Dear Resource Development Colleagues,

Over 200 resource development professionals attended the founding conference of the Israel Association of Fundraising Professionals (IAFP) in June 2011. The formation of the IAPF is a great step forward in the professionalization of fundraising in Israel.

Building on the momentum of the conference, committees are being formed in the areas of: membership recruitment, training and enrichment, resource development, certification, website, virtual resource center and the establishment of virtual professional forums, and more.

The Certification Committee will be presenting its proposal for a three tiered certification system with different levels of training and experience required for each level at the IAPF Second Annual Conference which will likely take place in June of this year.

The basic foundation of the IAPF is its members. We need a significant membership both to gain legitimacy in the public arena and to have the support and resources to implement the programs that will serve your needs. We, the undersigned, have taken on the responsibility of chairing the membership drive committee. Our ambitious goal is to recruit 500 members who will agree to sign the Code of Ethics of the Israel Association of Professional Fundraisers and pay membership dues of 250 nis for the 2012 calendar year.

The Israel Association of Fundraising Professionals represents you and your interests as a fundraising professional. The standards of professional behavior that the association promotes will professionalize and enhance the field of fundraising in Israel. Your membership demonstrates your commitment to the goals of the IAFP and its code of ethics and will reinforce the case for professionalization of the field of fundraising Israel.

A large solid membership serves as a strong base of support as we reach out for funding from foundations and corporate partnerships in Israel and abroad. Therefore we need each and every one of you who identifies as a professional in this field to join the IAFP, whether you work part time or full time, whether as a salaried employee or freelancer, whether you work as a volunteer or are currently unemployed.

What will you get in return if we succeed in realizing our vision?

• An enhanced public recognition of our profession and its ethical standards;
• seminars on subjects of professional importance not being offered by other bodies;
• Opportunities to join professional chat groups of Israelis working in the specific areas of relevance to your work;
• A virtual resource center via the IAPF website
• An annual conference with international experts and opportunities for local networking and dialogue;
• A voice in public policy issues relevant to the advancement of nonprofits in Israel
• Group benefits as can be negotiated with insurance companies and suppliers of professional literature and equipment, and legal, accounting and employment services

Please don't just put this aside. Now, take a moment to complete the form indicating your commitment to the code of ethics and  your willingness to serve on one of the subcommittees.

To your membership payment to the IAPF you may send a check to

Israel Association for Professional Fundraisers

22/1 Mordechai Maklef St.

Modiin - 71700

Or to pay by credit card click here

For those of you who wish to make a larger contribution and benefit from the Israeli tax credit for charitable contributions to organizations with 46A status, note that you can send a  check payable to "Matan -  Investing in the Community" with a note designating your contribution to the IAPF to the Modiin address above.

Please feel free to contact either of us if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

David Maeir-Epstein   dave@israelgrants.com

Danny Wieler    danny_w@magen.org.il

Co-Chairs Membership Committee

To review the 2012 Conference information click here