Leading by Example: An Open Letter of Appreciation to the Golden Gate Chapter

While at the International Conference four years ago, a group of Conference attendees, led by Jim McBride of our chapter, saw the need to provide opportunities for people from diverse communities to come to the conference.  From that small gathering of conference attendees, a small fundraising movement was born.  The first scholarships were awarded to people attending the 2012 conference.

AFP’s Diverse Communities program allows any group of 25 or more fundraisers to identify as a community—and if that community grows to 100 or more members, a scholarship can be designated to members of that community.  To date, there are seven identified communities: African-American, Asian, Faith-based, Hispanic, Jewish, LGBT, and Rural.  Scholarships awards are $1,500, and 12 terrific fundraising professionals will be joining us in San Antonio because of these scholarships--including our own Jon Gilgoff, Founder and Director of Brothers on the Rise, and a member of the Golden Gate Chapter.

The Golden Gate Chapter has been a beacon of leadership and commitment to helping diversify the fundraising profession.  Last year, the Chapter was the only Chapter in the world to provide a named scholarship.  And just a little over two months into 2014, the Chapter has already secured the needed pledges to provide two scholarships to the 2015 conference.  This would be exemplary by itself — and Chapter members should be proud of this accomplishment — but the story runs deeper. 

Like many AFP Chapters, Golden Gate’s finances are ok, but not robust.  So, last year’s board committed to do a scholarship without expending chapter funds.  They passed a hat among themselves to fund the scholarship on behalf of the Chapter!

All of us should be proud of this Chapter accomplishment — and grateful to the board members who made this happen, through their personal generosity, in our name.  Please join me in thanking each and every one of them — and for the continuing and growing leadership they have shown this year.  We are in their debt for their generosity and leadership.  They have set the example for the entire AFP — and worldwide fundraising — community.

Sincerely,
David S. Disend
Golden Gate Chapter Member
AFP International Board Member
Chair, Diverse Communities Scholarships Task Force