Every Gift Says Something—Are You Listening?

A Thought Leader Column by Donna Red Wing

When you talk to donors, who they are matters—and religious beliefs are a big part of that equation, explains Donna Red Wing, adviser to the Interfaith Alliance and the National Crittenton Foundation. Learn how to connect with your donors’ views of the world as expressed through their philanthropy.
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Career Track Profile: Demetria Caston

"I believe a major barrier to diversity in our field is the simple introduction of development as an 'actual career,'" says Demetria Caston, Fund Development and Project Management Professional at The Caston Group in Lancaster, Texas, in this Q and A. "For too many years it has not been viewed as a profession, when in fact it is one that requires a well-polished set of skills, experience and expertise in order to be successful."
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An Unmissed Opportunity

The Chicago Fellows Program aims to encourage diversity within the fundraising profession, explains Jorja Porter, associate director of advancement services at Chicago State University. "Some of the greatest benefits this program provided for me were meeting new fundraising professionals, gaining excellent mentors and introducing me to the Association of Fundraising Professionals."
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Congratulations to the 2008 Friends of Diversity Chapters!

The Friends of Diversity designation recognizes those chapters that have accomplished many of the key objectives outlined in the advancing diversity strategic goal.

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Youth Express the True Meaning of Philanthropy Through Art

Uyen Phan, development associate at Louisiana Children's Museum in New Orleans, La., describes her visit to the International School of Louisiana, where AFP members spoke to sixth grade students about the meaning of philanthropy and asked them to create artwork for the AFP Diversity Art Showcase. See the winners and their artwork here.

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