adversity. With 27 years of experience as an executive director, she excels at developing new leaders, implementing innovative programs, and fostering collaboration to maximize impact. Currently the Executive Director at Housing Families First, she has led the organization as it tripled its budget, upgraded its shelter and campus through a successful capital campaign, and expanded its impactful programming.
  Beth holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Richmond and a Certificate in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School Social Enterprise Initiative. She serves on various Boards, including Homeward, the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, and Richmond Animal League, and is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond.
  She is the 2025 honoree in Nonprofit Management from the YWCA’s Outstanding Women Awards and a University of Richmond Alumni Association awardee for Distinguished Service. When not at work, Beth enjoys studying Spanish, yoga, and traveling with her husband Scott.

  Our Moderator

  A native of Roanoke Virginia, Jay Lugar possesses a wide range of development and marketing experience.  He began his career as Marketing Director for the State Fair of Virginia (SFVA) organization. While with the State Fair, Jay served on the Richmond Chapter of the American Marketing Association board of directors for five years, including serving as Board President.
  Jay joined the VCU Massey Cancer Center development team in 2012. In leading cause marketing efforts at VCU Massey Cancer Center, Jay led the team to raise nearly $2M, then a record. In late 2014, Jay began work on a capital campaign for the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America. Completed in 2019, the campaign raised $5.5M for a new headquarters and STEM Center at Camp T. Brady Saunders. Jay served as Vice President of Development & Marketing for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond, where he managed a team of five.
  In 2023, Jay and his CEO worked together to complete a $1.5M capital campaign in one year. In 2024, Jay earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive designation and most recently launched the $40M capital campaign for the new Ronald McDonald House in 2025.
  In May, 2025, Jay joined the staff at Elk Hill, where he serves as Chief Philanthropy Officer. Jay lives in Richmond with his college sweetheart and three lovely children. In his free time, he goes fishing, pretends to garden with dubious results and plays live music in local dive bars.

  Our Schedule

  • 11:30 a.m. In-person Registration & Networking begins
  • 12 p.m. Lunch 
  • 12:10 Program begins 
  • 1:30 p.m. Adjourn

  Registration Fees

  • In-person registration is $20 for members  of VAFRE or AMA Richmond ($0 for those with a Season Pass or $12 for those with a Virtual Season Pass), $25 for nonmembers who work at a member organization and for members of the Central Virginia Chapter AFP, and $30 for guests. All in-person registrants should select their meal during the registration process.
  • Virtual registration is $8 for members ($0 for those with a Virtual Season Pass), $11 for nonmembers who work at a member organization and $15 for nonmembers. The virtual registration fees help support the technology costs associated with offering a hybrid event.

  If you are not a VAFRE or AMA member and do not work in the office of a member, consider becoming a member of VAFRE in order to access reduced registration fees.

  Show details
• The Power of Narrative: Using Strategic Storytelling to Move Donors and Multiply Impact - Virtual Event

  • When
    Tuesday, September 09, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom
  • Spaces left
    94
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  Register

  Our Program

  In the daily grind of development, it’s easy to overlook the stories that can spark real support.

  But how you communicate your mission is one of your strongest fundraising tools. And the best stories are already inside your organization.

  Join us at the Virginia War Memorial for lunch on Sept. 9 as a panel of marketing pros shares how to make an impact through content marketing and story-driven messaging. This program is presented in partnership between the Virginia Association of Fund Raising Executives (VAFRE) and American Marketing Association (AMA) Richmond.

  You’ll leave inspired to engage your audience more consistently, share your mission in meaningful ways, and grow your fundraising success through smarter, more strategic communication.

  Pending approval for CFRE credit.

  Our Panelists

  Dean Browell leads Feedback’s research as resident PhD with a passion for how generations interact online. He is co-founder of Hidden In Plain Site and on the boards of The Poe Museum and Firehouse Theatre. Dean teaches courses at VCU’s School of Business and University of Richmond’s Institute on Philanthropy.

  Romina Newman is a marketing and communications leader with a passion for turning complex missions into meaningful stories that drive action. As Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at World Pediatrics, she led the organization’s rebrand from World Pediatric Project—a transformation rooted in the belief that delivering care to children around the world is no longer a project, but a standing commitment. She now oversees global storytelling strategies that connect donors to impact and support an organization that has historically reached over 27,000 children in more than 30 countries.
  With a background in brand development, higher education, government, and artistic/commercial photography, Romina brings both strategic insight and creative execution to her work. Her professional experience includes roles with the U.S. State Department in Thailand, academic program development in Portugal, and creative consulting for private companies in Peru. At World Pediatrics, she has contributed to campaigns that supported record-breaking fundraising in the past two years, working as part of a dedicated team advancing the organization’s mission. She also leads the production of the organization’s podcast, further expanding its storytelling platform.
  She believes storytelling is not just a tool for awareness—it’s a catalyst for change.

  Beth Vann-Turnbull is an accomplished nonprofit leader driven to support people in overcoming challenges and financial adversity. With 27 years of experience as an executive director, she excels at developing new leaders, implementing innovative programs, and fostering collaboration to maximize impact. Currently the Executive Director at Housing Families First, she has led the organization as it tripled its budget, upgraded its shelter and campus through a successful capital campaign, and expanded its impactful programming.
  Beth holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Richmond and a Certificate in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School Social Enterprise Initiative. She serves on various Boards, including Homeward, the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, and Richmond Animal League, and is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond.
  She is the 2025 honoree in Nonprofit Management from the YWCA’s Outstanding Women Awards and a University of Richmond Alumni Association awardee for Distinguished Service. When not at work, Beth enjoys studying Spanish, yoga, and traveling with her husband Scott.

  Our Moderator

  A native of Roanoke Virginia, Jay Lugar possesses a wide range of development and marketing experience.  He began his career as Marketing Director for the State Fair of Virginia (SFVA) organization. While with the State Fair, Jay served on the Richmond Chapter of the American Marketing Association board of directors for five years, including serving as Board President.
  Jay joined the VCU Massey Cancer Center development team in 2012. In leading cause marketing efforts at VCU Massey Cancer Center, Jay led the team to raise nearly $2M, then a record. In late 2014, Jay began work on a capital campaign for the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America. Completed in 2019, the campaign raised $5.5M for a new headquarters and STEM Center at Camp T. Brady Saunders. Jay served as Vice President of Development & Marketing for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond, where he managed a team of five.
  In 2023, Jay and his CEO worked together to complete a $1.5M capital campaign in one year. In 2024, Jay earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive designation and most recently launched the $40M capital campaign for the new Ronald McDonald House in 2025.
  In May, 2025, Jay joined the staff at Elk Hill, where he serves as Chief Philanthropy Officer. Jay lives in Richmond with his college sweetheart and three lovely children. In his free time, he goes fishing, pretends to garden with dubious results and plays live music in local dive bars.

  Our Schedule

  • 11:30 a.m. In-person Registration & Networking begins
  • 11:45 a.m. Virtual participants may login
  • 12 p.m. Lunch
  • 12:10 p.m. Program begins
  • 1:30 p.m. Adjourn

  Registration Fees

  • Virtual registration is $8 for members  of VAFRE or AMA Richmond ($0 for those with a Virtual Season Pass), $11 for nonmembers who work at a member organization and for members of the Central Virginia Chapter AFP, and $15 for nonmembers. The virtual registration fees help support the technology costs associated with offering a hybrid event. 
  • In-person registration is $20 for members of VAFRE or AMA ($0 for those with a Season Pass or $12 for those with a Virtual Season Pass), $25 for nonmembers who work at a member organization and for members of the Central Virginia Chapter AFP, and $30 for guests. All in-person registrants should select their meal during the registration process.

  If you are not a VAFRE or AMA member and do nor work in the office of a VAFRE member, consider becoming a member of VAFRE in order to access reduced registration fees.

  Show details