How Can We Energize Our Donors to Give Again?

“Fundamentals” – 10:30 a.m.Starting and Maintaining an Annual FundCome learn how the key ingredients in a successful annual fund program.  You’ll be led by Alan Pearson, CFRE, a recent addition to the Southern California non-profit scene at Living Waters, a Christian ministry in Bellflower. Alan was certified as a CFRE in 2006 and is actively pursuing the AFCRE credential.

December 1, 2009Luncheon PresentationMaximizing individual Productivity- or - Increasing Organizational EffectivenessOur speaker is Nathan Rosenberg from Insigniam.  He’s a well-respected speaker on helping individuals and organizations to maximize their impact.  A winner of the Boy Scouts of America’s highest award, he knows and appreciates the nonprofit community.  Come, vote for your topic and enjoy.

“Fundamentals” – 10:30 a.m.Social Networking to Improve Your Lot in LifeCome learn how to improve your networking skills both online and offline in this upbeat seminar delivered by three social networking pros.  How to behave yourself properly at a dinner party, how to best use LinkedIn and MySpace and everything in between.  Delivered by Breakthrough Networking. 

December 1, 2009Luncheon PresentationMaximizing individual Productivity- or - Increasing Organizational EffectivenessOur speaker is Nathan Rosenberg from Insigniam.  He’s a well-respected speaker on helping individuals and organizations to maximize their impact.  A winner of the Boy Scouts of America’s highest award, he knows and appreciates the nonprofit community.  Come, vote for your topic and enjoy.

“Fundamentals” – 10:30 a.m.Social Networking to Improve Your Lot in LifeCome learn how to improve your networking skills both online and offline in this upbeat seminar delivered by three social networking pros.  How to behave yourself properly at a dinner party, how to best use LinkedIn and MySpace and everything in between.  Delivered by Breakthrough Networking. 

October 27, 2009

Luncheon PresentationEverything You Need to KnowAbout the Volunteer CenterThe Volunteer Center of Orange County is the fifth largest and most comprehensive of the 350 national volunteer centers.  They provide a myriad of services to non-profits and the philanthropic community.  Come find out how your organization can benefit from one the most successful enterprises in fundraising today.  Our speaker is the CEO of the Volunteer Center, Dan McQuaid.

“Fundamentals” – 10:30 a.m.Are You Missing out with Social Media?Is your agency really taking advantage of the social media revolution?  Are you connecting with your donors and supporters as well as you could be?  Are your donors wandering off after being enticed by other more “technologically advanced” causes?  Come find the cure for your social media woes.  Our speaker will be social media guru David Jacobs.

September 22, 2009?

Luncheon PresentationGetting DODs to work “well” with Financial ProfessionalsHow best to work with financial planners and other allied professionals?  Learn how profitable relationships are being built and sustained from a financial services pro and a non-profit exec who has a track record in building mutually beneficial relationships. 

“Fundamentals” – 10:30 a.m.Adding Diversity to your Board and Volunteer Base In today’s world it’s a best practice to have a diverse board and volunteer base that can add vitality to your fundraising and your organization.  You’ll learn some of the many benefits and how to attract a more diverse group.

August 25, 2009Luncheon PresentationExecutive Directors vs. Directors of DevelopmentCan’t We All Just Get Along?A Panel of Experts, moderated by Gary Good, CFRE, Pacific Symphony

“Fundamentals” – 10:30 a.m.Google Grants – How to Get YoursJoin Bart Jennriches in this informative discussion of Google and their innovative grant program.

 June 23, 2009?

Luncheon PresentationFundraiser of the Year AwardsAFP-OC Honors the Best

You won’t want to miss this memorable event as the AFP-Orange County selects the “Fundraiser of the Year” for 2009.  You’ll be inspired by the nominees and appreciate the presentation by former award winners.  Don’t miss it!

“Fundamentals” – 10:30 a.m.Best and Worst Resumes and Interview Stories In today’s market it is important to make the best first impression on paper and in person. What are the biggest blunders and what do you need to know about standing out from the crowd?

Sarah Agee formed Sterling Search, Inc. in early 2002.  In the last seven years Sarah, and her team, has placed CEOs/ Executive Directors and all levels of Fundraising Professionals for the nonprofit, higher education, and healthcare sectors. 

May 26, 2009?

You’ll want to bring your Board Members and Executive Director to this event featuring the Honorable John Moorlach of the OC Board of Supervisors.  John will address the critical roles that non-profits play in making Orange County the effective and livable community it is.

“Fundamentals” – 10:30 a.m.Beyond the Mainstream: Reaching Ethnic Leaders Through Media and Community Relations

One of the fastest growing segments of Orange County is the Vietnamese community.  In this session, you’ll learn about reaching out to this vibrant group through public relations, donor relations and communication. 

April 28, 2009

The AFPOC Film FestivalCome and see what your fellow fundraisers are doing to stir their donors' support.  You'll not only see the best in our business but get critical comments from two film pros about what you should include in your next video.Should You be a CFRE?Certified Fund Raising Executives (CFRE) earn 17% more than non-certified fundraisers.  Should you consider making the move to become certified in our profession?  Join Gary Good and learn all about it.  10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28

March 24, 2009Luncheon SpeakerCast your NET, Catch More FishAllen Pressel; CEO of Charity Finders

This seminar shows how you can use the internet for further your mission. We’ll examine how nonprofits are using the Internet, how they’d like to be using the Internet, and how they should be using the Internet (but may be unaware of) – and how to bridge that significant gap easily and quickly.   Learn how to drive more traffic and fundraising thru your site and get  specific suggestions on how you can improve your website.

“Fundamentals” – 10:30 a.m.Telephone Strategies for Current and Lapsed DonorsLarry Buck, The Jesus Film Project

How best to use one of your oldest tools – the telephone?  In-house staff?  Outside vendors?  Combination?  Larry Buck has done them all and knows how to help you in determining the best strategy for your organization. 

February 24, 2009How to Get Your Share of theExploding Social Capital MarketsMark Van Ness; Founder, Social Enterprise Institute

There is a new breed of investors that is interested in the bottom line AND the social impact of their investments.  Learn how to position your organization to take advantage of this emerging opportunity.

Mark Van Ness is the founder of the Social Enterprise Institute and the SELFund, a syndicate of donor-advised funds providing credit enhancements and financing to social enterprises.

“Fundamentals” – 10:30 a.m.Moves ManagementRon Mirenda, Mirenda & Associates

A look at how you can incorporate best practices into your development operations to incubate more major gifts.

January 25, 2009Luncheon SpeakerPat Everett, Chief Economist of Northern TrustTopic:  State of the Economy and the Impact it will have on Non-Profits

FundamentalsCarol GeisbauerGrantwriting for Non Profits

December 2, 2008

“Stop in the Name of Love”,  i.e. Reconsidering GovernanceLiz Shear

You’ll be singing the praises of great governance after you hear our December luncheon speaker, Liz Shear.  The mother of an award-winning rock musician and a music lover herself, Liz brings an excitement that you wouldn’t expect about nonprofit governance.

From Liz..."How do we reclaim the concept of governance and make the word resonate in our hearts and minds?  First, we need a more complete definition of governance.  Our current definition reads “The use of authority to set organizational purpose and to ensure that the organization serves those purposes.”  Somehow, it forgets to mention three essential elements of governance: why, for whom and how we do the work.  Substitute “an organized group of people, who, together, advance a mission for the common good, on behalf of the community.  Now governance is about working together in an organized and passionate way to improve our mutual lives.  It becomes a sacred community trust."

You’ll see governance in a whole different light.  You may even begin singing “I’m beginning to see the light . . .”  Lyrics provided on request.About The Speaker:

Liz Shear is the founder and program director for the University of San Diego’s Fifth Annual NonProfit Governance Symposium that will be held January 9-10 on the USD campus.  Fun loving and upbeat, here are just a few of her other credentials:

Executive Director, San Diego Youth and Community Services

Founding Staff Member for YMCA Project Oz, crisis intervention for runaway youths(Don’t you just love that name?)

Consultant to a Major national music promotion company

Consultant to Urban Corps of San Diego, Alzheimer’s Association, Native American Nursing Scholars, San Diego Grantmakers and more.

Liz may break out in song at any time but you’ll go back to your nonprofit with a greater appreciation of the harmony good governance can bring.

Fundraising Fundamentals - 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

What do we do in these “challenging” economic times? 

What should your charitable organization be doing?

Assessing your donors – How are they affected?

Does your organization stay the course with major and planned gifts or chart a different navigation? 

Revisiting Planned Giving Strategies - Do we put planned giving activities on hold and shift primary focus on major gifts to see us through this storm?

Does your organization communicate a message of stability to your donors?

What is the role of the Board and the staff during these economic times?

On December 2, 2008 Robert Sheldon and Amanda Ferrari, with over 30 years of combined experience in major gift and planned gift fundraising, will have an interactive session discussing these issues.  You don’t want to miss it!About the Speakers:

Amanda J. Ferrari, JD, CFRE and Robert Sheldon, JD are the principals of Ferrari Philanthropic Consultants, Inc., a full service Consulting Firm with over 30 years of combined fundraising and philanthropic expertise providing counsel to Nonprofit Organizations in Estate and Gift Planning, Bequests, Major Gifts, Feasibility Studies, Capital Campaigns, Endowment Campaigns, Executive Coaching, Fundraising and Business Plans, Board and Staff Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, Nonprofit Management, Leadership Retreats, and Marketing.

Among their many clients are St. Joseph Hospital of Orange, Mission Hospital, St. Jude Medical Center, St. Mary Medical Center, Orange County Performing Arts Center, the California Science Center, and the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor UCLA.

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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Boom Generation Women Create New Horizons for Fundraisers Margaret May Damen, CFP, CLU, CHFC, CDFA

Boom generation women have the emotional literacy, financial confidence and control the economic means to make major lifetime and legacy gifts that mirror their core values and beliefs, and fulfill their number one issue - a desire to make a difference. Organizations that understand how to create a sustainable environment for gender and generational synergy will attract and maintain the trust, loyalty and commitment of the nation's largest cohort of women impatient for and receptive to advice and counsel as to how to direct their philanthropic dollars. This session will identify the key psychosocial peer-personality traits of this generation, discuss how to implement effective communication, marketing and gender receptive programs and provide you with the tools to align your organization's mission more closely with donor's values and interests.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will:

Deepen their understanding of the "culture" of boom-generation women and their extraordinary potential to impact and influence philanthropic methodology.

Gain powerful techniques for marketing, communicating and connecting with affluent women.

Become confident in their ability as a trusted advisor to identify, solicit and retain boom-generation women's wealth, power and influence.

Learn strategic ways to align donor's interest and values with organization's mission.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Luncheon Session - Noon

Fund Raising Secrets of a Political Junkie

Guest Speaker: Adam D. Probolsky

In this season of great political activity, find out what nonprofits can learn from political fundraisers.  Are there methods that cross over from one spectrum to the other?   Could it be that there are even ethical strategies of political fundraising that fit into the nonprofit world?

How do the best in the political arena cultivate contacts and convert them to donors?  How do political pros take the best advantage of the popularity and positions of like-minded friends?

About The Speaker:

Adam D. Probolsky is one of Orange County’s most connected and most prolific fundraisers.  As chairman and CEO of Probolsky Research, he’s conducted research, developed strategy and helped in the fundraising efforts for many corporate, government and special interest groups throughout OC and California.  He has consulted on local, county and statewide initiatives and has advised many candidates for positions ranging from the school board to the office of governor.

But for even longer than raising money for political causes and candidates, Adam has been helping and supporting nonprofits.  He learned at a very young age the value and potential of philanthropy.  Mr. Probolsky serves as development committee chairman for Jewish Family Service of Orange County, a non-profit organization that serves families of all faiths that are in of assistance.

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Fundraising Fundamentals - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Loosen ‘Em Up, Make Them Cry, Give Them Hope, Accept the Check (We do accept all major credit cards)

Guest Speaker: Donna Heller Mogilski

How to do a great program for your gala in under 20 minutes.The Components of a great gala “presentation and program.” About The Speaker:

Donna Heller Mogilski, MBA, honed her nonprofit “pitch” skills with the first box of Girl Scout Cookies she sold as a Brownie.  Since then she has worked at BBDO on Madison Avenue, owned her own Advertising and Marketing Firm and since 1990 has been working with a variety of nonprofits.  She currently is the Associate Executive Director of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Luncheon Session - Noon

Five Irrefutable Laws of Marketing in 2008 (or Any Other Year)or The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same Guest Speaker: Kris Elftmann

If you’re wondering about this presentation, think about Robert Fulghum’s classic book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Just as Fulghum gave us sage, but straightforward advice like “Share everything, play fair, don't hit people, and put things back where you found them,” we’ll cover equally simple laws of marketing.

There won’t be any big words or fancy talk, just five simple ideas that work. More to the point, they’ll be ideas you’ve heard before but they bear repeating.  In fact, at a time when your marketing budget is stretched beyond the breaking point – or even worse, seemingly non-existent ­- marketing basics are more critical they’ve ever been.About The Speaker:

Mr. Elftmann is the president of Noelle Marketing Group, a creative resources firm that produces sales and marketing materials for corporate and nonprofit clients throughout the United States. Since 1980, Noelle Marketing Group has specialized in developing and manufacturing printed collateral materials and branded specialty products.

He is trustee of the University of California, Irvine Foundation, chair of the Foundation’s Stewardship Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee. He is past chair of the University’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts Dean’s Leadership Council and a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council of the School of Social Sciences.

He also serves as chair of the Board of Directors of the Richard Nixon Library Foundation, and on boards of The Nixon Center Board, a non-partisan public policy think tank in Washington DC, MIND Research Institute, Cystinosis Research Foundation, and Great Park Conservancy.

Through the years, he has served on boards for other organizations including DePauw University, Pacific Symphony, The Bowers Museum, Catholic Charities, Saint Joseph Ballet, and Orange County United Way.

Fundraising Fundamentals - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, blah, and blah, blah”: Are your thank-you letters really getting read and truly showing appreciation?

Guest Speaker: Janece Smoot

On July 22, Janece Smoot will be discussing how you can stop looking at acknowledgement letters as mundane weekly (or do I even say monthly tasks) and uncover what may be one of the most underrated stewardship opportunities that we have. About The Speaker:

Janece Smoot is the Development Manager for Goodwill of Orange County where she oversees the Annual Giving and Planned Giving programs. She is on the Board of Directors of AFP-Orange County, Chair of its Diversity Committee, and a member of the Planned Giving Roundtable of Orange County. She is in the process of obtaining her CFRE and CSPG designations.

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Luncheon Session - NoonA Golden Opportunity Overlooked by Most Nonprofit Organizations  Jeffrey R. Wilcox, CFRE   You may have missed a great connection for corporate fundraising and corporate volunteers that is right under your nose – trade association groups.  These organizations are collections of corporate leaders grouped by industry and can serve as a link from nonprofits to the corporate world for generating revenues and volunteers.

You’ll learn about the size and scope of trade organizations, how to tap this great potential and how to develop partnerships with these groups to gain a better foothold in corporate giving and sponsorships.

You’ll also learn of the Philanthropy Builders Program, an initiative that seeks to be an outreach of the OC AFP to train and mentor trade associations to create philanthropic committees, projects and programs as a part of their mission statements of service to their members and the communities in which their members live and work.

Join us for this program which promises to stretch your imagination and enlarge the potential for your organization.About The Speaker:

With 22 years of United Way, philanthropic, health care and communications experiences, Jeff Wilcox has held executive staff and board positions in nonprofit management throughout the West including Seattle, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Orange County, California. He has also been responsible for leading nonprofits as an experienced board chairman and executive director, managing staff teams and volunteer processes.

Jeff is a past president of AFP-OC and has served on many boards including Orange County Head Start, Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, Arizona AIDS Foundation, Cal State Los Angeles and many others.  Jeff has served as Executive Director of the CHOC Foundation as well as Executive VP of United Way of Los Angeles.

In 2002, Jeff formed Executive Consulting for the Nonprofit Sector, Inc. It is the largest private consulting firm specializing in transitional management services, coaching, training and executive mentoring exclusively for nonprofits in Southern California.

Fundraising Fundamentals - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.Is It Time To Rethink How Your Non-Profit Makes Money? Carol Geisbauer, M.ASometimes, it is a good idea to go through a process of thinking, (and rethinking) about all possible types of funding for a nonprofit organization, what types of funding your nonprofit agency currently has, what types of funding could be expanded, what types of funding you may be in danger of losing, and what new types of funding should be explored.  In this process, new funding ideas emerge; some old ideas can be discarded; and a more thoughtful approach to fundraising can be implemented.  You will be given a tool to take back to your Board of Directors, volunteers and staff to engage their thinking in this process.

About The Speaker:

Carol Geisbauer, M.A. served as Executive Director for two nonprofit organizations for 16 years and then served as the Director of the Nonprofit Resource Center in Orange County for two years. She worked as a freelance grant writer for 12 years.  She recently retired and now devotes her time to teaching workshops related to achieving success in grant writing throughout Southern California.

Tuesday, May 27

Luncheon SessionLanding the Big One!  Major Gift Strategies that Work! Christopher K. Looney  About The Speaker:

Christopher K. Looney, Regional Vice President with CCS, has more than twelve years of experience working with nonprofit organizations on major fund-raising initiatives.  Today, Chris manages operations in Southern California for CCS, an international fund raising consulting firm that serves more than 300 clients a year with campaign goals under management of more than $5 billion.  Over the years Chris has assisted more than 50 organizations with audits, studies and campaigns, and has helped his clients raise hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of a broad base of charitable organizations including: hospitals, schools, churches, international and regional social service agencies, and civic institutions.  Chris has assisted some of the nation’s most sophisticated and well-known nonprofit institutions, including Habitat for Humanity International and Lions Clubs International Foundation, and is particularly proud of his association with Orange County’s own Goodwill and Orangewood Children’s Foundation.  Chris is a member of the CCS Training Institute faculty and remains actively involved in the Association of Fundraising Professionals throughout southern California.  Chris earned a B.A. from Princeton University and currently resides in Irvine, California with his wife, Anisha and their son Gavin.

Fundraising Fundamentals“Patience, Tenacity, & Diplomacy-The Art of Prospect Research”Monica McDade  To be a successful fundraiser, you have to be part super-sleuth, part mind-reader, part cheerleader, and a full-time forager. Being a Super-Fundraising-Sleuth means doing your homework!

Doing your homework & “tuning the radar”

Targeted vs. Shotgun blast approach

Aligning values & goals

Patience, Tenacity & Diplomacy

The menu of opportunities

Asking for the referrals after they say “yes” My favorite word – Leverage

Mining your existing database for hidden gold

About The Speaker:

AFP member, Monica McDade has been a professional fundraiser since 1995 in Orange and San Diego Counties. Her previous background was 17 years in product sales and marketing, when she had a calling to “sell” nonprofit causes that she was truly passionate about. You name it, she’s done it: grants, corporate & individual giving, major gifts, matching gifts, planned gifts, events too numerous to mention, media and in-kind gifts, and helped build a children’s zoo with the completion of a capital campaign.