In addition to the AFP lunches, you may not be aware that our chapter also holds monthly webinars that are a fantastic educational and networking tool. 

The webinars have more than doubled in attendance this year compared to years past, thanks to some improvements in location, technology, and topic content. Now held in the main conference room of the Tulsa Area United Way, these webinars are more convenient than ever before to attend, with plenty of parking available and technology that provides a worthwhile learning experience.

The best part about the webinars? They are completely FREE for AFP members to attend! Webinar coordinator Pat Atkinson attests to their value, stating that "each webinar, if attended individually online live and paid, would cost each person $195 to register. What a deal!"

Chapter members who've attended several of the webinars also weigh on what they've gained from this free benefit:

"I'm always looking for ways to build and refine my fundraising knowledge and skills. AFP's webinars fit the bill perfectly. They're so convenient and affordable (FREE!) and presenters are often national experts. Webinars are one of my favorite AFP membership benefits." 

-Suzy Sharp, Youth Services of Tulsa

"Free webinars are one of the best values of our AFP membership. I've attended these events for years and have always gained knowledge and insights I can apply in my daily work. In addition, webinars are a great opportunity to network with professional colleagues and the TAUW setting this year was great. Whether you're new to fundraising or a seasoned veteran, give yourself the gift of education through AFP webinars!" 

-Lynn Sossamon, Child Protection Coalition

The next webinar, Online Success Strategies, Tools & Trade Secrets - 101, will be held on Tuesday, July 9 from 12:00-1:30 in the Bailey Room of the Tulsa Area United Way. Please see the chapter website to register and feel free to bring your lunch!

Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What is a donor-advised fund (DAF)?

According to the IRS, a donor-advised fund is an account of contributions made by individual donors but maintained and operated by a sponsoring501(c)(3)organization. Once the donor makes a contribution, the sponsoring organization has legal control over it, but the donor retains advisory privileges with respect to the distribution of funds and the investment of assets in the account.

What is the current state of donor-advised funds?

DAFs continue to surge past nonprofits and foundations in accumulating charitable assets. Currently, DAFs are now worth almost one third more than they were before the recession started in 2007, says a new Chronicle of Philanthropy survey of 134 funds (don't have a Chronicle subscription? Access for free online through the Tulsa City-County Library).

Data from the National Philanthropic Trust's recent 2012 Donor-Advised Fund Report, confirms the growing trend of DAFs, and indicates that DAFs grew in every category-number of funds, contributions, assets and grants-including a whopping 17.5% increase in assets.

What is the future of donor-advised funds?

National Philanthropic Trust predicts that this growth will continue and possibly accelerate.

How can my organization benefit from donor-advised funds?

The Chronicle highlights key ways to get a slice of the DAF pie in "How Charities Can Tap into DAFs", including making sure to connect with your local community foundation, ensure your organization is listed in donor databases, and polish up your GuideStar and Charity Navigator profiles as many commercial funds refer their donors to these websites.

What are the drawbacks of donor-advised funds?

• Unlike private foundations, DAFs are not subject to 5% federal payout requirements.
• No payout requirement means contributions can languish in deadbeat funds
• Account earnings can benefit commercial investors, not nonprofits 

What are the advantages of donor-advised funds?

• Administrative costs of DAFs are so low, that 99% of contributions will go to charity
• Offers ease of investing, attractive tax benefits, and flexibility for donors
• DAFs can lead to larger and more consistent donations and be a gateway to planned giving

It's About Them, Not Us

Joe Rodanski, Parent Child Center of Tulsa

One of my questions for Kent:

I have enjoyed getting to know and cultivating my donors from my portfolio.  What are topics and questions for asking for more than a donor is currently giving?

Kent's Answer:

Talk about The Parent Child Center's programs and what they cost. Look for a MORE. What is their vision - remember it is all about them and why they give. Talk about what it is going to take to meet your goals.

Questions I could ask donors:

Why do you give?

What would have to happen to move to the next level of giving?

What do you hope to accomplish with your gift?

What is your vision?

I drove home from our first meeting with the constant reminder echoing in my head "It is all about them....about them...them".

Every 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.

Successful Grant Writing: Strategies for Health and Human Service Professionals

As professionals in the nonprofit sector, we wear many hats, often finding ourselves taking on responsibilities along the way, such as program manager or grant writer. Unless you've taken a formal course in grant writing, it's a learn-from-practice skill. Sure there are a multitude of online webinars, but those can easily cost upwards of $100 an hour.

A grant writing resource I find myself referencing again and again is Successful Grant Writing: Strategies for Health and Human Service Professionals by Laura N. Gitlin and Kevin J. Lyons. This book is full of knowledge that we as grant writers need to know to do our jobs well, including chapters on electronic grant submissions, which seem to be the norm today, and how to understand the review process. Moreover, I found it extremely helpful that his book actually includes a chapter on how to respond to the proposal review, even if your grant request is rejected!

In an economic climate where we are competing for limited funds from foundations, a resource like this book helps us put our best foot forward. Telling your agency's story well and forming meaningful relationships with foundations are two priceless tools this month's Build Your Bookshelf book will help you add to your fundraising toolbox!

-Review by Taylor Davis, Counseling and Recovery Services of Oklahoma

Every month "Build Your Bookshelf" will feature books that have been acclaimed as staples for every fundraiser's bookshelf. If there is a book you have found particularly helpful in your career, please contact Taylor Davis!

Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Summer is in full swing, and if you look around your organization, you may see some young faces helping out during their school break. Don't see any? Maybe it's time to consider the value of young volunteers and how to recruit them for your cause.

The number of volunteers in America hit an all-time high in 2011 and continues to grow, according to the latest volunteer study from Corporation for National and Community Service. While not the majority, young people ranging from 16-25 years old make up a large portion of the volunteer pool.

DoSomething.org, the nation's largest youth-focused nonprofit, reports that in 2012 over 2.4 million teens and young adults participated in its campaigns. One such program, Jeans for Teens, resulted in over 1 million pairs of donated jeans.

How can your organization attract young volunteers? 

1. Consider planning volunteer projects that coordinate with college and high school vacations, such as United Way of America's Alternative Spring Break program.  
2. If you offer services to teenagers and children, the Nonprofit Times says, "you have an obligation to ensure [young peoples'] perspectives as consumers are represented as you plan and assess those services...Recruit teens and children as peer reviewers." For example, host a young volunteers' panel or have a youth ambassador for your board to get targeted feedback.  
3. To engage young volunteers, keep programs social, light on time, and easy to get to

 Want more ideas? Check out these resources:

• Learning to Give
• Youth in Philanthropy
• Youth Service America

Each school has a chapter and meetings take place all over the city. There is no prerequisite to join, only a desire to offer a Hand Up to others. Committees include Sustainability, Leadership, Philanthropy, Activism, Animal Friendly, Health, and Community Service.  Adult volunteers are assigned to each committee, but the ideas and the effort are the children's. The children nominate and elect chairs for each committee and a board of directors. Each member of the board is paired with an adult board member who acts as his or her mentor.

The youngest group - those aged 5 to 8 - form the Moonjar Team. This group learns financial literacy and how to Save, Spend and Share. The Moonjar Team is also invited to service-learning projects like Pick it Up (litter removal). Children aged 8-11 participate in educational programs about the environment, cultural and religious differences, health and wellness, conflict resolution and other issues of interest. In addition, they are invited to select one or more of the committees to participate in as a junior member.

At age 12 Hands Up members are invited to join a committee and participate in decision making and all activities. The group is led by a small staff and dozens of adult volunteers. Initial funding sources are 4 local family foundations, but the staff is seeking additional grants and major funders to support the organization. All money raised by the children goes directly to organizations or efforts of their choosing. They are poised to do amazing things in Tulsa and wherever else life takes them.

One more thing...Hands Up doesn't really exist. At least not yet. But I see that the kids today are hungry for this kind of program, to truly affect change. These children are the future leaders of our country, and if we engage them in this community, perhaps they will continue to call it home for the rest of their lives.

Happy Independence Day!

Amy Miller

AFP Eastern Oklahoma Chapter President