AFP Micro-Learnings

Two weeks ago, I attended the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) LEAD Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. The focus of the event was building better leaders in the nonprofit sector. While conferences can be both exhausting and exhilarating, this one left me feeling inspired. It’s energizing to be surrounded by people who share a passion for fundraising and the nonprofit community—people committed to growth, learning, and becoming better fundraisers for the causes they serve.

One of the things I deeply appreciate about AFP is the shared passion we all bring to this work, as well as the opportunity to connect and support each other. This conference was no exception. In this week’s post, I want to share a few takeaways that left me inspired and motivated—lessons that I hope will help you push forward in your own fundraising journey.

Trust is the foundation of strong relationships.
At the start of the conference, AFP's CEO and board chair emphasized that trust is one of the most valuable assets in any relationship, whether between staff and board members or between nonprofits and donors. They’re absolutely right. Your donors' trust in you and the organization you represent is critical to your fundraising success. The more trust you build, the better your results will be.

It’s okay to fail.
Fundraisers are often measured by dollars raised, and there are countless ways to achieve that goal. But fundraising is not one-size-fits-all. Every community is unique, with different needs and approaches to achieving success. Sometimes, trying something new doesn’t work—and that’s okay. Every failure is an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine your strategy to be more successful in the future.

Equip your board with the right tools.
Expecting board members to help raise money without guidance is a recipe for frustration. As a fundraiser, your role is to inspire others and make it easier for them to connect with your mission—and that applies to your board too. Provide tools that help them engage, such as easy-to-read fundraising dashboards, questionnaires to identify how they want to be involved, or a list of prospects they can help connect to your cause.

Be confident in your brand.
We often assume people are as passionate about our mission as we are, but the truth is, they only have seconds to give us their attention. It’s crucial to have a clear, concise brand for both yourself and your nonprofit. This is essentially your elevator pitch—a quick, polished summary that boosts your confidence and clearly communicates what you do and how others can get involved.

Master the art of budgeting.
One presenter challenged us to rethink how we approach budgeting, advocating for a long-term, collaborative process that includes input from across the organization. Spending several months going back and forth on budgeting priorities helps ensure that all voices are heard, and it aligns the organization’s goals from the bottom up. This kind of collaborative approach can make the financial process more inclusive and effective.

Leverage strengths in a multi-generational workforce.
One of my favorite sessions was led by my Nashville colleagues Alicia Coppley, Derria Ford, and former Nashvillian, Christopher Beck. They explored the importance of strengths-based leadership, especially in today’s multi-ethnic, multi-generational workforce. With five generations working side by side, it’s more important than ever to embrace the diverse strengths each person brings to the table. By doing so, you create a more supportive and successful work environment—one that fuels your mission.

The conference covered a whirlwind of fascinating topics from leaders in the nonprofit world. My challenge to every nonprofit leader is to keep investing in your own education, no matter how long you’ve been in the field. The world of fundraising is changing rapidly, and staying informed is key to keeping your donor engagement strategies current and effective.

A big thank you to AFP, my fellow passionate fundraisers, and all the nonprofits out there making a difference in the world!