eDevelopments Your Chicago Chapter News Welcome to the AFP Chicago April 2021 Newsletter

Chapter News

Board Member Message Kimberly Vann As a native Chicagoan who has survived several brutally cold, extremely snowy winters, every year I gleefully anticipate those early signs of spring: when the snow has melted, flowers begin blooming, and daylight lingers around after 5 pm. For many, including myself, a new year symbolizes fresh starts and new beginnings. However, spring’s appearance also signals a season of change and opportunities to embrace something new. Last year, spring arrived on Thursday, March 19. That was my fourth day working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The previous week, I packed up some files, legal pads, my laptop, and my red Keurig and came home to raise funds remotely.  Change presented itself in a variety of unanticipated experiences in 2020. My living room was now my home office. Zoom, Webex and Microsoft Teams became the primary venues for team meetings, impromptu brainstorming sessions and AFP events—committee meetings, board meetings, Third Thursday events, Pop-Ups, and webinars. I, along with my team, developed program models, submitted proposals, cultivated donors, and encouraged one another by phone and on screen. We performed our tasks well and were awarded several grants which funded programs that furthered the organization’s mission.  At the end of 2020, nine months of working from home had planted seeds of transition and transformation in my mind, heart, and spirit. Sheltering in place supplied a fertile ground for virtual leadership conferences and lengthy conversations that inspired me to hope, dream and plan during a pandemic. Laughing uproariously during a final visit with my beloved aunt while she lived and missing her deeply after she died provided tears which watered those seeds. By January 2021, the seeds had taken root. It was time for a change. After seven years as Director of Development at the Safer Foundation, I pursued a position at another organization and started a new job on March 1.  This spring, the pandemic continues, but, unlike last March, vaccines are now available. I’m still working from home, as Director of Foundation Relations and Grants at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. It’s exciting, unpredictable, and sometimes overwhelming, but I have embraced change. I will bloom where I have been planted.  As an AFP member, I’m connected to a dedicated network of fundraisers that helps me grow. I encourage you to get involved by attending an educational webinar, a Pop-Up discussion, or a Third Thursday event. You can also join a committee, an affinity group or recommend a program topic. Find your place in AFP and blossom. Happy Spring!

Upcoming Programs

April Virtual Workshop Community-Centric Fundraising Friday, April 9, 2021 1:00 – 2:15 PM  Register

Community-Centric Fundraising is a recent concept and movement grounded in equity and social justice. The ideas have made waves, offering an alternative to donor-centric fundraising and questioning many common assumptions in philanthropy. It’s a vision of nonprofit work as inclusive, interdependent, holistic, and transformative. Join us to explore what it means to put into practice fundraising that centers around community needs.

This program is approved for 1.25 CFRE points. Members: $20 (Members can register ONE non-member for $25 at the time of registration.) Nonmembers: $30

PANELISTS: Ashley Lugo Development Manager, Tree House Humane Society Rona Fernandez Senior Consultant, Klein & Roth Consulting MODERATOR: Christina Bourné Director of Development, Forward Momentum Chicago

AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising Course Every Wednesday, April 14 - May 26, 2021 9:00 – 11:30 AM Course will be held on-line. Register

The AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising Course provides new fundraisers—those with up to four years of professional experience—with an intensive introduction into the building blocks of effective practice. To design this 16-hour course, experienced fundraising professionals evolved AFP’s introductory programs to address the real-world needs and challenges non-profit organizations face every day. This intensive program will provide an overview of skills, techniques, and program components for individuals with 0-4 years of fundraising experience or a great “back to the basics” for veteran fundraisers. more information Faculty: All faculty are active Chicago-area professional fundraisers! Christopher Chantson | Director of Development, Ingenuity Barb Vicory, CFRE | President, WG2 Consulting & Management Kate Bousum, CFRE | Director of Advancement, Child's Voice India Alexis Ehioba, MNA, CFRE | Chief Executive Officer, Shore Community Services, Inc. Yashica Weeks, CFRE | Major Gifts Manager, Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation Patrick Murphy, CFRE | Senior Specialist, Development, Delta Institute Michelle Sherbun, PCC, ELI-MP | President, Michelle Sherbun, LLC

AFP Chicago Affinity Groups Offer IDEA Thought Leadership

AFP Chicago White Fundraisers Advocating for Racial Equity (WFARE) Affinity Group Wednesday, April 14, 2021 8:00 – 9:00 AM Register

Understanding that white people have a responsibility to address and dismantle racism, White Fundraisers Advocating for Racial Equity aims to develop a shared understanding of systemic racism’s manifestation in fundraising, nonprofits, and philanthropy; support individual growth for fundraisers to become anti-racist; and develop tools, techniques, and support for fundraisers to influence change in their workplaces and the broader sector towards a more racially-equitable society. All are welcome.

Special thanks to our White Fundraisers Advocating for Racial Equity (WFARE) Affinity Group Sponsor:

AFP Chicago Asian/Pacific Islander (API) Affinity Group Friday, April 16, 2021 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Register

The Asian/Pacific Islander (API) Affinity Group provides opportunities for API development professionals to network, build community, and share fundraising successes, challenges, and resources.

Special thanks to our Asian/Pacific Islander (API) Affinity Group Sponsor:

AFP Chicago African American Affinity Group Friday, April 23, 2021 8:30 – 9:30 AM

Register

The AFP Chicago African American Affinity Group seeks to create a cohort of like-minded fundraisers to discuss strategies, turn obstacles into successes, and build a strong sense of community. Join us for coffee at this virtual gathering.

Special thanks to our African American Affinity Group Sponsor:

Pop-Up Event No Foolin’: You Can Survive the Unexpected Thursday, April 22, 2021 12:00 – 1:00 PM   Register

Now open to Members (free) & Non-Members ($10) Despite the best-laid schemes of mice and fundraisers, the unexpected happens. Celebrate the spirit of April Fools’ Day with a lively conversation about handling unplanned occurrences while executing events and managing funder relationships. Learn and share tips that will help you handle and survive the unexpected. You’re invited to join our discussion on Thursday, April 22, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm.

45th Annual Philanthropy Awards

45th Annual Philanthropy Awards Friday, November 5, 2021 12:00 PM Call for Nominations DEADLINE: June 1, 2021 Submit a Nomination

For over 40 years, AFP Chicago has honored the committed, passionate individuals and corporations who work on behalf of the nonprofit organizations that AFP Chicago serves. Our annual awards program recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals, foundations and corporate philanthropists, fundraising volunteers, and fundraising executives who demonstrate high ethical standards and exemplify the philanthropic spirit of our great city. The nominations for the 45th Annual Philanthropy Awards are now open!

Deadlines

Ready to become a CFRE in 2021? Don't miss the April 15th Application deadline! Becoming a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) demonstrates your mastery of fundraising best practices to your colleagues, board, donors, and beyond. It shows your steadfast commitment to ethical fundraising and the profession. April 15th is the next CFRE application deadline. Submit your application now to take a major step forward towards earning the only accredited and globally-recognized credential for fundraising professionals. Our members enjoy a special 20% off discount on the CFRE initial application. learn more

Update Your Demographic & Contact Information

Please make sure your demographic and contact information is current in your AFP member profile. Sign in on the AFP Global website and update your information by clicking the links in the Member Profile section.

Visit AFP Global

AFP Chicago Welcomes Our New Members

We're happy to have you! Leanne Gehrig Frankie Gray, Provisio Partners Megan Hilbrich, Earthshare Janice Parkin, Covenant Living Stephen Steger Taylor Sticha, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School New members as of March 2021 If your name is not included, please contact Shawn Jezak at shawn@afpchicago.org.

Member Resources Ethics Resources  |  AFP Global  |  Update Contact Information

Community Links Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF)   Nonprofit Management Essentials is Live! Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) North Park University Axelson Center Professional Development Programs

Special thanks to our Chapter Champions

And our Continuous Learning Silver Sponsor

AFP Chicago Chapter info@afpchicago.org www.afpchicago.org

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌