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AFP Fundraising Day Brings 500 Non-Profiters Together
By Simren Deogun on June 7, 2011
On June 2, 2011, AFP sought to offer Something for Everyone – non-profit fundraisers and marketers alike – with its annual AFP Fundraising Day. With over 500 attendees, Brock and I think they did just that! Let us tell you why…
So, what did Simren take away from the event?
- I’ll openly admit – as I did a number of times on the day of – I am not a fundraiser. I’ve always been a marketer first, but, nevertheless, a marketer hoping to make a positive difference. And Fundraising Day gave me, more than anything else, beautiful stories, real inspiration and the voices of those who make it real.
- I am officially in love with Sidneyeve Matrix! For me, coming from a strong business and marketing background, she was fantastic at effectively synthesizing the current state of social media pages and profiles from a non-fundraiser’s perspective. Yes, she was all about tips, trends and tools, but I think that’s the perfect starting place for charities that want baseline social media understanding before delving into strategy.
- I learned that being a digital marketer in the non-profit sector often means being in between a rock and a hard place. Why? Simply because we often let the fear and risk of trying something new stand in our way. Anyone who’s talked to me knows that I’ll scream the success of digital from any rooftop – our presenters and conferences must start doing the same! That’s my hope for AFP and for all charities.
AND BROCK….
Unlike Simren, I consider myself a fundraiser first. Marketer is probably about twelfth or thirteenth on my list of things I think I am. I’ve been to AFP’s Fundraising Day many times, and was even on the volunteer organizing committee last year. So, I felt at home.
So, what did Brock take away from the event?
- Fundraisers need more opportunities to show their fellow fundraisers the passion they have for their cause. Once an experienced fundraiser is invited to speak on say, stewardship, they end up distancing themselves from the cause they fight for each day in order to teach a generic, sometimes bland session. I’d love to see more fundraisers teaching us without shedding the passion they have for their cause. It’s that passion that really makes you interesting! This was especially driven home for me in the “Fundraiser as Activist” panel made up of Sheherazade Hirji (Tides Canada), Rosemary Oliver (Amnesty International), and Rebecca Moershel (Greenpeace) and moderated by Krishan Mehta. This session was my highlight of the day.
- I can’t help wonder, are the days of doing a 60 minute presentation for 75+ people soon to be a thing of the past? I’m all for in-depth learning, but I think it is most useful for smaller groups in a master-class format. With the exception of moderated panel discussions, I noticed the attention and interest of many delegates would dip as the session crawled past the 30 and 45 minute mark. Now, I don’t expect AFP to throw their proven format out the window – but I’d love to see some experimentation in 2012. How about splitting a 60 minute session about Major Giving into three 20 minute presentations, from three speakers, with three different perspectives?
- If you want to have 509 people in tears in a matter of minutes, show them this video about The Jack Project.
Thanks AFP!
Love,
Simren & Brock
Sidneyeve Matrix wrote, on 13:15 at Jun 07, 2011
Many thanks for the kind shout-out and feedback on the presentation. Cheers
Christina Attard wrote, on 17:44 at Jun 07, 2011
Nice summaries and interesting to hear from the fundraising / marketing perspective. May I mention the Kingston presence in your post – Sidneyeve is a Queen’s Prof and The Jack Project video was made by VivaProductions, a local company here.
To reply to Simren: Some of your challenge in terms of digital marketing uptake might lie in some work needing to be done around ROI. On a shoestring budget with skeleton staff, lots of small non-profits aren’t sure about going that route until they understand the power. For the ones that do step out on a ledge, good for them, they deserve the success they receive, but many of us are all still learning about what that success can look like.
To reply to Brock: Like your concept of smaller master-classes. I guess it’s a function of attendees vs. presenters and the logistics of opening up a larger number of presentations. That’s why I like events like what you offer through the #YNPCanada programming – a chance to share passion in a smaller format, a chance to network and spend time sharing information, passion, stories in an intergenerational and interpersonal format.
It was wonderful spending the day with both of you and I learn so much from you both.
Christina
http://www.christinaattard.com
Simren Deogun wrote, on 10:08 at Jun 08, 2011
@Sidneyeve Matrix — Thanks for the comment. Truly was a pleasure hearing you speak and would love to touch base in the future for your thoughts on the growing impact of social media in the non-profit sector!
@Christina — Thanks! You’re absolutely right! Barriers in terms of dollars, resources and knowledge are undoubtedly prevalent and that’s why I’m such a strong advocate for educating NPOs about digital and providing them with real cases of success! It’s an uphill climb, but ST is committed to the challenge
.
We appreciate the kind words!
Cathy Marostica wrote, on 12:28 at Jun 08, 2011
Simren and Brock,
Thank you for your vital feedback. I love this! Definite food for thought for next year’s Fundraising Day (re: 60 min presentations – genius idea) and so pleased to see that fundraisers and non-fundraisers alike were inspired.
Cathy, Co-Chair, AFP Fundraising Day 2011
Brock Warner wrote, on 09:20 at Jun 09, 2011
@Cathy Thanks so much! A little after posting the blog I was a bit worried I came off a little too critical of the day, I really hope that isn’t how anyone interprets it. I had a blast, and can’t wait for the next.
@Christina The IFC hosted by the Resource Alliance each year, in the Netherlands I believe, seems to have found a balance between large plenaries, but also very small, detailed master-classes. It creates more work logistically with the need for more rooms, more teachers, etc. but it would be a great evolution of conferences here in Canada.
Brock
Paula Attfield wrote, on 08:35 at Jun 10, 2011
Great blog Brock and Simren. I didn’t get a chance to attend Fundraising Day but hear it was a great event! On that note, mark your calendars for the AFP Toronto Congress 2011 – November 28-30th. It’s going to be awesome
Paula Attfield wrote, on 08:38 at Jun 10, 2011
P.S. Brock, there will be some new session formats at the AFP Toronto Congress 2011. Details to be released soon, but I think you’ll approve.
Brock Warner wrote, on 09:20 at Jun 10, 2011
had no idea I was so powerful! Can’t wait to see what Congress has in store.