February 2006 President's Message
Patricia Moran
Fundraisers, Professionalism, and Membership in AFP
Dear Colleagues:
 Like many development professionals, I did not plan a career in fundraising but rather my career evolved into fundraising as organizations realized the critical need for private support and invested in development departments. Today, young professionals voluntarily select careers in fundraising and map out their career path from development associate to vice president. I entered the fundraising field working for a public university after serving as the executive director of a foundation providing grants for legal services. My transition from foundation administrator to major gift solicitation was smooth because of my university development colleagues and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (then known as the National Society for Fund Raising Executives, NSFRE).
I joined AFP to learn the best practices in development and later became a chapter volunteer in Illinois and New York. AFP, in the Greater New York area and internationally, is the professional organization for individuals responsible for philanthropic support for a wide variety of nonprofit and charitable organizations. The international membership today stands at 26,000 with most members in the United States and Canada, and a growing number of professional fundraisers in other parts of the world.
My commitment to AFP is based on the founding principles of the organization. AFP requires each member to adhere to a professional code of ethical standards and practices. Our ethics code is the foundation for maintaining public trust for every AFP member. Members can also rely on AFP (locally and internationally) to:
foster development and growth of fundraising professionals who are committed to enhancing philanthropy.
provide training opportunities for fundraising professionals.
promote public understanding of philanthropy and philanthropic fundraising.
conduct activities that maintain and develop legislation favorable to philanthropy.
I encourage you to make an investment in your profession and career as a fundraiser. If you are not currently an AFP member, sign up today. If you are a member, please encourage a colleague to join this month. I will do the same!
Patricia A. Moran, CFRE
Fordham University
This message is part of this month’s newsletter, which is available online. Please click here to read Fundraising News.
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