September Professional Development
Communicate Smarter, Not Harder

Presented by Ceci Dadisman, Digital Marketing Manager, FORM

September 19 | 8:00 - 9:45 am
Shaw Jewish Community Center -
750 White Pond Drive, Akron directions

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Are you still mailing the same appeal letter to your entire list? Do you send the same fundraising email to all your prospects? Not every patron will respond in the same way to your message. The key to a successful marketing campaign is using data to deliver the right message to the right person at the right time.

This session will show you how to mine your patron data for predispositions and propensities to target your potential donors with communications focused and relevant to each individual recipient. You will learn how to segment your digital and traditional communications (yes, including direct mail!) to strategically attract and retain patrons.

This session is relevant to fundraisers of all levels at organizations of all budget sizes and focuses on free and low-cost resources. 

In this session you will:

• See how data can be used to determine interests and propensity to give
• Learn how segmentation can lower costs and maximize results
• Discover how you can use messaging variations to engage each segment
• Set up strategic communications to allow your donors to self-select their interests

Click here for more info and to register.

October Professional Development
Refining Your Personal Fundraising Style with the Clifton Strength Finder

Presented by Cindy J. Biggs, CPCC, ACC, President, C. Biggs and Associates

October 16 | 8:00 - 9:45 am
Shaw Jewish Community Center -
750 White Pond Drive, Akron directions

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Maximize Your Strengths to Become Your Best Fundraiser!

What are your best traits? How do you maximize them to be the best fundraising professional you can be? Discover your natural talents by taking the Clifton Strength Finder 2.0. Take the assessment and plan to attend the October 16 professional development meeting to unpack your skills and learn how to maximize them.

As part of our Year of the Member, AFP members may receive the book/assessment code FREE! The workshop is FREE. The benefits to you - PRICELESS! (Not-yet-members are encouraged to participate. The benefits are still PRICELESS!)

When you register, please select the best option for you:

• For both the book/assessment code and meeting registration, register for the BOOK and MEETING. Free for AFPNEO members, $40 for non-members.
• Already have the book but want to learn more about your top traits? Register for MEETING ONLY. Free for AFPNEO members, $25 for non-members.
• Can’t attend the meeting but still want to take the assessment? Register for BOOK ONLY. Free for AFPNEO members, $15 for non-members.

Plan to pick up your book at the AFP September Chapter meeting at the Shaw JCC, Thursday, September 19, 2019. A second pick up date is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1. Jacquie, APFNEO Chapter Administrator, will be at Panera Bread on Arlington Road from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Can’t make these dates? You may pick up your book October 8-14 at The Village of St. Edward, 3131 Smith Rd., Fairlawn. Call Vondea Sheaffer at (234) 466-0556 to schedule.

Please note: you must register by September 20 so that we have time to order enough books.

Click here for more info and to register.

Presented by AFP Ohio Chapters
CFRE Courses in Ohio

Getting ready for CFRE? Our sister chapters in Ohio have graciously extended an invitation for AFP Northwest Ohio members to participate in their upcoming courses to help you prepare! 

The AFP CFRE Refresher Course asks you to apply fundraising theory, skills, and techniques within the six knowledge domains of the field, based on experience at the 3 to 5-year level. This course will not be presented in a lecture format; it will be presented by fellow fundraisers that have obtained their CFRE’s. AFP highly recommends that this CFRE Refresher be just one of the resources you use in preparing to take the CFRE exam. Central Ohio AFP offers this course every other year, so 2021 will be your next chance if you miss this opportunity.

Click here for info on the Cincinnati course, September 13 - Register by August 30th.

Click here for info on the Columbus course, September 25-26 - Register by September 4th. 

Member Benefit
Apply for a Membership Scholarship

The mission of AFPNEO is to foster the development and growth of fundraising professionals, and the AFPNEO Chapter dedicates its resources to that mission by providing several scholarship opportunities throughout the year.

Both members and non-members may apply for the National Membership scholarship. The scholarship will cover the recipient’s national dues for one year (up to a $250 value), and the recipient is expected to pay the local chapter’s $35 dues. All scholarships granted to current members will become effective once their current membership has expired. The next deadline is September 2. 

Members of AFPNEO are eligible to apply for the Chamberlain Scholarship, which provides a free registration to the AFP International Conference (recipient pays a $10 co-pay) and $1,000 towards travel expenses (a $1,690 value). The application deadline is October 1.

For more information about AFPNEO scholarships, including eligibility criteria and the application, click here.

Roundtable Discussion:
Nonprofit Revenue Recognition Beyond Compliance

September 10 | 8:30 – 10:30 am
(breakfast and registration at 8:00)
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) – 4505 Stephen Circle, Suite 200, Canton OH

Please join CLA offices to learn about how FASB’s Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) 2014-09 and 2018-08 are shaking up how nonprofits report on revenue recognition.

Whether you are a CEO, development professional, finance staff, or program manager, these complimentary roundtables bring you together with your nonprofit peers to discuss new standards on revenue recognition for grants and contributions, then steer the conversation toward creative and strategic uses for those concepts.

At the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Describe the new revenue recognition standards and related risks, as well as the internal control and disclosure requirements
• Discuss best practices for implementing the new standards.
• Identify where and how to apply the new standards in accounting practices, when creating financial reports, and in crafting grant proposals and budgets.

RSVP to Kelly Unger.

Current Job Postings

New postings appear in green.

Community Investment Officer, Akron Community Foundation - 8/26/2019

Regional Development Executive (Eastern), Coleman Professional Services - 9/19/2019

Regional Development Executive (Western), Coleman Professional Services - 9/19/2019

Development Coordinator, Ashland University - 9/26/2019

Community Relations Director, IBH Addiction Recovery Center - 9/30/2019

Grant Writer, Victim Assistance Program - 9/30/2019

Operations Manager, Akron Soul Train - 10/1/2019

Director of Gift Planning at Ohio Living Breckenridge Village, Ohio Living Foundation - 10/6/2019

Major Gifts Officer, Ashland University - 11/16/2019

Click here for more information regarding each of these job opportunities or to post new jobs.

BE the CAUSE Campaign

Through your support of the BE the CAUSE Campaign, you help determine the future growth and development of the fundraising profession.

AFPNEO manages the BE the CAUSE campaign at the local Chapter level, which allows us to keep more dollars raised from the campaign right here in northeast Ohio, supporting chapter membership and conference scholarships that directly benefit our members.

Remaining dollars will support AFP International's strategic initiatives such as the Ralph E. Chamberlain Scholarship; innovative programs on diversity, youth in philanthropy, and ethics; Fundraising Fundamentals curriculum; and philanthropic research. All of these programs have a positive impact on our local chapter.

You may make your gift to the Campaign today by (1) emailing your pledge to info@afpneo.org (you may pledge now and pay by December 15th); (2) making your gift online at www.afpneo.org/pay.htm; or (3) mailing your check with the pledge form to PO Box 1286, Bath OH 44210.

For a list of the generous contributors so far, click here.

For more information about the BE the CAUSE campaign, click here.

Partner with AFP to celebrate philanthropy in Northeast Ohio!

Last day for Event and Presenting sponsors to appear on the invitation: August 30
Last day for sponsors/ads to appear in the program: October 11

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Northeast Ohio Chapter will celebrate National Philanthropy Day (NPD) on November 1, 2019, at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.

NPD is a celebration of all forms of philanthropy in our community and the AFP Northeast Ohio Chapter encourages our local non-profits to recognize those that make it happen. The luncheon usually attracts more than 400 philanthropists, community leaders, and nonprofit professionals.

We'd like to thank our current presenting sponsor for the 2019 awards luncheon:

Gessner Family Foundation
Foundation Leadership Award

Massillon Perry High School
Speak Life Committee
Youth in Philanthropy Award

You can become a sponsor to promote your organization, reach community leaders, and recognize your organization’s incredible donors and volunteers.

The following sponsor levels are available:

Presenting Sponsors - $2,500
($2,020 of this sponsorship is tax-deductible)
Presenting sponsors will receive sponsorship of the award, including name recognition on the NPD home page and eblasts and logo recognition in all other event materials. This sponsorship includes a full-page program ad. Presenting sponsors will also receive two tables for 8 guests per table (16 guests total) as well as recognition during the awards ceremony.

The following awards are available for sponsorship:

Small Business Leadership Award:
Southeast Harley Davidson
Corporate Leadership Award:
Giant Eagle
Outstanding Philanthropist Award:
Dr. Gary & Pamela Williams
Outstanding Professional Fundraiser
Award: Mella A. Castner
Special Recognition Award:
Akron Bar Foundation
Special Recognition Award:
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Women's Board
General Luncheon Sponsor

Community Champion Sponsors - $1,500
($1,260 of this sponsorship is tax-deductible)
Community Champions will receive one table for 8 guests and a full-page program ad, as well as sponsorship recognition in the program and website. 

Hometown Hero Sponsors - $1,000
($820 of this sponsorship is tax-deductible)
Hometown Heroes will receive lunch tickets for 6 guests and a half-page program ad, as well as sponsorship recognition in the program and on the website.

Vanguard Sponsors - $500
($380 of this sponsorship is tax-deductible)
Vanguard Sponsors will receive lunch tickets for 4 guests and a quarter-page program ad, as well as sponsorship recognition in the program and on the website.

Program Booklet Advertisements
Salute an award recipient or promote your organization in the program and on the website.

Table Sponsor - $600
($360 of this sponsorship is tax-deductible)

Patron Sponsor - $100 per ticket
($70 of each ticket is tax-deductible)

Click here for sponsorship reservations.

Click here for table/ticket reservations.

Click here to see the 2018 event program.

Collaboration with Leave a Legacy Stark County and Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton
Planned Giving:
Getting the Proper Start

Presented by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

September 25-27 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Stark State College of Technology
6200 Frank Ave NW, North Canton directions

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Maximize your fundraising by asking for planned gifts. Learn how to communicate with donors about their wealth and their financial assets – not just their cash – and how a planned gift can provide them with current income, an inheritance for their heirs and a legacy through your charitable organization.

You will learn how to ...

1. Determine if your organization is ready for a planned giving program
2. Understand the benefits to donors for making planned gifts
3. Recognize which planned gifts are best for certain donor situations
4. Match donor needs to your nonprofit’s needs
5. Understand appreciated property, deposit agreements, wills and bequests, insurance, and charitable lead trusts

You will receive ...

1. Easy-to-understand study guide as a handy reference
2. IRS information
3. How to start and market a new program
4. Sample forms and documents that can be applied to your program
5. Planned gift development bibliography

Click here for more info, including the 3-day agenda, and to register.

Join the Conversation with On the Table Greater Akron

October 3

Last fall, during On the Table Greater Akron, thousands of community members came together for mealtime conversations to discuss potential solutions to the biggest issues facing our community. This year, On the Table Greater Akron wants you to address the top three issues identified and develop actionable solutions.

Join On the Table Greater Akron again on Thursday, October 3, to discuss one or more of the following issues:

• Drugs & Addiction
• Our Aging Seniors
• Diversity, Equity & Social Inclusion

For more information or to register, go to https://www.onthetableakron.com

Diversity Essay
Latino Philanthropy in the US.

As part of our IDEA initiative (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and ACCESS), AFPNWO is sharing resources from the AFPI website about fundraising for diverse populations. This is an abstract; for the full essay, click here.

By Juan Calixto, CFRE, Mujeres Latinas en Acción AFP IL, Chicago Chapter

Currently, Latino purchasing power is estimated to reach $450 billion and is projected to increase annually faster than all other ethnic groups according to the Association of Hispanic Advertising.

This knowledge serves as a wake up call to nonprofits that have yet to consider Latinos as potential donors. Fundraisers can tap this potential resource by following basic prospect research techniques. Know your audience. Get them involved. And, follow through with good stewardship.

The Latino middle class increased a whopping 80 percent over the past 20 years according to a report by the Thomas Rivera Policy Institute. The same study found that their discretionary income almost doubled to $72 billion between 1990-2000.

The US. census identifies Latinos as a young population, indicating the majority has not reached their primary giving years. This is a powerful incentive for nonprofits to strategically target Latinos as donors and volunteers.

Spanish is the first language for the vast majority of Latino households in the US. Second- and third-generation Latinos accumulating wealth are fully bilingual or English dominant. 

Before sending an appeal to a Latino prospect list in Spanish, it is best to follow basic prospect research techniques and test the list. Latino donors will respond to English language material that appeals to the potential donors' interests and demonstrates knowledge and respect for their ethnic background.

Matching a Latino prospect to the right project becomes an easier job once you know your audience. Latinos are interested in making new contacts that will advance their personal goals. Getting involved with your institution may help to achieve that goal.

Thoughtful consideration should be given in selecting the right solicitor to offer the Latino prospect the opportunity to join a board, sponsor an event, or join a new campaign committee. This job should not be assigned to the person that can speak Spanish fluently. The right solicitor should be a respected peer to the prospect that believes in your cause and has been well prepared to make the ask.

Showing a link to the Latino community is not always mandatory in recruiting Latinos, but it provides more incentive for a prospect with an interest in Latino affairs. Part of preparing for the solicitation call requires knowing the amount of Latino involvement within your institution.

Nonprofits should be prepared to answer the following questions. What percentage of Latinos accesses the institution annually? How many Latinos participate in leadership positions? What percentage of Latino vendors does the institution do business with? How does the Latino population relate to the mission or why does the institution have an interest in increasing Latino involvement?

Providing timely recognition to Latinos that have become involved with your institution is a small part of exercising good stewardship. Strategically planning to increase Latino participation and demonstrating achievement is key to transforming Latino volunteers into long-term donors.

Establishing an advisory board of young Latino professionals, conducting an event during Hispanic Heritage month, ensuring your marketing materials include Latino images, contracting a Latin band for your special event or offering Latino art at your next auction are examples of visible steps that demonstrate commitment towards the Latino community.

NPD Awardee Profile
South East Harley-Davidson
Small Business Leadership Award

Dave Baumgardner, Jane Hook, and Chris Meyers of Southeast Harley-Davidson

Established in 1948, South East Harley-Davidson is a family-owned business based in Bedford Heights, Ohio, that sells top-of-the-line Harley-Davidson motorcycles and more. They also offer a full service diner with the best burger in town! The business has grown rapidly, yet has remained as a 50-person staff.

In 1986, the Harley-Davidson Owners Group Chapter (H.O.G.) was formed with 79 members and has grown to 250 present-day members. Members volunteer for charities across Northeast Ohio. The Cleveland H.O.G Chapter, in conjunction with South East Harley-Davidson, has helped raise over $300,000 for organizations including Cops and Kids, Toys for Tots,  Ghost Riders, and North East Ohio Foundation for Patriotism. 

South East Harley-Davidson proudly promoted their NPD award from AFPNEO on their website

South East Harley-Davidson has raffled off over 20 motorcycles to support various organizations. This year, South East Harley-Davidson is raffling off a 2019 Street Glide Motorcycle with the proceeds to benefit Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio. Funds raised will provide emergency assistance to individuals facing the day-to-day challenges living with breast cancer. The employees of South East Harley-Davidson sell tickets to the raffle and continue to provide a great service to customers. They are actively involved in community events and local festivals, including Ohio Bike Week, Quaker Steak Bike Nights, Zeppi’s and H.O.G. club every Saturday.

It's a grueling three-mile walk to and from the Handle Bar, but it's for a great cause!

South East Harley-Davidson hosts a free weekend-long Winter Wonderland event for children. The business is decorated for the holiday season and includes a train for kids to ride. Guests enjoy live music, food, and an appearance by Santa, who listens to children’s wish lists. Every child leaves with a wrapped gift.

South East Harley-Davidson collaborated with the Cops and Kids Program and purchased shoes for ALL students at nominated schools, supporting a significant number of underserved students.

The Annual Winter Wonderland raises money and awareness for South East Harley-Davidson's selected charities

In total, their Cleveland H.O.G.® chapter, in conjunction with South East Harley-Davidson® has helped raise more than $300,000+ for nonprofits in our community.

South East Harley-Davidson is much more than a motorcycle store and the staff is dedicated to providing quality service to customers and their community.

NPD Awardee Profile
Giant Eagle
Corporate Leadership Award

In just one day, Giant Eagle volunteers at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank provided 914 meals to hungry families

When Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank thinks of true corporate friends, they think of Giant Eagle, who has been a loyal supporter of the Foodbank for 20 years. This is one of the best examples of a strong, sustained partnership with a dedicated company that provides support at a variety of levels—food and product donations, financial contributions, Board leadership, and volunteer service.

The extraordinary growth the Foodbank has experienced since moving into its current facility in 2007 would not have been possible without the leadership of partners such as Giant Eagle. Philanthropy, volunteerism, customer engagement and workplace giving are the cornerstones of Giant Eagle's corporate citizenship program, along with a commitment to health and wellness, education and community enrichment. 
Giant Eagle is committed to giving back to the many communities it serves.

As a retailer focused on providing its customers with high-quality foods, they understand the impact of hunger and food insecurity in our communities. Because of this, hunger-relief, as well as food rescue, are top priorities in their community outreach efforts.

Giant Eagle is deeply committed to combating hunger and food insecurity through food donations and financial support, contributing 7.5 million pounds of food across hundreds of communities in five states in 2018. Locally, they contributed more than $343,000 and 915,900 pounds of food to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, the equivalent of more than 2.13 million meals.

Additionally, several Giant Eagle associates volunteer with the Foodbank throughout the year, and Bill Artman, Senior Vice President- Retail Operations, serves as a member of the Foodbank's Board of Directors. 

Giant Eagle and Huntington Bank volunteers hard at work volunteering at the Foodbank

One of the main ways Giant Eagle supports the Foodbank is the annual Harvest for Hunger Campaign. Donations are collected at the registers at more than 80 Giant Eagle and Market District locations in Northeast Ohio. This year, Giant Eagle reminded customers to Check Out Hunger by offering donation coupons for customers to tear off at the checkout. Thanks to the generous support of their associates and customers, Giant Eagle was able to raise $1 million this year for Harvest for Hunger to support the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio. Together, these Foodbanks serve 21 Northeast Ohio counties, including Summit, Stark, Ashland, Cuyahoga, Medina, Portage, Richland, Tuscarawas and Wayne.

Giant Eagle is also a lead supporter of the Foodbank's Retail Store Donation Program. Foodbank trucks visit Giant Eagle stores daily, collecting meat, dairy, produce and bakery items, which are then distributed to Foodbank partners. The average turnaround time is less than 48 hours from the time items leave a Giant Eagle store until they reach a client's home. Last year, Giant Eagle donated more than 740,000 pounds (valued at $1,243,200) through this program. As an additional part of their commitment to the Retail Store Donation Program, Giant Eagle donated a gently used refrigerated trailer replacing one of the Foodbank’s oldest models.

Giant Eagle’s support of the Foodbank continues by providing sponsorship dollars and logistical support for the Foodbank's largest fundraising events.  Giant Eagle has been a host location for the Long Haul Against Hunger radio-thon for several years as well as providing food for volunteer events, the Selfless Elf 5k and auction items for signature events.

Giant Eagle volunteers at the American Heart Association Heart Walk

Giant Eagle supports a variety of nonprofits in Northeast Ohio and in a five-state region as well as other community partners, including libraries, parks and gardens, children's museums, amusement parks and arts and entertainment venues. Giant Eagle has been a long-standing supporter of the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, American Heart Association Heart Walk, United Way and Junior Achievement.  Moreover, Giant Eagle associates participated in more than 60 Relay For Life events for the American Cancer Society last year alone. 

Giant Eagle's check presentation to Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley

Giant Eagle has been a significant partner of the Akron Zoo for many years, supporting their efforts to connect the community to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action. Giant Eagle has supported the Zoo through a variety of in-kind and event sponsorships. 

Additionally, Giant Eagle conducts an annual register collection campaign during May and June for Akron Children's Hospital, which raised more than $130,000 in 2018. Giant Eagle also offers the Little Shopper Treat Card for a child 10 and under. For a $1 donation, this card is redeemable for one cookie from the bakery, one slice of cheese from the deli, or one piece of fruit from produce during each visit. The card is good all year-long and the proceeds benefit area children's hospitals, raising $100,000 annually.

The Foodbank is extremely grateful to partner with Giant Eagle in the fight to end hunger in our community. Their donations of time and financial support have made an immediate impact on the lives of many individuals and families living in poverty. Their leadership demonstrates philanthropic concern and supports workplace volunteerism, which have improved the quality of life in our community.

Click here to learn more about NPD.

Join Our LinkedIn Group

Ever want to send a question to other fundraisers who might have the answers?

Join the AFPNEO LinkedIn Group and post your questions and share your experiences. Be sure to go to the More tab and select Your Settings so that you can set it up to send weekly or daily digest emails.

Save the Dates

Mark your calendars so that you may join us for AFP's professional development programs and special events:

September 19 | 8:00 – 9:45 am
Communicate Smarter, Not Harder
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September 25-27 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Planned Giving:
Getting the Proper Start
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October 16 | 8:00 – 9:45 am
Clifton Strength Finder/Refining
Your Personal Fundraising Style
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November 1 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
National Philanthropy Day
Awards Luncheon
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December 12 | 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Annual Meeting Celebrating 30 Years
Be Your Best Fundraising Leader
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