AADO - The Network for Fundraisers of Color
It’s 2024 and time for you to Join AADO in Shaping a Future for Fundraisers of Color.
 
Dear AADO Members & Friends,

As we embark on a new year, I am reaching out to you, our valued members, and allies, for your support.

Over the years, we've proudly remained fee-free to ensure accessibility for all who wish to be part of our network. Today, I seek your assistance to continue our mission as...
   
  "THE Network for Fundraisers of Color."
 
Why AADO Needs YOU?!

With a rich history as an informal network spanning 25 years, including three years as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AADO has been a driving force in supporting professionals of color in the fundraising profession. Our achievements include successfully raising nearly $160,000 and granting more than $150,000 to programs and scholarships through The AADO Fund within the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley.

Supporting the African American Development Officers Network (AADO) is important for six main reasons:

1. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: AADO focuses on advancing the representation of people of color in development and fundraising roles. Supporting such networks helps create a more diverse and inclusive environment within the field.

2. Professional Development: AADO provides opportunities for professional development and networking within communities of color. By supporting AADO, you contribute to the growth and success of individuals in development roles.

3. Addressing Inequities: Supporting AADO is a way to address historical and systemic inequities that may have limited opportunities for people of color in certain professional sectors. It contributes to a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

4. Building a Stronger Community: Supporting networks like AADO strengthens the community of development professionals. It creates a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and fostering collaboration.

5. Enhancing Organizational Effectiveness: A diverse workforce brings varied perspectives and ideas, contributing to increased creativity and innovation. Supporting AADO can enhance the overall effectiveness of nonprofit organizations.

6. Creating Positive Change: By supporting networks that focus on the development of people of color, you contribute to positive societal change. It aligns with broader efforts to address issues of social justice and equality.
 
How You Can Make an Impact:

General Contribution: Tailored for gifts under $5,000, these contributions play a vital role in sustaining AADO's initiatives.

Organizational Membership: Businesses and organizations can join as Ambassador Members ($10,000) or Champion Members ($5,000), enjoying unique benefits that demonstrate a commitment to diversity. Notable Inaugural Organizational Members include:
 
Ambassadors
Lindauer, Aspen Leadership Group,
Boyden, Social Capital Partnerships
 
Champions
Best Friends, Georgia Tech, Hazen, Inc.,
Barber & Associates, LLC.
 
Sponsorship for the AADO 2024 Annual Fundraising Conference: Be a key supporter of our upcoming conference and gain visibility with tailored benefits. Early sponsors include:

Veritus Group - Presenting Sponsor
 
Association of Fundraising Professionals
Opening Keynote Sponsor featuring
Nikole Hannah-Jones
 
Boyden - Silver Sponsor
Emory University Office of Advancement
& Alumni Engagement - Silver Sponsor
Georgia Tech Office of
Development– Silver Sponsor
 
Boston University Development and
Alumni Relations - Bronze Sponsor
Generous Change - Bronze Sponsor

 
Meharry Medical College - Supporting Sponsor
Washburn & McGoldrick - Supporting Sponsor
Capital Campaign Pro – Supporting Sponsor
Asian Student Achievement - Donor
 
Act Today for a More Inclusive Tomorrow

Your support, whether through a general contribution, Organizational Membership, or conference sponsorship, is pivotal in advancing diversity in the fundraising profession.

Thank you in advance for your invaluable support. Together, let's shape a more inclusive and supportive environment for professionals of color in the fundraising profession.
Birgit Smith Burton
Founder & CEO
All donors responding to this appeal will be listed in
the February and March 2024 AADO Newsletters.
The amazing Nikole Hannah-Jones is the Opening Keynote Speaker for AFP ICON in Toronto (April 7) and will continue the conversation as the Opening Keynote Speaker for the AADO Conference in Atlanta (June 10) in a partnership between AADO and AFP.

Ms. Hannah-Jones will be interviewed both times by the incomparable Nneka Allen. You do NOT want to miss this!!
Reprinted from CNET
Dr. Reshunda Mahone
Chair of the Board of Directors
AADO
Dear AADO Community,

Today, I'm writing to shed light on the incredible work being done by the African American Development Officers Network (AADO). AADO is at the forefront of empowering professionals of color in the development field, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive.

As we navigate the complexities of our world, it becomes crucial to uplift and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. AADO, through our dedicated efforts, is breaking barriers and making strides towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

By supporting AADO, you're not just contributing to an organization; you're investing in a movement that seeks to bridge gaps, cultivate leadership, and bring about positive change. Your support would make a real impact on the lives of countless individuals striving to make a difference.

Whether through mentorship programs, professional development initiatives, or community outreach, AADO is leaving an indelible mark. Join me in supporting AADO and let's be a part of something transformative together.

To make a donation, please follow this link: Donate to AADO

Thank you for considering my call for your support. Together, we can be agents of change and champions for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Warm regards,
‌
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

TO THE YOUNG, BLACK FUNDRAISER…
By Sadé Dozan,Chief of Operations & Development at
Caring Across Generations

Remember that you carry within you the spirit of those who fundraised, not just for survival, but for the thriving of generations to come. Embrace this heritage, draw strength from it, and let the echoes of their heartbeats guide you in reshaping the narrative of philanthropy.

To the Young, Black Fundraiser:

Don’t leave.
 
We need you.
 
As you navigate the complexities of what it means to be Black in Philanthropy, I need to say thank you. Thank you for daring to do this — and I see you. Your journey is both an exploration of uncharted terrain and a continuation of a legacy that spans centuries. I’ve been you, and many times, I am still you.
 
Black people have been at the center of conversations about resources for centuries. Our contributions — be it through the toil of our bodies or the brilliance of our talents — have created a tapestry of wealth that often eludes our grasp. The core of wealth we have generated that remains out of reach leaves behind wounds that cut deep into our collective experience. We deserve better, you deserve better. Not acknowledging the systems, we work within while we try to dismantle these inequities doesn’t do us any justice. And we deserve justice.


Read the Full Article


Article originally appeared on the Community-Centric Fundraising website- January 1, 2024
AADO Members Making Moves
Name: Elton Taylor. Jr.
New Organization: New Orleans Museum of Art
New Title: Director of Major and Planned Giving
Name: Scott Morrison
New Organization: The Skills Center
New Title: Chief Devlopment Officer
Name: Claude Gatlin
New Organization: Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
New Title: Development Director
Name: Earl Granger, III
New Organization: The Executive Leadership Council
New Title: Chief Development and Impact Officer
Name: Rochelle Reeder
New Organization: Westside Future Fund
New Title: Chief Development Officer
‌
Let us know about your career move for the February 2024 AADO Newsletter click here!
AADO CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Christopher Beck, CAP®
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Principal Gifts/Inclusive Philanthropy Southeast/Relational
Tiffany Sylve
Georgia Institute of Technology
Senior Development Assistant for Foundation Relations
Shane Carlin
Asian Student Achievement/
he Salvation Army President/CEO
and Director of Leadership Gifts
Alyssia Coates
Brown University Senior Director
of Development
V. Faith Montgomery
Lindauer Global
Vice President and Managing Director

Brittini Lasseigne
YWCA Clark County Chief Executive Officer
Alicia N. Smith
Schusterman Family
Philanthropies
Senior Director
AADO CONFERENCE TEAM

‌
Donna Stewart
Conference Planning Manager
Jessica Ford
Director of Development
Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory ASU Enterprise Partner
Yonette Eversley
Administrative Coordinator
‌
‌
Your support enables AADO to promote and enhance diversity throughout the hiring process, provide professional development for fundraisers of color, and serve as a convening space for fundraisers advancing in their careers. AADO does not charge a membership fee to individual members.

Consider the value of AADO and click here to make your gift today.
Diverse fundraising teams bring greater understanding, experience, and perspectives to the table enabling them to reach more donors and engage those donors more deeply.

Check out the current job postings.
Get information on how to post a job.
Are you interested in learning the many ways to engage with AADO? Click on the links below to learn more.

If you are interested in membership (which is free) email AADO and note "Membership Information" in the subject line.
Visit the AADO website for more information
Meet the Members
Power Hour
Speakers Bureau
Affinity Groups
AADO Newsletter
Sponsor
Your Consulting
Firm
Click here to read previous newsletters
If you have any questions or need information on sponsoring this newsletter, advertising, volunteering, or becoming a member send us an
email today
Connect With Us
Facebook ‌ Twitter ‌