NPD Conference Call Notes—May 20, 2013 National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) Chairs
Below are the minutes from the conference call of the chapter National Philanthropy Day® chairs held on May 20, 2013. Questions can be directed to Michael Nilsen, vice president, public affairs, at [email protected].
I. National Philanthropy Day® Overview II. Recordkeeping/Deadlines
III. Awards Changes IV. NPD Resources
V. AFP International Headquarters Services VI. Issues/Discussions
VII. Reminders
I. National Philanthropy Day® Overview
National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) was first celebrated by the AFP International Headquarters in 1986, though a few chapters had already held NPD events prior to that year. Depending upon the year, approximately 100 – 125 chapters participate in NPD events annually.
The official date for NPD, set by the AFP board of directors, is Nov. 15 every year.
AFP International Headquarters will continue to use the slogan, “Change the World With a Giving Heart” for NPD 2013. The official logo is a heart made from two thumbprints and is available in a variety of formats on the AFP website. While AFP International Headquarters encourages chapters to use this logo and slogan for branding purposes, they are free to use their own images and themes. According to the latest chapter survey, about 80 percent of chapters use the “Change the World With a Giving Heart”
theme and logo.
II. Recordkeeping/Deadlines
AFP International Headquarters needs information about NPD chapter events as soon as possible so that it can be used in AFP’s marketing and media relations efforts. Chapters can email their information to [email protected]. It should include:
• Venue Location
• Date and Time of Event • Ticket Prices
• Type of Event (luncheon, dinner, is there a speaker, are awards given away, are educational sessions part of the event, etc.)
• Approximate Number of Attendees • Contact Information (very important!) • Any other important information
In addition, chapters are encouraged to send copies of their NPD materials (invitations, programs, marketing materials, press releases, sponsorship brochures, proclamations, etc.) to AFP International Headquarters. Electronic copies are preferred so the documents can be shared online (email to [email protected]). However, hard copies are also appreciated.
Please consider adding AFP International Headquarters to your NPD mailing list so we can receive a copy of your materials as they are produced. You can send materials to:
NaTanya Lott, NPD Chapter Materials, AFP International Headquarters, 4300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22203.
III. Awards Changes
AFP International Headquarters will be implementing a new awards program starting on Nov. 15, National Philanthropy Day®, 2013. While awards categories will be kept the same, the process, schedule and recognition will be different. Much of the initial nominating and judging will take place online, and chapters will have a role to play in choosing the top nominations. In addition, the awards ceremony will no longer be taking place at the conference, but as part of an international National Philanthropy Day® event.
More information will be distributed to chapters later this year, and an official presentation will take place at Leadership Academy in October 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
IV. Resources
All of the resources that AFP International Headquarters offers to chapters for NPD can be found on the AFP website (www.afpnet.org). In the top-‐left corner, click on the “About AFP” button, then “National Philanthropy Day,” and finally “National Philanthropy Day—Chapter Information.” The direct link is here.
• NPD Manual – The manual is updated every year, but much of the material remains the same from year to year. It touches on every aspect of NPD and contains a number of tips and hints from chapters.
• NPD Chapter Media Guide – This document was created in response to numerous chapter requests for assistance in garnering media attention for their NPD event. Approximately 30 pages, it provides advice on developing stories, writing press releases and other information on working with the media.
• Logos – In color, and black and white, and in a variety of formats and file types.
• NPD Fact Sheet/Talking Points – Every year, AFP distributes talking points to help chapters develop opening remarks and speeches for their events. These are distributed in the summer, generally in July.
• Sample Materials – AFP has posted sample materials from chapters who have sent in their NPD information. We certainly would like to see more, so if you have documents related to
sponsorships, marketing, media relations or any other aspect of NPD, please email them to Michael Nilsen, director, public affairs, at [email protected].
• NPD Video – In the past, AFP International Headquarters has developed a short video for chapters to use at their events that introduces AFP and its mission and explains National Philanthropy Day®. The video is typically 3 minutes or so and also discusses the importance of giving and volunteering and what AFP does to promote ethical and effective fundraising. AFP IHQ is currently planning a video for NPD 2013. More information will be distributed in the summer.
• Giving Guides – AFP has created two short Giving Guides (American and Canadian versions) to help guide donors in making their giving decisions. Some chapters have used these documents as part of their NPD celebrations to help donors and to show the types of services AFP can provide to the local community.
V. Services
AFP’s Public Affairs Department offers several services to chapters regarding NPD.
• Local Media Lists – AFP is offering chapters the opportunity to get updated lists of media in their local area. Chapters will be able to receive a comprehensive list of media contacts for
newspapers, magazines, radio, television and other outlets in their local communities.
• Media Relations – While AFP does not have the human resources capacity to write press releases and other materials for chapters, the Public Affairs Department would be happy to advise chapters on their media work and review certain materials, such as press releases.
• Liability Insurance – AFP International Headquarters offers liability insurance to chapters for their NPD events. AFP does provide general liability insurance FREE to chapters. They need to log in to the Member Gateway and go to the Chapter Resources Manual of the AFP website. In the section Resources for Board Members, they will see a section titled Leadership & Operations and there they will find information and an application for a Certificate of Insurance. The
general liability certificate will be issued to the hotel/conference center, etc. where they are holding the NPD event (or any chapter event). Here’s the direct link to the information on the insurance: http://www.afpnet.org/ka/ka-‐
3.cfm?content_item_id=23496&folder_id=935&#leadership
• NPD Chairs Contact List – Because of privacy concerns, NPD chairs must email AFP to get a copy of the NPD chairs list. Only NPD chairs will be sent this list.
Contact AFP Public Affairs at [email protected] for more information on any of these services. VI. Issues/Discussions
The following is a summary of some of the issues discussed during the conference call:
• One chapter asked how much other chapters spent on awards videos. While the amount varied greatly, a number of chapters noted that they were either working with a media sponsor; had a video firm sponsor the event and give their services in-‐kind; or were working with university students who were creating the videos as part of a project. In those manners, the chapters were able to reduce video costs or get videos for the event entirely for free.
• Another issue raised was whether or not chapters had a keynote speaker for their NPD event. Most of the chapters on the call did not. From a 2011 survey of NPD chairs, about 30 percent of chapters used a keynote speaker for their event. If they do have a keynote speaker, they tend to be motivational in nature. AFP has put together a speakers’ database for chapter conferences that chapters can use to identify speakers.
• Another issue was holding educational sessions for fundraisers as part of their overall NPD event. A few did, and from the 2011 survey of NPD chairs, about 25 percent of chapters offered some sort of educational sessions (ranging from a few to an entire day or conference) along with their NPD celebration.
• Another chapter had a question about their awards process in the event that AFP International was changing its process. Chapters do not have to follow AFP’s awards schedule or process, though it helps to align award categories so chapters can easily nominate their local honorees for the international program. It was also noted that AFP International was setting up an online
nomination system that chapters can use that should be ready in a few weeks, and more information would be distributed in the future.
If you have suggestions, guidance or recommendations on any of these issues, please email [email protected]. Sample chapter materials about sponsors would be very much appreciated! VII. Reminders
• The primary staff contact for NPD is Michael Nilsen, vice, public affairs. His email is [email protected]. Chapters can also contact NaTanya Lott at [email protected].
• The term “National Philanthropy Day®” has been trademarked by AFP. Chapters are strongly urged to use the ® notation when spelling out National Philanthropy Day®. The acronym “NPD” does not require the trademark. To create the trademark symbol in Microsoft Word™, type in “(r)” – without the quotes – immediately after “Day.” Then hit the space bar, and the program should automatically create the trademark symbol.
• Don’t forget to send us your sample materials! Address for AFP International Headquarters: NaTanya Lott, NPD Materials, AFP, 4300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, VA, 22203.
