Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan

08/21/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Humane Society of West Michigan today to talk about keeping your donors and your sanity with Tamela Spicer!

Save the date for September’s gathering!
💡 Engaging Your Board in Fundraising: Practical Strategies that Actually Work
🗓️ 9/25 at 7:45a
📍Holiday Inn, downtown GR
🎙️ with Keith Hopkins with Hopkins Fundraising Consulting

https://afpwm.org/event/engaging-your-board-in-fundraising-practical-strategies-that-actually-work/

08/17/2026

It's Membership Monday and we are excited to celebrate Kelsy Vining, Director of Advancement at Family Promise of West Michigan were they work to end homelessness, one family at a time, by engaging the community to work together to provide emergency shelter and basic needs to families with children who are in a housing crisis and to provide additional programs to assist them in finding housing and sustaining their independence.

Kelsy said that she is part of Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan to.....
"be connected to a broader network of fundraisers locally and around the country who are doing great work around their particular causes and missions. Seeing the continuing education opportunities on a regular basis through gatherings and webinars available with my membership, each month I feel like there is something new to learn or dive deeper into."

Kelsy shared this experience as a member.....
"I think the thread discussions are worth their weight in gold! There are many times I read through the AFP forum discussions because it is targeting a specific problem or issue I have been facing in real time, and it is always insightful to hear what others are thinking or how they are solving that problem at their own organizations! I have gotten a lot of great ideas or been able to take the next action step on something because of information I found in a discussion thread."

Join Kelsy and hundreds of others as a member today at https://afpwm.org/membership/organizational-memberships/

08/14/2026

Are you registered for this month's event?

Tamela Spicer will host Keeping Donors, Keeping Your Sanity on 8/21 at 8:30a at Humane Society of West Michigan.

Tamela will share practical strategies and fresh perspectives to help you navigate three of the biggest challenges facing our profession today:

🔄Donor retention: Building lasting relationships in an increasingly competitive fundraising environment.
😫Burnout: Protecting your passion while thriving in a demanding profession.
🌱Next generation donors: Understanding what motivates emerging philanthropists and how to inspire their support.

Register at https://afpwm.org/event/keeping-donors-keeping-your-sanity/

08/10/2026

Join us in celebrating Winnie Walsh, Director of Development & Marketing Humane Society of West Michigan where they are committed to inspire a humane future for animals through education and support for this Membership Monday!

Winnie says that she is part of Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan because "having a support network of people who truly understand this work matters. It’s a space to navigate challenges, share ideas, and learn from one another. Nonprofit work can be tough, and we’re stronger together!"

Winnie also says, "My first experience with AFP West Michigan was through the mentorship program. As a mentee, I learned how important it is to build relationships with other fundraisers. Not only does this help with professional growth, but it also feels like a form of self-care. Being able to connect with people who truly understand the work, and who can bring their own experiences to help you navigate fundraising, makes a huge difference in this profession. Now, eight years into my membership and serving as a mentor, this is still the advice I share most often and one of the most valuable lessons AFP gave me!"

Interested in being part of the mentorship program and gain valuable professional development, like Winnie? You can sign up NOW at https://afpwm.org/get-involved/mentorship-program/ (Applications can be accepted through 9/1.)

08/07/2026

Growth doesn't happen by accident -- it happens through relationships.

If you are ready to invest in YOU, consider applying for the Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan mentorship program. You will be paired with an experienced fundraising professional who is committed to helping you learn, grow, and thrive.

Take the next step today! Apply today and discover what is possible when someone walks alongside you.

Mentorship Program Applications are live now through September 1st West Michigan is home to a community of fundraisers and development officers who have seen tremendous growth in the nonprofit sector. […]

08/05/2026

Fundraising is changing, and so are the challenges we face every day. From keeping donors engaged to preventing burnout and connecting with the next generation of philanthropists, today’s development professionals are being asked to do more than ever before.

Join Tamela Spicer for Keeping Donors, Keeping Your Sanity
August 21, 8:30a-9:30a
Humane Society Of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson Dr NW, Walker

Tamela is principal of The Intentional Catalyst where she helps nonprofit organizations strengthen their impact through strategic planning, philanthropic advising, storytelling, and change management.

Whether you’re new to fundraising or a seasoned professional, you’ll leave with actionable ideas, renewed energy, and strategies you can put to work right away.

Register today at

Description: Fundraising is changing, and so are the challenges we face every day. From keeping donors engaged to preventing burnout and connecting with the next generation of philanthropists, today’s development […]

07/27/2026

It's Membership Monday! Join us in celebrating Bob Dekker, Director of Donor Relations World Renew US, where they are compelled by a deep passion for justice and mercy. World Renew joins communities around the world to renew hope, reconcile lives, and restore creation through asset-based community development (ABCD), which honors the strengths of every community and places their needs first.

When we asked Bob why he was part of Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan, he said....."I’m part of AFPWM to learn best practices of other talented, caring fundraisers."

Bob added, "AFP is an amazingly supportive, nurturing, group who recognize that our important, shared work can be done better together."

Thank you, Bob, for your membership and your leadership!

07/17/2026

"Attention is not the same thing as affinity."

Great read about good segmenting!

How smarter segmentation helps organizations reduce supporter fatigue, strengthen trust, and build more meaningful engagement.Many organizations have evolved over time, expanding programs, services, and audiences while creating increasingly sophisticated ways to communicate with supporters. Yet desp...

07/06/2026

Nominations close soon for the 2026 National Philanthropy Day Awards! Please help us recognize the individuals, organizations, and community leaders making a meaningful impact across all of West Michigan.

Award categories include:
• Benjamin Franklin Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional
• Distinguished Philanthropist Award
• Emerging Nonprofit Development Professional
• Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser(s) Award
• Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award
• Outstanding Corporation, Foundation, or Community Organization Award
• IDEA Award for Excellence in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
• West Michigan Chapter Award for Excellence in Fundraising

These awards celebrate leadership, generosity, innovation, service, and a commitment to strengthening our communities through philanthropy.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 17, 2026, at midnight.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYU7p6u7LoAM8zhf0OYD2TLInfSiICC4m-Uz_Bh9lrap8u4Q/viewform

06/30/2026

It's another Membership Monday!

Meet Doug Bouws, Vice President of Client Services and Canopy where they strive to unlock the power of legacy giving by cultivating vibrant donor relationships.

Doug joined Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan because....."I believe great fundraising leaders never stop learning. Even after many years in this work, I still want exposure to new ideas, fresh perspectives, and honest conversations with others serving in the nonprofit space. And frankly, connecting with other non-profit leaders and fundraisers is probably the best way to do that. I’m rather new to this community and look forward to more opportunities going forward."

Doug also shared something he values about his membership too!

"One of the things I value most is being reminded that no organization or consultant has everything figured out. At some point each of us probably feels like we are bumbling along—every nonprofit is navigating challenges, opportunities, and changing donor dynamics in real time. Being part of a community where professionals can learn from one another helps all of us serve donors and missions more thoughtfully. I appreciate spaces that encourage both humility and growth in the work of bringing together donor passions with non-profit mission."

Thank you, Doug, for your membership and for your leadership in our community!