Every year, AFP, the largest association of professional fundraisers in the world, honors chapters for achieving goals that align with key objectives in its long-range strategic plan. Chapters receive the Ten Star GOLD Award for performing specific activities designed to increase professionalism within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy.

Less than 20 percent of AFP’s 243 chapters earn the Ten Star Gold Chapter recognition, making the West Michigan chapter one of the association’s leading chapters around the world.

Ten Star Gold Chapters are recognized at the AFP International Conference on Fundraising. Chapters also earn the privilege of displaying the Ten Star Gold logo on their website, newsletters and stationary.

Criteria for the award are determined by AFP International Headquarters. A list of several goals is published annually, and chapters must accomplish 16 of these goals during the year and submit a nomination form for verification to be honored.

For more information on the Ten Star Award process, please visit www.afpnet.org.