“Integrating Gift Planning into Major Gifts” & “Planned Giving Sans Resources – A Practical Plan for Doing Something”

Presented by Pamela Davidson

A joint CGPCO & AFP Event

10:30am-1:00pm

Central Ohio AFP New Website RFP

Central Ohio AFP is seeking responses to the Request For Proposals below for a new chapter website.  Response deadline is 7/31.

Access Full RFP

Central Ohio AFP Announces National Philanthropy Day Honorees

Community philanthropists and volunteers will be recognized in nine different categories during the 2019 Central Ohio National Philanthropy Day Awards ceremony on November 26, 2019. 

READ FULL ARTICLE

Central Ohio AFP Announces National Philanthropy Day Honorees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     May 16, 2019

Association of Fundraising Professionals Announces National Philanthropy Day Honorees

Community philanthropists and volunteers will be recognized in nine different categories during the 2019 Central Ohio National Philanthropy Day Awards ceremony on November 26, 2019.  Sponsored by the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the awards ceremony recognizes outstanding philanthropy and volunteerism in the Central Ohio area.

“Our honorees are making tremendous investments and impact to uplift our community,” said Laura Baker, President, AFP Central Ohio. “We salute their efforts to make a difference, we applaud their selfless giving and thank them their efforts to change our world for the better.”

2019 National Philanthropy Day recipients are:

The Columbus Foundation Outstanding Philanthropist: Phil and Barb Derrow

Native Ohioans, the Derrows have supported a variety of nonprofit organizations throughout Central Ohio, most recently making a very significant endowment fund creating the New Albany Center for Civil Discourse and Debate.  Mr. Derrow has been a model of philanthropy as President and CEO of Ohio Transmission Corp where he encourages his associates to also give, resulting in more than $235,000 in donations to Flying Horse Farms since 2010.

Outstanding Foundation: Ariel Foundation

The mission of the Ariel Foundation is to sustain the philanthropic vision of its founder, Karen Buchwald Wright, toward the quality of life and opportunity in Karen’s hometown of Mount Vernon, Ohio.  Each year, the Foundation awards several million dollars to local organizations promoting arts, culture, education and health.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Andrew Levitt

Also known as his drag persona Nina West, Andrew has been giving back to our community since his move here in 2001.  Andrew and Nina work philanthropy into performances, often encouraging the audience to give to a cause.  Andrew also established the Nina West Foundation via the Columbus Foundation, where more than $2 million has been raised to support local charities to date.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group: Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board

This diverse group of women lead by example.  In 1984 founding members envisioned a group of women who would broaden the base of support, promote and provide financial support for the Conservatory.  Raising more than $1.5 million dollars for the Conservatory through events like Field to Table.

Outstanding Small Business: Next Level Trainings

Since 2014, Next Level Trainings provides services to teams and individuals, unlocking their power, passion and purpose.  Their innovative Vision and Impact Program incorporates community service and transformational leadership training.  Next Level has raised $2.75-million for local organizations, creating a ripple of service and philanthropy throughout Central Ohio.

Big Lots! Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Bexley Sleep Out

Bexley Sleep Out Club was initiated in 2014 by Annalise Phelps, a Bexley High School Student who approached her teacher Anna Schottenstein with an idea to help homeless teens.  The Club organizes a night where youth sleep outside to gain perspective of the hardships faced by homeless teens.  Throughout the years, a total of $25,000 has been raised to benefit the YWCA, Star House and Huckleberry House.

Outstanding Large Corporation: American Electric Power

American Electric Power Foundation focuses on improving lives through education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and elimination of hunger. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, support healthcare and safety, art, music and cultural heritage.  Since 2016, AEP Foundation has committed nearly $175 million to serve people and communities.

Leave a LegacyJoe Chlapaty

Joe Chlapaty is retired Chairman and CEO of Advanced Drainage Systems and has spent a lifetime in philanthropy, supporting numerous nonprofit organizations with a lifetime giving history in the tens of millions of dollars.  His nomination came from the Columbus Foundation, where Joe made an estate commitment to establish a permanent eight-figure endowment fund which will act as an enduring, strategic investment in our community by helping address emerging needs in perpetuity.   This award is selected and presented by Charitable Gift Planners of Central Ohio.

Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Donna Zuiderweg

Donna Zuiderweg has dedicated her philanthropy career to two organizations that have deep impact in our community: The Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.  Donna’s strategic leadership skills garnered record breaking, multi-million dollar capital, planned and annual giving amounts which support the long term vision and sustainability plans for both organizations.  Her work leads to a healthier and more robust community for us all.

National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is a special day set aside to promote philanthropy and recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that are inspiring change through their significant impact on nonprofit organizations. Each day, generous benefactors and volunteers make a difference to people across a spectrum of nonprofit organizations from the arts to education to social services and everything in between. The National Philanthropy Day Luncheon is the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals annual, signature event taking place Tuesday November 26th, 2019 at the Hilton Columbus, where people representing businesses, nonprofits, philanthropists and volunteers come together to celebrate our vibrant philanthropic community of Central Ohio.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents 37,000 members in 186 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and China working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs. The Central Ohio Chapter of AFP has more than 400 members from 230 nonprofits, consulting firms and corporations in Central Ohio.

Membership Spotlight: Elizabeth Kane

Elizabeth Kane, Major Gift Officer, Otterbein University

Tell us a little about your organization. Mission? Population you serve? What do you like most about working there?  

Otterbein University is a private, four-year liberal arts college in Westerville, OH. We are leading the country in integrating real-life experiences with classroom learning to help each student grow as a whole person. From my first day on campus, Otterbein has felt like a family. The faculty, staff, and even alumni are incredibly welcoming. It’s easy to see that everyone has our students’ best interests at heart and is invested in making sure they leave the university equipped with the skills to have successful futures.

How long have you been an AFP member, and what has your involvement been?

I’ve been an AFP member for 5 years now. After receiving a scholarship to attend the Fundamentals of Fundraising course, I’ve been volunteering with the Membership Committee and am currently the outgoing chair of the committee.

What do you consider the most valuable part of your AFP membership?

Hands down, the most valuable part of my AFP experience has been networking. My involvement in AFP has allowed me to meet people at the start of their careers, like myself, all the way to seasoned professionals. The guidance, knowledge, and relationships I’ve gained through my involvement with AFP have been invaluable.

How long have you been in fundraising, and how did you get into it?      

I’ve been in fundraising for about 5 years. I was working in Human Resources at OSU while completing my Master in Public Administration when I took a class taught by Lori Overmyer. Before Lori’s class, I knew I wanted to work in nonprofits, but through this class I fell in love with fundraising.

What is your favorite part about working in Columbus? Favorite place to go?

There are so many things I love about working and living in Columbus, but my top would have to be the amazing nonprofit community. Columbus is full of so many organizations that do great work and work together to make our community the strongest it can be. Also, the restaurant scene in Columbus is awesome. There is so much amazing food to try here! My favorite place to grab a quick bite is Condado’s Tacos, but for an amazing brunch or dinner I go for Starliner Diner.

Tell us a fun fact about you that other AFP members wouldn’t know.

I was an anthropology major in undergrad and spent most of my time in college wanting to be a primatologist. While my career took a bit of a different path, I still love primates and am known to occasionally break out some fun facts.

What has been your biggest success in your career?

Honestly, closing that first gift. That’s the moment when I thought “I can actually do this!” and all the stress and uncertainty were replaced with the feeling of satisfaction in knowing I helped someone invest in something they’re passionate about and helped them make the difference in the world they wanted to see.

What has been your biggest learning opportunity in your career?

Experiencing staff turnover. Unfortunately, fundraising can have a lot of turnover. While those times are filled with lots of challenges and uncertainty, they have also been the times where I’ve learned the most professionally and even personally.

Where would you take your dream vacation?

The Galapagos Islands. We studied them a lot in my anthropology classes in undergrad. Being able to see giant tortoises and penguins on the same island blows my mind!

What is one thing your organization does really well?

It’s hard to choose one thing Otterbein does really well! But right now I am most excited about our new Tuition Transparency initiative that continues our commitment to making college more affordable. With Tuition Transparency, families will know, before even enrolling, how much tuition will increase each year of the student’s four-year degree. This allows students and their families the opportunity to plan for increases and not be caught off guard halfway through their education.

Do you have a favorite book/blog/podcast/etc. that has been very helpful in your career that you’d like to recommend?

Jerold Panas’ “Asking” was recently suggested to me. It’s a really quick read, specifically “A 59-minute guide,” and has a lot of solid advice and suggestions on the basics.

 

Posted December 2018

Member Spotlight: Valerie Heiby

 

Valerie Heiby, Director of Development, Finance Fund Capital Corporation

Tell us a little about your organization. Mission? Population you serve? What do you like most about working there?  

Finance Fund Capital Corporation (FCAP), the certified non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) affiliate of Finance Fund, made its first loan in 2006. FCAP is primarily focused on small business lending in low-and moderate-income communities with focus on healthy foods, community facilities, health and wellness, education and manufacturing.  Our mission is to provide access to capital to promote development in low-income communities.

My favorite part of working for our organization is that we restore hope to people that need it and provide access to opportunities that would not normally exist.

How long have you been an AFP member, and what has your involvement been?

I have been an AFP member for over 15 years. I enjoy the networking lunches although cannot attend monthly. I appreciate the information and research that is provided to AFP members and the events that I have attended over the years.

What do you consider the most valuable part of your AFP membership?

The member training events are the most valuable to me and my staff.

How long have you been in fundraising, and how did you get into it?      

I have worked for the Finance Fund for almost 23 years. I became the Director of Development 15 years ago and focused 100% of my time on fundraising. It is truly the passion for the mission that keeps me going year after year.

What is your favorite part about working in Columbus? Favorite place to go?

I love working in downtown Columbus.  My favorite part about it is simply walking around downtown to site see and people watch. Downtown has changed so much over the years, so there is never a dull moment.  Columbus has a lot to offer and is constantly expanding professionally and culturally.

Tell us a fun fact about you that other AFP members wouldn’t know.

I’ve have been married for 25 years, and we have 4 children. Our family is dedicated to volunteering and helping others. When I’m not working and spending time with family, I’m volunteering either at church, band, or serving on boards of great nonprofits.

What has been your biggest success in your career?

I would say that my biggest success is launching FCAP’s Healthy Food for Ohio (HFFO) program through many collaborative partnerships; however, this program helped to build a grocery store in Vinton County. Prior, there was not a single grocery store in the entire county for over 4 years.

The Healthy Food for Ohio (HFFO) program is a public-private partnership that provides loans and grants to food retailers to develop new or renovate existing fresh food retail in underserved communities throughout Ohio. The program helps to overcome funding gaps and barriers faced by food retailers operating in low-to moderate-income areas and will help finance costs and fill credit needs not typically addressed by traditional financial institutions. The HFFO program aims to increase access to affordable, fresh food in underserved areas, improving health and economic development for Ohio’s communities.

What has been your biggest learning opportunity in your career?

My biggest learning opportunity has been working on government applications that, when successful, help us to incentivize community development and economic growth through funds that attract private investment to distressed communities.

Where would you take your dream vacation?

My dream vacation would be to travel cross-country with my family in an RV.  And, yes with all of that craziness, we would definitely need to stop and relax on as many beaches as we could find. ?

What is one thing your organization does really well?

FCAP is really good at providing capital to help low-income communities.

Do you have a favorite book/blog/podcast/etc. that has been very helpful in your career that you’d like to recommend?

(Book): The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

  1. Be impeccable with your word.
  2. Don’t take anything personally.
  3. Don’t make assumptions.
  4. Always do your best.

Posted November 2018

Member Spotlight: Laura MacDonald, CFRE

Laura MacDonald, CFRE, President, Benefactor Group

Tell us a little about your organization. Mission? Population you serve? What do you like most about working there?  

We are a full-service consulting firm with a team of 15 professionals. Our mission is to “serve those who serve the common good ™”. In addition to serving great clients all around the country, the firm’s stature has also given me the opportunity to participate in national initiatives, such as the creation of Giving USA© each year.

How long have you been an AFP member, and what has your involvement been?

I first joined in the late 1980’s, I believe. I’ve served on the local board and spoken to local chapters and regional and national gatherings. I was honored to be selected Fundraising Professional of the Year. I’ve also written articles for Advancing Philanthropy.

What do you consider the most valuable part of your AFP membership?
The organization’s adherence to ethical standards.

How long have you been in fundraising, and how did you get into it?      

In the mid 1980’s I switched from a position in corporate communications (senior writer-producer for Wendy’s). I joined a consulting firm that sent me around the country to write campaign cases for support and supervise the production of campaign marketing materials. I stayed there for 12 years and then went to Ohio State’s development team during the “Affirm They Friendship” campaign. I founded Benefactor Group in 2000.

What is your favorite part about living/working in Columbus? Favorite place to go?

As much as I travel, I am always delighted to come home to Columbus. It’s such a livable city – with all of the arts & culture, sports, and amenities of larger cities, but without the traffic and other hassles.

Tell us a fun fact about you that other AFP members wouldn’t know.

I am an avid angler (fly fishing) – a passion I picked up when I worked on the campaign for the Fishing Hall of Fame.

What has been your biggest success in your career?

Attracting a great team that has helped build a successful firm working with exciting, impactful clients.

What has been your biggest learning opportunity in your career?

When the firm was invited to join the Giving Institute in 2009, we had an opportunity to tap into a deep reservoir of thought leadership and a network of talented colleagues.

Where would you take your dream vacation?

Wherever my husband, daughter/son-in-law, and four grandchildren are gathered! The perfect spot would be next to a mountain stream brimming with trout, with hiking trails and great restaurants nearby.

What is one thing your organization does really well?

Strengthen nonprofit organizations – whether we’re developing fundraising strategy, finding the right talent, optimizing technology, or working with boards.

Do you have a favorite book/blog/podcast/etc. that has been very helpful in your career that you’d like to recommend?

Well, Si Seymour’s “Designs for Fundraising” is still a classic after 50+ years. For something more contemporary, I’m quite taken with the work of the behavioral economists working on the Science of Philanthropy Initiative, especially Dr. John List.

 

Posted October, 2018