The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) East Central Illinois Chapter has been named a 2016 Ten Star and Friends of Diversity Designation Chapter. As one of 244 chapters of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the East Central Illinois Chapter’s mission is to advance fundraising and philanthropy throughout the Central Illinois communities of: Champaign-Urbana, Danville, Charleston, Mattoon, Effingham and Decatur.
Every year, AFP, the largest association of professional fundraisers in the world, honors chapters for achieving goals that align with key objectives in its long-range strategic plan.
Chapters receive the Ten Star Award for performing specific activities designed to increase professionalism within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy. Just one-third of all AFP chapters are named Ten Star Chapters, so the East Central Illinois Chapter is one of a select group of chapters to earn this honor.
Chapters receive the Friends of Diversity Designation for performing specific activities designed to increase diversity and inclusion within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy. Of the 244 chapters in AFP, 76 chapters received the 2016 Friends of Diversity Designation.
“This is a huge honor for the East Central Illinois Chapter,” said Julie Melton, President of the East Central Illinois Chapter of AFP. “Through the leadership of Winnie Crowder as 2016 President, we were able to set and achieve our goals in diversifying our reach in the communities that we serve. Our community of fundraising professionals continue to inspire us with the work that they do every day and we hope that our chapter continues to be a valuable resource.”
“I want to congratulate the East Central Illinois Chapter, which is playing a key role in the east central Illinois community in promoting diversity, ethical and effective fundraising and educating the public about the importance of philanthropy and wise giving,” said Jason Lee, Interim president and CEO of AFP. “Our Ten Star and Friends of Diversity Chapters have demonstrated outstanding programming and leadership for the fundraising, and I’m pleased to recognize their outstanding efforts. We need new ideas and perspectives to keep philanthropy strong and relevant, and reaching out to different populations ensures we bring everyone together and create a charitable mosaic reflective of our communities. I commend the East Central Illinois Chapter for taking a leadership role in this critical area and educating the public about the importance of diversity, fundraising and philanthropy.”
Criteria for the award are determined by AFP International Headquarters. A list of several goals is published annually, and chapters must accomplish these goals during the year and submit a nomination form for verification to be honored.
For more information on the Ten Star Award and Friends of Diversity Designation process, please visit www.afpnet.org.