Thursday, April 29 [4:30 pm]

What Did You Learn in Baltimore?

Tips…advice…words of wisdom. Send us your top three takeaways from this year’s International Conference on Fundraising. Email ewire@afpnet.org (subject line Top Tips) and list three things you learned in Baltimore that will help you in your fundraising. We’ll run a list of Top Tips next week in AFP eWire newsletter. Please keep your responses brief (one or two sentences per tip).

Wednesday, April 28 [10:00 pm]

AFP Sage Day of Service in Baltimore!

The 2010 AFP Sage Day or Service, held Saturday, April 10 and sponsored by Sage, was a rewarding day for AFP members to volunteer and give back to the host city. Members took part in a program managed by Catholic Charities. Below are some pictures from that special day!

Special Note! Sage received a wonderful note from one of the volunteers, Bryn Warner, who is Director of Annual Support with Suncoast Hospice Foundation in Clearwater, FL. Her note is below:

Please let me tell you how much I appreciate the sponsorship from Sage for the Day of Service each year for the AFP Conference. I am a firm believer that the conference should have a greater attendance for this day as this is what we do for a living: change people's lives! The Day of Service this year was an amazing experience that allowed us to work with people trying to move forward in life. The fact that the center uses dignity and respect as the attitude of choice was a learning experience like no other. The clients have been shown a level of respect that will allow them to feel value.

I felt a sense of pride being able to give back in a way that keeps giving as these clients pull their lives together.

I learned a ton about the work being done there as well as about myself.

Thank you for the chance to have this experience!!

Tuesday, April 20 [3:30 pm]

AFP Charters Five New Chapters in Baltimore!

At its meeting on April 10 in Baltimore, Md., the AFP Board of Directors moved to accept five new chapters into AFP! The newly chartered chapters include:

• The AFP Egypt & MENA Chapter serving Egypt. They are sponsored by the AFP TX, Greater Houston Chapter. The first chapter president will be Azza Mohamed Koura.

• The AFP Florida, Charlotte Harbor Chapter serving Charlotte County, Florida. They are sponsored by the AFP FL, Southwest Chapter. The first chapter president will be Gregory C. Bobonich, J.D.

• The AFP Iowa, Northeast Chapter serving several counties in Iowa including Black Hawk, Buchanan, Grundy, Hardin, Butler, Bremer, Chickasaw, Cerro Gordo, Howard, Winneshiek, Floyd, Franklin and Fayette. They are sponsored by the AFP IA, Greater Tri-State Chapter. The first chapter president will be Stephanie Rottinghaus.

• The AFP Louisiana, Southwest Chapter serving Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis Parishes. They are sponsored by the AFP LA, Greater Baton Rouge Chapter. The first chapter president will be Marianne White.

• The AFP New York, Westchester Chapter serving Westchester County, NY. They are sponsored by the AFP CT, Fairfield County Chapter, AFP New Jersey Chapter, and the AFP NY, Greater New York Chapter. The first chapter president will be William C. Dauster, CFRE.

The addition of these five chapters brings the number of AFP chapters worldwide to 212. A warm welcome to all!

Friday, April 16 [posted 10:30 am 4/16 • updated 2 pm 4/16]

Miss a Presentation at Conference? Never Fear - AFP is Here!

Below please find some links to presentations that were unveiled during the Baltimore conference. (Note: These links have been gathered from the presenters themselves and are not officially endorsed AFP videos.) We know there are certainly plenty more out there – if you have a presentation from the conference you would like to share, please tweet it to #afpmeet or send it to webmaster@afpnet.org and we will add it to the list! And don’t forget to check out the quicklinks to your right for evaluation forms, 50th Anniversary information, and more!

Related: To see all submitted handouts from conference presenters, click here.

• The NonProfit Times - AFP Conference Videos (numerous videos from The NonProfit Times created on-site in Baltimore)
• Barbara Talisman's AFP Conference Cinchcast Album (numerous audio interviews with attendees and presenters on-site in Baltimore)
• How to Harness Twitter and Other Social Media for Your Fundraising (presented by David Tinker of ACHIEVA on Tuesday, April 13)
• Creating Loyalty Through Experiences (presented by Bridget Brandt of Sage North America on Monday, April 12)
• Securing Future Growth: 10 Point Plan (presented by Jonathon Grapsas of Pareto Fundaising on Monday, April 12)
• How the Downturn Affects Donor Psychology (presented by Susan Raymond of Changing Our World, Inc. on Monday, April 12)
• The DNA of Online Marketing (presented by Grizzard Communications Group on Monday, April 12)
• Navigating the Waters in the Sea of Social Media Options (presented by Convio on Sunday, April 11, in the Buzz Theatre)

Thursday, April 15 [10:30 am]

We Miss You - Hope Everyone Made It Home Safe and Sound!

Thank you again for joining us in Baltimore at the 47th AFP International Conference on Fundraising. We could not imagine a more perfect way to celebrate our 50th Anniversary than with you! Please be sure to check this page in upcoming days, as we hope to add more pictures, materials and links from the conference. And don’t forget to make plans for 2011 in Chicago, taking place March 20-23! See you soon!

Wednesday, April 14 [10:15 am]

Toronto Student Named Outstanding Youth Philanthropist

Bilaal Rajan wowed the crowd at the Awards for Philanthropy Banquet as he accepted the 2010 Changing Our World/Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, Ages 5-17. Bilaal, just 13, has already personally raised more than $5 million for children around the world and has helped raised millions as UNICEF's Child Ambassador for Canada. Several attendees said they had already penciled him for chair of AFP in 2030! Read the press release.

Wednesday, April 14 [10:15 am]

Maine Student Named Outstanding Youth Philanthropist

For his incredible work in helping impoverished kids in Guatemala receive food, clothes, schooling and other necessities, Jake Gallagher was recognized with the 2010 Changing Our World/Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, Ages 18-23. Jake has helped raise money, supplies and awareness for Safe Passage, a charity that works in Guatemala, and has visited the country five times to see the impact of his work and make friends with the children there. Read the press release.

In the picture are, from left to right: Robbe Healey, MPA, NHA, ACFRE, chair of AFP; Robert Carter, CFRE, vice president of Changing Our World; Jake Gallagher; and Paulette V. Maehara, CFRE, CAE, president and CEO of AFP.

Wednesday, April 14 [10:00 am]

Atlanta Couple Named Outstanding Philanthropists

Ada Lee and Pete Correll, of Atlanta, GA, were the recipients of the 2010 Paschal Murray Award for Outstanding Philanthropist. The Corrells have given millions and millions of dollars to charities in the Atlanta and Georgia communities, and perhaps even more impressively, helped raise hundreds of millions for causes.

Mr. Correll told the crowd his three most important fundraising lessons: 1) The answer is always "no" if you never ask; 2) never underestimate a person's generosity (recounting a story of how he asked a major donor to help contribute towards their $300 million goal, and the donor replied he'd rather just give the whole amount--"Yep," said Mr. Correll. "That would be simpler!" and 3) it's more fun to give away money than to make it. Read the press release.

Pictured from left to right are Robbe Healey, MPA, NHA, ACFRE, AFP chair; Pete Correll; Colette Murray, JD, CFRE; president of Paschal Murray; Ada Lee Correll; and Paulette V. Maehara, CFRE, CAE, president and CEO of AFP.

Wednesday, April 14 [9:45 am]

Hank Goldstein Honored With Outstanding Service Award at Banquet

At the Awards for Philanthropy Banquet, Hank Goldstein, CFRE, was honored with the Chair's Award for Outstanding Service for his lifelong contributions to AFP and the fundraising profession, including signing a $3,000 loan in the 1970s to ensure AFP's solvency. Goldstein helped create the foundation for many programs still being offered by AFP today and has mentored and taught countless fundraisers throughout his career

Wednesday, April 14 [9:45 am]

TELUS Named Most Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation With Global Award

TELUS Corporation has been named the top philanthropic corporation for 2010. TELUS is the first Canadian company to ever receive this global honor. AFP honored the telecommunications company with the 2010 Freeman Philanthropic Services Award for Outstanding Corporation at its Awards for Philanthropy event on April 13. Read the press release.

TELUS, a Canadian telecommunications company, was award the 2010 Freeman Philanthropic Services Award for Outstanding Corporation. From left to right is Robbe Healey, MPA, NHA, ACFRE, AFP chair; Gail Freeman, CFRE, president of Freeman Philanthropic Services; Janet Yale, executive vice president of TELUS and chairs of its national community boards; and Paulette V.Maehara, CFRE, CAE, president and CEO of AFP.

Tuesday, April 13 [4:40 pm]

PRESS RELEASE: Birmingham Professor and Attorney Edward Friend, III Named 2010 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

(ARLINGTON, Va.) Edward M. (Eddie) Friend, III, assistant professor at the University of Alabama-Birmingham's School of Business and shareholder with Sirote & Permutt, Pc, in Birmingham, Ala., is the recipient of the 2010 Award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Read more.

Tuesday, April 13 [4:30 pm]

PRESS RELEASE: St. Louis Nonprofit Receives AFP’s Highest Fundraising Honor

(ARLINGTON, Va.) The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has bestowed its highest fundraising honor, the Campbell & Company Award for Excellence in Fundraising, Small Category, to the Guardian Angel Settlement Association in St. Louis, Mo. Read more.

Tuesday, April 13 [4:15 pm]

PRESS RELEASE: John S. and James L Knight Foundation Named Outstanding Foundation

(ARLINGTON, Va.) For its extraordinary work in supporting journalism and communities across the United States, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is the recipient of the 2010 Award for Outstanding Foundation presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Read more.

Tuesday, April 13 [3:15 pm]

AFP Lauds Its Five Newest ACFREs!

Five members were honored for acheiving their Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) credential at the conference. Our newest ACFREs are Vern Snyder, Alice Ferris, Martha Schumacher, Marcella Moyer Schick and Mary Doorley.

Tuesday, April 13 [2:40 pm]

An Inspirational Call to Action

The Archbishop Desmond Tutu left the crowd moved and inspired with his words of encouragement and call to action to the fundraising community.

Tuesday, April 13 [2:30 pm]

PRESS RELEASE: Rice University Receives Campbell and Company Award for Excellence in Fundraising

(ARLINGTON, Va.) The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has bestowed its highest fundraising honor, the Campbell & Company Award for Excellence in Fundraising, Large Category, to Rice University. The award honors an organization that has developed campaigns, initiatives, projects or techniques that have grown and increased its fundraising infrastructure, program and results. Read more.

Rice University and its Centennial Campaign for Young Alumni received the Campbell and Company Award for Excellence in Fundraising. Accepting for Rice University was Kevin Foyle, CFRE, associate development for development at Rice University (center). With him are (left) Peter Fissinger, CFRE, president of Campbell and Company, and Robert Carter, CFRE, AFP's vice chair of external relations.

Tuesday, April 13 [2:15 pm]

A Call to Mentor Young Fundraisers

Natalie Denney, outgoing chair of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Collegiate Chapter at the University of Kentucky, welcomed attendees to the Tuesday morning general session. She encouraged members to mentor young fundraisers and set up collegiate chapters in their communities.

Tuesday, April 13 [1:50 pm]

Pinks Paint Pre-Plenary Paintings (tongue now officially tied!)

The Pink Flamingos, this year's conference entertainment, wowed the crowd before each plenary session with music reflective of each decade of AFP's 50 years and paintings of famous philanthropists and activists.

Monday, April 12 [4:15 pm]

Social Entrepreneur Peter Thum Addresses General Session

During the Monday morning general session, businessman and social entrepreneur Peter Thum talks about his mission to provide clean drinking water to countries around the world and the work of fundraising and philanthropy.

Monday, April 12 [4:00 pm]

From Girl Scout to Newly Minted ACFRE!

Alice Ferris, AFP's vice chair for membership services and one of our newest ACFREs (presentation Tuesday morning) welcomes the crowd to the Monday morning general session. She recalled being asked by her mother, "Alice, did we really raise you to be a fundraiser?" And Alice trumphantly answered, "Yes, you did!" Being a top Girl Scout cookie salesperson in her youth was just the start!

Monday, April 12 [3:45 pm]

PRESS RELEASE: AFP 2009 State of Fundraising Survey: Charitable Fundraising Takes Another Hit

(Baltimore, Md.) Just 43 percent of charities raised more money in 2009 than in 2008, marking it the worst year for charitable fundraising in a decade, according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) 2009 State of Fundraising Survey, released at AFP's 47th International Conference on Fundraising in Baltimore, Md. Read more.

Monday, April 12 [3:45 pm]

PRESS RELEASE: Connecticut Fundraiser Rizzo Named 2010 CCS Outstanding Fundraising Professional

(ARLINGTON, Va.) Donald G. Rizzo, CFRE, vice president for institutional advancement at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, is the recipient of the 2010 CCS Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Read more.

Congratulations to Don Rizzo, CFRE, vice president for institutional advancement at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn., on receiving the 2010 CCS Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional. Don (left) is standing with Robert "Bo"Rice, senior vice president and managing director for CCS.

Monday, April 12 [3:15 pm]

A Special Tribute to AFP's Co-Founders and Past Chairs

The Sunday afternoon general session featured a tribute to all of AFP's co-founders and past chairs. On-hand to help celebrate were eight past chairs (pictured below). Many thanks to these and all of our past chairs for their extraordinary contributions to the association and the profession!

Above, from left: Colette Murray, J.D., CFRE; Barbara Mulville, CFRE; Charles Stephens, CFRE; Don Campbell, CFRE and Hank Goldstein, CFRE.

From left: Timothy R. Burcham; Alphonce J. Brown, Jr., ACFRE; and Steve Batson, Ed.D., CFRE.

Monday, April 12 [2:45 pm]

Greater Philadelphia Chapter Receives Charles R. Stephens Exellence in Diversity Award!

The Greater Philadelphia Chapter wins this year's Charles R. Stephens Exellence in Diversity Award! The chapter was recognized for its outstanding Color of Money conference, which attracted particpants from as far away as Texas. Representing Philly is Michelle Gollapalli, CFRE, the chapter's diversity committee co-chair, who is pictured along with James Phelps, CFRE, chair of the AFP Diversity Committee (left), and Charles Stephens, CFRE, a former chair of AFP and the award's namesake.

Monday, April 12 [2:30 pm]

Diversity Art Showcase Winner Announced!

Carrina Hernandez, a student at the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore, is the first-prize winner of this year's Diversity Art Showcase. With Carrina is Tom Mesaros, president and CEO of The ALFORD Group which sponsors AFP's diversity programs at the conference.

Sunday, April 11 [7:00 pm]

The World's Longest Conference Badge

Don Campbell, CFRE, a past chair of AFP (1978-1980) shows off the world's longest conference badge. The badge is actually stored at AFP International Headquarters and brought out for conferences for Don. AFP President and CEO Paulette Maehara, past chair Hank Goldstein, CFRE, and Campbell & Company President Peter Fissinger, CFRE, all secretly wish they had badges that long too.

Sunday, April 11 [6:30 pm]

...And We're Off!

It's official! The 47th AFP International Conference on Fundraising and 50th Anniversary Celebration is on! With help from past chair Hank Goldstein, AFP President and CEO Paulette Maehara cuts the ribbon to start the conference and open the Marketplace on Fundraising and Philanthropy. A gaggle of past association and foundation chairs were on hand as well!

Sunday, April 11 [1:30 pm]

We Resolve...to Have a Good Laugh!

It's not all hard work and passing resolutions. During the Saturday board meeting, AFP Chair Robbe Healey, MBA, NHA, ACFRE, makes a humorous comment as Secretary Harry Lynch, CFRE, and President and CEO Paulette Maehara, CFRE, CAE, join in the laughter.

Sunday, April 11 [1:15 pm]

Founders' Medallions Awarded to Three Dedicated Members

On Saturday, April 10, AFP honored three extraordinary and dedicated members by awarding them its Founders’ Medallion.

Mary Jean Gilbert, CFRE, and Gail Freeman were honored for their tremendous service to AFP and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy, as well as their pioneering work as two of the first female consultants in the profession, blazing new trails for women in fundraising.

Bill Hanrahan was honored posthumously for his work in developing the profession and best fundraising practices while guiding one of the largest and most influential consulting firms, CCS (formerly Community Counselling Services). Bill was also an outstanding supporter of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy, serving as chair in 2003.

The medallion is given to long-serving members who have contributed greatly to AFP and the development of the profession. Prior to Saturday, just nine Founders’ Medallions had been awarded to members, including Williams Simms, one of AFP’s original cofounders, Milton Murray, Hank Goldstein, Charles Stephens and Ron Carroll.

Sunday, April 11 [10:30 am]

Skystone Ryan Prize for Research on Fundraising and Philanthropy Awarded

On Saturday, April 10, during a special reception after the association board meeting, Rachel McCleary received the Skystone Ryan Prize for Research on Fundraising and Philanthropy for her book, Global Compassion: Private Voluntary Organizations and U.S. Foreign Policy Since 1939. Congratulations!

Friday, April 9

Presenting the AFP Anniversary Retrospective Collage!

Those of you attending the AFP conference in Baltimore are in for a treat (besides eating some great blue crabs with Old Bay)! We will be officially unveiling the AFP Anniversary Retrospective Collage and have it on display for the duration of the event. The collage provides a comprehensive graphical history of AFP, from its founding days up through today. Can’t be in Baltimore? Then view the online, interactive version of the Anniversary Retrospective Collage. Simply use the magnifying glass to identify and enlarge every element of the collage, and read the highlighted descriptions to learn more!