Association of Fundraising Professionals
Greater Madison
Spring 2015 Member eNewsletter
Get the Latest Here!
March 2015
In This Issue
Ten Star Gold Award
Don't Make these Mistakes!
Member News & Kudos
Meet the AFP Board
Did You Know? Check out our Chapter updates
Quick Links
Thank you to our recent Chapter Meeting sponsors!
 
TOP
     
greater madison logo 

                                      
The Highest Honor - Ten Star Gold

AFP Greater Madison is proud to be named a Ten Star Gold chapter for our work in 2014. This is the highest designation a chapter can receive from AFP International, and means we provide quality programs, meet the strategic goals of AFP International, and continuously strive to address diversity and ethics.

The key elements that earned us the Ten Star Gold designation are:

Friends of Diversity Designation: AFP Greater Madison believes that diversity and inclusion create a strong, vital and unified force for the effective pursuit of an organization's mission and achieving philanthropic success. We seek to achieve a broad representation of experiences, perspectives, and cultures throughout our programming.

National Philanthropy Day: We are proud to celebrate our community's generosity in November of each year to a sold out crowd. Look for information about the 2015 National Philanthropy Day Celebration on November 13 in the house that philanthropy built, the Overture Center for the Arts.

Quality education programs: In addition to our educational chapter meetings and our professional development programs, we offer the CFRE review course in alternating years. The course will again be offered in 2016.

Engaged membership: We are proud of our growing membership! AFP Greater Madison ended 2014 at a record 180 members.

Be the Cause Campaign: In 2014, chapter members generously donated to support quality education, programming and ethics in fundraising through the Be the Cause Campaign, allowing us to surpass our fundraising goal. This year's campaign is underway. Join us to build capacity of philanthropy for the greater good at afpfoundation.org.

Thank you all for helping AFP Greater Madison continue to be recognized as one of the strongest chapters in the country.

 

Nicole Hoffmann
2015 Chapter President

Funding Proposal Boo-Boos!

February's luncheon, "Speed Networking with Corporate Givers & Foundations" was a spectacular success! Made possible by Alliant Energy Foundation, nine local organizations shared their time, experiences and expertise with the nearly 100 participants. 

We caught up with two of our speakers and asked them a follow up question to the program. What is the most common mistake grant applicants make when they apply? Here's what they had to say:

Dave Zweifel, Evjue Foundation
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make when requesting help from the Evjue Foundation is not being specific enough about how the money will be used to benefit the people of Dane County. Mr. Evjue indicated that grants should primarily help local efforts, where the people who and businesses that supported his newspaper live. We make particular note of that in evaluating requests. Although we've helped capital campaigns on occasion, our primary focus is on programs that serve the underprivileged and strive to promote social justice, in addition to supporting young people. 

Julie Bauer, Alliant Energy Foundation
A common mistake our grantees make is not taking the time to learn about the organization from which they are requesting funds. They need to really understand if the project/program they are requesting support for is a fit for the funder. For instance, we find groups that don't take the time to read the grant guidelines, mission and focus areas and/or familiarize themselves with any limitations or restrictions. Also, applicants should never make derogatory comments about another organization that has discontinued funding the applicant. It reflects quite poorly on the applicant.
Member Kudos and News 

Community Shares of Wisconsin announced that the area's first online giving day, The Big Share™, raised over $230,000, surpassing the goal of $180,000, to benefit 70 local nonprofits. The nonprofits reached out to potential donors, primarily by social media and electronic means, to make online gifts on Tuesday, March 3. The Big Share's success relies on the viral nature of social media to build momentum and to engage new donors.

Congratulations to Sandy Morales from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County for being named one of Brava Magazine's "40 Women to Watch" in their January 2015 edition.

Sarah Linn, AFP's Young Professional's in Philanthropy Chair, has joined the Dane County Humane Society Development Team as their Major Events Coordinator.  Sarah will also continue as the Events Assistant at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.

St. Vincent de Paul is pleased to announce that Lauren Cnare has joined our organization as Communications Director. A skilled and proven communications professional, Lauren has a history of significant involvement in our community. Lauren will guide local public relations and marketing efforts for our district office and the seven stores that support our mission of helping Dane County neighbors in need.

Back to Top
Know your Board Member:
Michele Traband, National Philanthropy Day Chair   
AFP Greater Madison Board is comprised of fundraisers from 14 different organizations. Let's learn more about those that work to make us a Ten Star Gold chapter!

Title/Organization: Development Specialist, American Players Theatre

Married/Children/Pets: Married to Tom for 23 years, Two daughters (Emma 18; Rachel 10)

Last good book you read: Reading is not my favorite past time, however I can say that one of my very favorite books of all time is "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving. 

One thing always in your refrigerator: hummus

How do you unwind: a glass of wine with good friends or a Netflix marathon

Why you do what you do: I love finding out what people are passionate about, whether it is in their work or their hobbies. And I enjoy finding out how APT fits into their world.

What you'd do if you weren't doing this job: Hairdresser (crazy, I know; but I made money in college cutting and coloring fellow students' hair and I think it is fun.)

Who is your hero (and why): I don't really like this question, but I'm a team player, so I'm going to say Ellen DeGeneres because she exhibits many of the qualities I admire in a person: the courage to be true to yourself; humor, and rhythm.

Guilty pleasure: Benedict Cumberbatch

Did You Know? Check out these chapter updates...
  • The chapter has allocated $3,500 for 2015 Scholarships.  Apply today! 
    May 8th is the deadline for the UW Fundraising & Development Conference scholarships.
  • The AFP Greater Madison Membership Directory will come out in June.  Be sure you've renewed your membership and have updated your contact information with AFP International. Your can check your profile details here.
  • Registration for the 2nd annual Fundraising Day - Wisconsin conference in August will open next week.  Space is limited, be sure to register early!
  • It's not just time for baseball caps. . . it's also time for "thinking caps"! Does your organization have an extraordinary donor or volunteer that you would like recognize for their good actions? What about a fundraising colleague who deserves acknowledgement for their work? A young person who is making a difference in their neighborhood non-profit? Here's your chance to shine a light on them! The Philanthropy Day Committee will begin accepting nominations in May for our 28th annual Philanthropy Day Awards. Categories are: Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Individual Philanthropist, Outstanding Small Business, Outstanding Corporation, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, Outstanding Philanthropic Org/Foundation, Outstanding Young Philanthropist, Outstanding Fundraising Professional.Nomination information and deadlines will be available on our website in May. It is a simple nomination process! Put on those thinking caps and help us celebrate our area's leaders in philanthropy!