President's Message

It's hard to believe that it is already May, 2007 seems to be moving by even more quickly than 2006. In today's fast-paced society, it seems that the world often moves faster than we can keep up with it.

Our profession is no exception. It seems almost daily that research is released regarding best practices in fundraising. Our profession and the nonprofit sector are facing increased scrutiny from federal decision makers. The ongoing change and heightened awareness is both overwhelming and exciting.

Your California Capital Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals strives to help keep our members on the cutting edge of information. We work to offer educational programs reflective of established and emerging best practices. As a board, we also prioritize the various experience levels of our members to ensure a wide range of information is made available to each member - whether you are in your first development position or a seasoned professional.

It was my joy to work with our Membership Chair Catherine Connolly to provide a 2006 summary certificate of professional AFP opportunities in which each member engaged. As I reviewed my own, I was proud of the variety of topics the chapter was able to provide during 2006. I've enjoyed the feedback received from so many, and the positive response to this effort tells me it was of value to our members. You can be sure this will be repeated annually.

As you look through this newsletter, you will find your board continues to work to meet your needs as a professional fundraiser. As always, your suggestions and feedback are always welcome. Please contact me by email at bornhoeft@sbcglobal.net or by telephone at (916) 921-4090.

National Philanthropy Day 2007

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 6 for National Philanthropy Day. Your AFP chapter will once again host this incredible event reflecting the best of philanthropy in our community. Nomination forms are now available on the chapter website at http://www.afpccc.org.

The application form has been simplified this year and letters of support are encouraged but no longer required. Nominations are due by May 18th. Make sure to check out the Youth in Philanthropy article in the newsletter for the exciting opportunity to recognize those youth demonstrating philanthropic leadership in your organization!

Essentials of Fundraising Program a Success

The California Capital Chapter held its first series of the Essentials of Fundraising in March and continues to receive rave reviews. The Essentials of Fundraising Program was developed by AFP International to provide a primer course on the basics of fundraising. The modules include Starting a Development Program, Annual Giving, Boards and Volunteers, Corporate and Foundation Grant seeking, and Major Gifts. The first series was attended by 28 people from throughout the region. The chapter has purchased the rights to offer the program through 2008 and looks forward to offering the series again in the Fall.

The AFP California Capital Chapter would like to acknowledge the work of Cheryl Cobbs in her efforts chairing the Essential of Fundraising Program. The Chapter would also like to thank recent AFP Master Trainer Kim Rhinehelder for her involvement in ensuring standard implementation of the curriculum through speaker trainer. Finally, our gratitude goes out to those chapter members who devoted their time as module trainers including Sue Snively, Debbie Wilson, Kerry Wood, Beth Hassett, Cheryl Cobbs, Bobby Cobbs, and Miriam Houghton. Also a special thank you to Lisa Morana of the University of San Francisco, Sacramento Campus for arranging for the classroom space for the program.

AFP Audio conferences Returning to the California Capital Chapter

The chapter will once again sponsor four audio conferences during 2007. The audio conferences feature nationally-recognized experts in fundraising, nonprofit management and organizational development. It is an opportunity to spend time with the brightest minds in our profession - at no cost to members. The 2007 audio conferences offered by the chapter include:

July 10

Foundations are People, Too: Cultivating Relationships with Foundation Representatives

Gloria M. Pugliese

October 23

Branding: The Right Message, At the Right Time, To the Right People, In the Right Way

Dee Vandeventer

December 11

Navigating Beyond "No": The Nuances of Negotiation for Major and Planned Gift Officers

Pat Moline, CFRE, CFP & Bradley R. Shafer, J.D.

All audio conferences will be held at AG Edwards from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the dates noted. Watch your in-box for your chance to register for these educational sessions. AFP audio conferences are provided to chapter members at no cost and are $20 for non-members.

Luncheons - Networking and Professional Development Opportunities Abound

The Professional Development Committee is working to continue to provide relevant and timely educational sessions regarding a continuum of fundraising topics. In May, we will have a chance to hear from Beth Hassett, Executive Director of WEAVE regarding Evaluation of the Fundraising Program. In June, we will once again partner with the Planned Giving Forum of Sacramento to address The Probate Process - What Major Gift and Planned Giving Officers Need to Know with Madeline Davis, Esq. as the presenter. In July we will address the topic of Fundraising is Everybody's Business.

The Professional Development Committee of your AFP California Capital Chapter is a vibrant group of fundraisers from multiple experience levels that help form the chapter's educational content. If you would like to be part of the committee, please contact one of the individuals below.

AFP International Conference -Action from the Lone Star State

I had the opportunity to represent our chapter during annual meetings held in conjunction with the International Conference on Fundraising in March. Dallas provided the backdrop for an incredible amount of work reflective of the energy of hundreds of chapter leaders from throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and multiple other countries. Fundraising has truly become an international profession to match philanthropy's lack of boundaries.

Many of you are aware of the increased scrutiny the nonprofit sector has experienced recently. The Senate Finance Committee's inquiries, the work of The Independent Sector, and similar activities coincide with a growing expectation of transparency. As AFP members we are fortunate. The recommendations coming forth often coincide with the expectations we prescribe to through the Code of Ethics. Typically, our Code, exceeds the expectations. Regardless of if our standard is higher; the possibility of increased regulation can come with costs.

AFP International has worked tirelessly over the past year to ensure our member voices are heard in the ongoing discussions. I have had the opportunity to serve on the AFP International Government Relations Committee since January. The committee is working to ensure any suggestions for regulation - whether self-managed or mandated - are manageable for any sized organization. They are also working hard to ensure that the misconduct of a few does create a backlash that ethical fundraisers must endure.

The AFP External Relations Committee also met throughout the conference. AFP is busy working on ensuring the AFP brand is clearly communicated with consistency. The efforts of the committee and our local chapter combine to help ensure that AFP is the voice of professional fundraisers.

During the conference, I also had the privilege of accepting the chapter's third consecutive 10 Star Award. The 10 Star Award is sets the benchmark for best practices for chapter operations and is presented to chapters who fulfill specific goals and requirements identified by AFP International. The goals and expectations set the threshold for exceptional chapter performance. Goals include membership growth, commitment to diversity, celebrating National Philanthropy Day, etc. A 10 Star Chapter must also ensure its members receive ongoing ethics education and the chapter must complete the annual Accord process by the required deadlines.

The conference itself held many memorable moments. Exceptional speakers ranging from Chip Heath to Lance Armstrong provided motivation. Quality educational sessions abounded - including one presented by our chapter's own Kim Rhinehelder of Sierra Adoption Services. Qualifying to present at the conference is a rigorous process. Kim's presence as a presenter speaks volumes of the talent of our local fundraising professionals. Katie Smith of the Pacific Crest Trail Association was chosen as the chapter's conference scholar and received a $1,000 scholarship towards her conference expenses. You can look forward to Katie's first hand account of the conference in the next newsletter!

The AFP International Conference on Fundraising and related AFP International Committee and Task Force meetings both represented an opportunity to network with fundraisers from around the globe. I was constantly reminded that we share the challenges and joys in work. It was an honor to represent our chapter in my role as Chapter President.

The AFP International Conference is coming to California and you won't want to miss this extraordinary educational opportunity.

March 30 to April 2, 2008, in San Diego

Rhis conference offers something for everyone. Here are just a few of the reasons people attend the Conference:

· To learn new skills and gain new information and perspectives

· To discover ways to be more efficient and effective as a fundraising professional

· To find out about new products and services

· To build or maintain existing relationships

· To understand current research and trends

· To keep-up-to-date on regulations and legislation

· To form new relationships with others in the profession

The AFP Conference is the largest gathering of fundraising professionals anywhere. Each year, more than 4,000 attendees come together to learn, talk, laugh and play. Once you attend an AFP International Conference, you'll want to come back again and again.

And the best part is, as a current member, your possible discount could be as much as $500.

Watch out for more details soon, but mark your calendar now.

Meet our New Chapter Administrator

In January Leslie Dougherty took over the administration reins of the Chapter when Angie Williamson decided to pursue other opportunities. Leslie is a familiar face with AFP, having served on the Board as Secretary and Treasurer and has been a member since 2000. She has a fundraising background where she served as the Director of Institutional Advancement for the Los Rios Community College District.

Leslie, however, is a planner and had set her transition plan towards an early retirement from Los Rios at the end of 2007 after serving 30 years with the college district. "As all fundraisers, development was not in my career vision at all. When Chancellor Brice Harris came on board with Los Rios in 1996, he implemented resource development into the District's strategic plan. One day I was in Administration & Operations, and the next I was in Resource Development. The opportunity to be integrally involved in building a coordinated development program at the district level and then assume a leadership role in the unit was an awesome experience and opportunity for me.

However, my personal life has changed significantly in the last three years. With a new marriage and my children heading off to discover their own paths, I decided it was time to bring out my entrepreneur inside. When Angie had notified the Chapter last year that she was going to transition at the conclusion of 2006, I saw an opportunity that fit within my new career path and realized that I could move up my retirement to accomplish my career objectives. While I looked forward to building my real estate business, I didn't want to leave behind my AFP network nor allow my fundraising experiences to sit on a shelf. The opportunity to remain with the Chapter as Administrator is just what I was looking for and keeps my fundraising connection active."

The Chapter Administrator position for AFP is part-time and provides the operational support to the Chapter Board and membership. You can reach Leslie at 916.201.7569 or through the Chapter e-mail at info@afpccc.org