by Casey Bertolette
Within my short
time in the fundraising profession, I have come to realize the
overwhelming importance of one thing: our relationship with
other fundraisers. The sharing of experiences and exchanging of
ideas is what makes each of us successful. Because I was able to
attend the AFP International Conference, I was able to do just
that-- with the most talented and accomplished fundraisers out
there.
The core of the conference, and to me the most important
resource, was the education sessions. I chose the workshops to
attend based on the areas I really wanted to leave Baltimore
feeling more knowledgeable and confident in: major gifts and
planned giving.
The session I found to be the most valuable was “Fabulous Case
Statements Made Easy”. Tom Ahern led the workshop on better
crafting and selling your vision and mission. His concepts that
“you don’t have to explain much if you’re talking to the right
people” and “ the key motivator for giving Is not need, but
opportunity” are the basis to what every organizations case
statement should be: short and donor-focused.
Having the opportunity to hear this year’s keynote speakers
was truly a privilege. Each has fit philanthropy into their
lives in such different ways. From Lee Woodruff and her family
starting the Bob Woodruff Foundation after her husband’s tragic
injury, Peter Thum’s desire to truly make progress in the
world’s crisis of safe water and sanitation, to one of the most
powerful activists in the world – Archbishop Desmond Tutu. All
three were such an inspiration and gave a deeper understanding
of why we have such wonderful, rewarding professions: we get to
work alongside the most compassionate, caring, philanthropic
people in the world.
I cannot thank my AFP chapter enough for awarding me the
Chamberlin Scholarship and allowing me to attend this
conference. My knowledge and understanding of fundraising has
grown so much in the last 8 months since joining Beatitude House
thanks to all of the resources and educational opportunities
provided to me by joining AFP, especially being able to go to
the International Conference. I am looking forward to serving on
the scholarship committee and continue giving this remarkable
opportunity to fellow AFP members.
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Dear AFP Members,
Policies for AFP – Mahoning/Shenango Chapter
Scholarship Grants
A major part of the mission of
the Association of Fundraising Professionals is the continuing education of its
members. To that end, the Mahoning/Shenango Chapter has established a
scholarship fund to assist members to attend the continuing education event of
their choice. Grants are subject to the availability of funds set aside by the
Chapter. Grants will be dispersed according to the following guidelines:
The recipient is expected to submit all receipts to the
scholarship chair or the treasurer within a 60-day period
following the event. Mileage will be reimbursed as per the
current IRS rate.
Application for AFP
Scholarship Grant
