AFP Lowcountry Summer Institute

The SC Lowcountry Chapter of AFP welcomed Paulette V. Maehara, President and CEO of AFP International, to the 2010 Summer Institute in Charleston June 21. Maehara traveled from Washington, DC, to serve as keynote speaker for the conference, celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and participate in the presentation of the chapter’s inaugural Outstanding Professional Fundraiser award.

Rachel Hutchission, Director of Corporate Philanthropy for Blackbaud, introduced Maehara, citing an impressive array of professional and volunteer leadership experiences and recognitions.

Maehara’s keynote address, “The Power of Philanthropy in an Uncertain World,” reminded the crowd that, despite the recent challenging economic climate, fundraisers are making important strides in the nonprofit world. “Fundraising is the fuel that runs the engine,” she noted and reminded the audience—largely development professionals—that optimism is growing within the profession.The keynote speech also addressed changes occurring in the profession.

Maehara noted that advances in technology, a new commitment from donors to be personally involved in the organizations to which they donate, and the leadership deficit present in the nonprofit sector are all industry trends that impact the work of fundraisers.

In closing, Maehara noted that the beginnings of AFP are rooted in four fundraisers, and the organization has grown to 30,000 members. In doing so, the organization has developed into a substantial resource for those who look to AFP to build professional knowledge and to network with others in the field. She encouraged members to become involved with AFP International and noted that many opportunities exist to become involved in committees on a large scale.

Other break-out sessions offered at the 2010 SI are listed below. Please check back in a couple months' to learn more about plans for the 2011 Summer Institute!

50 Social Media Tactics for Nonprofits

Melanie Mathos, Public Relations Manager, Blackbaud

Chad Norman, Internet Marketing Manager, Blackbaud

Cultivating Tomorrow's Donors ThroughYesterday's Gifts

Daniel M. Rogge Jr., Vice President, Professional Services, Corporate DevelopMint

Ethics: Transparency and Accountability for Non Profits

Joy Simpson, CFRE, Development Consultant

Grants 101: Back to Basics

Carolyn Lackey, Grants Coordinator at Charleston Concert Association, Grant Writing Consultant at Lackey & Thomas, LLC

Jessica Browning, Professional Writer, Winkler Group

Nuggets for Philanthropic Professionals: Equipping Ourselves for the Decade to Come
Martin L. Novom, CFRE, Managing Consultant, Skystone Ryan

Planned Giving: Why Now? The Urgency and Relevance of Donor-Driven Legacy Giving
Greer Polansky, Senior Consultant, Corporate DevelopMint

Shucking and Jiving with the Mass Media: Effective Communications for Nonprofits

Leigh J. Handal, Director of Communications and Public Programs, Historic Charleston Foundation

Step Up Your Career with the CFRE

Denise Ciccarelli, CFRE, Director of Development, MUSC College of Nursing

The Fundraiser's Road-Map: Traversing the Philanthropic Landscape for Early Career Professionals

Martin L. Novom, CFRE, Managing Consultant, Skystone Ryan