APRIL 2013     
How Tulsa Stacks Up: CFREs in Our Region

15%
25 CFREs / 169 Members
 
13%

15 CFREs and 1 ACFRE / 

126 members

  

9%

12 CFREs / 139 members

 

10%

8 CFREs / 83 members


Percentages represent total AFP chapter membership that is CFRE certified. Numbers sourced from AFP International 03.28.13 and are subject to change.  

In this Issue
Job Openings
Ten Star Honors
New Members
Certified Fundraisers in Tulsa
CFRE Review Course
AFP Members Talk CFRE
Marketing Your CFRE
Book of the Month
April Luncheon
Chapter President Note

Job Openings

 

Director of Development

Assistant Director

Tulsa CARES 

 

Director of Community Relations

The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges 

 

Development Coordinator

The Mental Health Association in Tulsa 

 

Major Gifts Officer

OSU Foundation 

 

Donor/Prospect Research Administrator

SEG 

 

Customer/Donor Relations Manager

 

Development Director

 

For information on listing your organization's job opening, visit the chapter's website or contact the chapter administrator 

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Forward the AFP newsletter to all your friends, associates, board members & staff!
 
   

Accessing Your Chapter's  

 

To access the 'Members Only' section of the chapter website, use:

 

Username: AFP Member ID#  Password: Your last name   

 
If you don't remember your AFP Member ID# please e-mail Margaret Wish, Chapter Administrator. 
2013 Board of Directors

President
 
President-Elect  

Immediate Past President  
   
Treasurer
  
Secretary
   
VP of Education
    
Monthly Programs Chair 
  
Web Conference Chair 
Pat Atkinson 
  
VP of Advancing Philanthropy
Susan Garcia 
  
CFRE Chair
Professional Partners Chair 
  
Youth In Philanthropy Chair
Christina Ward 
  
VP of Community Relations
Allison Walden

Newsletter Chair
 
Social Media Chair  
   
Publicity Chair 

VP of Membership Services
Recruiting and Orientation Chair
Member Retention Chair
Volunteer Coordinator
NPD/Conference Chair
Awards/Scholarships Chair
Tom Taylor  
  
Chapter Administration 
 

AFP, Eastern Oklahoma Earns Ten Star Honors


Our own Eastern Oklahoma Chapter of AFP has received the honor of a 2012 Ten Star Award, a prestigious achievement earned from the national office of AFP. 
 
By accomplishing 10 yearly stated goals by AFP International, our chapter has demonstrated exceptional programming, leadership, and education in fundraising.We now have the privilege of displaying the Ten Star logo on our website, newsletters, and stationary.

Earning a Ten Star Award further demonstrates that the Eastern Oklahoma Chapter of AFP is an example for other chapters to follow, and this is solely due to our outstanding and passionate members. 
 
Congratulations!
 
Welcome New Members!
 
Director
Muscogee Creek Nation
Database and Research 
Coordinator
Alzheimer's Association

 

R. Rene Ryan 

Executive Director

TSHA, Inc.

 

Jill Thompson 

Director of Development and Community Relations  

Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa



Certified Fundraisers Make Tulsa a Better Place to Give 
 
The Eastern Oklahoma chapter of the Association 
of Fundraising Professionals is 169 members strong, with 15 percent of its membership sharing the status of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). In fact, Tulsa has more CFREs than any other chapter in the region for communities its size. See the side bar for more information on our sister chapters.

Beyond the bragging rights, Tulsa's 25 CFRE professionals would agree that this elite designation is much more than alphabet soup for the business card; it actually makes Tulsa a better place to give.

The CFRE is an international designation program committed to certifying individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the communities and nonprofits they represent. Certification is earned by a demonstrated knowledge of fundraising best practices, years of experience, service to community and professional achievement.

According to Phil Lakin, Jr, CEO of the Tulsa Community Foundation, CFRE fundraisers naturally translate this exceptional professional achievement to exceptional management of their nonprofit organizations and their donors' investments.

"Those who have earned the CRFE credential have taken intentional steps to make themselves more competent fundraising professionals," said Lakin. "They have said, 'Good is not good enough. I want to be the best at what I do.' The hours they spend studying, testing and staying educated translate into a solid foundation, from which better decisions can be made, and better results produced."

According to Larry Hostetler, Director, Chapter Services for the national office of AFP, the greater philanthropic community benefits when nonprofit managers achieve the CFRE and apply it to the field, as it adds a level of trust for donors and volunteers.

"Members of AFP sign a code of ethics that is enforced by the association and should provide reassurance to the donor that their gift is being handled in the most ethical and professional manner," said Hostetler. "Donors dealing with a CFRE credentialed fundraiser should receive the added confidence that comes from knowing the individual has attained a high level of expertise in the profession."

Congratulations to Tulsa's 25 CFREs and the many local professionals preparing to take and pass their certification exams. 

See a complete list of CFRE executives in the Tulsa region here. Learn more about the CFRE certification process here.
Prepare for Success: CFRE Training Course

Credibility. Achievement. Recognition. If these areas are important to you and your career, perhaps it's time to pursue certifica

Patricia Moline, CFRE & CFP
tion as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), the premier professional designation for fundraisers. 

"The CFRE designation demonstrates your experience and that you take your profession seriously; that you've made the effort to go above and beyond;
Kent Stroman, CFRE
and that you're committed to continuing education," said Pat Moline, CFRE and CFP.

Moline, who has more than 20 years of fundraising experience, will offer her guidanceand expertise at the upcoming AFP CFRE Review Course on April 18-19.

Joined by Kent Stroman, CFRE and CPA, who is a seasoned fundraiser, author, and founder of Stroman & Associates Consulting, the course will be the perfect starting point for those interested in becoming certified and developing their careers.

"The CFRE certification provides validation in the marketplace," Stroman said. "Charitable organizations and leaders in the field recognize its value and elevate their view of those who hold the credential."

In the two-day accelerated CFRE Review Course, participants will review a complete fundraising program, while focusing on the core competency areas of the CFRE exam. At the end of the course, participants will know the skills, techniques, and competencies needed for a fundraiser at the five-year experience level.

"Whether you are preparing for the CFRE exam or just building professional development experience, this course is a great review of best practices in the field of philanthropy," Moline said. "This review course will help put you in the right frame of mind to do the exam."

For more information about the course and to enroll, visit the course registration page.

WHEN
Thursday, April 18, 2013 
Friday, April 19, 2013
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

WHERE
10502 North 110th E. Ave.
Owasso, OK 74055

FEE
Guest: $490.00
Member: $390.00

Questions or concerns can be directed to Margaret Wish, Chapter Administrator
 
*Note: To take the CFRE exam for certification, an examination fee and application must be submitted to CFRE International 60 days prior to test date. For an application, visit CFRE International, or call (703) 820-5555.
Mentoring Moment with CFRE Kerry Hornibrook
 
"Don't be fooled by the seeming simplicity of multiple choice; professional experience alone is not enough to pass the CFRE test. Practice the sample questions and study each focus area. Being prepared will give you the confidence you need to tackle the tough questions and gain your certification like I did."

Kerry Hornibrook, CFRE

Each month the AFP chapter will feature a real-life experience of an AFP member that speaks to the value and authenticity of mentorship. 

If you're interested in participating in the mentorship program as a mentor or a mentee, please contact Kate Davis at [email protected].
The Dish: AFP Members Talk CFRE

Confidence. Clout. Commitment. 
The CFRE designation means a lot to those who have it. Several of our chapter members dish on what CFRE means to them. 
 
"Obtaining my CFRE has helped my career tremendously. It has increased my confidence in the field of development, made me a better manager and leader at my organization, and given me increased credibility with donors and prospects. I believe the certification will continue to help me for many years to come. I encourage anyone involved in fundraising to obtain their CFRE." 

- Lindsay Hutchison, CFRE, Tulsa Zoo

"Like many, I came to be a professional fundraiser because of my passion for a particular cause. Setting my sights on getting my CFRE was just the motivation I needed to dig deep and really learn what I needed to be successful. I learned so much from the CFRE review course and made many lasting friendships as we all studied and took the test together."

- Suzy Sharp CFRE, Youth Services of Tulsa

"When preparing for the CFRE exam I became aware of the skills needed to become successful in our profession. The application revealed areas I had mastered and others that required more effort. It is gratifying to receive the re-certification letter that says 'three more years!'" 

-Tish Stuart CFRE, Catholic Charities of Tulsa
 
The Value of CFRE 
Why It Matters to You & Your Boss

You've probably heard that earning your CFRE can advance your career in many ways. If you're still on the fence about going for your certification, the article "Our Profession, Our CFRE" by Sharilyn Hale, M.A., CFRE will give you some insight on the clout a CFRE carries. 
 
The International CFRE website also gives "Top 10 Reasons to Become CFRE Certified," which include enhancing the profession's image, potential for greater individual earning potential, and more. 

The CFRE opportunity challenges, unifies, and strengthens development professionals and our industry. Improve your personal marketability, and stay relevant. Learn more from a local CFRE professional or visit www.cfre.org to get on the path to achieving your CFRE today!  

Book of the Month 

Achieving Excellence in Fundraising

 
  
We're taking a break from Action University this month to feature a book from the CFRE Resource Reading List. This list has been developed by CFRE International and AFP to help fundraisers prepare for the CFRE exam.  

Achieving Excellence in Fundraising, 3rd ed.
 
Achieving Excellence in Fundraising is one of the top four recommended resource books to own while studying for the CFRE for its broad overview of fundraising principles across all six exam focus areas. Authors Tempel, Seiler and Aldrich explain the fundraising profession's major principles, concepts, and techniques, with contributions from noted experts in the field and illustrative examples. This title is a must have in your resource library!
 
For complete a CFRE reading resource list visit the AFP website or download the PDF from the CFRE website.
April Luncheon
Death, Taxes, and Your Fundraising Goal: Get the 411 on Bequests

  

John Wolfkill

Executive Director

KIPP Tulsa 

Death and taxes are certain, but what about meeting your fundraising goal? Join us at the April luncheon for John Wolfkill's presentation on how to approach your donors about bequest planning. 
 
Learn about wills and trusts, essential documents, determining guardianship, avoiding probate, and how to guide your donor to leave gifts to their favorite charities. 

 

But wait--have you already had success with planned giving? Tell us about it on the AFP of Eastern Oklahoma Facebook page

  

"We want to hear about what experience folks have had with planned giving," Wolfkill said. "For example, KIPP Tulsa received a $15,000 bequest from a long-time supporter that typically gave $1,000 a year for the last 5-6 years."

  

Share your story and it may be read at the April luncheon!  

 

Death, Taxes, and Your Fundraising Goal: Get the 411 on Bequests 

Presented by John Wolfkill

 

Thursday, April 4, 2013

11:30 AM - 1:15 PM

 

Tulsa Garden Center

2435 South Peoria

Tulsa, OK 74114

  

Online registration has closed.  

To make a reservation, Contact Margaret Wish at [email protected]

A Note From Chapter President, Amy Miller 
 
Like many people, I worked as a fundraiser for a few years before I learned about the CFRE credentialing process. I had just joined AFP and was attending a chapter meeting during which newly certified CFREs were being recognized. Back at my office, I immediately went to the website where I learned I had 2 more years before I could take the exam (one must have been a fundraiser for at least 5 years prior) and so I began to prepare.

My first step was to call someone I knew had her CFRE and ask her to meet me for coffee. Lynn Sossamon was so kind to bring a CD of all kinds of learning materials and practice tests for me to work on, and she told me how to track my volunteer hours and my continuing education hours. (Thank you, Lynn!) Knowing that I had someone to call if I ran into any questions was very comforting. I began compiling a large notebook and tracking my hours in a spreadsheet. When the time came to take the final exam, I was nervous, but prepared. Learning I had passed was definitely a personal and professional high point.

Obtaining a CFRE isn't easy, but the process can be fun, and it can definitely help you in your fundraising career. If you are interested, I recommend speaking to a mentor to help guide you.

All the best,

Amy