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AHP Rockies and Southwest Regional News
I love AHP. There, I've said it. I'm unabashed in my regard for this organization. Moreover, I hope you share my enthusiastic appreciation for it. As I write this column, I can look back on a project just implemented in my shop to raise funds from and with the help of our hospital's medical staff. It's based on a concept that I saw my AHP colleague Brooke Shelby present at a regional conference a couple of years ago. At the end of 2003—thanks to Brooke's superb work and her willingness to share what she has learned—my foundation received $33,000 of the $50,000 needed this year to support nursing education. But learning about giving programs that actually produce gifts is only one reason why I love AHP. I also appreciate the chance I have at conferences to find products and services I need to do the best job possible for my organization. At last year's Austin conference, I met a recognition system vendor who produced a new donor wall for my organization. Since putting up this striking plaque a month ago, I've already had two inquiries from wonderful donors and friends who now are considering gifts totaling $26,000—just because they want their name on this new plaque. Life is good! When I go to Houston to our regional conference in May, I'll be shopping for counsel for a feasibility study and for another donor plaque wall to purchase next year. Speaking of the upcoming Houston regional conference (May 16-18 at the JW Marriott Hotel—have you received your brochure yet? If not, call AHP at 703-532-6243) or register online, all of us owe a debt of gratitude to Co-Chairs Jennifer Covington, CFRE and Patrick Mulvey, CFRE, for their conference leadership. Plan to experience another learning-filled conference like we enjoyed last year in Austin. Kudos also go to Education Chair Richard Boone, CFRE, and his committee for putting together a stellar program to match our conference theme, "Reach for the Stars." You'll be receiving a letter soon (if you haven't already) from regional Foundation Chair Linda Cadigan, CFRE. Please consider giving to the AHP Foundation in response to Linda's letter. Your gift will help provide scholarships for members who might otherwise not be able to attend a regional or national educational conference, including the Madison Institute. A gift to the AHP Foundation is a great philanthropic investment. I hope you and your fundraising programs are doing splendidly. See you in Houston in May! John Drake
The countdown is on for the AHP Rockies and Southwest Region's annual educational conference in Houston, Texas May 16-18. It is sure to be an outstanding, educational conference. This year's space-related theme is "Launch Your Development Program to New Heights" and the attendance goal is 100. Sessions promoting CFRE certification will be offered. For more information check out the information on our website.
Our region is diligently making an effort to have its members submit new or updated policies and programs with the AHP Resource Information Center (RIC). Members are encouraged to make submissions of campaign case statements and policies related to HIPAA implementation via email as well as at the regional conference. Check out the RIC information on AHP's Web site http://www.ahp.org/ric-online/
E-filing your 990 Any exempt organization that files Form 990 or 990EZ may take part in the program. Tax professionals who want to participate must fill out a new or revised Form 8633, "Application to Participate in the IRS e-file Program." Go to the IRS website for more information. CARE Act update … the latest At a Capitol press briefing, the senators lamented that S. 476, the Charity Aid, Recovery, and Empowerment Act of 2003 (CARE Act), has made no progress since the Senate approved it on a 95-5 vote last April. The bill has not been able to go to conference with the House version (H.R. 7) because of disputes over conference negotiations. Both senators said the ETI bill is the right vehicle for the CARE bill. The CARE Act offers a charitable deduction for nonitemizers, tax-free distributions from IRAs to charities, and an expanded charitable deduction for scientific property used for research and for computer technology and equipment used for educational purposes. The bill also would restore funding for the Social Services Block Grant to an annual appropriation of $2.8 billion and would expand the Individual Development Account program. There also are provisions to improve the oversight of tax-exempt organizations. Bottom line … this very favorable (to not-for-profits) act will cost the government tax revenue. It is figuratively a political "football." Every representative loves it, but they have not found a way to "pay" for it yet.
State representatives are busy organizing educational roundtable gatherings throughout our region. Some of these meetings occur in person while others are by way of an audioconference. Topics covered have been Employee Campaigns, Marketing, Volunteer Involvement, HIPAA and looking at non-profits beyond health care. Speaking of updates, here is some news from Tulsa, OK…
Richard Boone, CFRE
In the membership arena, we are working to increase our membership by 3 percent this year. Efforts are being made to follow up with both prospective members and with former and lapsed members, when possible. We are also pursuing fundraising professionals in allied fields as well as developing a prospect list for fundraising officers from medical schools in our region's states. For membership information please contact Wendy Nicolai at 406-444-2372. Welcome to our New Members who have joined us since January 1, 2004! Mr. David Boggan, CFRE - University of Colorado Hospital
Congrats to the following members of our region who have achieved the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential at some point in their professional careers. This list includes those who have been CFREs for several years as well as those who have just achieved this level. For more information on how you can become certified, check out this link on the AHP Web site.
AHP International Conference is September 29 - October 3, 2004 in New Orleans, LA. The Association for Healthcare Philanthropy International Educational Conference specializes in one-of-a-kind education and networking opportunities for health care development professionals. The combination of outstanding seminars with experts, events for networking, an exhibit hall with resources for your fundraising office and a spectacular location makes this a conference YOU CAN'T MISS. For more information go to: http://www.ahp.org/conferences-education/intl-conf/
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