In any given community there are a number of physical, mental, emotional, educational and spiritual needs that are being unmet. Generally, these needs are unmet because the needy citizens of that community do not have the resources required to take advantage of those programs offered by for-profit organizations. Therefore, a number of these unmet needs are provided by not-for-profit agencies. Generally, these various not-for-profit agencies provide various services at little or no cost to those who are in need.
Obviously, this is a good thing. However, due to the increase in the number of not-for-profits, there is competition amongst the various not-for-profits to raise the needed dollars from their community for support of the services that are provided. To remedy this challenge, often not-for-profits hire fundraising staff that are charged with raising the needed money required to meet the financial needs of the organization.
Fundraising in any given community can be a daunting task. However, one of the associations that helps PTA fundraising ideas to fulfill their fundraising challenges is the Association of Fundraising Professionals. There are many advantages to being a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. First of all it is important to understand what is the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the benefits that being a member affords. Two of those advantages include learning opportunities and networking.
What Is The Association of Fundraising Professionals
The Association of Fundraising Professionals is comprised of individuals whose job requires them to raise the needed financial resources for the organization that they represent. Generally, fundraising efforts include special events, grants, working with the United Way, corporations, planned giving, major gifts and gifts-in-kind.
These organizations that these fundraisers represent can include not-for- profits, private schools, universities, churches, etc. Also, individuals may be part of the Association of Fundraising Professionals who work as consultants in the fundraising business.
In addition, the structure of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is that each local entity is known as a chapter. As a chapter they are given a specific number that identifies them as an overall chapter member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. To be a member of this group requires an annual membership fee. Generally this fee provides the member certain benefits. Some of the benefits include access to the national web site, subscription to the Association of Fundraising Professionals magazine and various discounts.
Learning Opportunities
As a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals there are many learning opportunities that are made available. One such learning opportunity is the way that the monthly meetings of the Association of Fundraising Professionals are structured.
Generally, the structure of the meetings allows for a guest speaker to be part of the ongoing education of the membership. Often these educational opportunities address emerging trends in the fundraising world, identifying the contribution habits of donors, new fundraising techniques, etc.
In addition, being a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and attending an extensive course on fundraising will allow for the attending individual to earn the designation of Certified Fundraising Executive. This CFRE designation is highly recognized and respected in the fundraising arena.
Networking
One of the other distinct advantages of being a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is the opportunity afforded to the members to network. This networking involves sharing with other fundraising professionals those fundraising ideas that have succeeded and challenges that a particular member maybe facing.