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Advancing Your Career

© Wayne E. Groner

A great place to advance your career in nonprofit fundraising and to learn lots of neat stuff about all aspects of the field is the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), formerly the National Society of Fund Raising Executives.

The Society was organized in New York City in 1960 by a handful of fundraisers who were originally looking to establish a national unified code of ethics. Ethical fundraising practices remain at the core of the organization. Other purposes include helping fundraisers perform their duties more effectively and efficiently; promoting, sponsoring, and encouraging study, research and instruction in the field of fundraising; and establishing and promoting professional standards of conduct for fundraisers.

The first chapter was in New York City in 1964 and the second was in Washington D.C. in 1965. The Society has grown from approximately 500 members in 26 states in the mid-sixties to more than 24,000 members in 159 chapters throughout the world in 2001. An international conference is held each year.

The Society instituted the Certified Fund Raising Executive program, which recognizes experience and knowledge, in 1981, and the Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive program in 1993. It is becoming common for nonprofits seeking fundraising professionals to ask for the CFRE or ACFRE designations.

Many chapters sponsor workshops and seminars that attract top speakers and practitioners. All aspects of fundraising are covered in chapter activities including annual fund, capital campaign, planned giving, board development, and volunteers. Chapters are encouraged to mentor newcomers or organizations new to fundraising at no charge. There are also regional and international conferences.

For the name and phone number of the president of the chapter nearest you call the national office in Alexandria, Virginia, 800-666-3863, or visit their Website, http://afpnet.org, and select Chapters. There is also a contact form at the Website for your questions and comments.

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