September 27, 2008, Chicago, IL — The Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) recognized Robert May of Mission Hospital Foundation, for achieving the AHP Fellow designation (FAHP) at the AHP International Conference in Chicago. May is in the 33rd class of Fellows to be honored.
Elevation to the status of Fellow in AHP is the highest level of achievement in the field of health care philanthropy. Conferring of the Fellow designation is not so much an award, as it is recognition of individual professional distinction, well earned through dedication and continual self-advancement.
Robert May, FAHP is the foundation director for Mission Hospital Foundation in Mission Viejo, Calif., where he has served for six years. Previously, Bob was the capital campaign and major gifts director for ten years at California State University Fullerton. He holds a master's degree in organizational management and is a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving. Bob has been a frequent speaker at AHP International and AHP Pacific regional conferences, as well as at AFP and Southern California Association for Hospital Development programs. He has served his alma mater, Whittier College, as capital campaign lead, his church on the endowment committee, and numerous local charities in a variety of volunteer roles.
The Association for Healthcare Philanthropy is dedicated to the advancement of health care institutions and organizations through the enhancement of its members' performance and professionalism. To this end, AHP sets professional standards for health care development officers, offers comprehensive educational programs to help them achieve those standards, and examines them to determine who meets those standards. Professionals who successfully complete the Fellow examination earn the designation "Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy," or FAHP.
Successful applicants must have earned the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation, have at least eight years of experience in raising and managing philanthropic funds for a health care organization, and pledge in writing to adhere to the AHP Statement of Professional Standards and Conduct and to uphold the AHP-endorsed Donor Bill of Rights. To achieve the status of Fellow, applicants must pass a written and oral exam.
AHP, established in 1967, is a not-for-profit organization whose 4,800+ members manage philanthropic programs in 2,000 of the nation's 3,400 not-for-profit health care providers.