I attended my local AFP chapter meeting today.  It’s a great group and always a good time.

In case you aren’t familiar with AFP, it’s the Association of Fundraising Professionals (www.afpnet.org) and it’s a great source of education and networking.  Most of my fundraising buddies are members and the meetings give me a chance to catch up with them and hear the latest from the local nonprofit scene.  We share news about capital campaigns, special events, and job openings.  In fact, we usually hear about jobs through AFP before they hit the classified ads.

Networking with fellow fundraisers can offer lots of benefits.  You get the chance to get the inside scoop on events others are doing, learn about vendors, hear about local grant opportunities, and more.  If you aren’t networking, you miss out on all the cool educational opportunities and you limit your learning.  You also miss out on some really great friends who face the same challenges you do.

Take advantage of every opportunity to network with other fundraisers. The benefits are great!