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VAFRE E-news, January 2026 |
Thank you to our Newsletter Sponsor!
____________ Submit Your Proposal!You are invited to propose a program for VAFRE’s monthly luncheon sessions. Luncheons are held in person in Richmond, with a hybrid option. Submissions are open to the public, regardless of membership status, and will be accepted on a rolling basis. For complete details and to submit a proposal, click here. ____________ | Welcome New (& Returning) Members!
Log in to the Member Directory to access contact information for these and all members. ____________ Not a VAFRE Member?Quarterly payment options and ____________
Register for our February 3 Program: Letting Development Shine in Your Budget Process
Get ready to level up your budgeting game! Join us on Tuesday, February 3, for an energizing conversation with Sarah Milston—former VAFRE Board member and founder of The Spark Mill - as she shares smart, practical strategies for budget planning that helps fuel nonprofit growth. You may attend virtually or in person at the Virginia War Memorial.
NOTE: This session is currently pending approval for CFRE credit. ____________
Other Upcoming ProgramsMark your calendar and watch for details:
____________ Need Help with Your Dues?The Susan Early Scholarship Fund is available to new and renewing VAFRE members to cover the cost of your dues. To apply for a scholarship, follow the link in the member application or, for current members, follow the link on the Members Only page. ____________
Do You Need CFRE Credit?Check out the recordings of our recent programs on the Members Only page of the website. Login now to view the virtual versions of our programs: from Giving Black to Demystifying Giving Circles, Using Data to Drive Campaign Success to Grant Writing with ChatGPT, it's all there for VAFRE members to take advantage of. ______________ Link Up with VAFRE on LINKEDINVAFRE has a Company page on LinkedIn: check it out to see what's happening with VAFRE. Also, members can join our LinkedIn group page and post items of interest to other members. ______________
| In Memoriam
David founded West Avenue Associates in 2008, offering what he described as “exceptional counsel to nonprofit leadership,” after a distinguished career in university advancement. His university journey culminated in his role as Vice President for Advancement at the University of Richmond from 2004 to 2007. David served on the VAFRE Board of Directors from 2009 to 2013, where his impact continues to be felt today. Most notably, he led the effort to establish VAFRE’s Professional Partnership Program, responding directly to members’ desire for deeper, more intentional connections between experienced professionals and those eager to learn from them. Since its inception, 135 members have participated as partners, guided by 30 team leaders, including six partner alumni who later went on to lead groups of their own. A celebration of life and his 80th birthday remembrance will be held at St. James’s Episcopal Church on Monday, January 26, at 11:00 a.m. David’s leadership, mentorship, and generosity of spirit leave a lasting legacy within VAFRE and the broader philanthropic community. ___________________________________ Virtual New Member Orientation - January 20 (Noon to 1 p.m.)Whether you're brand new to VAFRE or within your first year of membership, we’d love to help you make the most of your experience! Join us Tuesday, January 20, from noon to 1:00 p.m. for a virtual New Member Orientation. Learn about the benefits and opportunities available to you, meet fellow members, and discover ways to get more involved. This session is free, but please register by Monday, January 19, to let us know you're coming. We look forward to connecting with you in 2026!
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Celebrate Excellence —
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Plan to Attend "The Courage to Lead" Workshop from AFP Central Virginia on February 12
Join AFP Central Virginia on Thursday, February 12, for a full-day workshop titled, "The Courage to Lead: Funding Our Work Here and Now."
Facilitated by Evangeline Weiss, owner of Beyond Conflict, Inc., the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will include three sessions, with an hour and a half break for lunch:
- Grounding in Our IDEA Values and Purpose
- Navigating the Iceberg of Power and Privilege
- Answering the Call to Shift Fundraising Strategies
The Workshop will be held in the Community Room at the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation at 2235 Staples Mill Road. Click here to learn more and to register for the AFP event.
NOTE: A one-hour follow-up session will be held virtually on Thursday, March 12. Attendees of the February and March sessions are eligible to receive a total of 6 CFRE credits.
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Board Nominations Are Open - Step Up or Nominate a Leader
Ready to make a bigger impact with VAFRE? The Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for open positions on the VAFRE Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
This is your chance to step into a leadership role or to recognize a fellow member who’s ready to help shape the future of VAFRE. Nominations are due by Friday, February 27, 2026.
All nominees will receive a Candidate Interest Form, which must be completed to be considered by the Nominating Committee.
Who Can Serve?
Board candidates must be members in good standing. Directors begin their two-year term on July 1, 2026, working alongside fellow Board members to guide VAFRE’s policies and advance its mission.
What’s the Commitment?
Directors attend Board meetings on the first Tuesday of every other month (schedule may vary as determined by the Board) and contribute time to fulfill their Board responsibilities.
The Board Nomination Form is available now!
Before submitting a nomination, be sure to review the Board qualifications, nomination process, and job descriptions as outlined in the Policy Manual.