Association Foundation Group (AFG)

09/20/2023

AFG Sept. DialedIn Webinar, 9/20, 1pm ET is in progress! We're so excited to present, Philanthropy Reshaped - This session is utilizing the ASAE Research Foundation’s Foresight Works framework for Philanthropy Reshaped to provide you with guidance on engaging association and association board members on several factors affecting the philanthropic landscape. Special thanks to:
SPEAKERS: David M. Coyne, CFRE TThe Sheridan Group President and Stephen E. Peeler, CFRE, FCEP, CEO of Stephen E. Peeler & Associates, LLC.
Moderator: Mara Kaiser Braunger, Executive Director, at Project Giving Kids/Create the Change and Principal at Marlando

09/18/2023

AFG Sept. DialedIn Webinar, 9/20, 1pm ET.
Philanthropy Reshaped - This session will utilize the ASAE Research Foundation’s Foresight Works framework for Philanthropy Reshaped to provide you with guidance on engaging association and association board members on several factors affecting the philanthropic landscape.

SPEAKERS: David M. Coyne, CFRE TThe Sheridan Group President and Stephen E. Peeler, CFRE, FCEP, CEO of Stephen E. Peeler & Associates, LLC.
Moderator: Mara Kaiser Braunger, Executive Director, at Project Giving Kids/Create the Change and Principal at Marlando
Register www.associationfoundationgroup.org

08/16/2023

08/16/2023

AFG's August impressive lineup of guest speakers include: Katrina Dunn, Director of Development, American Society of Civil Engineers Foundation and current AFG Board Member, Kathryn Dattomo, CEO of National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and a former AFG President. Lindsay Torrico, Senior Vice President, Bank Community Engagement, American Bankers Association and Executive Director, ABA - Foundation, and Rawle Andrews, Jr., Esq., Executive Director, American Psychiatric Association Foundation.

08/16/2023

From the ASCE Foundation Disaster Response Fund, to the ABA Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, to the NADA Foundation Emergency Relief Fund, there are many models to aid those who have been impacted by natural disasters. At this AFG virtual educational session, you’ll be inspired as you learn about best practices in humanitarian fundraising

AFG's August impressive lineup of guest speakers include: Katrina Dunn, Director of Development, American Society of Civil Engineers Foundation and current AFG Board Member, Kathryn Dattomo, CEO of National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and a former AFG President. Lindsay Torrico, Senior Vice President, Bank Community Engagement, American Bankers Association and Executive Director, ABA - Foundation, and Rawle Andrews, Jr., Esq., Executive Director, American Psychiatric Association Foundation. Register at

AFG member benefits include monthly webinars (each worth one CAE credit) AFG Continuing Education Dialed-In Webinar SeriesJoin us for the monthly AFG webinar – a free member benefit! Thank you to AFG’s Dialed-In Webinar Sponsor: The Stelter Company Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 1:00-2:00 PM ET “...

07/27/2023

Do you use AI in fundraising? https://www.facebook.com/100059742060475/posts/685984516736278/?mibextid=cr9u03

07/19/2023

Volunteers do so much for your organization already. But did you know that 85% of volunteers will also donate to the nonprofits they already serve? Don't miss today's AFG Dialed In FREE weinbar! Andrea Ball, CEO of Planit World Consulting will be sharing insights on how to convert volunteers into donors! Starts at 1pm, ET today, Wed. 7/19! Register at:

Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 1:00-2:00 PM ET “Vested Volunteers Make Good Donors” This month, AFG proudly presents our own Executive Director, Andrea Ball of Planit World, with insights about how successful volunteer management can help your team exceed its fundraising goals. The webinar will cover...

07/19/2023

"Total US philanthropic giving decreased significantly in 2022, one of only four times the metric has dipped in the last 40 years. The latest annual report by Giving USA shows that total giving for 2022 declined by 3.4 percent in current dollars (or 10.5 percent after adjusting for inflation) to a total of $499 billion—down from $517 billion in 2021."

"Despite the overall decline in giving, a few sectors stood out for bucking that trend, including giving to foundations and international charities. Both sectors grew by about 10 percent before inflation."

Read more:

Last year saw a significant decline in overall philanthropic giving, driven by rising inflation and a falling stock market.

07/12/2023

"Calling a donor by the wrong name, sending separate mailings to the donor and their spouse at the same household, or sending information to an old address, are all pitfalls that can occur when there’s bad data in your system." Read more:

Simple steps nonprofits can take to ensure their data is accurate and up to date, such as understanding how information is entered and what it takes to change a record.

07/05/2023

It's the start of a new fiscal year! Have you renewed your membership? You can do so online at the link below or contact our office at 202.449.9551 ext. 204 or [email protected].

 Since 1988, the Association Foundation Group (AFG) has been the only organization in the country dedicated to you, the association foundation professional. AFG provides unique networking and educational programs for professionals working for and with association foundations. Join or Renew – Pay ...

03/16/2022

The AFG is excited to be hosting the AFG Dialed In Continuing Ed. Webinar, Wednesday, Mar 16, 1:00-2:00 PM ET
“Innovating with Your Association: Corporate Social Responsibility Case Study” -Millennials are now well into their careers, and Gen Z is on the scene. Learn how the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the PA Foundation explored the concept of corporate social responsibility to grow membership, increase engagement, and amplify messaging. The health care case study that will be presented received an Innovation Grant from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Foundation.

Speaker: Lynette Sappe-Watkins, CFRE, Executive Director, PA Foundation

02/23/2022

to the AFG Educational Webinar Series Sponsor: The Stelter Company

02/23/2022

AFG Continuing Webinar , Wednesday, February 23, 2:30-3:30 PM ET - "Driving Growth & Innovation through Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion" - presented by Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CEO, KET Solutions. www.ketsolutions.com

Takeaway: Understand why associations and their foundations should help members with their diversity & inclusion program.

01/25/2022

REMINDER: All-Inclusive AFG Members, Please join the AFG Executive Roundtable 01/26/22 8:45am ET - 9:15am ET

01/12/2022

ASTRO – Corporate Relations Coordinator - Details below:

12/22/2021

Last AFG Webinar of 2021... join us!

12/22/2021

AFG Continuing Education Dialed-In Webinar Series
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, 1:00-2:00 pm
“PR Best Practices and 2022 Tips for Professional / Trade Associations and Nonprofits”
We know deeper relationships, personalized experiences, authenticity and flexibility are all going to be key factors for effective communication. We can’t know for sure what the new year will bring, but following these tips can help you set your brand up for success.

DJG and Shortt Communications will share suggested content and messaging strategies to leverage in Q1 of 2022 to keep your brand relevant, with low-resource output.

Speakers:
Drew Navolio, Vice President, Client Services, Partner, David James Group
Rachel Shortt, CEO and Founder, Shortt Communications, LLC

Moderator:
Amy Quiggins, AFG Board Member and Director, National Blood Foundation, Association for the Advancement of Blood And Biotherapies (AABB)

Special thanks to AFG Webinar Sponsor: The Stelter Company
https://associationfoundationgroup.org/afg-dialed-resources/

AFG member benefits include monthly webinars (each worth one CAE credit) AFG Continuing Education Dialed-In Webinar Series Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, 1:00-2:00 pm “PR Best Practices and 2022 Tips for Professional / Trade Associations and Nonprofits” We know deeper relationships, personalized expe...

11/25/2021

Wishing all of the AFG Members and Supporters...a very blessed Thanksgiving!

11/10/2021

It is with sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the 2021 Edge Conference. Thank you to our Attendees, Sponsors, Presenters, Volunteers, Conference Committee members and Staff Support -- we couldn't have done this without each of you!

11/10/2021

Interactive & Thought Provoking Happy Hour in Progress!

11/10/2021

5:00-5:30 PM ET, virtual: Part II: Associations as Changemakers: A Blended Approach to Drive Impact and Investments A Two-Part Pre-versation (Presentation + Conversation)
Building on the prior session, a time for additional Q&A and dialogue. As the Annual Edge Conference concludes, this is a chance for a free-wheeling debrief on questions like: what does transformation look like at my organization? Grab a beverage of your choice – the conversation will segue into a virtual happy hour!

11/10/2021

4:15-5:00 PM ET, virtual: Part I: Associations as Changemakers: A Blended Approach to Drive Impact and Investments A Two-Part Pre-versation (Presentation + Conversation)
Speakers: Bruce Arbit, Principal, Melarbit Impact Partners; Lisa Lanzkowsky, Chief Development Officer, AIChE Foundation; Matt Harris, President & Founder, The DRINK Agency; and Alvenia Scarborough, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & Chief Brand Officer, The Chemours Company
Forming association and industry collaborations that blend profit and purpose activates the participation and imagination of stakeholders. AIChE is sparking a movement among its members, with over $30MM raised. A recent winner of the Power of A award, AIChE Foundation is adapting fundraising campaign best practices to fund innovative programs and launch transformative new initiatives. In so doing they are shaping the future of a profession, an industry, and our world. This unique panel provides the opportunity to learn from all angles of a case study: association, investor, and partners.

11/10/2021

3:00-3:45 PM ET, virtual: Designing the Right Fundraising Campaign: How Do You Lead Your Organization – and Your Board – to Success?
Speakers: Barbara O’Reilly, CFRE, Principal of Hill Consulting, and Stephen E. Peeler, CFRE, Executive Director, IDS Foundation. Moderator: Katrina Dunn, American Fisheries Society.
2020 forced every organization to accelerate or pause and certainly change its fundraising. This was true for annual giving and for campaigns planned or underway. Transformational campaigns require big, bold visions, careful preparation, and the right mix of staff and volunteer engagement. As we look to a post-COVID fundraising landscape, how should associations prepare for future campaigns?

11/10/2021

2:00-2:30 PM ET, virtual: The Ethical Nonprofit
Speaker: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNAP, VEIP, Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips Nonprofit Consulting & Association Management Services
An insightful and thought-provoking ethics overview that is designed for professionals in the nonprofit profession, presented by the CEO & Founder of The 501c League. This session demonstrates AFG’s commitment to supporting ethical development within our profession, which protects the integrity of what we do.

11/10/2021

1:00-1:45 PM ET, virtual: Leading through Change: Charting a Course for Philanthropy
Speakers: Natalie Zundel, CFRE, Owner, Raise Well and Melanie Dolechek, CAE, Executive Director, Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) and David Coyne, (Moderator) The Sheridan Group

11/10/2021

Appreciation to 2021 Edge Conference Speaker/Sponsor Barbara O'Reilly, CFRE, Principal of Windmill Hill Consulting. To learn more visit, whillconsulting.com

11/10/2021

1:00-1:45 PM ET, virtual: Leading through Change: Charting a Course for Philanthropy
Speakers: Natalie Zundel, CFRE, Owner, Raise Well and Melanie Dolechek, CAE, Executive Director, Society for Scholarly Publishing
2020 brought seismic shifts to our lives and our members’ lives. Donors – individuals, foundations, and corporations – are expressing a need to do something to affect real change. This session will study a case from an association tackling fundraising during the uncertain times of 2020 and early 2021. Learn how to craft relevant, empathetic appeals and how to steward supporters during difficult economic times, moving towards impactful lifetime giving. (Moderator: David Coyne, CFRE of The Sheridan Group)

11/10/2021

Special thanks to Edge Conference Speaker/Sponsor Rachel Werner of RBW Strategy! Be sure to visit rbwstrategy.com to learn more about Rachel and her consulting services.

11/09/2021

Day 2 of the AFG Edge Conference is in the books! Thanks so much to each of the Presenters, the Attendees and Sponsors... ! See everyone tomorrow for our final day of virtual presentations!

11/09/2021

4:30-5:30 PM ET, in-person: LEADERSHIP: Disruption, Risk, and Opportunity – Closing Keynote
Speaker: Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, American Association for Anatomy

Followed by networking happy hour
Are you prepared to lead successfully through the next disruption? How can you positively influence teams – internally and externally – when everything has changed? Our closing keynote speaker will provide insights into the thought patterns of truly innovative leaders. Effective leaders craft opportunity from disruption. Honest leaders acknowledge social justice issues and address impact on their organizations. Successful leaders are preparing now for the new normal.

With 25 years of experience in the association sector, Shawn Boynes spent the greater part of his career passionately serving in the education and professional development space. A past member of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Shawn currently chairs the ASAE Fellows Program and is a graduate of Howard University. He is also a co-host of the recently launched Texts to Table podcast, which focuses on conversations around race and leadership.

11/09/2021

3:45-4:15 PM ET, in-person: Five Questions to Optimize Data Management within Your Foundation
Speaker: Wes Trochlil, Founder, Effective Database Management
Whether your data management system is brand new or many years old, there are steps you can take to get the most from it. Here are five questions you should be considering at your organization in order to improve the value and usefulness of your current system and data. You’ll hear specific, real-world examples of actions other non-profits have taken to clean up their data, improve the use of their data management systems, and improve fundraising effectiveness.

11/09/2021

3:00-3:45 PM ET, in-person: Annual Giving, Planning for Year-End
Speaker: Douglas H. London, Executive Vice President, CCS Fundraising.
An effective annual giving program is necessary for successful and sustainable fundraising for all foundations. Learn how to take your annual appeal beyond a year-end mailing and transform your annual giving. Join us for a presentation to learn about best practices for annual giving requests and marketing materials, donor communication and follow up, donor segmentation and targeted requests, volunteer and board engagement, and thanking your donors.

11/09/2021

2:00-2:45 PM ET, in-person: Lessons on Excelling Professionally from America’s Best Fundraisers – Keynote
Speaker: Holly Hall, Contributing Editor, Inside Philanthropy
After decades of writing about fundraising and profiling many of the nation’s leading fundraisers, Holly Hall has delved into what propels success in this challenging but rewarding profession. Learn about the secret sauce that the nation’s top development professionals have used to achieve record fundraising results for their organizations.

Journalist Holly Hall has been covering fundraising since the late 1980s. She holds a master’s degree in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and has worked at nonprofits including the American Red Cross where she created The Humanitarian, an award-winning quarterly magazine.

11/09/2021

Congratulations to R Barkley Payne AFG 2020 Leadership Award!

11/09/2021

Congratulations to Natalie Moran Zundel of Raise Well for receiving the 2021 AFG Leadership Award!

11/09/2021

In progress: 1:15-1:45 PM ET, in-person: Major Gifts in a Post-Pandemic World
Speaker: Conan N. Louis, BS, MS, JD, President, CNL Solution
Fueled by Major Gifts, Individual Giving traditionally constitutes the lion’s share of private fundraising nationally, in some years accounting for more than 80% of all dollars raised. Due to the pandemic, 2020 saw the proportion of individual giving fall to an all-time low of 69%. Despite this drop, Individual Giving remains an area of opportunity for AFG members, who generate only 32% of their total dollars from individual donors, as reflected in the 2021 AFG Benchmarking Report. This 30-minute session will explore the What, Why, and How of Major Gifts, as organizations emerge from the pandemic.

11/09/2021

We are looking forward to seeing everyone in person at the Main Entrance....please look for the signage for directions once you arrive.
Capital One Hall
7750 Capital One Tower Road
Tysons, Virginia 22102