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Association marks 10 years of philanthropy
By Holly Fisher
Supplements Editor
About a dozen years ago, Charleston had few professional fundraisers. In fact, the region didn’t have many nonprofit organizations, and those that did exist didn’t have full-time staff members devoted to development and fundraising.
Jim Fisher, vice president of development at the Medical University of South Carolina, was one of the three professional fundraisers in the Lowcountry. Periodically, he would have lunch with his counterparts at The Citadel and the College of Charleston to talk strategy and exchange ideas.
Eventually, the lunches became quarterly events, and as other institutions added professional fundraisers, they were invited to the lunches. But it was several more years before people new to the fundraising field suggested the informal gatherings become a formal chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (then known as the National Society of Fund Raising Professionals).
The Lowcountry chapter is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The growth in membership has been tremendous, Fisher said. With more than 100 members, the chapter has fulfilled a need in the community, he said.
New fundraisers can network with more seasoned professionals, and the association’s ethical standards are one of the organization’s greatest strengths, Fisher noted.
Fisher served two years as the chapter’s founding president and continues to be an active member. Aside from professional development, one of the chapter’s largest events is the Lowcountry Philanthropy Awards luncheon, a part of National Philanthropy Day.
Launched in the chapter’s early days, Fisher said the awards luncheon is a way to “honor and recognize those who have made a difference in the Lowcountry.”
An award is given annually to an outstanding business and individual. Even though specific individuals are honored, Fisher is quick to point out the event is about celebrating everyone who has a philanthropic spirit.
“We try to celebrate philanthropy and the positive impact it has on the lives of others,” he said. “Everyone who participates in private giving is a winner.”
Fisher has been in MUSC’s Office of Development for 27 years. He admits fundraising is not a profession for everyone, but he greatly enjoys the opportunity to interact with donors and potential donors.
“People look at us and say they can’t imagine raising money for living, but it’s so rewarding,” he said. “We’re in a position as professionals to help people accomplish what they want,” Fisher said. “We’re facilitators more than fundraisers.”
There are 1.2 million tax-exempt nonprofits in the country, raising $241 billion annually. Almost 1,600 nonprofits exist in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, generating about $2 billion in assets. And plenty of people want to share their dollars with causes they support.
“People who are philanthropic want to change lives in some form or fashion. It’s a very noble objective,” Fisher said.
The role of professional fundraisers is to figure out what interests a potential donor. Most people have a passion or a cause that is close to their hearts. The key is to connect donors to the appropriate nonprofit organization.
“We don’t really have needs as much as opportunities,” Fisher noted. “We want to match the donor’s wants with the organization’s opportunities.”
For more information on the Association of Fundraising Professionals, visit www.afpnet.org.
Holly Fisher is the supplements editor for the Business Journal. E-mail her at hfisher@charlestonbusiness.com.
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