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Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives

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VAFRE E-news, February 2026

Thank you to our Newsletter Sponsor!


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Submit Your Proposal!

You are invited to propose a program for VAFRE’s monthly luncheon sessions. Luncheons are held in person in Richmond, with a hybrid option. Submissions are open to the public, regardless of membership status, and will be accepted on a rolling basis.

VAFRE’s mission is to equip fundraising professionals with the expertise, strategies, and networks to deliver lasting impact for an inclusive philanthropic community. Our goal for monthly meetings is to provide innovative and relevant programming that will appeal to members across all experience levels and fundraising disciplines. VAFRE is committed to becoming a more equitable organization by supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access initiatives.

In accordance with VAFRE’s values, we are offering an honorarium for all luncheon speakers. This policy is to ensure we continue to select a diverse array of speakers and avoid any bias or discrimination that favors presenters from more privileged backgrounds. We believe presenters should be compensated equally, regardless of their position, personal traits or prominence.

For complete details and to submit a proposal, click here. 

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Link Up with VAFRE on LINKEDIN

VAFRE has a Company page on LinkedIn: check it out to see what's happening with VAFRE. 

Also, members can join our LinkedIn group page and post items of interest to other members.

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Welcome New (& Returning) Members!

      • Allison Harvey, Communities in Schools of Richmond

      • Sandra King, Helping Hands Resource, Inc.

      • Shae McGrath, Communities in Schools of Richmond

      • Sheila Santiago, Spine Health Foundation

      • Cheryl Simmons, Child Evangelism Fellowship

      • Cecily Thomas, National Low Income Housing Coalition

                          Log in to the Member Directory to access contact information for these and all members.

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                          Not a VAFRE Member?

                          Join Now

                          Quarterly payment options and
                          scholarships available.

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                          Other Upcoming Programs

                          Mark your calendar and watch for details:

                            • April 7, Leadership/Team Building
                            • May 5, Annual Awards Presentation
                            • June 2, Board Engagement

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                            Need Help with Your Dues?

                            The Susan Early Scholarship Fund is available to new and renewing VAFRE members to cover the cost of your dues. To apply for a scholarship, follow the link in the member application or, for current members, follow the link on the Members Only page.

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                            Save the Date/Mark Your Calendars

                            VAFRE will be holding its Annual Awards Reception on Tuesday, May 5, at Feed More. More details and registration will be coming soon.

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                            Do You Need CFRE Credit?

                            Check out the recordings of our recent programs on the Members Only page of the website. Login now to view the virtual versions of our programs: from Giving Black to Demystifying Giving Circles, Using Data to Drive Campaign Success to Grant Writing with ChatGPT, it's all there for VAFRE members to take advantage of.

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                            Register for our March 3 Program -  AI and Fundraising: Partner, Pitfall, or Possibility?

                            Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere in today’s conversations—but many fundraisers are still asking how, when, or even if they should use it in their work.

                            Join James Wasilewski (VCU Development & Alumni Relations) and Jennifer Cornell (UVA School of Education and Human Development Foundation) for an engaging, peer-driven session designed to spark thoughtful conversation around this intriguing—and sometimes intimidating—topic.

                            The session will begin with a brief introduction to AI in fundraising, including practical, real-world examples from the facilitators’ own experiences. From there, participants will move into facilitated small-group discussions to share insights, raise questions, explore concerns, and learn from one another. Together, the group will report out key takeaways and reflections.

                            This collegial, interactive format is designed to ensure attendees leave with fresh ideas, new perspectives, and stronger professional connections.

                            This in-person event will be held on Tuesday, March 3, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Virginia War Memorial. For complete details or to register, click here. 

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                            Board Nominations Are Still Open - Step Up or Nominate a Leader

                            Ready to make a bigger impact with VAFRE? The Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for open positions on the VAFRE Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

                            This is your chance to step into a leadership role or to recognize a fellow member who’s ready to help shape the future of VAFRE. Nominations are due by Friday, February 27, 2026.

                            All nominees will receive a Candidate Interest Form, which must be completed to be considered by the Nominating Committee.

                            Who Can Serve?
                            Board candidates must be members in good standing. Directors begin their two-year term on July 1, 2026, working alongside fellow Board members to guide VAFRE’s policies and advance its mission.

                            What’s the Commitment?
                            Directors attend Board meetings on the first Tuesday of every other month (schedule may vary as determined by the Board) and contribute time to fulfill their Board responsibilities.

                            The Board Nomination Form is available now!

                            Before submitting a nomination, be sure to review the Board qualifications, nomination process, and job descriptions as outlined in the Policy Manual.

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                            AFP Opens Applications for 2026 Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship

                            AFP Central Virginia Chapter has opened up applications for the 2026 cohort of the Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship. Since its launch in 2019, nearly 30 fellows have completed the Inclusive Fundraising Fellowship. Alumni have found connection, support, and innovation through this program. IFF welcomes 5-10 fellows in their first 2-5 years in the fundraising field who belong to a diverse group or have a diverse background. Applications are due by end of day March 17th.

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                              © 2026 Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives (VAFRE).
                              All rights reserved.
                              VAFRE • P.O. Box 6605 • Richmond, VA 23230
                              Office/Fax (804) 368-3398

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