AFG Connections Newsletter

March 2021 | Spring edition

Greetings!

A year ago, when our organizations moved to working from home, most of us thought it would last a few weeks, a month or two at most. Yet, it has been a year, and many are still working from home because of the pandemic. But we are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel!

The past year has been difficult for many of our communities and our organizations. For some organizations, the pandemic translated to more need for services. While for others, especially those with fundraising events, the pandemic meant decreases in revenue. While most organizations did not fare as poorly as was first anticipated, the year was not easy. However, the changes we experienced led to adaptation and creativity. The one positive outcome has been the lessons we have learned. Among those lessons is the ability to interact with colleagues and constituents virtually. Some of the methods for communication that have worked well may continue even after COVID-19.

The Association Foundation Group (AFG) shifted gears with its 2020 Annual Conference and offered virtual sessions over a four-week period in late summer. But we missed the networking opportunity that accompanies the Annual Conference. We tried to achieve some networking during the conference, but that was difficult.

AFG is planning for the Annual Conference in 2021. We see this year’s conference as a hybrid event with virtual content and possibly some in-person content. On the third Wednesday in May, May 19, in the afternoon, we will have a virtual sneak preview for the conference. These educational sessions will be free to all AFG members. (Reminder: Become a member either by joining or renewing your membership!) Watch for more information on the Conference Virtual Preview.

In November, on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 9, and the morning of Wednesday, November 10, the AFG 2021 Edge Conference will be held. Be sure and mark your calendars now. We anticipate a hybrid event with some virtual and some in-person components in DC and/or in Chicago. We are considering “watch” gatherings where you can watch presentations with a group of other AFG members with the opportunity for networking and discussion. We will make the final plans based on what is deemed safe by early November. Remember membership offers discounts for the conference.

Do not miss our monthly Dialed-In Monthly programs and plan now to participate in the AFG 2021 Edge Conference.

Cordially,

Janet L. Hedrick

AFG President

WELCOME TO OUR NEW AFG MEMBERS

Mary Wheatley, IOM, CAEa, Executive Director – Rheumatology Research Foundation

Brynne MacCann, Director of Fundraising and Development – American Society of Reproductive Medicine

Johnna Ebel, CFO – Marine Corp Association

Kayla Marcus, Development Manager – Amputee Coalition

Amy Quiggins, Director of National Blood Foundation – AABB

Kit Hall, CFRE, Director of Development – APA Foundation

AFG EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE

AFG is launching a special opportunity for leaders within the association foundation and fundraising sphere. The AFG Executive Roundtable is tailored made for senior leaders – director level and above. The Executive Roundtable will be brief (we know you are busy!) quarterly opportunities for leaders to convene virtually and discuss topics of interest right now. This is not a webinar. This content is driven by you, for you. At the end of each session, you and your colleagues will choose a topic from a suggested content bank for your next quarterly meeting.

Each session will have an AFG facilitator, who will help guide the discussion with questions and resources. The facilitator will also help the group secure subject matter experts for relevant content (e.g. inviting an experienced CFO to field a Q&A around budget forecasting, managing restricted funds, etc).

The first convening will be open to all AFG members at the Director level and above. Watch your inboxes for an invitation to the March 24^th Rise & Shine inaugural meeting of the Executive Roundtable (8:45-9:15am ET). Subsequent sessions will only be available for AFG All-inclusive members.

AFG 2021 EDGE CONFERNCE

Call for Proposals

Share your expertise with AFG National Conference attendees! As we assemble the program for our Conference Preview (May 19) and Edge Conference (November 9-10), we seek session proposals from the AFG community.

We are particularly interested in sessions about annual giving, major gifts, governance and Board relations, fundraising at virtual conferences, and legal best practices. However, we welcome submissions in other topics.

To submit a session, please complete this form, for assistance, please email: [email protected]

Be sure to include the following items:

· Proposed session title

· Proposed session description: address timeliness and relevance to association foundations (100

word maximum)

· Proposed session length: 30 minutes; 60 minutes; other (please specify)

· Proposed speakers

Questions? Contact Paula Eichenbrenner and Douglas London, Conference Co-Chairs.

Save the Date: 2021 AFG National Conference

This year’s Edge Conference will deliver compelling content and take stock of association fundraising in the current environment. Plan now to attend! We are offering virtual and in-person opportunities to learn from experts and reconnect with your AFG tribe.

Conference Preview

We will kick things off with a fast-paced afternoon on Wednesday, May 19 from 2:00-5:00 PM US ET. The preview will deliver virtually with abbreviated “flash” sessions – micro-learning you can easily squeeze into your workday. Plus, we’ll host a plenary speaker and a Happy Half Hour. The Conference Preview is free to all members – a terrific value. You don’t want to miss this!

Edge Conference

We will return Tuesday-Wednesday, November 9-10 with a more extended AFG Conference format. We selected the latest dates possible in order to navigate COVID-19. We are planning and hoping to convene in-person in the Washington, DC metro area, especially on the second day (November 10).

We will convene late Tuesday afternoon with an exciting plenary speaker and happy hour. Wednesday will feature exhibits and a luncheon, pandemic restrictions and space permitting. We are open to your creative ideas (do you want to host an AFG “watch party”?) Stay tuned for coming details.

Attendees who attend all three conference days and participate in all session slots can earn upwards of ten CE hourly credits. Confirmed speakers include Russell N. James III, J.D., Ph.D., CFP®, Professor & CH Foundation Chair in Personal Financial Planning and Director of Graduate Studies in Charitable Planning at Texas Tech University. Submit your session idea today!

Get Involved!

Are you interested in joining the Conference Committee? It’s a great way to get involved with AFG! You can network and support AFG membership goals while volunteering remotely from the convenience of your home.

This newsletter also includes a call for session proposals, and information on sponsoring AFG Conference elements. You can suggest a plenary speaker or ask a question by emailing Paula Eichenbrenner and Douglas London, Conference Co-Chairs. “See” you in May!

AFG DIALED-IN WEBINARS

AFG Continuing Education Dialed-In Webinar Series

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 01:00 PM - ET Register here

During the time of COVID-19, many organizations are trying to figure out how to fundraise, and whether they need to change their approaches. For those who are interested in pursuing grants as part of their fundraising strategy, we’ll explore what that means and how you can be best prepared. Even those who are successful grant seekers, it is important to understand the trends in the philanthropic sector and how funders are adapting to the “new normal” in the area of grantmaking. Webinars are on-demand. Contact [email protected]

Presenter:

Rachel Werner, MPA, GPC, PMP

RBW Strategy, LLC

AFG Continuing Education Dialed-In Webinar Series

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 01:00 PM - ET Register here

Incorporating DEI Into the DNA of Your Association

Many national associations have invested significant time, energy and resources into their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs by either expanding and initiating these efforts over the past year. Some savvy organizations like the American College of Cardiology (ACC) were slightly ahead of the curve and made this part of their strategic plans several years ago. In fact, the ACC recently completing a successful fundraising campaign raising $12 million to provide seed capital for these programs, as well as bringing aboard a trained professional to lead those efforts at the College. Please join Ranna Parekh, MD, MPH, the ACC’s first Director of Diversity and CCS Fundraising executives Luke Driscoll and Aly Mennuti on Wednesday, April 21^st at 1:00pm Eastern in examining what it takes to have an effective DEI program, using best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and how the work of your DEI program can also be part of your regular fundraising activities.

Presenter:

Luke Driscoll

CCS Fundraising

AFG Continuing Education Dialed-In Webinar Series

Wednesday, October 27, 2021 01:00 PM - ET

Important Year-End Charitable Giving Strategies

The end of the year means one thing for nonprofit organizations — fundraising, and lots of it. Whether your year-end campaigns help fund specific projects, support your annual fund, or simply make up critical fundraising gaps after a year of disruptions, your team probably already puts considerable thought into preparing for the end of the year. However, taking some extra time to update and refine your year-end giving strategies is never a bad idea.

Presenter:

Russell James III, Ph.D., J.D., CFP®

Personal Financial Planning

YOUR AMS IS JUST ONE STEP TOWARD A HOLISTIC ASSOCIATION ECOSYSTEM

By: Beth Power and Chris Gloede

You probably can’t imagine your association without an AMS. It’s an instinctive component of your organization. But how do you bring your association into today’s world and what are the other digital pieces you should be integrating? Associations need to take advantage of the changes to the quickly-evolving tech ecosystem to provide a better digital member experience. And there are big and small systems you can add to make a quick improvement for your members.

Our new white paper, The New Association Tech Ecosystem: Powering Member Experiences with Integration and Specialization, explores the evolving technology philosophy and finding the right fit for your association. And just as important, we illustrate the expanding specialized solution marketplace to take your tech stack to the next level, beyond the AMS.

Four areas to consider when looking to create a holistic ecosystem of data and services.

Foundation

AMS, Analytics, Donor Management, Integration, Payment Processing

Your AMS may be the cornerstone of your tech stack, but it’s what you do with that data that turns your organization from a ‘system of record’ to a ‘system of action’. Payment processing and donor management may also be standard, but are you using analytics to drive decisions? And are you integrating systems beyond single sign-on to leverage that data between systems for personalization and analysis? Analytics and integration are now as foundational as your AMS.

Click here to continue reading.

AFG MEMBERSHIP

Renew your membership dues for 2021

AFG Is here for you! AFG is a community centered around association foundation and fundraising professionals like you. And membership in AFG is the most cost-effective way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices for our unique area of philanthropy.

Did you know the Association Foundation Group membership year is July 1-June 30? That means your membership is expiring soon. Renew your membership dues today!

Your Standard AFG Membership dues are $125. Benefits include monthly AFG Dialed-In webinars (each worth one CAE credit), $100 discount on conference registration, bi-monthly newsletter, and networking with peers through the AFG LinkedIn Group, Facebook, and free Happy Hour events.

AFG’s NEW All-Inclusive Membership dues are $400. Your all-inclusive membership includes everything in the standard option, plus conference registration, access to our new leadership affinity group, and the AFG Benchmarking Survey Data file. That’s over $1,100 in benefits for just $400.

Want to participate in the AFG 2021 Edge Conference Virtual Preview on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 19? The preview will include a plenary speaker and “flash” sessions along with a Happy Half Hour. From 2 PM – 5 PM, get a quick look at what AFG has to offer! The preview is free for all members!

Not a current member? Go ahead and join AFG or renew your membership today. Not only will you receive AFG benefits for the rest of this fiscal year – April – June – but you will receive membership for 2021 – 2022 (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022). You will receive 15 months of membership and will be included in the May Conference Preview with no additional costs. You will also receive a discount for the full conference in November and all-inclusive membership will cover the cost of the November event.

Join or renew today!

We offer several convenient ways to renew your membership:

Click here to Join or Renew!

Questions? email: [email protected]