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Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives

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VAFRE E-news, December 2025

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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Welcome New (& Returning) Members!

      • Katie DeSanto, Richmond SPCA

      • Tameshia Grimes, MENTOR Virginia

      • Aaron McClung, Feed More

      • Aniyah Mulligan, Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia

      • Ashley Williams-Hillman, The Well Collective

                          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:

                            • February 3, Budget Planning
                            • March 3, AI and Fundraising
                            • 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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                            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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                            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.


                            Letter from the President

                            Amid the flurry of emails, calls, and spreadsheets, calendar year-end is always the busiest season for fundraisers -- so thank you for taking a moment for yourself. Though it's been a particularly challenging year for many of our organizations, I encourage you to pause and notice the silver linings. The missions you’ve advanced, the communities you’ve strengthened, the impact you’ve created. Let those accomplishments carry you with optimism into 2026.

                            Wishing you a wonderful, restorative holiday season.  

                            Nikkia

                            Nikkia Johnson,
                            VAFRE President

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                            Register for Our January 6th Program!

                            On January 6, 2026, VAFRE will welcome Fatima Smith, MSW, (pictured) the founder of Collective 365, to discuss Straddling the Line Between Bravery & Burnout: How to Balance Care for Your Community and Yourself.

                            Our discussion will include how to find a balance in and out of the workplace, sustaining your future self, and connecting our personal and professional selves. Register now for either the in-person or virtual program and gain the tools you need as you “straddle the line.”

                            Note: This lunch and program will begin at 11:30 a.m.

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                            Celebrate Excellence —
                            Submit Your Award Nominations

                            Every day, fundraising professionals across our region show incredible dedication, creativity, and heart. Now is our chance to shine a spotlight on the amazing colleagues and organizations who are elevating our field and inspiring us all.

                            VAFRE is thrilled to be accepting nominations for our signature awards: Nina Abady, Rising Star, Innovation in Fundraising, Leadership in Philanthropy, and Nonprofit Excellence in Philanthropy. These honors recognize the very best in our profession—the changemakers, mentors, innovators, and leaders who make philanthropy stronger.

                            Who will YOU uplift this year?
                            Nominate a peer whose work has made a difference, sparked new ideas, or demonstrated true leadership. Every nomination is a chance to celebrate the incredible talent in our community.

                            Quick reminders:

                            •  Nominees may be members of VAFRE or AFP Central Virginia.
                            • Rising Star nominees must have 10 or fewer years of professional fund development experience.
                            • All honorees (or a representative for group awards) receive a complimentary one-year VAFRE membership!


                            Nominations are open now through January 15, 2026—and it only takes a few minutes to submit.

                            ✨ Explore past honorees — click here
                            ✨ Learn more about the program and submit
                                                              your nomination — click here

                            Let’s spotlight the stars of our profession. Nominate someone extraordinary today!

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                            Virtual New Member Orientation — January 21, 2026

                            Whether you're brand new to VAFRE or within your first year of membership, we’d love to help you make the most of your experience! Mark your calendar for January 21, 2026, from Noon to 1:00 p.m., and plan to join us for a virtual New Member Orientation. Learn about the benefits and opportunities available to you, meet fellow members, and discover ways to get more involved.

                            This session is free, but please log in and register by Monday, January 19, to let us know you're coming.

                            We look forward to connecting with you in 2026!


                              © 2025 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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