President's Message
Dear Colleagues,
One of the effects of the current economy on our work is that many of us are being asked to do more with less. Many non-profits are implementing cost cutting measures to make their budgets work. In addition to staffing cutbacks and salary freezes, many organizations are reducing or suspending professional education budget allocations. These circumstances drastically impact us as professional fundraisers, making us feel overworked, under supported or just plain stressed.
In addition to properly taking care of yourself personally on a mental and physical level, it is also important to reach out to others in your professional network for support during these difficult times. Both International Headquarters and your local chapter of AFP have a number of resources to help members.
First, AFP’s website has a variety of articles on fundraising in challenging times, which can offer great ideas. Secondly, our chapter offers regular monthly educational programming on a variety of relevant topics throughout the year. In addition, we also offer a mentoring program which affords members the opportunity to work one-on-one with another area fundraiser to share insights and suggestions. Lastly, we host quarterly networking socials in different locations throughout the county. These events are a great opportunity to connect others ands exchanges stories and ideas. Please visit us at www.afpborward.org for event details and registration information.
I hope that you are able to find time to connect and recharge your battery by attend at least one of the events we have slated for 2011. As your organization engages in the budget planning process for next fiscal year, I urge you to do all that you can to include your AFP membership in the allocations. The services AFP provides, help fundraisers stay current, connect with others in the fields, learn about best practices and strategies for success. Collectively, these resources assist us as fundraisers which in turn, lead to more productive and successful fundraising efforts.
With gratitude for your contributions to our community,
Meredith Ray Feder, CFRE
