1. BECAUSE afpfoundation.org/bethecause
ethical and effective fundraising practices build trust and strengthen relationships.
education, training, mentoring and research empower fundraisers.
donor-centered fundraisers help transform giving to create social change.
The cooperative, annual fund program of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy and our chapter.
afpfoundation.org/bethecause

2. The “Campaign” Defined
BE the CAUSE embodies the importance and impact of a profession that
values ethical and effective fundraising and
works in the interest of the public good.
BE the CAUSE embraces what fundraisers do and why we do it.

3. What We Do and Why We Do It
The AFP Foundation is committed to improving the fundraising profession and creating societal impact. Together, we can:
Empower fundraisers,
Strengthen relationships, and
Transform the way donors give.

4. AFP Foundation Purpose Statement
The AFP Foundation’s purpose is to generate resources for strategic initiatives that advance ethical and effective fundraising worldwide.
AFP serves its members the Foundation works in the interest of the public good

5. 2016 Fundraising Results
Total: $651,098 from 4,352 donors—a 16% AFP member participation rate
The BE the CAUSE Campaign raised $493,193 with a $500,000 goal.
Of that amount, $120,833 (25%) from 2,130 donors is a result of the calling program
Our individual giving program

6. Your 2016 Gift Helped Support
$127,500 in support back to 159 local chapters
Professional Development Grants (formerly scholarships)
$36,716 in awards for the AFP International Fundraising Conference
140 Chamberlain Scholars (first-time conference attendees)
25 Diverse Communities Scholars
$44,250 in awards for AFP Leadership Academy
9 Leadership Scholars
Educational Support
Program and research support
Skystone Partners Prize for Research
Emerging Fundraisers Academy
65 collegiate members and advisors

7. Your Gift at Work in 2016 2017 Goal: $516,000
In addition to building capacity and infrastructure of the Foundation, your gifts will help support programs of diversity and inclusion, professional development and research. More specifically, the Foundation will work on projects such as Diversity Scholarships, Leadership Academy and the Growth in Giving research.
Diversity and Inclusion is a pillar of the AFP Strategic Plan, scholarships for people from diverse communities is a priority
2017 Goal: $516,000

8. Growth in Giving Initiative afpfep.org
Research to identify and understand the many variables that affect philanthropic giving in the United States.
Fundraising Effectiveness Survey Report 
Fundraising Fitness Test
Many of these variables are well known and understood but other variables that impact growth in giving requires an in-depth study, including the investment in fundraising and individual giving strategies.
This research seeks to identify these variables in an effort to comprehend all that goes into making the United States charitable sector as successful as possible in obtaining the resources needed to fulfill its nonprofit mission.

9. Ways to Give
Online at afpfoundation.org/bethecause (Donate Now) or afpnet.org (Make a Gift)
Mail check to AFP Foundation for Philanthropy, 4300 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300, Arlington, VA
Call the AFP Foundation directly at (703) for gifts via credit card or to set-up recurring gifts (Alpha Society)

10. Online Donation Page afpfoundation. org/bethecause – Donate Now afpnet
Online Donation Page afpfoundation.org/bethecause – Donate Now afpnet.org – Make a Gift
Join Alpha Society
Login to Make a Pledge Payment
Make a Pledge with Payment Schedule
You can get to the online donation page through either the foundation or association websites

11. How Much of Your Gift Goes Back to Our Chapter?
Tiered, Cooperative Annual Fund Distribution Model
Tier
Chapter
Distribution
Criteria 1
15%
From first dollar raised 2
25%
Meet low-range goal PLUS achieve 100% Board Participation 3
35%
Meet high-range goal PLUS achieve 100% Board Participation AND an increase in total funds raised from 2015

12. Donor Acknowledgement Policy
Donors who give <$100 online receive an automatic acknowledgement;
Donors who give <$100 via check or credit card over the phone receive an acknowledgement within one week; and
Donors who give $100+ receive an acknowledgement letter through the USPS within one week.
Throughout the year, this is when and how donors will receive acknowledgements

13. Donor Recognition Levels
Steward’s Club: $2,500-$4,999
President’s Club: $1,000-$2,499                          
Ambassador’s Club
Emerald Level: $500-$999                   
Ruby Level: $250-$499             
Sapphire Level: $100-$249                   
Friends of the Foundation: $50 to $99

14. Donor Clubs Alpha Society – Monthly Giving Program
Alpha Society members provide ongoing, essential resources
Leadership Society – Hybrid Program
Leadership Society members demonstrate sustaining commitments through cumulative giving of $10,000 or more PLUS annual gifts of $1,000 or more.
Omega Circle – Planned Giving Program
Omega Circle members make significant contributions through planned gifts of $5,000 or more.

15. Thank you from the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy!
Thank you for being a member of AFP! Thank you for participating in chapter activities! Thank you for all that you do to strengthen your community and transform society! Thank you for your annual gift to BE the CAUSE!