Advocacy

To better serve the interests and livelihood of AFP members and the philanthropic community, AFP works hard to continually advance and enhance its public policy outreach and advocacy efforts. We will be vigilant in highlighting new and pending legislative efforts in the U.S., Canada, and worldwide that could potentially impact the profession and charity, and what you can do to help safeguard the continuing vitality of philanthopy (including letter-writing campaigns, lobbying efforts, and more).

AFP Public Awareness Communications Tool Kit Available for Canada Members

AFP has developed resource materials to help Canadian fundraisers engage their local, provincial and federal government systems.  Funded by a generous gift from Don Johnson, together with donations raised through the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada’s Every Member Campaign and funds from the Winnipeg Foundation, this toolkit of information is now available online in both English and French. “The Foundation sees this investment as a way of empowering non-profit leaders in conversations,” explains Scott Decksheimer, CFRE, chair of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy-Canada. “Ultimately, the fact sheets can be used with the media, internal organizational audiences and legislators.  These are all critical conversations that require consistent fact-based information.”

A framework for engagement

Included in the toolkit is a refresher on parliament, including a description of parliamentary roles and the protocol for addressing a member of Parliament, Senator or Cabinet Minister. You will also find tips on arranging meetings, setting agendas and making a concise elevator pitch to members of the government. The toolkit also provides recommended next steps after you have met with a legislator/government officials to cultivate the relationship. The toolkit extends the ongoing work efforts of the AFP Canadian Government Relations (GR) Committee. New GR Chair Daniel Brunette had this to say: “It is gratifying to know that many of my philanthropic sector colleagues, either on behalf of AFP or their own charities, have consulted this toolkit when engaging with elected representatives and public servants. The toolkit provides a best-practices framework for meaningful interactions with public officials, which in turn informs the decisions that ultimately impact the sector.”

Download English | Download French


AFP Chapter Advocacy FAQ Document Now Available!

With the guidance and input of the AFP U.S. Government Relations Committee, AFP has produced a one-page Chapter Advocacy FAQ document. Please distribute it to your chapter leaders and members. It is an invaluable tool for chapters to launch or enhance their advocacy and lobbying efforts.


AFP PAC

AFP’s public policy efforts are greatly enhanced by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Political Action Committee (AFP PAC).  The AFP PAC is the only political action committee that focuses on fundraising and charitable giving.  But the AFP PAC can only function with YOUR SUPPORT! AFP members who are U.S. citizens who wish to support the AFP PAC can learn more and make a contribution by clicking here (login required).