How to Join the Association of Fundraising Professionals
The Association of Fundraising Professionals is an organization that anyone who is involved in fundraising can join. There are over 30,000 members in 213 chapters worldwide. This article will provide information on the different types of membership available and how to join.
Active Member - An active membership is open to those who have at least one year of experience in the fundraising profession at the time they apply. They must be either self-employed or work for an organization, group or firm as a paid employee. They must also hold some degree of accountability or income generation with the fundraising process, estimate at least 25% of their time is spent on responsibilities related to fundraising, subscribe to the Code of Ethical Principles and Standards and its bylaws, promote the Donor Bill of Rights, and must be currently employed, or have been employed in the past, by an institution or organization that provides benefits to society. The fee to become an active member is $250.00.
Introductory Member - Introductory memberships are available to people who are new employees in the fundraising field, those who are students at an institution that awards a degree, diploma or certificate in the field, people who work for a grassroots organization that has an operating budget of $250,000 or less, executive directors who spend less than 25% of their time on fundraising-related responsibilities and unpaid volunteers. Introductory members must subscribe to the Code of Ethical Principles and Standards and its bylaws, and promote the Donor Bill of Rights. One can only be an introductory member for two years, and the fee is $100.
Associate - Associate memberships may be extended to people who don't work directly in fundraising, but do work in fields related to fundraising. They may also be extended to volunteers or those who have a mutual interest with fundraising professionals and subscribe to the Code of Ethical Principles and Standards and its bylaws, and promote the Donor Bill of Rights. The fee to become an Associate member is $250.00
As you can see, there are a few different types of memberships one can choose from. All memberships can be applied for either by downloading the paper application from AFP's website, or filling out the online form located here. Joining the Association of Fundraising Professionals is a great way for those who are involved in fundraising to connect with other fundraising professionals. If you are interested in finding out more information about the Association of Fundraising Professionals and what they do, feel free to check out their website.