Benefits

Locally, our Southwest Florida Chapter of AFP provides many membership benefits, including:…

Networking - AFP members identify professional networking as one of the most valuable AFP benefits. The Southwest Florida Chapter provides networking opportunities through monthly meetings , workshops and conferences. As an AFP member you’ll enjoy the opportunity to learn with and from professionals on a local and national level.

Scholarship Opportunities - Scholarship aid is available for members to apply for attending the AFP National Conference, the First Course in Fundraising or for general educational courses on fundraising. 

I want to express my sincere thanks for the generosity of AFP for contributing to Samaritan’s registration fee form for attendance to Planet Philanthropy.  I would like for you to know that my experience at Planet Philanthropy has already changed how I approach my new role as a novice fund raiser.  It was inspiring to be around so many caring professional people who were such great colleagues. Thanks so much. 

Rick Howell, Executive Director Samaritan Counseling Services

The scholarship application is available for our Chapter members.   The Southwest Florida Chapter of AFP offers scholarships for the following:

-  Diversity in Membership
-  The Fundraising School
-  First Course in Fundraising
-  Survey Course in Fundraising
-  Planet Philanthropy
-  National AFP Certified Fundraising Executive Exam, CFRE
-  AFP International Conference (Chamberlain Scholarship)
-  To attend regular Chapter membership meeting

Please contact Melissa Burtless Scholarship Chair, mburtless@sarasotaopera.com, 941-366-8450, ext. 253 for additional information

Professional Development - AFP Southwest Florida Chapter is committed to ensuring that our members maximize their professional development potential. Members enjoy discounts on registration fees for both local and national conferences, workshops and meetings. Our chapter’s monthly meetings feature a diverse and stimulating cadre of locally and nationally known experts in the field of fundraising.

Mentoring - Members have the opportunity to consult with senior level development professionals and discuss specific areas of concern and/or interests through the chapter’s mentoring program .

Information and Research - Members receive complimentary access to AFP’s Fund Raising Resource Center which houses a comprehensive collection of books, periodicals, speeches, and audio-visual material about fundraising and the not-for-profit sector. In addition, all members receive Advancing Philanthropy, a quarterly professional magazine of the fundraising profession keeping members in tune with the latest issues and trends. Members also receive eWIRE, a weekly electronic newsletter containing late-breaking news, research, and information of interest to the development community.

Certification - Professional certification programs define for employers, boards of directors, benefactors, and the regulatory community, the fundraising experience, continuing education and knowledge expected of a professional at the five-year level. The Certified Fund Raising Executive ( CFRE) designation is earned by those with at least five years of experience successfully completing the application and examination process. The Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) is a credentialing process for identifying mastery of the profession for individuals with a minimum of 10 years experience in fundraising. Chapter members have an opportunity to participate in a study group to prepare for the exam .

Please Note: CFRE International does not sponsor or endorse any programs designed to prepare candidates for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) written examination. Any programs promoted as preparatory or review courses are titled as such by the individual sponsoring organizations.

CFRE International does not award continuing education points for participating in any formal or informal exam study courses or for teaching any such courses as part of the initial or re-certification process.

Job Bank -Information about position openings in the local community as well as in other communities, from entry-level to the most senior, is available through a job bank that helps members and organizations match opportunities and aspirations.

Membership Incentive Grants - Grants are available to individuals applying as new members as well as those whose membership has lapsed and circumstances make it a challenge for them to renew.   An individual may receive a membership incentive grant only once.   A grant of up to 50% of the dues fee, depending on the Chapter's budget availability and the applicant's personal circumstances, may be awarded. Click here for the Eligibility and Application .

Advocacy/Public Service - AFP members and affiliates help develop legislation and regulations related to fund raising and philanthropy. AFP collaborates with collegial organizations, nationally and locally, to expand outreach and help create a more productive environment.

National Philanthropy Day - AFP members participate in National Philanthopy Day , recognizing the great contribution philanthropy and those who work in the philanthropic process make in communities throughout the country.

Website - A website with newspage to help keep members abreast of current issues and changes impacting members, colleagues and the philanthropy industry on a national and local level.

AFP Audioconferences and audio classes - AFP members receive training and a chance to share and ask questions.

eWIRE - AFP members receive an electronic newsletter (provided by our national association) with late-breaking news, research, and information of interest to the development community.