This not only helps the charities they support, it brings our community together. It means we look out for those in need, especially when times are tough.

History proves even in a bad economy, Americans are resilient—and our belief in philanthropy is too. Giving has grown continuously nearly every year for the past four decades through every economic climate, crossing $300 billion mark for the first time last year.

Today, more than 250 members of our community gather in Wilkes-Barre to recognize Clayton and Theresa Karambelas of Wilkes-Barre as outstanding volunteer fundraisers, the Maslow Family Foundation as outstanding foundation, and Pennstar Bank as outstanding philanthropic corporation. Helen Bernstein Miller of Scranton will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy.

With the Holidays near, now is the time to celebrate our community’s good fortune and give generously of our time, talent, and treasure.  Social service agencies shouldn’t have to turn down families who need food, senior citizens who need blankets or children who want something special from Santa.

In these tough times, National Philanthropy Day calls attention to the huge impact generosity can have. Today, let’s celebrate giving and continue to be a bright light for others in the world.

John Dawe is President of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  AFP works to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs, fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals, and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession.

Philanthropic history appears to be repeating itself.  Seven years ago this September, four jetliners changed the course of American social, economic and philanthropic history. The stock market plunged and a recession ensued.  Attributes such as confidence and trust all but faded from our vocabulary.

Yet, charitable giving spiraled upward, despite it all, during year-end giving season 2001. Billions of dollars were raised for relief efforts. Most of those gifts were tied to the aftermath of 9/11. As this column is being written in October 2008, the stock market continues on a daily slide and words such as bailout, meltdown and recession nearly dominate conversations and media reports.

The backdrop this time is not a terrorist attack but a Wall Street meltdown and a contentious presidential election year. Each side offers remedies, hoping to gain a lead in the long run, in the popular and electoral vote while restoring some semblance of confidence.

This time as the current giving season begins, the predicament facing our non-profit community threatens to be harder to deal with. Complications include a lingering uncertainty in the marketplace and the accompanying challenges presented to our prospective donors. Yet, research released by the AAFRC Trust for Philanthropy/Giving USA, and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University reminds us that “charitable giving is remarkably resilient” and that “charitable giving can be somewhat of a natural response to national or international crises.”

Thus, as history repeats itself, what courses of action should the mission-driven, accountable and efficiently run nonprofit consider in redoubling its efforts this giving season and beyond?
Begin by intensifying and strengthening your donor communications. Remember that your organization’s relationship with current, higher-end supporters is integral to your future success. Suggestions include phone calls and personal visits as compared to direct mailings which, at year-end, typically flood mail and in-boxes.

Be specific during those conversations. Outline the positive results of their commitments and investments. For example, spell out the increased number of adults and children who were fed, clothed, housed or treated.
If they contribute to a scholarship endowment, discuss the number of additional students receiving financial aid. Give concrete examples to the corporate or foundation grantor as to how the grant made a difference to your charity.  Remember that on-going stewardship is an indispensable step leading to the next gift.

Next, recall that there were nearly one million public charities registered with the IRS in 2007. How is your nonprofit different? More importantly, be prepared to discuss how it is making a difference. Take the opportunity now to conduct a self- examination of your charity’s mission, strategic plan, leadership profile and marketing strategies. Don’t stall or stop the planning process until more favorable times. Never leave your board members and major donors out of those processes. Rather, give donors specific, measurable, meaningful opportunities to support and in which to volunteer.

Expand your organization’s discussion on donor relations and stewardship. Philanthropic research shows that in times of economic challenge your charity must be continually aware of the donor’s heightened demand for information on gift accountability, efficiency, accuracy and effective execution of mission. So, be fully prepared to respond.

From the fund-raising perspective, redoubling efforts includes the capacity to resist the temptation to scale back your more traditional initiatives such as annual giving, special events, electronic and print communications.

Candidly, the white flag has no place in your charity’s philanthropic endeavors! In addition, take full advantage of the year-end gift opportunity presented by the recent extension of the IRA Charitable Rollover. Your senior donors and prospects, 70 years of age and older, can contribute up to $100,000 from their IRA to nonprofits, tax- free. A targeted message to that prospect pool can reap significant benefits to your charity.

Finally and in summary, at no other time in American philanthropic history is it more important that your organization redouble efforts in areas including donor communication, stewardship, mission, strategic planning and sustainability. By doing so creatively, courageously and sensitively your charity will be better postured for the uncertain times now ahead of us.

Frank J. Pasquini has dedicated over 25 years of his career to resource development in the nonprofit community. Until most recently he served as vice president for institutional advancement at his alma mater, King’s College. He is also president of the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Association. As professional fund-raising counsel, he can respond to your charity’s issues.  Pasquini is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals NEPA Chapter (www.afpnepa.org)   Contact: fjpasquini@gmail.com

JOB FUNCITON: Under the direction of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Academic Grant Writer is responsible for working closely with faculty members to identify their research interests and scholarship endeavors; for researching and identifying funding opportunities that match research interests/scholarship endeavors; for assisting with the development of grant applications, ensuring that all agency-required materials are included with the application (e.g. updated curriculum vitae); submitting grant applications/proposals in a timely fashion; and, once a grant is awarded, facilitating the initial meeting between the principle investigator/project director of the grant and the assistant comptroller. The Academic Grant Writer trains faculty on how to develop the components of a grant proposal including needs assessments, sustainability plans, goals and objectives, and budgets. The Academic Grant Writer stays abreast of state and federal laws, regulations, and eligibility requirements. When appropriate, the Academic Grant Writer works in collaboration with the Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Grants in the Division for Institutional Advancement in order to avoid potential duplication of efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCITONS:

1. Develop grant proposals with the faculty and academic administrators of the College.
2. Organize faculty workshops on sources of external funding and provide information about grant writing to individual faculty, programs, and departments.
3. Review/edit drafts of proposals, including project narratives, budget, and other supporting documentation, in a timely manner to meet grant application deadlines.
4. As needed, serve as a liaison to granting agencies on behalf of the College, promoting faculty research and the effort to secure new funding opportunities and maintain current relationships.
5. Collaborate with faculty and academic administrators on interdisciplinary research grants and initiatives supporting academic programs.
6. Maintain database of faculty grants submitted and received.
7. Safeguard the confidentiality of departmental or office administration by exercising discretion in communicating information to faculty, students, and staff and handling departmental records, files, applications, proposal evaluations, and similar confidential materials.
8. Submit letters of inquiry, proposals, reports, and other correspondence to granting agencies.
9. Disseminate a monthly newsletter to faculty, highlighting funding opportunities.
10. Meet regularly with the Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Grants of the Division for Institutional Advancement to communicate grant funding applications/proposals under consideration.

NON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Performs other duties as assigned by the Vice President.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Combination of education, training or experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential functions. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required, advanced degree preferred.
2. Two to five years of experience in working with faculty in higher education to write and secure grants required.
3. Ability to supervise effectively multiple projects and multiple personnel involved in these projects in accordance with College objectives, policies and procedures.
4. Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people in a manner that positively portrays the College and its programs, personnel, and philosophies.
5. Ability to interact effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
6. Ability to work independently as well as establish and maintain harmonious relations with other staff, faculty and students.

For more information:

Please send a letter of interest and resume to:

King’s College
Human Resources Department
133 N. River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA  18711

Fax: 570-208-5967
Email: HRjobs@kings.edu

For more information, feel free to call (570) 208-5925

I’m sorry I am not able to join you today, as I am representing our chapter and your interests in Nashville, Tennessee for the AFP International Leadership Academy.

Membership, Member Benefits, and Rates
Earlier this year, 40 of members of our chapter completed a survey through our website.  100% of respondents listed your membership in AFP as “Valuable.”  The reasons for this “value” that were listed included:
•    Chapter Networking Opportunities (85%)
•    Code of Ethics and Professional Standards (62%)
•    Increased Credibility (44%)
•    Access to Resources (44%)
•    Mentorship Opportunities (41%)

I’m happy to report that these programs will continue with our chapter with an even greater focus on member services.

AFP International announced in your recent Advancing Philanthropy magazine an 11% increase in dues.  There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is AFP has worked to keep dues at the same rate for several years now.   This dues rate will take effect in April 2009.

With the current economy, there is an increased demand on professional fundraisers to increase donations and cut expenses – but I hope you’ll agree with our chapter leadership when we say that membership in AFP is NOT something to consider on the chopping block – quite the opposite.  The resources AFP International and your chapter provide to make you a better, more effective fundraiser are worth the cost of membership and much more!

AFP membership provides you with a virtually unlimited amount of resources for increasing your productivity and success as a professional fundraiser through both (1) Educational programs on Innovative Fundraising and (2) an extensive network of professionals available to provide sage advice.

Mentoring Program
For our local chapter we are re-launching  our professional mentorship program that has been re-structured to promote growth of both the mentor and the protégé.   Carol Maculloch has researched fundraising mentoring programs from across the nation and will be heading up this program.  More on this from Carol and many thanks!  For more information – mentoring@afpnepa.org.

New Dues Structure for our Chapter
Starting in January, our local dues are increasing from $25 to $30.  When you join or renew your membership our local chapter will allocate the entire amount of your local dues to your chapter member account.  You’ll redeem the $30 at lunch and learn programs or for other chapter activities, so in essence you’ll directly benefit from your chapter dues.   So in essence, you can get  your $30 chapter dues back by participating in chapter events.

For those of you not-yet-members, we are offering a limited number of 50% scholarships on the AFP New Member rate ($100 for your first year)  for qualifying new members.  So, you’ll pay $80 instead of $130 – again, $30 of this you’ll get back by participating in chapter activities.

For information about membership, please contact Barbara Vitcosky at 602-3600 or membership@afpnepa.org.

Chapter Board Nominations for 2009
Today, at our business meeting Kathleen Matthews, our Immediate Past President and Chair of the Chapter Presidents Council will announce the roster of nominees for the 2009 AFP Chapter Board of Directors.   We have taken into consideration the things you asked for in the aforementioned survey.  They include:
•    More representation of our diverse organizations (especially small shops)
•    Inclusion of more executive directors who also serve a development role
•    Increasing the number of active board members in order to foster additional involvement
Kathleen will go into the nominations more.  Kathleen and her committee have done a phenomenal job.  Thank you Kathleen! For more information: kmatthews@janepa.org

New Library of Fundraising Materials
In order to increase the resources for professional fundraisers in NEPA, your chapter has purchased the 40-volume collection known as the “AFP Pierpont-Weld Library” that is available for review from the Luzerne County Community College library and via the PA Access Interlibrary Loan program to any participating library in the commonwealth.

The Pierpont-Weld Affiliate Library Collection includes 36-40 selected works on fundraising and philanthropy, representing the fundamental knowledge base of the profession. The collection is maintained in public libraries, university libraries, and nonprofit resource centers throughout the United States, Canada, and Brazil.

We will present that library to LCCC as part of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber’s Nonprofit Summit that will be held on November 6, 2008.

Nonprofit Summit – November 6th at LCCC in Nanticoke
AFP will have a table, and I encourage you to learn more and attend the summit.   More information was e-mailed earlier this week.  If you have not received information please e-mail john.dawe@afpnepa.org or visit WBNonprofitSummit.org.

Philanthropy Day – November 22nd at The Waterfront Banquet Center
The Greater Pocono Northeast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals invites you to join us as we recognize National Philanthropy Day in November.  Our annual Awards Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 21, 2008 beginning 11:30 a.m. at the Waterfront Banquet and Convention Center in Plains, Pennsylvania.  Each year this day provides a time where we can honor those who have made a difference in our community.  Our chapter encompasses a region steeped in generosity and we are proud to acknowledge the following community leaders who have shown their commitment to philanthropic interests throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.

Awardees include:
Outstanding Volunteer Fund Raisers - Theresa and Clayton Karambelas
Outstanding Corporation - Pennstar Bank
Outstanding Foundation - Maslow Family Foundation
Lifetime Achievement - Helen Bernstein Miller

For tickets e-mail mdolon@luzerne.edu and for information about getting involved: pday@afpnepa.org.

New Website Format
The AFPNEPA.org website has been retooled and redesigned in a blog format.  That means that we’re looking for writers to provide resources, articles, ideas, and content for the website!  If you’re interested let me know.   The new format also allows for a member-only discussion list and member-only resource session.   E-mail me if you’d like to be involved.  john.dawe@afpnepa.org.

Philanthropy Forum
Our chapter’s Philanthropy Forum will be held in the Spring in late April or early May.  The date is still under consideration pending the selection and availability of a keynote speaker.   If you are interested in being part of this bi-annual event focused on bringing a major conference on fundraising to YOU, and those in our profession unable to attend national and international conferences – please e-mail forum@afpnepa.org.  We are looking for speakers, planning committee members, etc.

Warm regards,

John Dawe
Chapter President