Monthly News & Updates

March 2025 | Issue 3.25

President's Message

Dear friends,

As we look at the current landscape of fundraising in the United States, it is clear that we are facing challenges unlike any many of us have seen before. Economic uncertainties, shifts in donor behavior, and an increase in competition for philanthropic dollars have made our work more difficult. However, despite these challenges, there is much to look forward to, and I have found that grounding myself in our community of professionals who are dedicating their careers to improving the community and the lives of those around them helps me stay hopeful.

I encourage each of you to take some time in the next month to invite a colleague for coffee, just to catch up! It’s true we are all extremely busy, but taking 30 minutes to share triumphs and inspirations will rejuvenate you and strengthen not only your relationships, but your work. At the end of the day, only fellow fundraisers can truly appreciate the unique rewards and challenges of our profession, and we must cultivate those relationships to keep each other motivated.

March is just around the corner, and we must remember that spring brings renewal and hope. It is a time for us to embrace new strategies, reignite our passion for our causes, and trust in the resilience of our communities. Let the warmer weather whisk away your seasonal depression and make room for brighter days ahead!

I am excited to invite you to our March 10 chapter program, as Matthew Slay returns this year to lead another panel discussion on recent shifts in direct mail, key indicators of a sustainable direct mail program, and practical tips for refining messaging, strategy, and performance tracking—particularly when resources are limited. Direct mail remains a crucial tool for engaging donors and driving annual appeals for organizations of all sizes and this discussion will leave you with valuable takeaways for your own shop.

I look forward to seeing you all there!

P.S. Scroll down to read a fun and important message from former Chapter President and Historian, Pat Miller, who is donning her Sherlock hat and hunting for treasures!

Hillary Bessinger, CFRE

2025 AFP Fort Worth Metro Chapter President

• Thank You To Our March Sponsor! •

Program Title

"Maximizing Direct Mail for Annual Appeals"

Join our panel of four nonprofit professionals as we explore innovative strategies for annual appeals and direct mail fundraising. This session will feature insights from organizations that outsource their direct mail efforts, as well as smaller nonprofits managing campaigns in-house. Panelists will discuss the biggest shifts in direct mail, key indicators of a sustainable program, and practical tips for refining messaging, strategy, and performance tracking—especially when working with limited resources. Learn how collaboration with agencies and ongoing evaluation has shaped their successes and discover actionable strategies to maximize your annual appeals. We look forward to an engaging discussion that offers valuable takeaways for nonprofits of all sizes.

Panel Presentation By:

A Note From Our Historian

“Come, Watson! The Game is Afoot!” – Sherlock Holmes

Having recently been elected Director/Historian for the AFPFW Metro Board, I accepted the challenge to review, retrieve, organize and retain vital records from the 45 years of this Chapter’s existence. So, basically, I’m Holmes and all of you are Watson, as together we bring to life the history of this great local association, all under the watchful eye of Inspector Lestrade and his team (James Nicholson and Madeleine Crouch & Co. and the 2025 AFPFW Metro Board).

From now until July 1, 2025, your assignment is to look in your closets, offices, car trunks, computer hard drives or (jump, flash, thumb) drives or wherever else you may have stored AFPFW Metro records during your past or present membership year(s). This is your opportunity to give back! No more ignoring, trashing or shredding AFPFW Metro records. I’m a phone call, email or car drive away from opening my arms to you. For those members (past or present) who surrender records or aid in expediting surrender, your name will be included in a drawing for a $100 gift card to be awarded at the July 2025 Chapter meeting.

And so, the hunt begins. “Elementary, my dear Watson!”

-Pat Miller, CFRE (Ret), Director/Historian

pmillertx04@gmail.com

817-676-4014

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Upcoming Events

3/10/25 | March Luncheon

4/14/25 | April Luncheon

5/12/25 | May Luncheon

6/5-6/25 | Philanthropy In Action Conference

Wednesday April 9, 2025

8:30 AM - 6:30 PM

UTA Arlington Campus

Central Library

• • •

This one-day conference serves as an engaging platform to bring together nonprofit leaders, UTA faculty, and students for an immersive exploration of the latest trends, strategies, and tools shaping fundraising & development today.

Click Here For Details & Registration

New Members

So glad you have joined us!

Let us know what we can do for you - that's why we're here!!!

Amber Case

Harvest House

Myles Edringston

UNT

Elizabeth Harp

UNT

Sonia Leal

Safe Haven

Sarah Lunsford

The Family Initiative

Patrick O'Hara

UNT

Jordan Seidel

YMCA of Fort Worth

Hannah Sewell

Evergreen Life Services

Anniversaries

In recognition of valued participation in the AFP Fort Worth Metro Chapter, we are grateful to the following for their membership and longstanding commitment to a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life.

• 10 Years •

Vickie Johnson,

MS, CAP

Congratulations New and Recertifying CFREs

If you've earned your CFRE or been recertified recently and want to share the great news, let us know!

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