Association of Fundraising Professionals, Washington Chapter

Skip navigation

AFP Mentors help “up and coming” and transitioning 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.
  • Sharing their fundraising secrets and tips learned through experience.
  • Offering suggestions to help the individual advance in the fundraising profession by sharing experiences and/or, a personal or professional contact.
  • Advice on career path options and the CFRE credentials

The Benefits of Becoming an AFP Protégé

The benefits of becoming a protégé can be both personally and professionally rewarding.

  • Mentoring can create close personal and professional friendships that have the potential to be long lasting.
  • The protégé gains a strengthened sense of self-confidence and direction on their career path.
  • As a protégé, you benefit from the experiences and success of your mentor who provides insight, coaching and advice to help you advance your experience and career.
  • The mentor serves as a role model, a tangible symbol of what the protégé can achieve. Those receiving mentorship usually exhibit behavioral patterns consistent with high achievement.
  • As a protégé, you broaden your network of professionals within the field.
  • You become part of the next generation of fundraising professionals prepared to lead and contribute to society and the fundraising profession
  • As a protégé you are better engaged and active, increasing your sense of satisfaction in your career.
  • Multiplies your experience(s) through the benefit of your mentor’s experiences.

Protégé Qualifications

  • Has practiced Fundraising professionally for 2- 6 YEARS or is interested in changing career directions
  • Interested in advancing their career
  • Is an AFP member
  • Embraces and upholds the AFP Code of Ethical Principals and Standards of Professional Practice
  • Has the time, ability and availability to participate in mentor/protégé program

Making the Most of you Mentor relationship

An AFP mentor provides exposure, visibility and coaching which directly support the protégé’s personal and professional development. In addition, mentors provide role modeling, advice, and friendship to support the protégé’s self-image and competence. Mentors build a strong mentor relationship through listening, guidance, advice, teaching, and professional support. To gain the most benefit from your mentor relationship the protégé must be willing to be an active and engaged partner in the relationship.


Time Commitment

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


Protégé Responsibilities

  • Participate in regular one-on-one mentoring meetings with mentor via face-to-face, telephone and e-mail meetings.
  • Initiate contact with your mentor if you have questions or would like to discuss something. Identify your needs and communicate them as clearly as possible to your mentor.
  • Appreciate your mentor’s time and respond in a timely manner to your mentor’s questions or comments.
  • Be willing to learn new things, obtain another perspective and be responsive to suggestions and constructive criticism.
  • Ask questions and listen carefully to your mentor’s advice and incorporate those insights that make sense for your career.
  • Inform your mentor of significant career accomplishments and failures.
  • Take advantage or resources, guidance and development opportunities suggested by, or offered by, your mentor.
  • Incorporate AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice in learning from mentors.
  • Follow through on commitments and provide feedback on coaching.
  • Participate in AFP mentor-protégé networking and educational events.
  • Be a positive and engaged member of the AFP mentor program.

Download protégé application (PDF)