Member Opportunities

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to affect the nonprofit world, it’s necessary to revisit principles and best practices. Fundraisers gathered Dec. 9 for roundtable sessions covering a myriad of topics in light of our current fundraising environment. Hosts covered six topics.

The annual Association of Fundraising Professionals of Southeastern Wisconsin (AFPSEWI) National Philanthropy luncheon is back! After convening virtually last year due to the pandemic, local community leaders will gather in person on Tuesday, November 9 at the Pfister Hotel to celebrate the power and impact of philanthropy.

This year’s theme, Meeting the Moment, pays tribute to the philanthropists, volunteers, organizations, and development professionals who rose to the occasion—in the midst of the pandemic—to make our community a better place for all. A highlight of the event will be the awards presentation honoring leaders who exemplify the best of our Milwaukee community.

Register today for AFP’s National Fundraising Day Series! This annual event has been transformed from a one-day offering to a series of five webinars with optional corresponding community conversations to engage participants virtually. The event culminates on Thursday, October 14th, where participants will have the opportunity to join colleagues in-person for chatter and beverages at Miss Katie’s Diner.

Program for 2021 promises to be the best in chapter history!  
I’m excited to inform you that our 2021 mentoring program is officially underway. 

Remember last year when we were all just going to stay close to home and limit contacts for two weeks? If only it had been that simple…

AFPSEWI Chapter Scholarship committee is now accepting applications for membership scholarships.  This year our Chapter is pleased to open this opportunity up to active and lapsed members as well as the usual new members. Apply via email by June 11 for consideration. 

When we are up against such large challenges, it’s more important than ever to cling to the wisdom of our colleagues, lean on our professional network, and think about our work in new ways.

Though virtual networking and learning continues as the method to meet the needs of AFP members we have decided to provide opportunities that are 'more than just a meeting.’ Find out what the fuss is all about...

It’s hard to believe that we are almost one full month into a new year. I hope everyone had a great year-end and that you are well on your way to achieving your 2021 goals. As our AFP Chapter looks at a new year...

On a snowy morning last February, a small group met at the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin for the monthly AFP Grant Group. After great discussion, the March meeting was scheduled at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Then came March and COVID hit...

BE the CAUSE, the annual campaign of the AFP Foundation, gives us the chance to offer a helping hand to fellow fundraisers in Southeastern Wisconsin and beyond.  Immediate past president Nancy Seidel Nelson reflects on her reasons for giving.

Have you ever thought about what your next career move would be? Or wondered how you would set yourself apart from other non-profit job seekers? If so, then it’s time to consider pursuing your CFRE and becoming a Certified Fundraising Executive.

Our first meeting with eleven attendees went so well we decided to meet every other week instead of monthly!

Worldwide health pandemics have an uncanny habit of interrupting the best laid plans.  The AFP Mentoring Program and the fall 2019 cohort of philanthropy professionals were not immune.

Our long-awaited website is an instant asset for member value! Unveiled today, the new website is specifically designed to address our members’ number one challenge:  to better navigate the benefits of AFP membership.

There was a surprise embedded in the results of the May survey of AFPSEWI members, and the chapter has responded with a new initiative that provides a creative new angle on AFP member benefit.

As Chapter President, it is always interesting when I get asked how I got to be President. The easy answer, I was asked.

By serving fundraisers, AFP also serves our community. Because every fundraiser shares one mission: as we secure the resources that allow area nonprofits to do good, we also help generous community members act on hopes for a better world.

With 2020 just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to evaluate your career. Are you are ready to set yourself apart, ready for your next career advancement, or ready to demonstrate your commitment to your philanthropy career?

It turns out, there is such a thing as a free lunch! All members who nominate a project for the 2019 NPD Impact Awards will receive one free admission to a 2020 AFPSEWI Educational Luncheon of their choice! Individuals or organizations may self-nominate projects completed within the past three years. Each nominated project must include the work of at least one Association of Fundraising Professionals member to be eligible to win.

Build awareness for your cause, your mission, and for philanthropy. The Milwaukee Business Journal's Partners in Philanthropy (PIP) special edition is what you have been waiting for.

If you want to be a mentor Or perhaps a protege You must apply NEXT FRIDAY So click here without delay!

Have you been around for a while? Seen a lot of things? Been successful in your career? Made some mistakes along the way? Consider lending your talents as an AFP Mentor!

The Impact Awards will be presented at the 2019 National Philanthropy Day Luncheon to recognize the important work that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ and to celebrate the Art of Philanthropy. In the coming weeks, AFP SEWI will be seeking member nominations for the following awards:

Deadline April 22, 2019! One metro Milwaukee not-for-profit will receive an unrestricted grant of up to $50,000, made possible by the fundraising efforts of the Wisconsin Athletic Club.

Build awareness for your cause, your mission, and for philanthropy. The Milwaukee Business Journal's Partners in Philanthropy (PIP) special edition is what you have been waiting for.

Deadline February 28!

The December luncheon will provide a freeform of opportunities to discuss and share issues that you, our members are facing. In the recent member survey, you requested to have opportunities for small group discussions and getting to know other members personally – this whole luncheon is for you!

The 2018 AFPSEWI Chapter Member Survey was recently concluded; the more than 120 respondents revealed vital insights that chapter leaders are already using to plan for the future.

2018 Chamberlain Scholar Chris Giancomo says Conference is the ultimate way to reenergize through…

What does your AFP membership mean to you? The answer to that question will be different to each of us, but we consistently hear...

Do NOT believe the following 2018 Member Survey results. Why? Because they are still preliminary! Thanks to everyone who has participated so far – you’ve taught us a lot about how to improve member value.

Professional fundraisers frequently work with individuals over the age of 65. These individuals experience higher rates of dementia than younger people, which can create a variety of concerns for professional fundraisers.

Each year, BE the CAUSE is the cooperative, annual giving campaign of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy and U.S. AFP Chapters. Each year, a percentage of the dollars donated by AFP Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter members are granted back to the Chapter to be used for a local project. This year, we are excited to share...

They publish their giving guidelines. But beyond the publicly available criteria, do Wisconsin funders hold less widely known priorities, preferences and expectations that could maximize your nonprofit’s chances of earning a grant?

Quick: what’s the biggest thrill of being a fundraiser? Surely it’s the opportunity to associate with selfless humanitarians every single day. Admit it: you’ve got at least one donor or volunteer whose incredibly generous commitment gets you a little choked up… buoys your belief in society’s future…restores your faith in humanity…

When Dan Mueller of ARCW landed a $1 million gift from a brand new donor, he credited AFP with the idea that led to the gift. Your professional growth moment might not be as dramatic as Dan’s, but I’ll bet you have one –

AFP – Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter offers a Consultant and Resource Directory on its website, sharing information about fundraising consultants and other resources for our members to review in support of their work.

“Asking for money is like offering a piece of gum. Some people will say yes, and others will politely refuse because you don’t have the flavor they are looking for. And that’s OK! Find the people that want your gum.”

Apply by 4/6 for personal/professional development opportunity

Education is a pillar of what AFP does for its members. Our chapter has benefitted greatly from an excellent group of volunteers who help develop quality programs throughout the year.

Last year, our chapter benefitted directly from the AFP Foundation by being able to award a Chamberlain Scholarship to attend the International Conference in San Francisco. Additionally, our chapter grant from the AFP Foundation supported membership scholarships, awarded this summer and scholarships to attend Fundraising Day Wisconsin.

Nearing my six-month mark as your chapter president, I have been amazed by all the moving pieces that play a role in making membership in our organization a great thing for your career! What value do you find in your AFP membership and where can we do better? Please consider joining me for a talk-back session for members, to be held after our June 29, 2017 program at the Italian Community Center.

You may have recently received a letter from the AFP Foundation, asking for your support of the 2017 Be the Cause Campaign. What exactly is Be the Cause and why is it important that we support it?

There is still time to nominate your favorite volunteer, your top donor or a well-respected fundraising colleague for a National Philanthropy Day Award. The process is easy and the rewards to your organization are priceless! If you’re skeptical check out what AFP member Shavonn Montgomery Brown has to say.

“Investments in effective fundraising strategies should be made not despite our need to fund our missions and work, but because of it.” Wow—think about that for a minute.

Your AFP membership offers so much more than a once-a-month opportunity to hear a great speaker! Just ask Heidi Boyd, CFRE, and Associate Director of Individual Giving Wisconsin Humane Society.

Hopefully year-end efforts were fruitful, holidays enjoyable and now we all ready to move forward into 2017 with renewed energy, high hopes and solids plans for success. As your Chapter President, I hope that AFP and all we have to offer is part of your plans for networking and education in the coming year.

Milwaukee is known as a great, family-oriented community: People here know that giving to a family member in need is not only the right thing to do, but results in a warmer and stronger family environment that benefits everyone. Fair enough. But there’s a special group among us who take this even farther – who see all of us as family. These people extend their giving spirit to the community at large – and the result is a warmer, stronger metro Milwaukee.