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Networking Groups

Networking Groups are AFP Genesee Valley Chapter’s answer to providing opportunities for fundraisers to meet and discuss specific topics. All of our networking groups are open to both members and non-members. AFPGV offers the following groups:

*NEW* Identity-Based Affinity Groups
The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Genesee Valley Chapter is excited to announce the launch of 6 Identity-Based Affinity Groups. Affinity groups provide safe spaces for fundraising professionals with shared identities to connect with each other, share resources, and provide each other support. These groups will be only for people who identify within these identities. All of our affinity groups are open to both members and non-members.
Each group is led by volunteer facilitators with that specific identity. The facilitators organize group meetups, facilitate meetings, and answer questions about resources for the group.

Emerging Leaders Networking Group Formerly Young Professionals Networking Group (YPNG)
A networking group for new and mid-career philanthropy professionals and fundraisers. Join this group to make connections with peers, gain deeper knowledge and grow in your career. Discussion topics will be most relevant for those who have been in the fundraising field for 7 or fewer years. To get involved with our growing group, email the co-moderators or come to an upcoming event. The event calendar can be found here. There is no cost to participate, and both AFP members and non-members are welcome to attend gatherings! For more information, contact Chloe Kay, the group facilitator.

The Grant Writers Network (GWN)
The Grant Writers Network of Rochester is an independent networking group geared toward individuals with two or more years of grant writing experience. Attendees are welcome from all backgrounds, and may be staff or freelancers, but the group generally focuses on moderate to advanced areas of grantsmanship. Occasionally, the GWN hosts special meetings and workshops for beginners and those interested in learning about the field. The GWN was formed in 2008, and while many group members are also members of AFPGV and/or the Grant Professionals Association – WNY and Finger Lakes Chapter, formal membership in any of these groups is not required to attend GWN meetings and events.

The GWN meets virtually on the second Wednesday of every month from 12-1 pm. Group meetings consist of guest speakers, varied discussion topics, and current events relevant to grants. For more information, please contact the group facilitator, Amy Hall, VP, Government Grants and Foundation Relations American Diabetes Association.

Higher Ed Networking Group
The Higher Ed Networking Group will provide an opportunity for fundraisers who work in higher ed, and those who are interested in working in higher ed to connect. Meetings are held at the University of Rochester in the Alumni Lounge and the Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center. For more information, please contact the group's facilitator, Devan Katsof.

Raiser's Edge Users' Group
Join us for this fun and informal discussion of all-things Raiser's Edge! Health care, education, foundations...all users are welcome to join. This group is specifically for database managers, gift processors, and others who want to discuss the day-to-day management of the Raiser's Edge database. The facilitator will prepare a topic to discuss, but members are encouraged to bring questions or topics for the group. AFPGV members and non-members are welcome to join. This group is facilitated by Ryan Hyde, Katherine Mannion, and Laurie Conlon.

Seasoned Advancement Professionals (SAP)
As the counterpart to the YP networking group, SAP is for seasoned fundraising professionals who support the efforts of a nonprofit, whether as part of their job description or in a volunteer role. The goal is to provide an opportunity to share unique concerns with peers who have already made longstanding commitments to nonprofits, the philanthropic community and/or the development profession. There is no cost to participate, and both AFP members and non-members are welcome to attend meetings. Participants may self-identify as a SAP member, based on either of these suggested criteria:

  • Identify oneself as a senior, seasoned or advanced fundraising professional
  • Have 15 to 20+ years experience in the fundraising profession 
  • The group also welcomes those who are transitioning into the profession from a prior career

The group is facilitated by Anne McKenna, CFRE. 

Small Shops 
The AFPGV Small Shops Networking Group is comprised of fundraising professionals who are part of a small fundraising team (or the only fundraiser) in their non-profit organization.  It is open to AFPGV members and non-members too and there is no fee to join.  Fundraisers in a "small shop" have unique concerns, questions, and opportunities.  The Group was created to allow for networking and sharing between and among small shop fundraisers.
 
The facilitator position of the Small Shops Networking Group is currently vacant. If you are interested in facilitating, reach out to our Chapter Administrator at [email protected].