AFP Chapters: Become Friends of Diversity!

Six chapters were recently awarded the new Friends of Diversity Designation showing that they had an active diversity program in 2007. The following chapters were recognized at the Chapter Presidents Council meeting during the International Conference on Fundraising in San Diego and will soon receive a special logo to post on their website designating their status:

AFP Connecticut Chapter
AFP DC, Greater Washington DC Metro Chapter
AFP FL, Palm Beach County Chapter
AFP IL, Central Chapter
AFP IL, Chicago Chapter
AFP Washington Chapter

AFP congratulates these chapters for their support of AFP’s strategic goal of increasing diversity and inclusiveness.

Program Mission

One of the specific goals in AFP’s strategic plan is that AFP will embrace and engage diverse individuals, groups and organizations within the fundraising profession. The Friends of Diversity Designation encourages chapters to perform specific activities designed to increase diversity within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy in all cultures.

AFP international headquarters will publish a list of 10 chapter goals each year. Chapters that successfully accomplish six of those goals during the year—and submit a nomination form—will be honored with the Friends of Diversity Designation. The Friends of Diversity status lasts for one year.

The 2008 Friends of Diversity Designation will be awarded at the 2009 AFP International Conference in New Orleans, La. Start the process now in your chapter!

How to Get Involved

All AFP chapters can earn the Friends of Diversity Designation. Once a chapter fulfills the necessary six goals, it becomes eligible to receive the award. The chapter award nomination form is due by Jan. 31, 2009, for activities completed during the 2008 calendar year. The application must be signed by the chapter president and the chapter’s diversity chair.

Required Goals (complete all five):

• The chapter has had a discussion and defined the definition of diversity in fundraising for the community that the chapter serves. This definition is in written form and used in chapter materials.

• The chapter has established a diversity chair and/or committee that will serve the planning and guiding role for the chapter’s diversity efforts.

• The chapter’s communication plan ensures that all chapter materials use inclusive language that reflect AFP’s diversity goal.

• The chapter’s board passed or reaffirmed a board resolution that defines the chapter’s commitment to diversity.

• The chapter created OR worked on implementation of a previously created written diversity plan in 2008.

Optional Goals (complete ONE of the options listed below):

• The chapter held an organized event or activity in 2008 that either focused on or incorporated the importance of diversity.

• The chapter submitted a nomination for the Charles R. Stephens Excellence in Diversity Award.

• The chapter has received the Charles R. Stephens Excellence in Diversity Award within the last five years

• The chapter created OR worked on implementing a mentoring program for fundraising professionals with diverse backgrounds.

• The chapter sponsored or co-sponsored a joint program/workshop in conjunction with an organization that has a diverse staff or constituency.

• The chapter has allocated a budget specifically for increasing the diversity within the chapter’s membership and/or programming.

Click here to download full details, including an application form. Jumpstart your chapter’s diversity program and publicize your great work in advancing philanthropy!