This time last year, I was cautiously optimistic that 2022 would bring a return to normalcy. Despite the latest Omicron wave of COVID-19, I am still hopeful. Know that AFP Charlotte remains committed to providing you with the resources needed to help you stay abreast of current fundraising trends and best practices whether in-person or virtual while always keeping an eye on safety and wellness.
I was heartened by our return to limited-capacity, in-person programming this month with a wonderful session on Emotional Intelligence by Nicole Smith, CEO and Founder of JMS Creative Leadership Solutions. I was profoundly struck by her message of how we as fundraisers can use our passion for our organization's mission to successfully raise dollars to support work that betters our community.

My hope for this year is to strike a balance between in-person and virtual programs and networking opportunities. I hope you will continue to stay vigilant, and I hope you will make use of the fantastic programs here at the Chapter level especially our monthly programming as well as the many resources available to you as a member from AFP Global.

Thanks for showing up every day to help make our community a better place to live, work and play. Please know that we are always here to support you and your endeavors.

Gratefully,

Robert Touchstone, CFRE

Exciting news--we've updated our Program!  The 2022 AFP Charlotte Mentoring Program is now open to not just new fundraisers, but also those who are mid-career and would like to connect and be mentored by one of our more seasoned members.

• Do you have fundraising knowledge and coaching skills you'd like to share? 
• Are you just starting your career in development and need some guidance and support? 
• Do you have 3-6 years of fundraising experience and would like to learn from a seasoned member?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider joining the AFP Charlotte Mentoring Program. As a mentor, you'll be paying it forward by sharing your experience with someone who was once in your shoes. As a mentee, you'll receive the benefit of learning from someone who knows what you're experiencing. You'll have a coach and partner who can guide you to be a better fundraiser.

AFP Charlotte is now accepting applications for the mentor/mentee program. The deadline for applications is February 11. If you are interested, please visit the mentoring page on our website.  Have questions?  Reach out to Alex Reardon.

"Having an AFP mentor made a huge impact on my fundraising...they really helped me understand the importance of the annual fund as a basis for an individual giving program."  2019 AFP Mentee

Want to be part of National Philanthropy Day? Join our team! If you are interested in being on the NPD committee, email NPD chair, Megan Mitcham.

If you are a member on the move, please email Sarah Lanners Avinger, VP of Membership, and share where you will be working, your new job title, and some highlights about your new role. We want to celebrate your success!

AFP Charlotte has built a reputation for getting the word out for the premier fundraising jobs across the Carolinas. Click here to read more and apply for a posted position.

In order to promote gender and racial pay equity, AFP is leading the way and will be requiring salary ranges for all new positions posted on the AFP Charlotte Job Board effective May 10, 2021. We understand this might be a significant change for some organizations, but AFP Charlotte strongly believes this is an important shift in increasing equity, inclusion and fairness in the fundraising profession.