Chapter Leadership Brief 3.11.2022

The images on TV of a war-torn Ukraine are gut wrenching. The devastation to beautiful European cities is sickening.  Over two million innocent civilians—mostly women, children and the elderly—have fled their homeland to (hopefully) relative safety in neighboring countries. Many others have tried to do so, but have been killed or wounded trying to flee.  Thousands of those who have stayed have met the same fate.  It’s a horrific situation that makes us realize just how much evil there is, despite our naïve beliefs that this could never happen again in our civilized world.

But within all of this misery, there is a good story to be told.  An uplifting story.  It’s the story of people, many of whom with no previous connection to Ukraine, have reached deep into their pockets to help Ukrainian communities.  And people have gotten creative.  In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, people have booked stays on Airbnb in Ukraine, not because they planned to stay there, but as a way to get funds to Ukrainians quickly. In fact, over a two-day period last week, more than $2 million was “earned” by Ukrainian Airbnb hosts, who were then able to use that money for food, medicine and other necessities.

A Virginia woman, originally from Ukraine, is raising money by holding borscht cooking classes and donating those proceeds to Ukrainian relief efforts.  To date, she has raised over $200,000.  On a larger and more global level, over 102,000 crypto currency donations, totaling more than $55 million, have gone to the Ukrainian government and Come Back Alive, a nonprofit providing support to the military.  In the UK, a Ukraine fundraiser spearheaded by the Disasters Emergency Committee, a group of 15 leading UK charities, has raised over £85 million ($111 million).

The outpouring of philanthropic support has been overwhelming, but not surprising. In times of crisis, we come together.  We dig deep and we pitch in.  As the go-to resource on fundraising, NYC-AFP is here to help you support Ukraine relief and other worthy causes. Our mission is to help you and your organization become more effective fundraisers.  It’s what we do!

Chapter Leadership Brief 2.25.2022

"Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month…"

"'The Black History Month 2022 theme, 'Black Health and Wellness,' explores 'the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well."" (History.com)

As I reflect on the theme for this year's Black History Month, what it means to me and what it may mean to others. I think of the African American  medical pioneers who showed extreme bravery and courage as they aspired toward their professional dreams in the face of extreme adversity and lack of access(Everydayhealth.com):

James McCune Smith, born into salvery in New York City, became the first Black Physician to have his own practice and pharmacy in the United States

Daniel Hale Williams, founded the first black-owned hospital in America, and performed the world’s first successful heart surgery in 1893

Patricia Bath, Born in 1942 in Harlem, Bath is a pioneer who was instrumental in the treatment and prevention of blindness.

Solomon Fuller, was the first Black psychiatrist in the United States, he conducted substantial research regarding degenerative diseases of the brain.  Fuller worked with and translated German neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer's work into English.

Charles Drew, Drew is the ultimate medical pioneer. As a surgeon, he developed ground-breaking ways to store blood plasma in blood banks. His work made the way for the modern blood transfusion.

What do all of these medical pioneers have in common and how does this apply to the way your organization can enrich the way it raises funds?  They are all a part of the African Diaspora and they were all the first in their field. In each case, someone was able to see their brilliant talents and not stand in the way of what they could accomplish just because no one in the modern world had ever seen anyone who looked like them perform what must have been considered as miraculous acts.  The medical geniuses listed above were able to express their thoughts and put their ingenuity to work to solve problems which had never been solved in the past and we are all better for it. 

The same can happen for your Organization, Board, staff and recipients of your direct service work.

If you haven't done so already, institute the celebration of Black History Month into your organization's culture. 

Look for ways to incorporate IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access)  Ideals into your fundraising strategies, Donor Research, Board composition and diversification of your organization's leadership.  Consider joining one of AFP-NYC's committees where we are actively engaged in the conversation and are doing the work.  Everyone your organization impacts will be better for it too. 

"History despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be faced again."- Maya Angelou

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to professional fundraising.

With gratitude,
Crystal

P.S. - If you are not already engaged in AFP-NYC, I want to encourage you to get involved (https://nycafp.org/News-Events/Upcoming-Events) and add your voice to the conversation.  We are stronger together. 

P.P.S. – I am honored to serve as the Chair of the IDEA Committee of AFP-NYC.  Alongside my colleagues  Christa Orth and Pinky Vincent Co Vice-Chairs of the IDEA Committee.

Chapter Leadership Brief 2.11.2022

Greeting AFP NYC Friends,

According to Forbes, 80% of people admit that they abandon their new year’s resolutions by February. Whether or not you are in that group, AFP-NYC is here to support you in your personal and professional journey as a fundraiser. The Chapter offers a myriad of opportunities for you to learn about current trends and best practices, grow as a professional and connect with colleagues in the field.

LEARN: February kicks off the Chapter’s annual educational programming with a powerhouse panel on donor stewardship- “Donor Engagement to Get You Through Omicron and Beyond” - on Thursday, February 16^th at 8:30am.  After two years, we are still grappling with an ever-evolving pandemic. Join the conversation to dive into the most effective stewardship practices that are creating meaningful relationships with our donors.  You can register for this panel here.

GROW: Challenge yourself this year. Fundraising Day in New York is the largest, single-day conference on philanthropy! With sessions covering topics across our sector, you can easily add to your fundraising toolbox and set yourself up for that next job or promotion! Keep an eye out as registration opens soon!

CONNECT: AFP-NYC has more than a dozen committees and other opportunities for members to volunteer and work closely with colleagues on moving our sector forward. I urge you to sign up at https://nycafp.org/Get-Involved/Get-Involved. Committee work is where I have forged invaluable relationships with colleagues while doing work that was vital to me as a fundraiser.

I hope you will take advantage of all that AFP has to offer!

Chapter Leadership Brief 1.28.2022

Greetings AFP members and friends!

Our Annual Meeting was quite the success. I truly enjoyed hearing the inspirational words of Kat Rosqueta this morning. Congratulations to Dianne Armstrong for being honored with this year’s Ralph E. Chamberlain award.  It was also great to hear AFP President and CEO Mike Geiger deliver an inspiring state of the industry address.

We are also excited to welcome our new board members, new officers and our new President Jill Scibilia. As Jill said today, we must thank Steve Jacobson for his incredible leadership and our outgoing board members for their valuable service. I am honored to continue to serve the membership as board secretary and plan to commit with even more intention to the chapter.

As we move optimistically into 2022, the year will continue to challenge us with new opportunities to expand our IDEA initiatives, explore cryptocurrency, refine hybrid events, understand the great resignation, and much more. All of your AFP-NYC chapter committees are hard at work building learning and networking opportunities to make this the best year ever! I hope that you will continue to take advantage of all the benefits of AFP membership, and if you aren’t a member - JOIN!

I hope you will Invest in yourself this year and your career by taking advantage of all that AFP has to offer. May we all have a productive 2022!

Chapter Leadership Brief 1.15.2022

By Craig Shelley, CFRE, AFP-NYC President-elect
Managing Director, Orr Group

This is the year I finally give up and won’t make a resolution to lose weight.  Who am I kidding?  I like cookies.  I like beer.  I don’t feel like buying smaller pants anyway.

That said, I will fall into the trap and try to commit to some more realistic resolutions.  I figured I’d share them here and maybe the extra, public accountability will help?

As a leader in this chapter, my resolution is to ensure we continue to forge a more diverse and inclusive New York City fundraising community.  We can do more for the world if we expand beyond the narrow band of talent we’ve traditionally pulled from.  Additionally, as we either come out of or evolve to a permanent state of pandemic, I’m committed to working with my fellow board members to reestablish our value proposition for members and the sector.  You all need a place to commiserate, learn and genuinely feel like there’s a group out here advocating for you.

As a fundraiser, I’m committed to engaging donors more.  They deserve the opportunity to be more than passive passengers on the journeys of the nonprofits they support.  I want to be intentional about creating opportunities for genuine donor engagement, not just “stewardship.”

As an adviser, partner, and consultant to the sector’s most ambitious leaders, I want to resolve to always push and challenge assumptions.   I want to ask the hard questions about what prevents us from doing more and then help to remove those obstacles.

As a father and husband, I am committed to being more patient.  Just because my family members are perfect in my eyes doesn’t mean I can hold them to a standard of unrealistic perfection in all they do.  They need more chill out of me.

And what the heck, I might as well lose 5-10lbs.  Maybe this is the year?

Chapter Leadership Brief 12.17.2021

By Jill Scibilia, CFRE, AFP-NYC President-Elect
Vice President, Development, Phelps Hospital, Northwell Health

I miss seeing people.  In fact, it is what I have missed the most since the onset of the pandemic.  There is something about being with others that energizes and nurtures me.  (And yes, I am one of those strange people who loves crowds). 

Speaking of crowds…six months from now, we will be gathering at the New York Marriott Marquis for the return of our in-person Fundraising Day in New York. Fundraising Day in New York is the largest single-day conference on philanthropy. There is nothing like it. 

I will always remember the first one I attended.  It was also my first AFP event.  I think I knew one (or perhaps two) other people out of the 1,800 or so in attendance.  That might seem intimidating…and yet…it was not.  There seemed to be a welcome committee cheerily directing attendees as we arrived.  (I later learned this was part of the team of volunteers, who help make the day possible).  The educational sessions were organized into tracks that made it easy for me to identify sessions that were relevant and interesting to me.  Throughout the day, I noticed attendees made a practice of introducing themselves to each other and to me.  We may have started each session as strangers, but we left as colleagues.

Then there was the unforgettable lunch.  When I walked into the ballroom, the energy in the room was palpable. I saw just how many people were in attendance.  I found a seat and the process of introductions and meeting everyone at the table continued like it had during the morning sessions.  The lunch program included a top ten list focused on fundraising!! (I later learned this was one of the hallmarks of the day).  The keynote speaker made me cry because she addressed me in a way that made it clear she understood me as a fundraiser.  I realized in those moments that I was home.  Here were people I understood and who understood me.  I have not missed a Fundraising Day in New York since.   

I hope you will mark your calendars for Friday, June 17, 2022 and join me in Welcoming Back our in-person Fundraising Day in New York.  I have missed this annual gathering very much, and I cannot wait to be there and to see you all.  I hope you will come say hello to me and other chapter leaders in our AFP-NYC booth.  Whether this will be your first Fundraising Day or 40^th, please know how welcome you are to this community.

Finally, AFP-NYC is a volunteer-driven organization.  I’d like to thank all of our volunteers who plan our events and activities and make all of our programming possible.  If you are interested in learning more about ways you can get involved, visit our Get Involved page.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to professional fundraising. 

With gratitude,

Jill

Chapter Leadership Brief 12.3.2021

By Steve Jacobson, AFP-NYC President
CEO, JCA, Inc.

This past Tuesday marked the 10^th anniversary of GivingTuesday. Launched back in 2012 by the 92^nd Street Y, and later spun off into its own nonprofit organization, GivingTuesday this year broke all prior giving records.  According to the GivingTuesday Data Commons, a group of more than 300 partner organizations that pooled contribution data, over 35 million adults in the U.S. participated in GivingTuesday 2021, up about 6% from last year.  In terms of dollars raised in the U.S., nonprofits earned $2.7 billion on GivingTuesday, a 9% increase from last year and a 37% increase over GivingTuesday 2019.  And, while these figures are for the U.S. only, nonprofit organizations in 80 countries participated in this year’s GivingTuesday.  GivingTuesday has truly become a global phenomenon.

However, GivingTuesday is not all about the money.  It’s also about giving time and energy through volunteering.  The organization projects that volunteering on GivingTuesday increased by 11% from last year and gifts of goods, such as clothes, food and supplies, saw an 8% increase compared to 2020.

Asha Curran, the co-founder and CEO of GivingTuesday (and an AFP-NYC speaker and supporter) summed it up perfectly: “Giving is an important metric of civic participation, a way to build the kind of society we want to live in. Our hope is that this boost of generosity is an inspiration for continued giving, kindness, and recognition of our shared humanity each day of the year.”

Some organizations, however, feel as if the competition to fundraise on GivingTuesday may reduce the amount of money that they can raise.  As a result, for example, some colleges have shifted their giving days to the spring, when they feel they have more of their alumni’s attention.  Other organizations have shifted their GivingTuesday strategy from asking donors for money to thanking them for their support. 

Regardless of what side of the fence you are on, one thing is clear: you can’t afford to stand still.  You need to engage with your existing donors, acquire new supporters and raise more money.  Here at AFP-NYC, we can help. From peer-to-peer networking to our stellar professional advancement sessions to Fundraising Day in New York, we have the programs and expertise to aid in your success. Please join us!

Chapter Leadership Brief 11.5.2021

By Michele Hall-Duncan, AFP-NYC Secretary
CEO and President of enCourage Kids Foundation

I was reading a recent Classy blog which highlighted Big Results for Nonprofits That Embrace Flexible Work Environments. The blog went on to extol the virtues of remote work as it pertains to overhead reduction, employee retention, and employee morale. With a fundraising turnover rate of nearly 20% I thought about how my own staff has been affected during the pandemic.

At the beginning of 2020, I led a team of 14. As of next week, there will be six employees on the payroll. Half of them were furloughed due to revenue decreases during the pandemic, with the remainder leaving for various pursuits.  I responded by increasing the number of consultants to balance out areas of need, however the adjustments to this new world order have been quite challenging.

With the continued uncertainty around returning to the office, I began to embrace remote work as a long-term option for the organization. One opportunity that I did not foresee with the remote work option is the ability to expand geographically, and to ultimately build a more diverse team. Without geographical constraints there is an expanded pool of viable candidates that can also help advance your organization’s IDEA objectives, including race, ethnicity, gender identity and disabled individuals for whom traditional commuting may prove challenging.

As always AFP-NYC is at the forefront of highlighting the most relevant topics in the fundraising today. I look forward to hearing more about how we can all continue to understand and embrace IDEA and move our organization’s forward.

Please join me at “Breaking Down Barriers: Evolving Beyond the Origins of Philanthropy” Thursday, November 18th from 8:30 – 10:00 am.   Join a conversation with philanthropy and DEI experts to explore ways to substantive change to make the field more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible.  To register and learn more, click here.

Be well,

Michele

Chapter Leadership Brief 10.22.2021

By Jill Scibilia, CFRE, AFP-NYC President-Elect
Vice President, Development, Phelps Hospital, Northwell Health

AFP-NYC recently launched a new “AFP-Member Virtual Coffee Chat” series.  I had the opportunity to join the first session on October 1^st, and I am so glad I did.

Prior to COVID, I would have never thought about a coffee chat on ZOOM.  Programs like these are a positive outcome.  Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy meeting folks for coffee in person very much.  For brief gatherings, these online options allow us to come together without travel time from the comfort of our homes, offices…or wherever we may be.

Led by our Member Engagement team, this is a new monthly networking opportunity to build community, meet and engage with peers from the NYC chapter, and discuss current and evolving fundraising trends.  There are many reasons I value being a member of AFP-NYC. The connections I am able to make with development colleagues has always been the most meaningful part of this membership for me. 

In this non-recorded, relaxed gathering, our organizers Catherine Valero, Sarah Weatherly and Kirstin Uptegrove facilitated the conversation.  Participants were polled to select the initial fundraising topic.  While I did not know everyone on the meeting initially, I left the session feeling like I made several meaningful new connections and friends. 

The next in this series of Virtual Chat Series is on Friday, November 5^th at 8:00.  It is free and open to all AFP-NYC Members, and I encourage you to join if you are able. Click here to learn more and register.

Not yet a member of AFP-NYC?  I invite you to join us and become a part of the world’s largest community of charitable fundraisers.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to professional fundraising.

With gratitude,

Jill

P.S. – Don’t miss “Breaking Down Barriers: Evolving Beyond the Origins of Philanthropy” Thursday, November 18^th from 8:30 – 10:00 am.  This National Philanthropy Day, join a conversation with philanthropy and DEI experts to explore ways to substantive change to make the field more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible.  To register and learn more, click here.

Chapter Leadership Brief 10.8.2021

By Steve Jacobson, AFP-NYC President 
CEO, JCA, Inc.

A new study released just this past week by the Urban Institute revealed that charitable giving in 2020 declined significantly for small nonprofits while larger organizations tended to fare better.  Until now, we’ve seen a number of studies, surveys and anecdotal references that have pointed to the level of giving varying widely based on nonprofit sectors.  In 2020, as in other years, giving was impacted by current events.  The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others spurred giving to social justice organizations.  The pandemic prompted increased levels of giving to hospitals and health care foundations.  But, on the flip side, according to Giving USA, 2020 giving was down by 8.6% to arts and culture institutions.  Overall, 2020 could be summed up as the “year of unequal giving.”

But back to the small organizations, which did not fare as well as their larger counterparts.  Why was that?  One theory is that new and infrequent donors are more familiar with large “brand name” organizations and choose this direction as a safe choice for their money.  But another theory, advanced by Laura Pierce, the executive director of Washington (state) Nonprofits, and reported by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, is that small nonprofits often lack the full-time fundraising staff and expertise needed to adapt to changing conditions. I believe that both theories are true.

While the AFP NYC chapter can’t do much to change the mindset of donors and prospects, we can help small organizations become more effective in their fundraising efforts.  If you work for a small nonprofit, with an annual budget of $1 million or less, you may want to consider an AFP Small Nonprofit Organization membership. For only $175 per year, you’ll have access to a wealth of educational resources and opportunities. Additionally, you’ll enjoy the member discount for our chapter’s professional advancement events, beginning with our next event on October 20^th:  “Where Do We Go from Here? The Evolving Landscape of Special Events.”  And, you’ll also gain the member discount for our signature in-person, full-day educational conference, Fundraising Day in New York, which will be held on June 17, 2022. 

I hope to see you soon!