The Asia Pacific Fundraisers’ Network (APFN) was launched in 2009. It is a membership-based association of the Asia Pacific National Societies who are committed to having a stronger position in resource mobilization. With an annual fee of CHF500, member National Societies gain access to tools and useful information; access to advisors, consultants and support teams; training and e-learning.
Objectives of the Network
One of the elements in the Federation Wide Resource Mobilization Strategy (FWRMS) is building the capacity of National Societies, and the APFN contributes to that goal in the Asia Pacific zone. The network then aims to:
- To enhance fundraising skills of its members.
- To share best practice of successful fundraising tools, techniques and learning among member National Societies.
- To share resourceful network, resource persons or work partners among National Societies.
- Members will benefit from involvement in fundraising activities to increase donation income.
Background and Development
The Asia Pacific National Societies have made a commitment at the Singapore Regional Conference in 2006 to develop their fundraising skills. The concept of an APFN was devised to help fundraising professionals within National Societies to form a self-sustaining network, consolidating fundraising skills and sharing knowledge and experience within the Asia Pacific Zone.
Over the course of 2009, preparations took place for the inaugural meeting of the group. These preparations were spearheaded by the steering group which was chaired by Clare Cain of New Zealand Red Cross. Other members of the steering group who represented the four regions of the Asia Pacific Zone were: Bonnie So, Hong Kong branch of the Red Cross Society of China; Carol Teo, Singapore Red Cross Society; Indra Adhikari, Nepal Red Cross Society; Gwendolyn Pang, Philippine Red Cross Society; and Alison Cupit of Fiji Red Cross Society.
The Hui
It is envisaged that the local name for meeting or gathering will be adopted for APFN Meeting, dependent upon the country hosting the meeting. The first meeting was the called a Hui (the Maori word for meeting) and was then held in Auckland, New Zealand on 27 – 30 April 2010. A total of 30 full participants attended the Hui from 18 national societies. The major outputs of the meeting were identifying the member societies of special interest working groups and coming up with a matrix which will help link the needs of a National Society with the skills and resources of other societies.