Mike’s Monday Message: 2023 Recap

Wow, I can’t believe this is my last Mike’s Message of 2023! AFP has had another fantastic year, thanks to the continued support of you – our members –, our sponsors and partners, and of course our AFP staff. 

Here are a few of the highlights from this year.  

We underwent a massive data migration project, as we upgraded to our new membership database. Although there were certainly bumps along the way, and there is still work to be done, we’ve come a long way, and are better positioned to serve the needs of our membership as a result.  

In April, we successfully hosted the world’s number one fundraising conference, AFP ICON, in New Orleans. It was inspiring to see so many fundraisers come together to collaborate and drive impact as a community. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in 2024 in Toronto!  

This year we also launched a new educational opportunity, AFP’s Leadership Institute. This in-person cohort program provides attendees with valuable leadership training, as well as a network of peers who can provide support well beyond the week-long course. We’re now accepting applications for the first cohort of 2024. Apply by January 16, 2024.  

In October, we hosted AFP LEAD in Philadelphia, which gave a larger group of fundraisers the opportunity to participate in leadership development training.  

Throughout the year, our professional development team was busy coordinating more virtual education offerings for you than ever before. We offered more than 70 webinars and 20 AFP Deep Dives, designed to keep you at the top of your game. 

That is 4,260 minutes, or 3 full days of just webinar education this year. Check out AFP’s Professional Development Wrapped to learn more about the education that was popular this year.

Our team also facilitated affinity group networking and a virtual book club for emerging leaders, spotlighted our amazing AFP Connect community forum, supported chapter leaders, and so much more to help you stay connected to the fundraising community. 

And the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy was working behind the scenes to support many of these programs with funding for curriculum development and cutting-edge research as well as scholarships for underrepresented communities to attend these events.  

We have worked hard this year to live our IDEA principles, but we have not been perfect. We are, however, committed to continuous improvement to make AFP a community where all fundraisers can find belonging.  

As part of that effort, Birgit Smith Burton, AFP Global Board Chair has created a new task force charged with reviewing the implementation and enforcement of the recently updated AFP Member Fair Behavior Policy. This task force will be responsible for outlining the next steps once a member files a complaint, determining how the policy is implemented, and establishing a framework for effective follow-through.  

These updates, as well as the changes to the AFP Code of Ethical Standards, which were approved by the AFP Board of Directors in December, are intended to promote accountability in the fundraising profession and provide all members with an equitable path to resolution when they encounter unacceptable behavior. 

Thank you to the fundraising community, and our members in particular, for your continued support of AFP. Our work would not be possible without you!  

I also want to recognize all the incredible work each of you have done for your own organizations. 
Fundraising truly is the impact profession! 

As this year comes to a close, remember you’re not alone and AFP has got your back with resources to support your end of year fundraising.  

Have a wonderful holiday season! All of us at AFP Global look forward to seeing you next year. Thank you! 

As always, please feel free to email me at mike.geiger@afpglobal.org or connect with me directly on X at @AFPMikeGeiger. I’d love to hear from you.

Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA

*Mike's Monday Message will return on January 2*