Programming Committee
Luncheon Series Guidelines
You are invited to propose a program for VAFRE’s monthly luncheon sessions. Luncheons are held in person in Richmond, VA with a hybrid option. Submissions are open to the public, regardless of membership status, and will be accepted on a rolling basis. VAFRE’s mission is to equip fundraising professionals with the expertise, strategies, and networks to deliver lasting impact for an inclusive philanthropic community. Our goal for monthly programming is to provide innovative and relevant programming that appeal to members across experience levels and fundraising disciplines. VAFRE is committed to becoming a more equitable organization by supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access initiatives.
Once you have read the guidelines, you can propose a program here: https://forms.gle/ynPN4QaJWQ1jNiUN9
Program Length
Monthly programs are 75 minutes long. The typical format for the presentation is 45 minutes and 15 minutes for Q&A at the end. We reserve 15 minutes for opening/closing remarks and speaker introductions. The format may be changed as needed by presenters, but the length of the program will not vary.
Educational Value and Promotional Materials
Presenters representing companies that provide services for a fee to organizations will be considered if the presentation topic provides overall education value to our members. Sales statements and promotional material are not permitted during the presentation.
Selection Process
The VAFRE Program Committee is responsible for reviewing proposals. Presenters will be contacted by a member of the committee via email.
The following criteria will be considered when reviewing a program proposal:
Does the topic fall within one or more initiatives in our strategic plan?
● Engage and cultivate a shared culture of philanthropy within the membership
community, the nonprofit sector, and beyond.
● Build and sustain opportunities for personal and professional growth that support comprehensive philanthropic practice.
● Celebrate and appreciate professional success in the fundraising community, as well as
model best practices for professional associations.
Does the proposal address one of the following topics that have been identified as priority areas by the committee?
Note: A proposal does not have to address one of the following, but priority will be given to those that do or that make a strong case for why the topic proposed is relevant.
● Fundraising and Technology (AI, Bitcoin, CRMs, etc)
● Grant writing
● Dynamic Duos; Collaboration with fundraising (HR, Programs, Communications, etc)
● Self-Care for Fundraisers
● Strategic/Annual Planning
General Areas of Interest Also Include:
● New Trends in Philanthropy
● New Takes on Fundraising Basics
● Fundraising Ethics
● Excellence in Philanthropy (campaigns, case studies, etc)
Does it address the following questions?
● What will the audience learn?
● How relevant and original is the presentation?
● How is diversity, equity, inclusion, and access linked to the topic?
If you have any questions or need additional support, please review the guidelines or reach out to us at admin@vafre.org.
Honorarium Policy
In accordance with VAFRE’s values, we are offering an honorarium for all luncheon speakers. This policy is to ensure we continue to select a diverse array of speakers and avoid any bias or discrimination that favors presenters from more privileged backgrounds. We believe presenters should be compensated equally, regardless of their position, personal traits or prominence.
Identified speaker(s) have the opportunity to decline the honorarium and, among other options, gift it back to VAFRE for future use or donate to an organization of their choice.
Honoraria will be disseminated to speakers in the following tiers and amounts.
Honorarium for Panel Speakers:
Panels will be paid $150, split between however many panelists are identified to participate. A participant will get no less than $50 each, regardless of the panel size.
Honorarium for Local Speaker:
Local Speaker presentations will be paid $150. Local speakers are identified as those that live in the Greater Richmond area
Honorarium for Regional Speaker:
Regional Keynote Speakers will be paid $250. Regional speakers are identified as those who do not live in the Greater Richmond area, but located within Virginia or adjacent states
Honorarium for National Speaker:
National Speakers will be paid at the discretion of the Programming Committee, and will not exceed the projected honorarium budget as agreed upon by the VAFRE Board of Directors. National speakers are identified as those who have national importance or are located outside of the two areas listed above
Once you have read the guidelines, you can propose a program here: https://forms.gle/ynPN4QaJWQ1jNiUN9