"My life's work has never been about creating another organization. It has been about creating a place where people know they belong, where leaders are developed, where excellence is expected, and where philanthropy becomes stronger because every talented professional has the opportunity to contribute and lead. To me, that's what leadership is about: taking a seat at the table—and then making room for others."

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the newly opened Obama Presidential Center. One of the exhibits invites visitors to sit behind a recreation of the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. As I sat there, I couldn't help but think about leadership—not the title or the office itself, but the responsibility that comes with creating opportunities for others and leaving something better than you found it.

It reminded me that leadership often begins with a single decision.

In 1998, I walked into a new position as a frontline development officer and quickly realized I was the only Black fundraising professional in the department. I wasn't looking to start a movement; I was simply looking for my community.

So, I reached out to colleagues at the colleges within the Atlanta University Center and invited a small group of Black fundraising professionals to come together. Twenty-five people showed up. We shared our experiences, encouraged one another, and discovered something powerful: none of us wanted to navigate this profession alone.

That gathering became the African American Development Officers Network.

Twenty-seven years later, AADO has grown into a thriving community of more than 6,500 fundraising professionals across the country. What began as a search for belonging has become a national network dedicated to developing leaders, expanding opportunity, creating meaningful connections, and strengthening the philanthropic profession.

As I reflect on that moment at the Obama Presidential Center, I realize that the most meaningful legacies are rarely built by one person. They are built by communities of people who choose to invest in one another, open doors for others, and create opportunities where none existed before.

That is what AADO has always been about.

Whether you are just beginning your career, leading an advancement team, serving as a consultant, volunteering on a nonprofit board, or standing alongside us as an ally, there is a place for you here.

Our members come from every corner of the philanthropic sector. They bring different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, but they are united by a shared commitment to excellence, equity, and the belief that philanthropy is strongest when every voice is valued and every leader has the opportunity to thrive.

AADO is more than a professional association. It is a community. It is a place to learn, to mentor and be mentored, to build meaningful relationships, celebrate one another's successes, and navigate challenges together.

We are here for the seasoned executive, the emerging professional, the ally committed to advancing opportunity, and the friend who believes that a stronger, more inclusive profession benefits us all.

If you have been searching for a place where you can grow professionally, expand your network, contribute your talents, and be part of something larger than yourself, we invite you to join us.

Welcome to the AADO family!

AADO Connect 2026 - Not less of AADO, just a more accessible AADO.

We Listened to you!

Over the past several years, many of you have shared that attending a national conference has become increasingly difficult. Tightening professional development budgets, economic uncertainty, increased workloads, travel costs, and time away from work and family have made it challenging for many to participate.

We heard you.

That's why, in 2026, AADO reimagined our annual conference experience. Instead of hosting one national conference, we've created AADO Connect—a series of four one-day regional conferences that bring the same high-quality education, networking, and community closer to where you live and work.

This year's AADO Connect locations are:

• Los Angeles, California – September 18
• Atlanta, Georgia – October 15
• Old Westbury, New York – November 6
• Carbondale, Illinois – November 13

Our goal is simple: make it easier and more affordable for more fundraising professionals to experience the power of AADO.

You asked for conferences that required less travel, lower expenses, and less time away from work while still delivering exceptional learning and networking opportunities.

AADO Connect is our response to your feedback.

We hope you'll join us at the conference closest to you—or attend more than one! We look forward to welcoming you to AADO Connect in 2026.

Thank you to the AADO Connect 2026 Host Partners

Your AADO Story

Behind every fundraiser is a story of purpose, perseverance, and impact. AADO Stories celebrate the diverse journeys of our members and the ways they are advancing philanthropy, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for others.

We invite you to learn more about Monica Daniels - in her own words.

MOCID Is on the Move!

The Men of Color in Development (MOCID) continues to grow as one of AADO's most dynamic affinity groups. Today, more than 500 fundraising professionals are part of this thriving community, dedicated to supporting, mentoring, and elevating men of color in the fundraising profession.

Across the country, MOCID members are making an impact. They are presenting at national and regional conferences, serving as panelists and keynote speakers, consulting with organizations, and sharing their experiences to help strengthen the profession and inspire the next generation of fundraising leaders.

The momentum is growing—and so is the community. Interested in becoming part of MOCID? Whether you're an experienced fundraising leader or just beginning your career, there's a place for you.

Click here to learn more about MOCID and become a member.

Members on the Move!

Have you recently taken on a new role or made a move you would like to share? We want to celebrate with you. Let us know at the link below to be featured in our next "Members on the Move.

Help Shape the Future of AADO Professional Development

At AADO, we believe our members should help shape the programs and services we provide. Just as your feedback led us to reimagine our annual conference into four regional AADO Connect events, we're once again asking for your input as we plan the future of professional development.

We're exploring new coaching, mentorship, leadership development, and fundraising training opportunities designed to strengthen both individual fundraising professionals and the organizations they serve. Before we invest in developing these new programs, we want to hear directly from you.

Please take a few minutes to complete our Professional Development & Capacity Building Survey. Your responses will help us better understand the challenges you're facing, the skills you want to develop, the types of learning experiences you value most, and where AADO can make the greatest impact.

Whether you're an emerging fundraiser, an experienced chief development officer, a consultant, or a nonprofit executive, your voice matters. Thank you for helping us build programs that reflect the needs of our community.

Survey Link

Coming in the July/August AADO Newsletter

Our volunteers don't just support AADO—they are AADO. Their leadership, generosity, and commitment are the foundation of everything we accomplish together.

Behind every AADO program, conference, webinar, and networking opportunity is a dedicated team of volunteers who generously share their time, expertise, and passion to strengthen our community.

In the July/August issue, we'll proudly introduce the outstanding leaders who have stepped forward to serve AADO, including:

• The inaugural members of the AADO Advisory Board
• The AADO Connect Planning Committees for:
• Los Angeles, California
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Carbondale, Illinois
• Old Westbury, New York
• Our newest members of the AADO Board of Directors

These volunteers represent colleges and universities, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, consulting firms, and philanthropic organizations from across the country. Together, they are helping shape the future of AADO and ensuring our members continue to receive exceptional professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities.

Be sure to watch for the July/August newsletter as we recognize these remarkable individuals and celebrate their commitment to advancing the fundraising profession.

What AADO Fundraisers Need to Know: Highlights from the Giving USA 2026 Report

Each year, the Giving USA Report provides one of the most comprehensive looks at charitable giving in the United States. The newly released Giving USA 2026: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2025 offers encouraging news for the nonprofit sector and fundraising professionals.



Here are a few key takeaways:

Charitable Giving Reached a Record High

Americans gave an estimated $617.2 billion to charitable organizations in 2025, representing a 5.7% increase over the previous year. After adjusting for inflation, giving still grew by 3.0%, demonstrating continued strength in philanthropy.

Individuals Continue to Lead Philanthropy

Individual donors remained the largest source of charitable giving, contributing an estimated $394.2 billion, an increase of 4.1% over 2024. Foundations, bequests, and corporate giving also increased, with bequests experiencing the largest year-over-year growth.

Education Experienced Strong Growth

Giving to educational institutions reached approximately $92.0 billion, increasing 11.7% over the previous year. This was one of the strongest-performing charitable subsectors, reflecting continued donor investment in education.

Human Services and Health Continued to Grow

Organizations serving human needs and health also experienced positive growth, with human services increasing by 5.3% and health organizations growing by 6.1% in current dollars.

Most Charitable Sectors Saw Increased Giving

Eight of the nine charitable subsectors experienced growth in current dollars during 2025. Areas including public-society benefit organizations, arts and culture, environment and animals, international affairs, education, human services, health, and religion all showed resilience. Giving to foundations was the one major category that declined during the year.

Why This Matters

The Giving USA findings reinforce an important message for fundraising professionals: donors continue to invest in organizations that demonstrate impact, communicate effectively, and build meaningful relationships. While economic conditions remain dynamic, philanthropy continues to play a vital role in strengthening communities across the country.

Exclusive for AADO Plus Members - Giving USA 2026: Understanding the Numbers, Applying the Insights. We'll unpack the report's most important findings and discuss how you can use them to strengthen your fundraising efforts. Watch for the invitation.

Source: Giving USA 2026: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2025, Giving USA Foundation.

Resources and Opportunities

Contributing Editor: Ronesha Jackson Stanton