Chapter Leadership Brief 10.06.2023

By Rafi Kronzon, CEO, Altourage

Nonprofit organizations have become prime targets for cyberattacks, often finding themselves in the crosshairs of malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in their systems and steal sensitive data. These nonprofits, driven by their noble missions to make a positive impact on society, are confronting a sinister reality: cybersecurity horror stories that can wreak havoc on their operations and tarnish their reputations. 

From data breaches exposing donors' personal information to crippling ransomware attacks that paralyze vital services, these harrowing tales serve as cautionary reminders of the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures within the nonprofit sector. 

In this article, we delve into some of the most chilling cybersecurity incidents faced by nonprofit organizations and, more importantly, provide actionable insights on how they can fortify their defenses to avoid becoming the next victim of this digital nightmare.

The Tale of Stolen Donor Data

A common horror story involves a nonprofit falling victim to a massive data breach. Cybercriminals infiltrate the organization's database and steal sensitive donor information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and even credit card details. This kind of breach not only puts the privacy of donors at risk, but also erodes the trust the nonprofit has likely worked hard to build over the years.

How to avoid it:

1. Regularly update and patch your software and systems to protect against vulnerabilities.
2. Implement robust encryption measures to safeguard sensitive donor information.
3. Conduct thorough security audits and penetration tests to identify and rectify potential weaknesses.
4. Educate your staff and volunteers about the importance of data security and the risks of phishing attacks.

Ransomware Nightmare

Imagine the horror of a nonprofit organization waking up to find that all their files and databases have been encrypted and held hostage by ransomware attackers. The criminals demand a hefty ransom in exchange for the decryption key, putting the organization in a dire situation. The nonprofit has no choice but to pay the ransom, draining valuable resources that could have been used for their mission.

How to avoid it:

1. Regularly back up all critical data and store it in offline or secure cloud locations.
2. Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and prevent ransomware attacks.
3. Educate staff on recognizing phishing emails and suspicious attachments.
4. Develop an incident response plan to quickly contain and mitigate the effects of a ransomware attack.

Phishing Expedition

Even a nonprofit organization's most savvy employees can be victim to a cleverly crafted phishing email. The attackers impersonated a trusted colleague and tricked employees into revealing login credentials. Armed with these credentials, the cybercriminals gained unauthorized access to the organization's network, siphoning funds from accounts and causing extensive damage.

How to avoid it:

1. Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and provide regular refresher courses.
2. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to login processes.
3. Establish strict access controls and limit access to sensitive systems and data.
4. Conduct phishing simulation exercises to assess staff readiness and identify areas for improvement.

Social Media Hijacking

A nonprofit organization's social media accounts can be prime targets to be hijacked by cybercriminals. The attackers can post false information and solicit funds under the organization's name, damaging its reputation and causing confusion among supporters. It can take several days to regain control of the accounts and restore trust, and by that point, significant damage can already be done.

How to avoid it:

1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all social media accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Monitor social media channels regularly for suspicious activity and unauthorized posts.
3. Educate your social media managers on the importance of strong password management.
4. Develop a social media crisis communication plan to respond quickly to account breaches.

Insider Threats Unveiled

One of the most harrowing tales of cybersecurity horror involves an insider threat within a nonprofit organization. An employee with access to sensitive information and data decides to misuse this privilege for personal gain. The employee steals donor data and confidential documents, causing significant damage to the organization's reputation and donor trust.

How to avoid it:

1. Conduct thorough background checks and reference checks on all employees and volunteers.
2. Implement strict access controls and limit access to sensitive information based on job roles.
3. Continuously monitor and audit user activity within your organization's systems.
4. Encourage a culture of trust, but verify employee actions through regular reviews.

Conclusion

These horrifying, but not uncommon, cybersecurity stories from nonprofit organizations should serve as cautionary tales for all. The evolving threat landscape makes it imperative for nonprofits to take proactive steps to protect their data, reputation, and mission.

By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, training staff, and staying vigilant, nonprofits can ensure they are not the next victims of cyberattacks.

Here are some high-level key takeaways to help nonprofit organizations avoid becoming horror stories themselves:

1. Prioritize cybersecurity as a critical aspect of your organization's operations.
2. Invest in cybersecurity infrastructure and regularly update systems and software.
3. Educate staff, volunteers, and stakeholders about the risks of cyberattacks and the importance of following security protocols.
4. Develop and practice an incident response plan to mitigate the impact of potential breaches.
5. Monitor your organization's digital footprint and respond promptly to any signs of suspicious activity.

Rafi Kronzon
Rafi Kronzon is the CEO of Altourage, an IT & Cybersecurity provider, with a focus on the Nonprofit sector. Altourage offers Support Services, Cybersecurity Solutions, Cloud & Infrastructure Management and Business Transformation Consulting. www.Altourage.com

Chapter Leadership Brief 9.8.2023

By: Bre Alexander
Content Marketing Manager, iWave

Giving is an inherent part of human nature, driven by the desire to improve the world. While pursuing world betterment remains a driving force, deeper motivations have emerged – reward and social connection.

As we explore the reasoning behind giving, we uncover that beneath the surface, the emotional gratification we receive from kindness motivates us.

Let’s dive in.

Why Do People Give?

Like many of us, donors and volunteers are motivated to make the world a better place. It’s what you should do, after all. However, that’s not the primary motivator for generosity. The biggest motivator for charitable giving is reward and social attachment. We give because it feels good. Those good vibes connect us to others. While perhaps viewed as a selfish motivation, it simply means people feel happy when they’re being kind, and that’s pretty rad.

Giving to charity shapes and strengthens our values. Humans have a moral compass that directs us to help others. Another main reason that donors give is that they were asked! Don’t underestimate the power of asking!

Top Reasons People Give

We understand why people give, but what are the primary motivators for giving?

Drawing from the Network For Good’s survey of 3,000 donors, let's delve into the top seven reasons why donors give:

1. Donors are mission-driven
Mission-driven Donors have a deep-seated alignment with an organization's goals, values, and purpose. They are drawn to causes that resonate with their personal beliefs and convictions.

2. Donors trust your organization
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship. This is true of the donor-nonprofit dynamic. Donors who trust your organization believe in your integrity, transparency, and effective use of resources.

3. Donors understand their impact
Donors who understand the impact and importance of their contributions are more likely to remain engaged and motivated to give. They seek clarification on how their support has led to positive change and improvements.

4. Donors have a personal connection to your cause
A personal connection, like a family member or themselves, receiving your services is a potent driver for donor engagement. Donors who share a personal history or emotional tie to your organization's mission will likely be more invested.

5. Donors want to be a part of something meaningful
We all want to be part of something larger than ourselves. This is especially true when it comes to your donors. They are motivated to contribute to meaningful change and positive impact.

6. Donors are engaged
Engaged donors are involved beyond the act of giving. They participate in events, volunteer, and assist with fundraising campaigns. These donors have a vested interest in the organization's activities.

7. Donors want tax benefits
A more practical motivator, the want for tax benefits remains a factor in charitable giving. Donors will often take advantage of tax deductions to maximize the impact of their contributions. However, it's important to remember that while tax benefits may initially attract donors, it's other factors that ultimately sustain their support over time.

Strategies for Distinctiveness in a Crowded Landscape

Many donors generously support more than one nonprofit, and that’s great. But how do you ensure that your nonprofit is included? Just like in sales showcasing your uniqueness and how your organization wholeheartedly fulfills its mission is crucial.

Crafting a Compelling Proposition: Clearly outline what sets your organization apart and how it achieves its mission. This should be a concise, compelling statement that shines a light on your achievements.

Know your target audience: Understand their pain points, preferences, and behaviors. Tailor your messaging to resonate with their specific desires, values, and needs.

Personalization: Personalization shows that you care about the individual. Thanking your donors can go a long way in ensuring your donors return and spread the word about your cause.

Transparency and Trust: Build trust in your organization by being transparent with what’s going on behind the scenes. Let your donors know what you’re doing and what’s needed. Transparency and trust will help you build lasting donor relationships.

Social proof: Showcase positive feedback, testimonials, case studies and endorsements from happy volunteers and donors.

Unique Branding and Identity: Develop a memorable, distinctive identity that reflects your values as an organization that will resonate with your target audience. You want to be instantly recognizable in the mix.

By embracing the intricacies of giving and integrating strategies highlighting your organization’s individuality, you pave the way for a culture of enduring donor support. This journey is a testament to the multi-faceted nature of human generosity – a journey that intertwines selflessness, personal fulfillment, and a shared commitment to creating a better world.

Bre Alexander

Bre Alexander is a content marketing manager at iWave. She has a diploma in Marketing and Advertising Management and has found her passion for empowering nonprofit organizations through her work. A self-proclaimed geek, Bre has used her unique skill set and experience to create engaging content and help implement new processes. Bre is outgoing, creative, and determined to continuously learn and grow.

Chapter Leadership Brief 8.25.23

By Brently Winstead, Director of Development, The Child Center of NY

When I joined The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) many years ago. I was not aware of the multitude of benefits AFP would bring me. In the spirit of sharing, I would like to express all the positive benefits I have and continue to experience as a member of the Local NYC Chapter and Global AFP.

Being a member of the AFP at both the global and local levels can offer numerous benefits to fundraising professionals. AFP is a respected international organization that provides resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for individuals involved in fundraising and philanthropy. Here are some reasons why being a member of AFP at both levels can be beneficial to you:

Global Level Benefits:

1. Networking Opportunities: AFP connects fundraising professionals from all over the world, allowing you to build a global network of colleagues, mentors, and potential partners. This can expand your knowledge, share best practices, and stay updated on international trends. An example of this is being a part of the committees and affinity groups that AFP Global has. All committees and affinity groups are open to anyone who wishes to participate. The only requirement is that you are an AFP member.

2. Access to Resources: Being a global member provides access to a wide range of resources, including research reports, case studies, and toolkits that can help you enhance your fundraising skills and strategies. In addition, AFP Global has many resources to help you obtain CFRE credits.

3. Professional Development: AFP offers national and international conferences, webinars, workshops, and seminars that cover cutting-edge fundraising techniques, leadership skills, ethical considerations, and more. These opportunities can help you stay at the forefront of the latest and greatest trends and best practices in the fundraising sector.

4. Recognition and Credibility: Being associated with a globally recognized professional organization like AFP can enhance your professional credibility and reputation, both within your organization and in the broader fundraising community.

5. Advocacy and Representation: AFP advocates for the fundraising profession globally, engaging with policymakers and advocating for ethical and effective fundraising practices. As a member, you contribute to these efforts and help shape the future of fundraising.

Local Level Benefits:

1. Community Connection: Joining a local AFP chapter allows you to connect with fundraising professionals in your region. This provides opportunities for in-person networking, local insights, and building relationships that can lead to collaboration. I personally enjoy being a part of my committee, it’s a great way to meet new fundraisers from many backgrounds and from various service areas within the non-profit sector.

2. Tailored Learning: Local chapters often offer events and resources that are specifically relevant to your regional context. This can include discussions about local regulations, cultural considerations, and specific challenges faced by fundraisers in your area.

3. Professional Growth: Local AFP chapters provide a platform for professional growth through workshops, seminars, and discussions. You can learn from experienced fundraisers in your community and exchange practical insights.

4. Support System: Fundraising can be challenging, and being part of a local AFP chapter provides you with a supportive community where you can share experiences, seek advice, and find mentorship.

5. Local Impact: By participating in local AFP activities, you contribute to the growth and development of the fundraising profession in your community. This can have a direct positive impact on local nonprofit organizations and causes.

In conclusion, being a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals at both the global and local levels can provide you with a comprehensive range of benefits that enhance your skills, broaden your network, and contribute to the advancement of the fundraising profession both internationally and within your local community.

Chapter Leadership Brief 08.11.2023

The Association of Fundraising Professionals New York City Chapter proudly presents an engaging organic conversation, highlighting the intersectionality of three major milestones in Black community fundraising occurring this August 2023: Black Philanthropy Month, the 50th Year of Hip Hop (Friday, August 11th), and National Nonprofit Day (Thursday, August 17th).

Chevelle Dixon, Founder and Managing Director of Pan-African Solutions Consulting LLC, moderated an engaging organic conversation with Dr. Meisha Porter, President and CEO of the Bronx Community Foundation, and with Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Community Foundation.

All expressed their love for their respective Bronx and Brooklyn communities and Hip Hop, and how they exercise this "Love In Action" through leading their organizations to fill funding priorities and gaps in New York City individually and collaboratively. They conclude with calls to action in support of Black community fundraising.

Dr. Meisha Porter is The Bronx Community Foundation’s inaugural President and CEO. Through her work at The Bronx Community Foundation she leads the efforts to support and invest in community power to eradicate inequity and build sustainable futures for all Bronxites. Dr. Porter previously held the position of Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, the first Black woman in this role. Dr. Porter has deep roots in the Bronx having started her career as a youth organizer which ultimately led to the creation of The Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice (LGJ), the first Urban Assembly school. Dr. Porter holds a B.A. in English with a concentration in Cross Cultural Literature from Hunter College, a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Mercy College and an Ed.D from Fordham University. Dr. Porter sits on the boards of the Municipal Credit Union, The Urban Assembly, New Visions for Public Schools and BuildOn. 

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, Ed.D. is the President and CEO of The Brooklyn Community Foundation.  In this role she oversees and develops strategic initiatives, innovative programs, and community-centered philanthropic services that embody the Foundation’s deep commitment to racial justice while furthering its mission to spark lasting social change for a fair and just Brooklyn. A graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, Dr. Rainey holds a master’s in administration from Metropolitan College and a doctorate in Leadership from St. John Fisher College. Dr. Rainey is a member of the New York City Workforce Development Board, and a trustee of both the New York College of Technology Foundation Board and the Mark Morris Dance Group Board. Dr. Rainey is the recipient of several prestigious honors, including being named one of The Network Journal’s 25 Influential Black Women in Business in 2016 and one of Crain’s Notable Black Leaders and Executives in 2021 and 2023.

Chevelle Dixon is the Founder and Managing Director of Pan-African Solutions Consulting LLC, a strategic planning consulting services firm that assists Black Diaspora-focused nonprofit organizations, philanthropic donors, and government agencies with cooperative economic development in Africa, the Caribbean, and urban communities in the United States. Established in 2013, the firm gained Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) certification with New York City in 2020 and with New York State in 2023. Chevelle hails from Brooklyn, New York and firmly believes in the power of Black Diaspora cooperation to uplift marginalized communities through education and economic development. She graduated from NYU with a Master of Urban Planning and International Development, and from Harvard University with a joint A.B. in Economics and African Studies.

Chapter Leadership Brief 07.28.2023

By Crystal Fields-Sam, IDEA Committee Chair, AFP NYC Board Member

It is important now more than ever to incorporate and promote IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) into all aspects of fundraising work.  It requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. Inclusion is the cornerstone of a thriving fundraising ecosystem. Embracing diversity fosters creativity, broadens our reach, and enables us to engage with a wider range of donors. It is essential to ensure that all fundraising professionals have equitable opportunities to thrive and succeed, regardless of their background or identity. Access is the gateway to a more inclusive fundraising profession. We must actively work to break down barriers that hinder individuals from underserved communities from entering and excelling in the fundraising field. 

 Here are some strategies that a fundraiser can implement to promote IDEA:

1. Internal Organizational Culture: Foster an inclusive and diverse organizational culture by promoting open communication, actively seeking diverse perspectives, and ensuring all team members feel valued and respected. Establish clear policies that promote equity and fairness within the organization.
    
2. Training and Education: Provide regular training and workshops on unconscious bias, cultural competence, and diversity awareness to all staff members. This will help raise awareness and sensitivity towards different perspectives and experiences.
    
3. Inclusive Fundraising Strategies: Develop fundraising strategies that consider the needs and preferences of diverse donor communities. Tailor outreach and communication efforts to connect with different demographics effectively.
    
4. Community Engagement: Engage with and build relationships with diverse communities, including those that have been historically marginalized. Listen to their needs and aspirations, and involve them in shaping fundraising initiatives that directly impact their communities.
    
5. Equitable Resource Allocation: Ensure that resources are allocated fairly and equitably among different programs and communities. Address any disparities to provide equal support and opportunities for all initiatives.
    
6. Inclusive Language and Imagery: Be mindful of the language and imagery used in fundraising materials to avoid reinforcing stereotypes or excluding specific groups. Aim for inclusive messaging that resonates with a diverse audience.
    
7. Accessibility and Inclusivity at Events: Make fundraising events accessible and inclusive by considering various needs, such as physical accessibility, language interpretation, and dietary restrictions.
    
8. Diversity in Partnerships: Collaborate with diverse organizations and partners to expand networks and create more inclusive fundraising campaigns.
    
9. Data Collection and Evaluation: Collect and analyze data on the demographics of donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries. Use this information to identify areas for improvement and track progress in promoting IDEA.
    
10. Transparent Decision-Making: Practice transparent and inclusive decision-making processes within the fundraising team and involve stakeholders from diverse backgrounds in major decisions.
     
11. Mentorship and Support: Provide mentorship and support programs for fundraising professionals from underrepresented communities to help them advance their careers and succeed in the field.
     
12. Accountability and Assessment: Regularly assess and evaluate the organization's progress in promoting IDEA. Hold leadership and staff accountable for upholding inclusive practices and values.

AFP NYC's chapter leadership fully embraces IDEA ideals and works tirelessly to incorporate the actionable practices listed above by encouraging a culture of continuous learning and staying updated on best practices for promoting IDEA in the fundraising sector. It goes without saying but...I feel I should mention diverse hiring and Board recruitment is a tried and true way of incorporating IDEA. It should not be ignored or minimized. 

By actively seeking out diverse candidates during the hiring process, implementing blind hiring techniques to mitigate bias, incorporating IDEA ideals can play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible fundraising profession that truly reflects the communities they serve. It is my pleasure to be an AFP NYC Board member and Chair of the IDEA committee.   We are currently recruiting IDEA committee members and welcome adding you to our amazing IDEA think tank!

With gratitude,

Crystal Fields-Sam
IDEA Committee Chair 
AFP NYC Board Member

Chapter Leadership Brief 7.14.23

By Sonya Shields, Executive Director and President, Cause Effective 

On July 1, I became Cause Effective’s fourth Executive Director and President.  A forty-year-old leading nonprofit capacity builder that has partnered with over 7,000 organizations to fuel social justice and human rights.  I am the organization’s first leader of color, following Judy Levine, who held the position for sixteen years.  Being a Black queer woman to take the helm brings me tremendous pride.  I’m especially energized to lead Cause Effective into this next chapter during a time of continued racial unrest in this country.  I am fully embracing this position as an opportunity to center diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within every area of our work in partnership with the staff, Board, and stakeholders.

The past few years has been a time of transition within nonprofit organizations due to the turnover in leadership and resignations at every level.  In the wake of the COVID pandemic we saw a movement to hire BIPOC CEOs and Executive Directors who followed White leadership, and then we witnessed many of the same BIPOC leaders leave those positions within a short period.  I believe the core reason why BIPOC leaders did not work out is because of White Supremacy culture.  While many organizations were committed to hiring a leader of color, they weren’t prepared to make some fundamental changes in how they operate.  When a Black or Brown leader joins an organization and begins to push against those White Supremacy characteristics, it creates tension for those on the Board and within the organization who are not working from a place of trust and collaboration.  Working in collaboration with Black and Brown leaders means embracing their full identity.  It’s welcoming their lived experiences, standpoint, vision, creativity, and their voice.  It requires a Board that empowers the BIPOC leader to lead, and the Board creates space to examine their own views on what equity and inclusion means and takes steps to put it into practice.  It’s actively working to remain conscious of the challenges a BIPOC leader will face and having a staff and Board that is partnering in their success.  

I have worked for thirty years as a nonprofit executive and fully recognized that my multiple identities are an asset in the nonprofit sector.  But within several organizations, I experienced bias, microaggressions, and blatant racism.  I have been treated unfairly.  Left traumatizing work situations. We all know discrimination takes place within organizations, and it’s no longer enough to know it.  The nonprofit sector must move beyond the intellectual into the application, which is taking the much-needed step to get comfortable with sometimes being uncomfortable.  Movement towards social justice and equity is through allyship and action.  It’s examining governance, the culture of the organization, and dismantling management practices, systems and processes that are not inclusive and equitable.  It’s embracing BIPOC people in leadership positions as partners in change management that centers DEI, so the nonprofit sector can strengthen their movements and build lasting social change.

Today, I talked to the Cause Effective team as the new leader for the first time. We all recognized the significance of the moment, and what we can co-create together. Prior to that meeting, I was at Robin Hood Foundation talking to one of their peer groups about the path to centering DEI in fundraising strategies.  My entire day, like most days, was showing up with multiple identities, being as authentic as I can possibly be in every moment and working on DEI.  It’s a daily practice in my life.  It’s not something that I get around to doing, and it’s more than my work at Cause Effective.  It’s part of my life’s work because I think about racism and oppression in this country, the state of poverty, hate crimes, attacks against immigrants and the LGBTQ community, the threat to reproductive rights, voter suppression, and the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, and so much more. 

I will always honor my multiple identities and work toward our collective liberation.

Chapter Leadership Brief 6.30.2023

Erica Joy West, Charitable Investment Counselor, BVMI

If you're looking at your calendar today and thinking, "Wait a minute, it can’t really be June 30th already!? Where is this year going?" Well, you're not alone. It seems like just yesterday we were clinking champagne glasses and setting New Year’s resolutions— And now I’m sitting here googling “NYC sensory deprivation tanks” to retreat from the intense fiscal year-end push. 

​So now what!? Well, aside from any anxiety you might be feeling, the midway point in the year is, actually, a perfect time to reflect on what has already passed and what is still ahead of you.

I like to plan a mid-year check-in both personally and professionally on the Summer Solstice. The word "solstice" itself is derived from the Latin words "sol," meaning sun, and "sistere," meaning to stand still. During the Solstice, as I watch the sun pause in its journey across the sky before it changes direction, I’m too reminded to pause and take inventory before I shift into the second half of the year.

Wherever you are with your fundraising or personal goals, no matter how far behind you think you are, with six months remaining in the year, you have plenty of time to make changes and produce growth.

Take inventory: What went well?  What didn’t go well? What can you do differently? These simple questions will allow you to see where you need to focus your time and energy over the next six months. In the nonprofit world, we tend to try and focus on everything at the same time. Because everything is important, right? Well, despite these grand expectations, you can’t do everything… at once. You have to choose which strategies will get your attention. When you can let go of everything else and approach your goals with a targeted focus, you’ll surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

Chapter Leadership Brief 6.16.2023

By CJ Orr,
Chief Operating Officer, Orr Group

Today marks another exciting chapter in our journey as AFP-NYC hosts the annual Fundraising Day in New York conference. With over 1000 attendees, 60+ speakers, 2 keynote speakers, roundtable sessions, mentorship sessions, and more than 30 sponsors, this conference is one of our most vibrant and enriching gatherings yet.

This conference is more than just a day of learning and networking. It's an opportunity to engage with industry leaders, share experiences, and gain insights that can propel your fundraising efforts forward. Each session has been carefully curated to ensure that it brings value to your work, and our keynote speakers (Wendy Sealy and Amy Freitag) are renowned figures who are sure to inspire us all. The roundtable sessions will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on pertinent topics, while our mentorship sessions offer a chance for personal and professional growth.

But let's not forget the true essence of this conference - the opportunity for us to come together as a community. We may all have our unique roles in the nonprofit sector, but we share the same commitment: to make the world a better place. Our past conferences have seen attendees become colleagues, and colleagues become friends. This year is no different. 

See you in the ballroom!

Best, CJ

Chapter Leadership Brief 6.2.2023

By Christa Orth
Co-Vice Chair of AFP-NYC’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Committee
Founder + CEO, Seaworthy Fundraising

LGBTQ+ Pride marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprisings of 1969, led by a majority of trans women of color. Stonewall commemorates community resistance against state violence and discrimination. 

Pride season has an urgent meaning this year. 

This year, we are living through a time of unprecedented political backlash, with 530 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in legislatures around the U.S. so far in 2023. Seventy five percent of transgender youth in the South now live in a state where a ban on gender affirming care has passed.

LGBTQ+ fundraisers are going through a lot these days, especially those who have intersecting identities, like Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, and people with disabilities.

As a white, queer, nonbinary fundraiser, it has been difficult to show up amidst the pain and fear of this targeted assault on LGBTQ+ communities, including me and my loved ones. The stripping of human rights and violence toward LGBTQ+ people is hitting close to home – it’s a really scary time. 

Fundraising for LGBTQ+ rights gives me hope.

Throughout my 25-year career I have had the privilege of fundraising for dozens of brilliant LGBTQ+ organizations, including those that fought for and won equal healthcare for people living with HIV/AIDS, same-sex marriage, LGBTQ+ adoption, gender affirming care for children and adults, human rights for trans migrants, and many more. It feels good to remember that LGBTQ+ communities and organizations have deep roots and the knowledge to ensure that we thrive, even in the face of oppressive laws and policies.  

During these turbulent times, it gives me hope to know LGBTQ+ communities and our allies continue to fight to live our lives on our own terms. As a fundraiser, right now I’m working closely with an organization that provides rapid response support to children, adults, and families in the South who are impacted by the anti-trans bans on gender affirming healthcare. I’m also working with a group that provides free legal services to trans, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people across the U.S. 

To be supporting this life-saving work for LGBTQ+ communities gives me a sense of belonging, and tremendous hope. Fundraising has been, and will always be, one of the critical ways that we will continue to care for one another: storytelling about the issues, raising critical funds for LGBTQ+ children, adults, and families, and giving everyone the opportunity to get involved in these growing human rights movements. 

I hope you will join me in supporting and celebrating LGBTQ+-led organizations and communities this Pride season.

Chapter Leadership Brief 05.19.2023

By Sunil Oommen, President, Oommen Consulting LLC

Between my consulting work and leadership on IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and access) for AFP-NYC, I have studied and practiced IDEA in fundraising for years. I was wise enough to know I wasn’t an expert on all things IDEA, but that became resoundingly clear when I met a fundraiser at an AFP-NYC event this past January who identifies as hard-of-hearing. She asked me how many people with disabilities are members of AFP-NYC. I did not know. Not even a ballpark figure. We set up a time to have lunch a few weeks later during which she generously shared some eye-opening insights and recounted the various microaggressions she experienced as a disabled person. I was shocked. Then I was shocked at my shock – why did I not know about this? Why am I shocked at this? Those encounters started my journey of reflecting on my knowledge (really, lack thereof) of issues affecting the disability community, about my own ableism, and how we often perpetuate ableism even while ostensibly doing IDEA-informed fundraising.

Since I imagine many of us could also benefit from understanding the issues that the disability community faces in the fundraising sector better, I decided when I was asked to write this week’s Leadership Brief to share the platform with the amazing disability rights advocate,Jen Bokoff, Director of Development at the Disability Rights Fund. I learned so much from our conversation, but as she rightfully counseled, it needs to be more than just learning. Learning and knowing something versus doing something about it are two completely different things.

So, after you read this, ask yourself – like I’m asking myself now – have you examined your own ableism? Try this Washington Post 7-question quiz to start. What did you discover? What can you do to make your organization’s work accessible? How can AFP truly live its IDEA values and be an inclusive and accessible space? What best practices have we championed with colleagues and clients that are actually closing the door on some in our community of fundraisers and philanthropists?  

As you read through this Q&A, I hope you will identify opportunities to apply Jen’s helpful guidance in your work starting right now. As a community of fundraisers who are working towards the public good, let’s commit ourselves to doing just that by taking the time to learn and unlearn, so we can be as inclusive as possible of everyone in our communities.

1. Jen, first, thank you so much for sharing your perspective with me. To start, let's talk about language because, I'm sure you'll agree, words matter. How should we talk about the disability community? What resources do you recommend people consult to learn this?

Words matter big time! Persons with disabilities, or disabled persons, are a global community representing over a billion people, or one in six. Persons with disabilities is called person-first language, and disabled persons is identity-first language. Country or regional context, disability type, and personal preference often affect what style of language is preferred. Across all contexts, it’s really important to use the word “disability” rather than euphemisms (e.g. handicapable, differently abled, etc.). Most important in identifying any specific person is to use the identity descriptions that they use—regardless of what might be perceived as correct by others. It’s also important to name that while there is a large mass of people who are disabled, not everyone identifies as disabled and that global community is not a monolith. There are a whole range of intersectional identities, lived experiences, politics, etc. within the disability community, and sometimes just speaking about a global community erases the power hierarchies and diversities that exist within. 

I love how Emily Ladau talks about language in her book, Demystifying Disability, and for philanthropoids, the resources provided by the Disability & Philanthropy Forum are excellent.

2. What do you wish your fellow fundraisers would know or take into account when working with their fundraising peers who have disabilities? 

We bring lived experiences to the table too, and many of those experiences are of exclusion within our community. For example, the AFP ICON conference in 2022 promised mandatory mask wearing in indoor spaces, which made it feel safer for people like me who are chronically ill and have faced big challenges with COVID-19. Not only was the mask mandate not enforced, but comments about the lack of enforcement were not taken seriously.

I also wish for greater awareness of accessibility within fundraising platforms and customer relationship management systems (CRMs). Vendors seem surprised when we ask detailed questions about this. If you don’t build your tech infrastructure accessibly, it affects who you will hire in the future, and also who can donate to organizations. Build for everyone.

Also, if you think you don’t know any fundraisers without disabilities, you’re mistaken. Plain and simple. Many people are not comfortable disclosing for any number of reasons. Reflect on how you can live values of inclusion every day in every way, and how you might be perpetuating ableism within your organization and in your peer communities. We’ve all done it. Recognizing it and moving forward inclusively is critical. Part of that means you will screw up, and that’s okay. Do it with humility and a learning mindset, and don’t be afraid to ask respectful, thoughtful questions to build your own understanding. I share more in this article that I co-authored with a truly incredible disability justice activist Sandy Ho.

3. For our donors and prospects who have disabilities, what advice or resources would you give so that those of us who are not familiar can work with them in the most respectful and responsible way possible?

Disability isn’t a monolith, so if you know of a particular disability that someone has, definitely ensure everything is accessible to them. But if we build our overall practices so that they meet higher levels of accessibility, it’s a good start to respectful and responsible inclusion. Some things I do:

1. In every meeting/event I schedule, I note what accessibility will be provided and ask if anyone needs anything else. You’d be surprised how many people appreciate this and share something I wouldn’t have known.
2. Provide any materials well in advance and check on the accessibility of those materials.
3. Enable auto captions as a default in virtual meetings (and recognize that this is not the same as live CART captioning, which is required for many people).
4. Don’t call on people randomly—if someone is going to speak, give them adequate heads up.
5. Make sure in-person meetings have physical accessibility to all spaces (don’t just use high-top tables, make sure there’s plenty of seating, make sure bathrooms are usable by all, microphones even for self-proclaimed loud people, etc.), and not just a “back door” entry for people who use wheelchairs (example: a service elevator by trash).
6. Use alt text on all images.
7. Send agendas/run of shows before events, especially multi-hour ones, so people know the scheduled break times accordingly.
8. Know your technology and its accessibility features.
9. Make sure your facilitators are briefed on strong accessibility practices, model it, and pause if something is not accessible to everyone.
10. Acknowledge when needed that some accessibility practices may conflict with each other, and that this is a tension that people may need to sit with and do our best to work around. 

4. Is there anything else you can share so our fundraising community can be more enlightened and take action to support our community of fundraisers and donors with disabilities?

Be in community with us. Read books featuring disabled people written by disabled authors. Follow disability activists on social media. Don’t talk about “DEI” or “IDEA” without genuinely including disability. Compensate us for our time and knowledge—there’s so much unpaid labor educating people about disability. Think about how to be intersectional and accessible in your work even if you are not disabled and your work isn’t explicitly about disability. At Disability Rights Fundand in the broader disability community, when we say “nothing about us without us”, we really mean “nothing without us”—we’re not here for your enlightenment, but to build toward a better future in our sector and world together.