Mentoring - Guide to Professional Success

 
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Western Pennsylvania Chapter’s GUIDES TO PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS (GPS) is a mentoring program available to members who want to advance their career, learn from successful fundraising professionals, and reach their full potential.  
 
 
GPS is a structured and trusting relationship in which a new professional fundraiser (mentee) is matched with a seasoned fundraiser (mentor) who will offer advice, support, education and guidance in work and career development.
 
By participating in the GPS program, mentees will:
 
  1. Learn from a mentor's experiences, personal insights, knowledge, and know-how
  2. Develop a network of contacts that keep practitioners abreast of industry changes
  3. Receive guidance on potential career paths and goals, and strategies for reaching those goals
  4. Gain skills and knowledge to reach their full potential
 
By participating in the GPS program, mentors will:
 
  1. Share knowledge and experience
  2. Develop the talents of a new fundraising professional
  3. Provide guidance with the work and career futures of her or her mentee
  4. Help a new fundraiser reach his or her full potential 
GPS coordinators carefully match mentors with mentees, taking into consideration organization mission, size and budget, geographical location and specific skill-building goals.
 

Criteria for mentors:

 

  1. AFP member in good standing
  2. Five or more years as a fundraising professional employed in the fundraising sector
  3. CFRE, ACFRE or F AHP or other professional certification is desirable
  4. Actively demonstrate a desire to serve the profession and community
  5. Proven track record in a specific discipline of fundraising, i.e. overall development management, planned giving, special events, annual fund, major gifts, etc.

Expectation of Mentors:

  • Contact your mentee monthly
  • Be available to advise the mentee in person, by phone or email once a month or as often as possible and necessary to establish a good working relationship
  • Share your expertise based on the needs of the mentee and the type of organization for which they work

     
     
    Bonus for Mentors:
    You will receive credits toward your CFRE-certification by participating as a mentor.
     

Click here to become a Mentor - Mentor Application

Criteria for mentees:

  1. AFP member or applicant for membership to the Western PA Chapter
  2. Less than three years experience fundraising profession
  3. Have fundraising as a primary job responsibility

Expectation of Mentees:

  • Commit to meeting with your mentor monthly
  • Become familiar with the web-based AFP Career Planner, particularly the Objectives/Self Assessment section

Click here to request a Mentor (Mentee Application)

 

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please e-mail Jill Simmons at jills@andrew.cmu.edu

If you need general information, please e-mail office@afpwpa.org