1. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Membership provides accessible continuing education opportunities nationally and locally. Your membership provides for discounts on registration fees. Conferences provide a forum for fund raisers, consultants, volunteers, and CEOs to share practical advice and expert opinions. Annually, the International Conference on Fund Raising is the largest educational event for professionals.

·       First Course in Fund Raising is a two-day seminar tailored to those new to the profession.

·       Survey Course on Fund Raising is a more intensive program for professionals with five years' experience.

·       Other Courses include: Executive Leadership Institute and Executive Management Institute.

2. INVOLVEMENT: Chapters offer you a chance to attend regular meetings, educational programs, and social events that enable members and affiliates to share knowledge about the profession. Membership Directories are a networking tool and resource of the profession. The annual AFP Directory lists all AFP members and affiliates, fund-raising consultants, and programs of the Society. Many chapters also publish local directories. Board and Committee Service provides leadership opportunities at both a local and national level in areas such as government relations, professional development, member services, and resource development. Chapter Leadership Workshops provide training and information for current and future chapter officers.

3. INFORMATION/RESEARCH: Library services, publications, and research keeps AFP members and affiliates up to date on the latest information on fund-raising practices. The Fund Raising Resource Center maintains a comprehensive collection of books, periodicals, speeches, and audio/visual materials about fund raising and the not-for-profit sector. Information on a variety of topics is available. The Chapter Resource Center provides examples of chapter materials such as, newsletters, job descriptions, budgets, membership recruitment and retention plans, and National Philanthropy Day activities. Advancing Philanthropy is the quarterly professional magazine of the fund-raising profession that keeps you in tune with the latest issues and trends. Newsletters feature articles on current topics, legislation and regulatory initiatives, and chapters. AFP News, is published bimonthly and local chapters publish additional newsletters. Profile is a triennial research-based monograph that examines member demographics and career trends.

4. CERTIFICATION: A profession is defined, in part, by the standards it set for itself. The professions certification program define for employers, boards of directors, donors, and the larger regulatory community the fund-raising experience, continuing education, and knowledge expected of a professional at the five-year level. AFP takes that a step further with an advanced credential. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is earned by those with at least five years of experience that successfully complete the application and examination process. Advance Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) is a credentialing process for identifying mastery of the profession for individuals with 10 years experience.

5. ETHICS: AFP members and affiliates are proud they are required to practice their profession by a Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice - and that AFP has in place an enforcement procedure that ensures compliance, the only organization of its kind to do so.

6. EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE: Information about position openings in the local community as well as in other communities, from entry-level to the most senior, is available first to AFP members and affiliates through the AFP Employment Opportunities newsletter (published monthly) and chapter job listings.

7. SCHOLARSHIPS: The AFP Foundation actively seeks funds to ensure educational opportunities are available to fund raisers for the First Course in Fund Raising, the International Conference on Fund Raising and general educational courses on a national and chapter level.

8. ADVOCACY/PUBLIC SERVICE: AFP members and affiliates help develop legislation and regulations related to fund raising and philanthropy. They help make communities better by volunteering their expertise in public service and by helping celebrate opportunities for better living made possible through philanthropy. AFP collaborates with collegial organizations, nationally and locally, to expand its reach and help create a more productive environment.

YOU'LL RECEIVE ALL THIS AND MORE WHEN YOU BECOME A PART OF AFP. JOIN TODAY!