Association of Fundraising Professionals, Washington Chapter

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AFP Mentors help up and coming fundraising professionals by...

  • Bringing clarity to a personal or professional issue(s) through focused conversations.
  • Being a good listener with the individual's best interests in mind and at heart.
  • Challenging individuals to go beyond where they would go themselves.
  • Being available as a sounding board.
  • Creating a personal or professional career plan and providing advice and support along the way.
  • Advice on career path options and CFRE credential
  • Sharing their fundraising secrets and tips learned through experience.
  • Offering suggestions to help the individual advance in life by sharing experiences, or a personal or professional contact.

The Benefits of Becoming an AFP Mentor



  • The benefits of becoming a mentor can be both personally and professionally rewarding.
  • Mentoring can create close personal friendships that have the potential to be long lasting.
  • As a mentor you give back to individuals who want to learn and grow from your experiences, thus fostering the next generation of individuals who will continue to contribute to the society and the fundraising profession.
  • Mentoring keeps you engaged and active, increasing your sense of satisfaction in life.
  • Mentoring helps to build on your own skills and abilities because protégés share their experiences with you.
  • Multiplies the value of your experience by sharing it with the next generation of fundraising leaders.

Mentor Qualifications

  • Has practiced professional Fundraising for 8 years or more
  • Is an AFP member
  • Embrace and uphold the AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice
  • Has the time, ability and availability to support a protégé effectively
  • CFRE and/or advanced relevant degree preferred (MPA, MNPL, etc)

An AFP mentor provides exposure, visibility and coaching which directly support the protégé’s personal/professional development. In addition, mentors provide role modeling, advice and friendship to support the protégé’s self-image and competence. The primary functions of mentors are to build a strong mentor relationship through listening, guidance, advice, teaching, and professional support.



Time Commitment

AFP seeks mentors willing to commit to a twelve month mentor relationship.


Mentor Responsibilities

  • Provide one-on-one mentoring to protégé via face-to-face, telephone and e-mail meetings monthly.
  • Be open and understanding. Share positive reactions and offer constructive criticism
  • Provide resources and guidance for training and development opportunities.
  • Incorporate AFP ethical Principals and Standards of professional practice in coaching protégés.
  • Help identify options for promoting goals and solving specific problems.
  • Reach out to protégé and encourage their participation within the professional community.
  • Participate in AFP mentor-protégé networking and chapter educational programs.
  • Help set realistic goals and provide encouragement.
  • Is a positive representative as an AFP mentor promoting the value and importance of mentoring.

Download mentor application (PDF)