Association of Fundraising Professionals - Memphis Chapter

Scholarship Alert! Through a partnership with Blackbaud, the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy is offering 36 scholarships for the full registration fee of AFP LEAD 2024 in St. Louis, MO, October 16-18, 2024. Scholarship candidates must identify as a member of a diverse community, have not previously attended an AFP LEAD event, and have at least 1 year of experience as a fundraising professional. The application will be open through August 23, 2024.

AFP LEAD is an annual leadership conference designed to enhance your leadership skills and organizational impact, all with a nonprofit/fundraising focus.

Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/241974666917170

Special Announcement! Full participation in "PASSION: An AFP Memphis Fundraising Conference" is applicable for 6.0 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification. Register today before the early bird discount ends! Get your CFRE points by joining us for PASSION on Monday, August 19 at CMOM.

Register Now: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9m223wv?source_id=3654a002-9d87-4800-910d-b73ba832ca13&source_type=em&c=1x57RsYx6EbviK3oLonTmHuj2047hZn5sRxzbTw4Eg2Biu_CkcpGag==

AFP Members, have you taken advantage of our Conference Flash Sale? This week only, you'll get a $50 discount on registration for our annual conference. You don't want to miss igniting your PASSION for fundraising with Kishshana Palmer and other amazing speakers (to be announced in July). Join us Monday, August 19 at CMOM. Register today and learn more:

AFP Memphis Conference - AFPTNMemphisChapter Fundraising champions, it's time to ignite your PASSION for fundraising! This full-day conference will focus on topics to guide and motivate you as a nonprofit fundraiser. You do such important work on behalf of our community. This is your chance to learn, dream, and recharge. Our day together will....

Did you hear the exciting news? Kishshana Palmer will be the keynote for our 2024 AFP Memphis Fundraising Conference: PASSION on Monday, August 19, 2024 at The Children's Museum of Memphis! You don't want to miss it. Registration is open. AND we're having a special flash sale for AFP members in the first two weeks of June - just $100 for a full day of learning, networking, and igniting your PASSION for fundraising!

Learn more and register: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/events/afpmemphisconference

Three Important Deadlines this Week! Friday is your last chance to do these three things.

Apply to be a speaker at our fundraising conference: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4ZH_rVnexq7KFckXp7tBUkwdHo_0YIbW2G3qzEeSzTb-j6A/viewform
Nominate a fundraising or philanthropy superstar for Crystal Awards: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/events/afpmemphiscrystalawards
Apply for a free AFP Memphis scholarship: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F7NWWXD

We had a wonderful May luncheon yesterday, learning about how understanding your organization's business plan can strengthen your fundraising. Special thanks to Jen Andrews, CEO of Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, for presenting and to Porter-Leath South Memphis for hosting us.

Save the date for next month:
June 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Featuring Zach Pretzer, President of Methodist Healthcare Foundation

Do you have an area of expertise to share with your fellow fundraisers? AFP Memphis is seeking speakers and workshop leaders for our 2024 Fundraising Conference. Submit a proposal by June 1. Speakers announced July 1.

PASSION
2024 AFP Memphis Fundraising Conference
Monday, August 19, 2024 - 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Children's Museum of Memphis

Speaker Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4ZH_rVnexq7KFckXp7tBUkwdHo_0YIbW2G3qzEeSzTb-j6A/viewform

An update on the proposed DAF policy from AFP Global: This month, a bipartisan group of 33 House Ways and Means Members sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury expressing concerns about the proposed donor-advised fund regulations.

The letter states: “We are concerned these regulations could have the unintended consequence of impeding charitable giving in our communities…We urge Treasury to adequately respond to the concerns raised to Treasury’s requests for comments before issuing final regulations.”

Lisa M. Chmiola, CFRE, CSPG, AFP’s Government Relations Committee Chair, will testify at an IRS hearing on May 6th about how these regulations could impact giving in the sector.

You can learn more about this and the other advocacy efforts of AFP Global at this link!

Policy & Advocacy | Association of Fundraising Professionals As the largest association of charitable fundraisers in the world, AFP seeks to educate the public about the fundraising profession and the importance of philanthropy, and protect the interests of donors, fundraisers and charities related to laws and regulations about giving, volunteering and nonpro...

Our April Learn Over Lunch was a great success! Special thanks to Dominique Primer with St. Jude ALSAC for sharing her expertise in volunteer recruitment, recognition, and retention. And thanks to the Brooks Museum for hosting us. Be sure to check out their current exhibitions. You're sure to be wowed! Save the date: May 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for next month's luncheon with Jen Andrews, CEO of Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. Registration open soon!

Last week, AFP President & CEO, Mike Geiger, met with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick to continue pushing forward The Charitable Act. Learn more on AFP Global's LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7176638389905956864

Don't forget there's an AFP Memphis Conference Committee Meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at Brookhaven Pub & Grill (695 W Brookhaven Cir). We are revamping our annual conference and need your help and bright ideas! If you're interested in attending tonight (or can't attend but want to be a part of the Committee), it's not too late to email Su Hartline ([email protected]) to RSVP! Hope to see you tonight.

Here's a great professional development opportunity from our friends at TNN!

Statewide Fundraising and Volunteer Management Learning Cohorts Launching in October! — Tennessee Nonprofit Network The Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN), in partnership with the Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund®, is thrilled to announce TeamUp, a brand new initiative designed to empower your organization. Launching in October 2024, the cohorts will be free to 100 nonprofits across Tennessee.

We had an amazing February Learn Over Lunch! Fundraising speed dating was a success 🩷 We discussed annual funds, capital campaigns, special events, Giving Tuesday, and donor cultivation and stewardship. Lunch from Big Momma's and Granny's Catering was delicious, as always! Special thanks to Porter-Leath for sharing their beautiful space in Orange Mound. It’s always a joy to gather with and learn from fellow fundraisers.

Congratulations to Emma Less, who is our AFP Memphis Chapter's 2024 Chamberlain Scholarship recipient! A proud Memphian since birth, Emma Less is the Senior Manager of Development at the Overton Park Shell. When she's not busy writing grants or meeting with Shell supporters, she can often be found enjoying Memphis' thriving arts and culture scene, cheering on the Grizzlies, or exploring her neighborhood, Cooper-Young.

Emma will attend AFP Global's annual conference in Toronto, Canada this April. Happy travels, Emma! We can't wait to hear all you learn.

The AFP Memphis Board of Directors and its members join all of Memphis in mourning the loss of Pat Halloran. We remember Pat for his beautiful voice, commitment to the Arts, unparalleled nonprofit leadership, and exemplary fundraising skills. He was a friend and mentor to many in our fundraising community. If you have ever attended a production at the Orpheum, you know the pure magic of Pat’s voice before the curtain goes up. He was a true voice and advocate for Memphis. The show must go on and will continue to go on long into the future thanks to Pat’s amazing philanthropic work.

Obituaries in Memphis, TN | The Commercial Appeal The most recognizable voice in Memphis is silent. Every time Pat Halloran opened his mouth, strangers recognized his voice. He loved show tunes...

Stay up-to-date on important topics in the fundraising sector! Check out this article from TNN President & CEO, Kevin Dean, on protecting donor privacy and donor trust.

"Legislation requiring nonprofits to disclose donor lists to legislators, for any reason, poses a significant threat to this trust and, consequently, the health of the entire nonprofit sector."

Protecting Trust: Why Donor Privacy is Key to a Thriving Nonprofit Sector — Tennessee Nonprofit Network The lifeblood of many nonprofits is the generosity of individual donors. From funding innovative projects to sustaining daily operations, these contributions represent a crucial vote of confidence in the organization's mission. However, this trust hinges on one essential element: donor privacy.

Advocacy Alert! Did you know that in November, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released the first in what is expected to be a series of long-awaited regulations on donor-advised funds (DAFs)?

AFP has joined sector partners in submitting comments outlining some positive changes being proposed and some concerns with these proposed regulations. Much of this work to inform these comments comes from the previous Donor Advised Funds Working Group of the U.S. Government Relations Committee chaired by Lisa Chmiola with the support of Nancy Brown.

You can see the proposed rule here and submit a formal comment. The deadline to submit a formal comment is February 15, 2024.

Taxes on Taxable Distributions From Donor Advised Funds Under Section 4966 This document contains proposed regulations regarding excise taxes on taxable distributions made by a sponsoring organization from a donor advised fund (DAF), and on the agreement of certain fund managers to the making of such distributions. The proposed regulations would provide guidance...

Here is your friendly reminder that January 31 is the deadline to apply for a charitable gaming event with the Tennessee Secretary of State!

Planning a Charitable Gaming Event or Raffle Fundraiser? Read This! — Tennessee Nonprofit Network Charitable gaming events provide nonprofits with a unique and exciting way to raise funds for their missions, but there are regulations you need to know about before committing to one of these types of fundraisers.

Don't forget about this free webinar, hosted by U of M's AFP Collegiate Chapter, today from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. It's not too late to register: https://memphis.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvfu2urzsjG9MlphP_TMMAyyTe-H_mMBn_?fbclid=IwAR2eBj5lGh4GuyAmOfqxPTS37RF0d1BFlH3Ak1NemniXGrEKAJUlHPKmYjk #/registration

Today is the last day to purchase tickets for the 2023 Fundraising Summit. If you need one last reason to register, look no further than our amazing keynote! You definitely don't want to miss Vu Le of AF. Vu is our conference keynote, a panel member, and a special guest at the Crystal Awards. Vu is funny, insightful, and a fierce advocate for nonprofits and fundraisers. So what are you waiting for? Register today to join us on 11/17 at Memphis Botanic Garden.

Learn more and register TODAY: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/npd48/afpmemphisconference

Congratulations to our 2023 Outstanding Philanthropist Tommie Dunavant! We will be honoring Tommie and our other amazing Crystal Award Honorees on Friday, November 17 at Memphis Botanic Gardens. Tomorrow is the last day to purchase tickets. Learn more and register: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/npd48/afpmemphiscrystalawards

Tommie Dunavant and her late husband because of their love for this city have provided support and leadership to many organizations and special projects. ARTS Memphis, Memphis Zoo, The Children’s Museum, University of Memphis, and Ducks Unlimited are just a few of such organizations that have benefited from their love.

Tommie has served on the boards of Rhodes College, Christian Brothers University, National Coalition of Pastor’s Spouses, and Slingshot Memphis where they were seed funders. She at present as head of The William B. “Billy” Dunavant Jr. Foundation is involved in many citywide causes.

With doctorate degrees in psychology and theology, she is especially proud of the Tommie Dunavant Behavioral Center at Church Health. Tommie is known for her energy, passion, and encouragement. She is the best cheerleader to have on your team.

Join us next Monday, November 13 for a FREE fundraising webinar hosted by the University of Memphis AFP Collegiate Chapter!

Register here: https://memphis.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvfu2urzsjG9MlphP_TMMAyyTe-H_mMBn_ #/registration

Special congrats to Southern Security Federal Credit Union, who will be honored as our 2023 Outstanding Philanthropic Organization at the Crystal Awards on Friday, November 17! Join us for this extra special celebration. Purchase tickets by November 10 and learn more: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/npd48/afpmemphiscrystalawards

Have you registered yet for the 2023 Fundraising Summit? Time is running out! Looking to elevate your fundraising with storytelling? You don't want to miss this session with Lauren Ready with Forever Ready Productions! Unlock the full potential of your stories as we delve into the art of asking questions and equip you with the skills and strategies needed to extract peak performance from your stories across various mediums; in video and beyond. We'll explore how to find a good story, how to conduct a compelling interview and how to optimize the story beyond an event, campaign or social media post.

Learn more and register: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/npd48/afpmemphisconference

A round of applause for Michael Zepatos, our 2023 Outstanding Emerging Philanthropist. You can join us in celebrating Michael and our other 2023 Crystal Award honorees on Friday, November 17 at the Memphis Botanic Garden.

Michael has expertise in comprehensive financial planning services, with a specialty in portfolio management and retirement planning. Highly empathetic, he enjoys working closely with the families and individuals we serve to develop custom wealth management strategies that address both their short- and long-term needs and goals. His family owns and runs The Arcade Restaurant – Memphis’ Oldest Café – where he previously worked himself and remains very involved.

Michael graduated cm laude from Christian Brothers University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and was named to the dean’s list. He is an alum of Houston High School.

An active member of his community, Michael enjoys staying involved in activities throughout Memphis, including Carnival Memphis. He is on the board for the Grand Krewe of Ptolemy and serves on the TKE Pi-Epsilon Board of Directors as well as the South Main Association board.

Learn more and register: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/npd48/afpmemphisconference

Register TODAY for the 2023 Fundraising Summit! Just $99 for admission to the Conference + Crystal Awards. Join us as we navigate the fundraising journey. You don't want to miss this amazing panel of funders and nonprofit leaders! Learn more and register: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/npd48/afpmemphisconference

Join us and your fellow fundraisers for a thrilling expedition to the summit of fundraising greatness! The 2023 AFP Memphis Fundraising Summit & Crystal Awards Celebration is Friday, November 17 at Memphis Botanic Gardens. The Summit features Vu Le of Nonprofit AF plus sessions on storytelling, AI, and inclusion and diversity, plus a funders and nonprofit leaders panel. We'll be Reaching Peak Performance in Fundraising Excellence! Then, we will have an evening of celebration, recognizing those who are advancing philanthropy in our community at the Crystal Awards.

Purchase your tickets by Friday, November 10!
Learn More Summit: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/npd48/afpmemphisconference
Learn More Cyrstal Awards: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/npd48/afpmemphiscrystalawards

2023 AFP Memphis Fundraising Summit & Crystal Awards Reaching Peak Performance: Achieving New Heights in Fundraising Excellence (Fundraising Summit 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Crystal Awards & Honoree Reception 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)

Get ready to ignite your passion for philanthropy in our vibrant community! Join us on Friday, November 17 at Memphis Botanic Garden for the Crystal Awards. You will have the chance to personally connect with true community heroes. Together we will give a standing ovation to honor their remarkable contributions to propel philanthropy forward right here in Memphis. Our amazing hosts for the evening will be Jared "Jay B." Boyd of WYXR 91.7 FM and Ena Esco of Verbally Effective Podcast.

Learn more about Jay B. and Ena and our amazing honorees, and purchase tickets by November 10: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/npd48/afpmemphiscrystalawards

Let's give a round of applause for our 2023 AFP Community Partner of the Year, Porter-Leath! For over 173 years, Porter-Leath has empowered children and families to achieve a healthy, optimal and independent lifestyle. An organization that began as a small orphanage on Manassas now serves over 39,000 children through eight focus areas, including foster care, high-quality early education, training for early childhood professionals, home visitation for pregnant and parenting families, early literacy, and shared services for early childhood providers.

Join us in celebrating Porter-Leath on Friday, November 17 at Memphis Botanic Gardens for the 2023 Crystal Awards. The Crystal Awards will be the place to be! You don't want to miss it. Learn more and purchase tickets: https://community.afpnet.org/afptnmemphischapter/npd48/afpmemphiscrystalawards