Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives

New Members

Megan Angstadt, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation

Maureen Aylward, UMW Office of Advancement

Wendy Bondeson, Sportable

Matt Brady,Children's Hospital Foundation

Amanda Dela Cruz, VCU

Amber Garcia, Autism Society of Central Virginia

Cindy Hamlin, Crater Community Hospice

Lore Lynch, Baptist General Association of Virginia

Sarah Neely, VCU

Leah Tweel, David P. King Fundraising

Log in to the Member Directory for complete details on these and other members.

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Not a VAFRE Member?

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August Survey Question: 

In your organization, who approves donor communications?

Click here to participate in our one-question survey. See results of last month's survey below.

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Late Summer Survey Results: If your fiscal year ended June 30, did your development team meet it's goals for 2018-2019?

• Yes, we knocked it out of the park = 28%
• Yes, we met our goals = 14%
• We met most of our goals = 28%
• We met some of our goals = 28%
• No, we didn't meet our goals = 0%

As one respondent noted, "Exceeded donor retention goal. Grew several donors $-wise, but missed the overall $ goal by about $200K."

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Message from the President

It seems like we've jumped from the depths of summer into the fall in a matter of days! I had coffee at my patio table the other morning and there was a lovely chill in the air. And at this time of year, the retail stores and t.v. advertisements are in full swing with "back to school" promotions. All of these activities are in preparation for learning...and thus my mind is drawn to the inevitable calendar year-end fundraising and all of the planning and appeals that go into a successful campaign. How can we improve upon what we did last year? We evaluate and learn from the past - both what went well and what we can improve upon in the future. Remember, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Life is a journey, not a destination". Learning helps keep us young!

I encourage you to start "back to school" with the younger set this fall. Utilize all of the resources that VAFRE brings to the table to continue learning more about your chosen profession. If you are focused on your professional development this year, consider our Professional Partnership Program (P3) and engage with a handful of your colleagues in working with two highly skilled development professionals as you navigate issues and topics of interest specifically relevant to you. Registration for P3 ends on September 15th, if you'd like to know more or to sign up, please click here for details. Attend our upcoming luncheons and learn more about high net worth individuals from the perspective of a banker, find out more about major donors or plumb the depths of what goes into hosting a fundraising event successfully. Last but not least, in networking with peers and expanding your knowledge base, don't forget about our online VAFRE member directory (you must be logged in to access this page), where you can search interest areas and find peers with expertise in those areas. It's a great opportunity to meet someone new and share a cup of coffee, tea or a pumpkin spice latte.

As fall approaches, let's all take part in this "back to school" spirit!

Jenn

Jennifer O’Rourke, CFRE, VAFRE President

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Affinity Tables Back at September Meeting

At our September 10th meeting we will continue our affinity group initiative to facilitate discussions on specific topics during out monthly lunches. We will have two tables each focused on:

• Board Development
• Donor Stewardship
• Lapsed Donors

In addition, we will have one or two tables set aside for New Members and their Ambassadors to make it easier for them to connect at the luncheons. If you’re attending, look for the tables with the signage and join the discussion!

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Season Pass Still Available 

VAFRE members who would like to prepay for all of their meetings may purchase a Season Pass. A Season Pass covers all regular meetings from September 2019 through June 2020, including the monthly luncheons and the Awards luncheon.*

The Season Pass allows members the convenience of one annual payment for VAFRE events at a discounted rate of $190.00 - that's $30 less than paying as you register for each event, or like getting to attend the Awards luncheon for free! 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 and Extended sessions) at no additional charge. That's an additional savings of $30!

*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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Professional Partnership Program Registration Closes September 15th

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 it's seventh 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 (identified by each participant completing an application detailing their interest and experience). Issues and topics for each session will be solicited in advance and facilitated by the Leaders.

Register by end of day September 15th to join this year's class. (You must be logged in to access this event.)

Thanks to Fahrenheit Advisors for their sponsorship of the P3 program.

VAFRE is proud to be a participating organization with CFRE International.