Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives

From the President

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

While this time of year is often used for reflection, and if we’re lucky, a holiday break, development professionals don’t always have the luxury. For many of us, this can feel like a make or break month. I’m sure you know the stats:  most nonprofits experience 1/4 of their annual giving in December alone.

I’m kind of used to it. Growing up, our family’s small business was by far the busiest in December. When other kids went on school break, my brothers and I would often be woken up early by Dad, dressed in collared shirts and propped up in front of customers. I couldn’t have imagined it then, but in many ways, I miss those days. It can feel like we spend more time with our coworkers than our families, but that wasn’t the case for the Glascos.

VAFRE’s next lunch lecture in January couldn’t be more relevant: Burnout, Boundaries and Balance. We hope you’ll join us Tuesday, January 9th, so we can commune about how our Decembers went and learn ways to strike that important balance between work and home.

After opening mail, calling supporters and sending off final requests and notes, I hope you can take time to reflect on your year. My wife Kara and I are starting a new tradition with our kids where we sit together and list highlights of the last 12 months, and what we hope to do in the new year (that is, if our sons sit still long enough). There’s something cathartic about listing out the past and attempting to define the future.

This has certainly been a year to remember for me. I’ve very much enjoyed getting to know the thoughtful, creative and brave individuals who comprise the VAFRE membership. I sincerely hope you can (at least temporarily) disconnect and spend time with your family and friends this December. You deserve time off for self-care, reflection and planning as well.

Warm regards and see you in January!

Will Glasco
VAFRE President

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Submit Your Award Nominations! 

Each year, VAFRE is honored to recognize some of the best development talent in the area with our Nina Abady and Rising Star Awards. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 Awards. All nominations should be submitted by January 31st.

The Nina Abady Award is the most prestigious award given by the Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives (VAFRE). It is presented to a fundraising professional who has demonstrated utmost excellence in the field of development. The award signifies to individuals, organizations, and the greater community that the recipient has garnered the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the Commonwealth for professional and ethical service.  Learn more about the Nina Abady Award.

The Rising Star Award is made annually to an individual who exhibits excellent potential and who has demonstrated remarkable talents at an early stage in their fund-raising career. Learn more about the Rising Star Award

Both Awards are open to members of VAFRE and the Central Virginia Chapter AFP.

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Register for Our Upcoming Programs

There's a packed schedule on the horizon in 2024 for the VAFRE community.

• January 9: Burnout, Boundaries & Balance
• February 6: Empowering Nonprofit Professionals: A Guide to Getting Started with Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
• March 5: Past Presidents Panel Discussion
• April 2: Planned Giving
• May 7: Annual Awards Reception
• June 4: Strategic Planning & Fundraising

And this doesn't even include Mix & Mingles, Member Socials or a virtual New Member Orientation that are all in the works! Registration is open for each of these programs now, with complete details for each session to be posted soon.

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