AFP Kansas Heartland Chapter
Strategic Plan 2026- 2029

MISSION | The Association of Fundraising Professionals empowers individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy.     

VISION | To stimulate a world of generosity and positive social good through fundraising best practice.

Background
The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Kansas Heartland Chapter, was formed in 1982 and currently has nearly 100 members.

This chapter was previously known as the Greater Wichita Chapter and announced its updated name at the November 2023 National Philanthropy Day event to reflect its true geographic service area. The Kansas Heartland Chapter serves the bulk of Kansas, excluding Topeka and the Kansas City metropolitan area. Members include seasoned and new development directors and associates, fundraising consultants, grant writers, volunteer fundraisers, foundation executives, executive directors and nonprofit members.

The Kansas Heartland Chapter is part of a network of more than 250 chapters worldwide within the global Association of Fundraising Professionals. The chapter offers frequent educational and professional development programs for fundraisers and offers a mentorship program that pairs new fundraisers with seasoned professionals. The Kansas Heartland Chapter’s signature event is the National Philanthropy Day, an awards luncheon held annually in November.

Beginning in early 2025, the Kansas Heartland Chapter engaged Martha Linsner and Judy Frick, trained BoardSource consultants with the Junior League of Wichita, to facilitate an active planning process. This included:

• An environmental scan and analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats distributed to all members of the Kansas Heartland board of directors and completed by 10 members.

• A session with Roger Ali of AFP Global highlighting the international body’s strategic priorities.

• A retreat in March 2025 led by the Junior League BoardSource consultants that included identifying the current business model, analyzing trends, conducting a strategy screening, identifying “big questions” and creating a work plan.  

 

Strategic Priorities

While taking into consideration the aim to serve constituents across Kansas, the 2025 Kansas Heartland Chapter Board of Directors has identified three major strategic priorities to work on over the next four years.

1. Enhance AFP Kansas Heartland’s branding, communications and visibility.

   1. Implement branding and communications plan to broaden the chapter’s reach to potential members and funding sources.

   2. Track key metrics (social media engagement, newsletter open rates, event attendance) to stay focused on expanding the chapter’s reach.

   3. Align branding plan with a realistic, board-approved budget.

   4. Create compelling, accessible promotional materials that highlight AFP and chapter membership benefits.

   5. Integrate IDEA principles into all communications to reflect inclusive values and attract a diverse membership base, paying special attention to geographic diversity.​

2. Deliver exceptional and inclusive member engagement.

   1. Establish a structured onboarding and orientation program for new members.

   2. Ensure a warm and personalized welcome experience (automated emails, personal notes, access to key resources).

   3. Conduct periodic member feedback through interviews or short surveys to gain a better understanding of needs and preferences.

   4. Articulate a clear and compelling value proposition—highlighting benefits such as access to mentorship, exclusive events and leadership opportunities.

   5. Expand and formalize the mentorship program with defined expectations and matching criteria.

   6. Offer more frequent informal networking and social opportunities to build stronger peer-to-peer connections.

   7. Celebrate and recognize member contributions, milestones and anniversaries more regularly through events, communications or awards.

   8. Determine the value of membership to those outside the Wichita metro area and adapt offerings according to those preferences, if applicable.

3. Secure long-term chapter sustainability and leadership.

   1. Expand the diversification of funding for operations and signature events such as National Philanthropy Day (e.g., sponsorships, grants, donor engagement).

   2. Expand development and nurturing of strategic partnerships with aligned organizations, foundations, and local nonprofits.

   3. Evaluate chapter administration needs and determine feasibility of increasing hours or responsibilities to support growth.

   4. Implement leadership development and succession planning for board and volunteer roles to preserve institutional knowledge and continuity.