Creator:Yulia Novik Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Greetings AADO members,

February is Black History Month which is an opportunity to "spotlight Black achievement". But then we do that everyday anyway!! Right?!! The fact that AADO exists IS Black achievement. So let's keep celebrating AADO and our incredible members and all that we do to contribute to the profession and to the world.

Now, take a look at your AADO board of directors who met recently to plan our future. They are hard at work on your behalf. You should join us at the upcoming AADO/CASE Conference and meet some of them in person. They would love that!

Enjoy celebrating Black history and send us pictures and stories about how you honored those who have paved the way for us.

Be well,
Birgit
Not pictured: Dwayne Ashley, Richard Martin, and Alphonce Brown, Jr.
AADO Conference Scholarship
AADO believes there is a great demand for professional development for all levels of advancement professionals, not only in the area of diverse leadership, but also understanding diverse philanthropy. Therefore, to help fulfill this demand, AADO and CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) are co-sponsoring “Conference on Diverse Philanthropy and Leadership”. AADO is thrilled to provide scholarships to cover the conference registration fee and $500 to help with travel costs to four (4) individuals. The application period runs from February 21 until the deadline March 10.

Thank you to our February Newsletter Sponsor
Bring your passion. Find your purpose. We work to deliver real, lasting results for children and their families at home and around the world. Whether you’re in fundraising, finance, legal, marketing, HR, IT, Policy, or program delivery in the US or abroad, we believe that our true commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion allows us the perspectives to address the big issues – so we’re listening, learning and shaping a culture of belonging.
Being the Only Black Person Around the Table

Carme Williams, CFRE, is the president of WilliamsCL Consulting LLC and
Senior Consultant with Washburn & McGoldrick, LLC. 


Reprinted with Permission - AFP

Celebrating Black History Month: 10 Black Philanthropists Who Have Changed History

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re highlighting a handful of Black philanthropists who have impacted their communities, cities, and country over the centuries through dedicated giving. While it’s easy to cite modern day, household names like Oprah and Lebron James—both of whom offer wonderful examples of philanthropy done right—we decided to take a deeper look to unearth little known facts about Black philanthropists who may have been forgotten or left out of the conversation entirely. We certainly learned something new and were equally inspired by their stories...and we hope you are too.











Spelman College Receives $10 Million Grant from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to Support Innovation and Entrepreneurship


“The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation’s gift will help create a state of the art facility on the Spelman College campus and provide our amazing young women with the competitive edge they will need for a global world”.

Senior Vice President for
Institutional Advancement
Spelman College

The Future of Fundraising:
The Rise of Cryptocurrency Giving

Cryptocurrency reached and sustained a market cap of more than $2 trillion in 2021. While the asset class remains volatile, it is the fastest growing asset of the decade. With the addition of the first Bitcoin ETF and integration of crypto into everyday payments platforms, such as PayPal and Venmo, cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly integrated into people’s lives.

With its surge in popularity, cryptocurrency is poised to become a strong source of funding for nonprofits. It is also easier than ever to accept cryptocurrency, and nonprofits can explore many options to help unlock more generosity.

Reprinted with permission - AFP
Amid Historic Declines in Donor Participation, New Research Findings Shed Light on Donor Motivations and Expectations


"AADO Network, did you know research in philanthropy helps us in storytelling and getting the resources we need to be successful. Take a look at this research conducted by Lilly School of Philanthropy." Garvin S. Maffett, Ed.D.


February Meeting

February 16, 2022 @ 2:00 PM Eastern Time

Meet the Leaders: Harvey Green, CFRE and

Toni Simmons Henson
Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Morehouse School of Medicine
 
Interviewed and Written by Kia Croom

Harvey Green, CFRE isn’t afraid to “take the plunge.” In fact, the former Marine Corps Officer says his military career taught him valuable life lessons that prepared him for a fulfilling career in institutional advancement. But one lesson in particular left an indelible impression on him that he will never forget.

Founder and Producing Director
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (ABTF)

Interviewed by Birgit Burton
Written by Anne Stanford

Founder and Producing Director of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (ABTF), Toni Simmons Henson has made a profound impact not only on her community but also on the arts worldwide.


I just want to reach out to AADO and show my appreciation for your job postings. Thanks to your December job listings, I found and recently accepted the position of Development Assistant, Individual Giving and Events, at the School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center! I'm looking forward to the growth and experience this opportunity will provide. Thanks again.

Best,
Nigel F. 


AADO Members on the Move
New Organization: University of Washington

New Title: Assistant Vice President, Planned Giving

New Organization: Marts & Lundy
New Title: Consultant





New Organization: Thomas Jefferson Foundation

New Title: Director of Development


On behalf of the African American Development Officers Network, collectively we would like to express our deepest condolences to the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as they remember the life and legacy of Cheryl A. Hickmon, national president and chair of the board of directions. We extend our thoughts and prayers to her family, friends, sorority sisters, and all who loved her during this very difficult time.   

Last week following the announcement of her passing, the sorority held a prayer service for its members, led by the organization’s national chaplain, Bishop Vashti McKenzie with over 20,000 Delta sisters in virtual attendance. This is the first time in the history of the organization that a national president has died while in office.  

We know that her family, sorority sisters, and others who knew and loved her will cherish her fond memories and continue to make an impact in the spirit of scholarship, sisterhood, and service across the country and around the world in the days to come.


Assistant Vice President
Institutional Advancement
Clark Atlanta University
First General Meeting

Feb 24, 2022 @ 2:00 PM Eastern Time


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If you are interested in membership (which is free) email AADO and note "Membership Information" in the subject line.