Link to Jennifer's profile to connect with her here!
1. What good work do you do in your community?
I’m currently serving my fourth year on the board of the
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Capital Area Chapter. AFP is active in promoting philanthropy in our community, providing monthly trainings for charities and promoting ethical standards for fundraisers.
2. Where/why do you volunteer?
One of my favorite volunteer activities that I look forward to each year is working at the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery Holiday Store. Volunteers take kids through the store and they can pick out any holiday present they like for their family members without their parents. It’s fun to spend time with the kids and help them wrap their presents. The kids are all so proud that they picked the gifts on their own!
3. What are you most passionate about for making a difference?
One thing I’m passionate about is connecting other people with ways they can help their community. Most people know I’ve been involved with nonprofits for nine years in Springfield, so my friends ask me where to volunteer when they have free time or what charity could use their extra ‘stuff’. It’s a great feeling when you connect a person to a cause they care about.
4. Name one thing that makes your organization unique.
The local AFP chapter celebrates National Philanthropy Day each November and uses the occasion to present awards to some of our community’s most outstanding philanthropists, generous businesses and dedicated volunteers. We welcome nominations from the Springfield area!
5. If you could have one wish for the nonprofit sector as a whole or your individual organization, what would it be?
One hope for our organization is to have a packed house for the National Philanthropy Day luncheon! (11/17 at 11:30 a.m.) It’s a great time to stop our normal work day and recognize those who are dedicated to making an impact for local charities. Whether it’s a person who can give and give financially, or a person who gives and gives of their time or a fundraiser who really goes above and beyond to promote awareness for their cause… all these people make our community stronger and deserve to be recognized.
6. How did you hear about goodWORKSconnect?
I first heard about goodWORKSconnect through my role at the
Sangamon County Community Foundation and was excited that this would be a resource for local charities to communicate and work together.
7. What has goodWORKSconnect done for you or what potential do you see that you could benefit from?
goodWORKSconnect has a great shared calendar to see what is happening across our region. The grants section is also great to review and make sure we are aware of opportunities.
