Note: This post is from Train Your Board partner Laurel McCombs. Thanks, Laurel!

My colleague Bob Osborne and I recently returned from the Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference (AFP ICON) – my fifth time attending.

While some of these responses echo my experience at previous AFP conferences, I’m happy to share a few new reflections about what happens when thousands of fundraising professionals gather to learn, commiserate, and challenge each other.

We need to be together

Whether at this conference or other gatherings, I’m always reminded of the power of being in community. Fundraising can be a lonely job, especially if you work in a one-person or small shop. It’s cathartic to be around others who are facing similar challenges and asking similar questions.

Additionally, AFP ICON provides many opportunities to meet others interested in similar topics: for example, engaging nonprofit boards, soliciting major gifts, hiring fundraising staff, applying AI to fundraising, etc. During plenaries, breakout sessions, and informal gatherings, people introduced themselves, traded business cards, and established new relationships that will undoubtedly last beyond the conference.

Takeaway number 1: Even if you are unable to attend a big conference like AFP ICON, it’s important to build your own community. Networking with other fundraisers will help you explore new ideas, solve problems, and share your experiences with colleagues.

Few people in my personal life have any experience with fundraising, so it’s nice to be around peers (a LOT of peers) who not only understand this world but want to talk about it!

Supporting the profession

I’ve been actively fundraising for more than 25 years. This profession means a lot to me.

I also know how hard our work can be. If I can have even a small impact on helping to make things a little easier or feel more productive, that means a lot.

There’s nothing more rewarding than presenting a session to peers at a conference like this and having people respond positively. Bob and I delivered two sessions, one on foundation fundraising and the other on navigating power dynamics in fundraising. Both sessions were built to provide actionable steps to address challenges we all face.

Power dynamics in fundraising

Our work around power dynamics is particularly significant to me. We’ve been training on this topic since 2018, but it’s still addressed too rarely in our industry.

We need more opportunities to support fundraisers who are dealing with difficult donor situations and space to discuss their own challenges. We were grateful for the chance to present at AFP ICON.

Takeaway number 2: Prioritize your own learning. Seek out challenging topics – and when you’re ready to lead, step up.

Hope shines through

Given the current state of the world and the uncertainty faced by many nonprofits, I went to the conference curious about the vibe.

Yes, there was a lot of commiserating around challenges – but I also experienced an incredible amount of tenacity. Yes, people were stressed and worried – but also committed to finding a way through. With deep commitment to their organization’s missions, fundraisers are choosing hope and seeking solutions.

I feared that I would return home depressed by stories of funding cuts and layoffs. Instead, I was inspired by professionals who are managing, as best they can, through our current situation.

Takeway number 3: Action is the antidote to fear. Keep moving forward.

Learn more, connect more

If you’re interested in hearing our thoughts about how to engage donors during uncertain times, check out the latest TOG Chat.

Not everyone can attend AFP ICON, but I encourage you to find your own fundraising community. You might join a local professional association or look for other fundraisers you can connect with on a regular basis.

As we face difficult times, building networks of support can be the difference between surviving and thriving.