The Mentorship & Scholarship Committee

The Vancouver Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals offers two programs to supplement its ongoing professional development offerings.  The Mentorship Program seeks to match local chapter members with development professionals who can offer practical advice on issues they may be facing.  The Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to members who would like to attend an AFP conference (either international, national or regional).

About The Mentorship Program

Program History

The Vancouver Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals introduced its pilot Mentorship Program in January 2005.  The inaugural program matched 8 aspiring fundraisers (apprentices) to 8 experienced fundraisers (mentors).  A great deal was learned from that initial program.  Each year since then the program has expanded and now includes “relationship managers” from the Mentorship Committee to oversee and guide each pairing, as well as networking and professional development opportunities.  This program is already considered one of the more advanced of its kind in North America, and was recently featured in Advancing Philanthropy (July/August 2006).  

What The Program Is Intended To Achieve

The Mentorship Program is designed to match a relatively junior fundraiser with someone in the industry who has more experience in an area they would like to learn more about. For the apprentice it provides an informal career pathway that addresses the pragmatic side of fundraising, rather than the more formal educational side that the CFRE course of study entails. It is designed for those who wish to acquire a particular expertise, learn about the culture of a different sector, consider a new career or learn how a skilled professional operates. The mentors enjoy a one-on-one relationship that is professionally relevant and meaningful. 

It is a collegial and non-judgmental opportunity for our pairs to advance their knowledge and understanding of the philanthropic sector.

Who Should Apply

Those who are looking for guidance and those who have knowledge and experience they would like to "give back" to their profession. Anyone may be a candidate for mentoring. All that is required is that he or she wants to continue to learn and gain professional expertise. Prospective apprentices and mentors must be AFP members and prospective apprentices must have worked either professionally or voluntarily for a minimum of three years in a not-for-profit organization and be presently employed as a fundraising professional.

Selection Process

The selection committee matches apprentices and mentors based on the needs of the apprentice and the experience of the mentor. The program is apprentice-driven – that is, it is structured entirely around the professional development needs of the apprentice.  The pairs will have an opportunity to meet informally at a Mentorship Committee function in order to determine comfort level.  “Chemistry” is important.  This is a “no fault” meeting, and apprentices are free to ask for another mentor candidate.  After a suitable match is found, the apprentice will be formally assigned and introduced to his or her relationship manager from the Mentorship Committee.

The Expectations

Pairs are expected to have one face-to-face meeting each month.  It is important for the apprentice to ensure that meetings are scheduled and agendas prepared and circulated beforehand. (This will enable the mentor to properly prepare for the meeting.)  In addition to monthly face-to-face meetings with mentors, apprentices are expected to attend program meetings as outlined below.

Apprentices should expect to fulfill their stated outcomes for participating in the program including professional development.  An added bonus for participants is the relationships they will have within the wider mentorship program. They will be members of an elite group of people who are actively moving forward in the sector – people who can be called on at any time as a peer.

Application Form

Applications will be accepted on a year-round basis, but must be submitted by January 25, 2008 to be considered for the 2008 program.

Upcoming Events

Jan. 25  - Application deadline for 2008 Mentorship Program.

Feb. 6 - Matching of 2008 pairs completed.

Feb. 11 - 15 –  Applicants contacted by committee members.

Feb. 26 - Introductory session with professional development component.

April 17 – Mentoring workshop.

Date TBD (summer) - AFP Mingler

Date TBD (fall) - Mentorship professional development AFP meeting

Feb. 2009 - Wrap up event for the 2008 apprentices and mentors (with 2009 apprentices and mentors in attendance). 

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the Mentorship Program that you would like to discuss with a Committee member, please contact either: