Why Become a Member?

Professional Development

Membership provides accessible continuing education opportunities nationally and locally. Your membership provides discounts on registration fees, access to information and an invaluable network of peers.  Conferences provide a forum for fund raisers, consultants, volunteers, and CEOs to share practical advice and expert opinions.  Annually, the International AFP Conference is the largest educational event for fundraising professionals in the world. 

Involvement

The Greater Austin Chapter offers 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.  The annual AFP Directory lists all AFP members and affiliates, fund-raising consultants, and programs of the Association across the globe.

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.

Information & Research

Library services, publications, and research keep 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.  NSFRE News, is published bimonthly and local chapters publish additional newsletters.

Profile is a triennial research-based monograph that examines member demographics and career trends.

Certification

A profession is defined, in part, by the standards it set for itself.  Our certification program defines 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.  Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE) is a credentialing process for identifying mastery of the profession for individuals with 10 years experience.

Ethics

AFP members and affiliates are required to practice their profession by a Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice.  AFP also has in place an enforcement procedure to ensure compliance.

Employment Assistance

Information about job 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.

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. 

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.