February with AADO: Legacy, Leadership, and Impact | |
Black History Month is a time to reflect, celebrate, and take action. At AADO, we continue our dedication to fostering African American leadership in fundraising. In this month's newsletter, we feature our founder, Birgit Smith Burton, in Advancing Philanthropy, along with exciting updates and opportunities to stay involved. Let’s honor our shared accomplishments and keep progressing together!
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Black History means remembering trailblazer Alice Green Burnette. Mrs. Burnette dedicated 42 years to the field of professional fundraising. Born in Atlanta, she graduated from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, and later received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the Morehouse School of Medicine. Mrs. Burnette held leadership roles as the Director of Development at both Morehouse College and Howard University and served as Assistant Secretary for Institutional Advancement at the Smithsonian. Her exceptional contributions to fundraising were recognized with the prestigious Rosso Medal.
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AADO’s Founder and Executive Director on the Cover of AFP’s Advancing Philanthropy. | |
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We’re thrilled to celebrate Birgit for being featured on the cover of AFP’s Advancing Philanthropy (January 2025 issue). This powerful feature highlights her dedication to advancing equity in fundraising, expanding opportunities for fundraisers of color, and strengthening the philanthropic sector.
Birgit shares key insights on:
- The evolving landscape of fundraising and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion
- How AADO is cultivating the next generation of fundraising leaders
- Strategies for building a stronger, more inclusive sector
Read the full article here. and join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition!
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Join Us at the 2025 AADO Fundraising Conference | |
In a time of change and challenge, coming together as a community has never been more important. The 2025 AADO Fundraising Conference is more than just an event—it’s a space where we can connect, share, and strengthen one another. From September 15–17 at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta, GA, join us for three days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. As we navigate an ever-changing landscape, this is a space to reconnect and recharge.
2025 AADO Conference
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Apply for the 2025 Mr. Charles R. Stephens Scholarship! | |
AADO is offering 10 scholarships to cover the registration fee for the AADO 2025 Fundraising Conference, taking place September 15-17, 2025, in Atlanta, GA.
If you're an AADO member in need of financial assistance, apply for this opportunity to gain valuable professional development and expand your network.
The scholarship covers the conference registration fee. Travel, accommodations, and meals are not included.
Apply here by March 10, 2025
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Updates, Events & Insights | |
Articles in The Chronicle of Philanthropy | |
Check out two recent features in The Chronicle of Philanthropy showcasing the insights and expertise of a few of our AADO members.
"How Young Fundraisers Can Chart Their Careers" explores career pathways for emerging professionals in fundraising, featuring wisdom from industry leaders on mentorship, skill-building, and professional growth.
"The Future of Fundraising Is Here" examines the next generation of fundraisers, the evolving landscape of philanthropy, and how leaders are shaping the field to be more inclusive and innovative.
Both articles, written by Rasheeda Childress, provide valuable insights for fundraisers at every stage of their careers. These articles appear in the February 2025 issue of The Chronicle of Philanthropy and online.
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LinkedIn Spotlight
AADO member Warren Northern was recently featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy's Next Generation of Fundraisers cover package, where he shared powerful reflections on the deeper impact of fundraising.
In his post, Warren highlights how fundraising is more than securing gifts—it’s about trust, belonging, and creating possibilities. He also expressed gratitude to AADO and Men of Color in Development for their role in championing fundraisers of color.
Read Warren’s full post and join the conversation here.
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Members on the Move: Joie Langford
Congratulations to AADO member Joie M. Langford, CFRE, on her new role as Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy at Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey! 🎉
In this newly created position, Joie will lead fund development efforts, strengthen donor relationships, and expand corporate and foundation partnerships to support life-changing experiences for Girl Scouts. With nearly a decade of experience and over $15 million raised, Joie is poised to make a major impact.
Join us in celebrating Joie’s exciting next chapter! Have an exciting update to share with us? Tell us here to be featured in our next newsletter.
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Exclusive Offer for AADO Members: Complimentary CDO Network Membership
In recognition of our valued partnership, The CDO Network, powered by Aspen Leadership Group, is waiving its $100 annual membership fee for AADO members who are sitting CDOs, interim CDOs, or CDOs between fundraising roles.
This exclusive opportunity provides access to a global community of Chief Development Officers, along with resources, programming, and events designed specifically for fundraising leaders.
If you qualify, apply today and receive a one-year complimentary membership using code AADO2025 at checkout.
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Events You Won't Want to Miss | |
Closing Reflection
We came across this refreshing post reminding us that even the smallest moments can reveal important patterns. Just like these little ones unknowingly coordinated their outfits at daycare, the same kind of “non-coordinated coordination” happens in our workplaces.
Successes and challenges aren’t random—patterns tell a story. As leaders in our sector, paying attention to them allows us to celebrate what’s working and address what’s not before it becomes a bigger issue.
What patterns in your work might be worth a closer look? Read more on LinkedIn.
Thank you for being part of the AADO community. See you next month.
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