Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)

I’ve been involved with AFP ever since I got my start in fundraising back in 2006. It’s an international organization with local chapters that offer professional development sessions, networking events, 1:1 mentoring, job postings, and so much more. AFP helped me to see in my 20s that fundraising is vibrant and valuable profession with lots of available training and support. I also tremendously value AFP’s Fundraising Code of Ethics. If you’re in the Bay Area, check out AFP Golden Gate or AFP Silicon Valley.

Development Executives Roundtable (DER)

DER is very similar to AFP, except it is local only to the Bay Area and it has more of a “grassroots” vibe. You do not in any way have to be an executive to participate. Membership cost is less than AFP because its scope is less and their listserv is free to join.

Veritus Group

Veritus Group’s Certification Course for Major Gift Fundraisers is hands down the best professional development course I’ve ever done as a fundraiser. Yes, it is time intensive and costly at about $2,000 but it is WORTH IT! This is where I got my head and heart aligned around relationship-based, values-driven fundraising. My work has been dramatically more easeful and and successful ever since. Veritus Group also offers great content on their podcast and listserv.