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Your Chicago Chapter News
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Welcome to the AFP Chicago September 2021 Newsletter
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Board Member Message
Carlos A. Trejo
September 15 marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month. For me, it’s a time to reflect on my identity journey and on the culture and traditions that have shaped who I am. Traditions vary across Latinx communities, but a common cultural feature is a strong sense of community and caring for the people around us. I was reminded of this recently while hosting some family from out of town.
My cousin and his wife shared a story about one of their children’s friends who lost their father to COVID-19. In sympathy, my cousin’s wife started a collection to raise funds to help cover funeral expenses. She went around and asked everyone she knew to share what they could. School families, neighbors, co-workers - no one was spared from a visit by my cousin’s wife. In a short amount of time, she raised a few thousand dollars. Furthermore, my cousins had a burial plot they were making their last payments on and offered to donate it to the family. All this for a family they barely knew.
As I listened to them share all of this in Spanish, I couldn’t help but think... This. Is. Philanthropy. This is love for your fellow human being. This is what it means to be a part of a community.
Fundraising professionals are no strangers to the argument to diversify our donor base. It’s often presented as the primary example of incorporating IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and access) into our fundraising shops. There are undoubtedly many wealthy individuals in communities of color who are ignored and looking to be engaged. But let’s not ignore the countless ways that people give back. Ways that are often overlooked because traditional philanthropy excludes them. People that are overlooked because they are not valued as donors - despite the acts of charity they carry out in their communities.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to celebrate community. I want to celebrate all the good that goes unseen or unnoticed in Latinx and BIPOC communities. I want to celebrate all the people who work hard to make their communities better. People like my cousin and his wife who demonstrate profound acts of generosity but will likely never be honored at a gala for it.
I also want to celebrate my community of support: AFP Chicago’s Latinx Affinity Group. Our recent gathering was an uplifting experience, and I left feeling empowered by the collective wisdom and experience in the room. For many of us, it was the largest gathering of Latinx fundraising professionals we’ve ever been a part of, but I know there are more of us out there! You can RSVP now for our next gathering on November 10 at 5:30 p.m. If you don’t identify as Latinx but are looking for a community of your own, check out some of the other affinity groups AFP Chicago has to offer!
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Congratulations Kenzie Hunt
Blackbaud Development Fund Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations Kenzie Hunt recipient of the Blackbaud Development Fund Scholarship to attend the AFP LEAD Conference in Indianapolis October 18-20, 2021!
Kenzie is a member of the 2021 AFP Chicago Fellows Program Class (see her spotlight below) and is the Manager, Special Events and Individual Giving at Envision Unlimited.
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If you have news to share relating to the fundraising industry please email your story and a photo to info@afpchicago.org. Submissions will be subject to approval.
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45th Annual Philanthropy Awards - Special Award
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AFP Chicago is pleased to announce that it will bestow a Special Award to the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund – Chicago Community Trust, and United Way Metro Chicago during the 45th Annual Philanthropy Awards Ceremony.
The Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund is being honored for its extraordinary efforts to rapidly deploy resources to local nonprofit organizations serving the most vulnerable residents in the Chicago region as a result of the public health, social and economic consequences of COVID-19.
Other honorees include:
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The 45th Annual Philanthropy Awards will be held virtually on November 5, 2021 at 12:00 pm.
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Thank you to our generous Philanthropy Awards sponsors!
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Board of Directors Applications DEADLINE TODAY
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Who are we looking for? AFP Chicago seeks directors who are committed to the non-profit sector and to advancing philanthropy in the organizations and communities they represent. Directors are committed to ethical practice, donor rights, and other tenets of AFP International, and are strongly committed to embracing the diversity of the Chicagoland community.
We seek nominees who:
- Are active AFP members (Chicago or other chapters) and demonstrate membership during at least one (1) of the past two (2) years; or demonstrate substantial AFP Chicago committee responsibility within the past two (2) years;
- Have strong leadership and service orientation, interests and experiences;
- Serve a cross-section of Chicago’s diverse communities; and
- Represent diversity of professional focus, age, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and geography.
What are the responsibilities for serving on the Board of Directors? Board members represent the development profession in the greater Chicagoland philanthropy community and provide strategic direction and leadership for the chapter. We work closely to creatively come up with solutions to support the chapter’s mission and to meet revenue generation activities. You will find a full listing of the qualifications and expectations of membership here.
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The deadline for submitting 2022 application materials is Friday, September 3, 2021. AFP Chicago’s Committee on Directorship will review all applications, and the chapter will present a final slate for election by AFP members this December. Before nominating someone other than yourself, we ask that you seek that person’s agreement to be nominated, and ask the nominee to complete the application form.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either of us. Thank you for your consideration of this opportunity and we hope you’ll join the work of our vibrant AFP Chicago Chapter!
Kristienne Hanna
Chair, Committee on Directorship
(312) 235-4533
Tricia Fusilero
Executive Director
(312) 500-1410
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AFP Chicago Fellows Spotlight
Kenzie Hunt, Envision Unlimited
Kenzie is an ambitious fundraising professional who manages the planning of all agency special events, meets fundraising objectives through the implementation of dynamic recruitment, and engages volunteers to participate and support Envision’s annual fundraising programs. Driven by her desire to bring innovation to fundraising, she takes pride in bringing a new perspective to donor cultivation and special events. As the Manager of Special Events and Individual Giving, her goals include increasing special event profit by 20%, integrating technology to increase process efficiency, and building new relationships with corporate and community partners. In addition to her primary job functions, Kenzie has been recognized by her colleagues and directors for her extraordinary commitment to bringing innovation and creativity to enhance Envision’s mission.
Can you tell us a little bit about your work at Envision Unlimited?
My fundraising responsibilities include planning of all agency special events to meet Envision’s fundraising objectives. This includes the recruitment and coordination of corporate partnerships, the preparation of budgets to analyze the cost-efficiency of fundraising events, and the management of our fundraising database software. I assist the Chief Development Officer with solicitation and year-round engagement strategies to retain and attract new donors.
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Special thanks to our Fellows Program Sponsor:
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AFP Chicago Book Club
Friday, September 10, 2021
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Members Only: Free
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The Book Club is back and ready to walk with you on your professional journey to become the best fundraiser you can be!
We are excited to announce our next AFP Book Club meeting, where we will be taking a deep dive into something we’ve all encountered over the last year, grappling with transition. Whether you are taking on a new position or getting back into the office, the first 90 days can be crucial in setting you up for continued success. During our time together, we’ll create some strategies for making this transition as smooth as possible. Join us on Friday, September 10th from 1:00 to 2:30pm CDT as we review key principles from Michael Watkins' The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter. You will have the opportunity to connect with peers and develop a practical strategy to navigate crucial periods of transition in your career and at your organization.
In advance of the session, please either read Michael’s book - The First 90 Days or watch the video here that gives a great overview of key takeaways from the book. These resources will provide a good baseline for our discussion.
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AFP Chicago Affinity Groups Offer IDEA Thought Leadership
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AFP White Fundraisers Advocating for Racial Equity (WFARE) Affinity Group
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
8:00 – 9:00 AM
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TOPIC: Power Analysis
Understanding that white people have a responsibility to address and dismantle racism, White Fundraisers Advocating for Racial Equity aims to develop a shared understanding of systemic racism’s manifestation in fundraising, nonprofits, and philanthropy; support individual growth for fundraisers to become anti-racist; and develop tools, techniques, and support for fundraisers to influence change in their workplaces and the broader sector towards a more racially-equitable society.
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Special thanks to our WFARE Affinity Group Sponsor:
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AFP Chicago Asian/Pacific Islander (API) Affinity Group
Friday, September 17, 2021
3:00 – 4:00 PM
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The Asian/Pacific Islander (API) Affinity Group provides opportunities for API development professionals to network, build community, and share fundraising successes, challenges, and resources.
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Special thanks to our API Affinity Group Sponsor:
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Third Thursday Networking
Thursday, September 16, 2021
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Members & Non-Members: Free
Networking is the best way to build a group of great personal relationships with like-minded people -- especially professionals inspired to help Chicago’s non-profit organizations advance their missions. Building your network of fundraising friends and colleagues couldn't be easier.
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Pop-Up Event: Maximize Your Virtual and Hybrid Events
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Members: Free
Non-Members: $10
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Virtual events are becoming a part of the fundraising landscape. Join us on Wednesday, September 22 at 12:00 PM CDT to discuss with your fellow fundraisers best practices and strategies to ensure your events maximize engagement and revenue. In addition to learning from your colleagues as we share with one another, Margaret Vagnoni of Auction & Event Solutions will join us for this engaging conversation. Register today!
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IDEA Workshop:
AFP Chicago in collaboration with AFP Greater Los Angeles
Friday, October 1, 2021
1:00 – 2:15 PM
Members: $20
Non-Members: $30
Virtual on Zoom
Join us for a first-ever joint workshop with our colleagues from AFP-GLAC. The afternoon will include breakout sessions on IDEA-related topics, networking, and the opportunity to learn from one another. This peer-led workshop will be led by IDEA Committee members from each chapter. Registration will open soon.
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Peer Mentoring Program - Mentors Needed
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We need you…for the Peer Mentoring Program!
The AFP Chicago Peer Mentoring Program is looking for development professionals with at least five years of experience to mentor our chapter’s rising stars. Whether you are new to being a mentor, or you have prior formal or informal mentorship experience, we think you would be a great addition to the Peer Mentoring Program.
Mentors are:
- role models for our profession;
- listeners who engage in meaningful conversations;
- experienced fundraisers with knowledge and skills to share;
- door-openers who are willing to make introductions;
- cheerleaders who offer encouragement; and
- advocates who champion their protégés.
Does this sound like you? Have you been seeking an opportunity to get more involved in AFP and give back to our fundraising community?
The fall 2021 application deadline is Friday, September 24.
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October 1, 2021: Next CFRE Application Deadline
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Make 2021 the year you reach your professional goals.
Stand out by earning the only globally-recognized, accredited fundraising certification for fundraising professionals. Become a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
Gain greater confidence in your fundraising knowledge and increase your career advancement opportunities while showing the world you have mastered fundraising best practices.
No matter what your reason is to become a CFRE, it’s free to start your application. You only pay when you’re ready to submit it and our members always enjoy 20% off the cost of certification.
AFP Chicago Members receive a 20% discount on CFRE certification!
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FREE to AFP Chicago Members - AFP Webinar: Advancing Your Career in a Post Pandemic World
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As a reward for achieving 10 Star Gold Status AFP Chicago members can use the following code for free registration to the AFP Global On-Demand Webinar: Advancing Your Career in a Post Pandemic World.
CODE: ir355zahf1
Webinar description:
Looking ahead, finding the crystal ball and being able to predict what the nonprofit sector and the fundraising profession will look like at the end of the tunnel would be amazing but unfortunately we don’t have all the answers. Are you wondering how the crises of 2020 will impact your career, networking and fundraising jobs in general. In this webinar we will address:
- How to navigate to have the career and ultimate job you want
- Tips on how to get or switch jobs in any environment
- Best practices for interviews in person or virtual
- Ideas on crafting a resume and cover letter to get noticed
- How to prepare and place yourself for advancement
The pandemic has been stressful and created hardships for everyone. This webinar will help you overcome hardships and see that you have a choice on where you end up.
Presenter: Nancy Racette
Nancy Racette is the co-founder and COO of DRi, an executive search and development consulting firm that has placed more than 400 leaders—including 75 chief executives—at local, national, and international nonprofits. She is a Board member of the YWCA-USA. Nancy co-founded DRi in 2001 after leading successful fundraising and communications programs at the American Red Cross and Girl Scouts of the USA. She earned her B.A. at Boston University and the CFRE credential in 1996.
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On Demand Workshops Offering Full CFRE Credit
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AFP Chicago now offers on demand workshops! These are previously recorded workshops that offer full CFRE credit. Available to AFP Chicago members and non-members. Click below for more information and to register. Once you complete your registration you will receive a link to watch the recorded webinar.
Approved for 1.5 CFRE points.
Approved for 1.25 CFRE points.
Approved for 1.5 CFRE points.
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The AFP Chicago Online Job Source is here to serve you, our members, as the go-to resource for not-for-profit job opportunities as well as connect employers to highly skilled development professionals. AFP Chicago members have exclusive access to job openings in the Chicagoland area. Employers (membership not required) can post jobs that are promoted to AFP Chicago members.
To search for jobs or post a job visit the Job Source page on the AFP Chicago website.
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AFP Global Affinity Groups
Are you interested in having thoughtful conversation with like-minded fundraising professionals related to various topics in fundraising on a global level? Consider registering for one of AFP Global's upcoming affinity group meetings!
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Help Us Promote IDEA by Completing Your Demographic Information
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Show your commitment to advancing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) by completing your demographic information. Completed demographic information helps AFP improve data to promote equity, influences program creation, and helps us more accurately assess progress in our profession.
For more information on the importance of completing your information please view the following videos:
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AFP Chicago Welcomes Our New Members
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We're happy to have you!
James Bonaccorsi, Special Olympics Illinois
Christina Cole, WGU Advancement
Lauren Holhut
Carla Iwanski, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago
Mita Jain, Edelman
Barbara Lacker-Ware, Woodstock Institute
Miriam V. Mahovsky
New members as of August 2021
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Special thanks to our Chapter Champions
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And our Continuous Learning Silver Sponsor
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AFP Chicago Chapter
(312) 500-1410
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