History

AAFRE has a proud history of supporting organizations who have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for Albertans. Although we didn't officially incorporate until 1988, meetings were being held as early as 1983, mostly under the direction of Dr. Terry Flannigan of the Grant MacEwan College Foundation and Hillel Boroditsky, Executive Director of United Way.

These individuals realized a need to start organizing the profession of fundraising by providing an environment which promoted ethical practices in fundraising, support of peers, sharing of knowledge, education of fund development volunteers, and the forging of strong relationships with donors.

From its beginnings, AAFRE decided to keep membership as open as possible, allowing other members of the fundraising community (not just fundraising professionals) to join. This feature still sets AAFRE apart from other fundraising associations.

The 2007-08 directory boasts over 300 members and is continuing to grow, largely due to meeting the diverse educational needs of our members and encouraging opportunities for all fundraisers within an organization (paid or volunteer) to network, share, and grow professionally.

In 1992, AAFRE championed the first Alberta Fundraising Conference, entitled “Fundraising '92: In Search of Money.” Its unprecedented success in uniting the AAFRE members to strengthen the charitable sector in Alberta has led to one conference or trade show being held every second year since then.

The future of fundraising for charitable organizations and institutions in Alberta is dependent on the acquisition of knowledge and application of expertise in fund development practices. AAFRE is committed to providing assistance by continuing to offer quality programs, special events, volunteer opportunities, financial support for professional development, and direct interaction with various government sectors.

At AAFRE, we are leading the way to a more giving community.