Association of Development Officers

The Association of Development Officers (ADO) is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of fundraising and philanthropy in the lower Hudson Valley region. ADO achieves this through raising public awareness and interest in philanthropy and charitable giving; promoting high ethical fundraising standards; and providing educational opportunities for those involved or interested in the field of fundraising. Founded in 1980, ADO is an educational institution that encourages members and guests to enhance their knowledge about development and related fields (e.g. board development, strategic planning, annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, event coordination, grant writing, capital campaigns, volunteer program management, social media). ADO members are primarily development officers, executive directors, grant writers, board members, and others involved with or interested in fundraising and/or philanthropy. Our programming includes: 1) PHILANTHROPY AWARDS BREAKFAST -- Honoring those who have made a difference in philanthropy or fundraising in Westchester or Putnam counties. 2) EDUCATION PROGRAMS -- Luncheon and breakfast seminars and workshops with guest speakers, geared to increase the fundraising skills of development officers, executive directors, board members and fundraisers, as well as those interested in the fields of philanthropy and fundraising. CFRE-approved credits. 3) SCHOLARSHIP/INTERNSHIP PROGRAM -- Scholarships for educational enrichment and fundraising internships. 4) ADO/SUNY PURCHASE FUNDRAISING AND BOARD DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM -- A comprehensive program covering the major components of a successful fundraising effort, including board development, strategic planning, annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, event coordination, grant writing, capital campaigns, volunteer program management and more. 5) PEER-TO-PEER RESOURCE DIRECTORY -- A listing of individuals willing to share their knowledge and expertise about annual funds, board recruitment/development, capital campaigns, donor cultivation, events management, fundraising software, grant writing/funding search, major gifts, marketing, membership, planned giving, strategic planning and other topics. 6) NEW WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM -- Resources for job seekers and organizations looking to hire as well as our job bank, the largest listing of fundraising full- and part-time jobs and consulting opportunities in the region. 7) COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR -- New and expanded community calendar of fundraisers, friend raisers, fundraising training opportunities, special offers and more. 8) WEBSITE RESOURCES -- A newly re-designed website (www.ADOonline.org) that includes fundraising resources (e.g. grant seeking, support organizations, research, philanthropy e-books and articles) and more in conjunction with a number of other regional nonprofits (e.g. United Way, Volunteer Center, PACE, Probono Partnership, Nonprofit Westchester). Other ADO events: 1) MEET THE FUNDERS PANEL DISCUSSION -- Held in January, foundation directors and corporate giving officers answer grantmaking questions. 2) ASK THE EXPERTS ROUNDTABLE BREAKFAST -- Held in June, Roundtable discussions with fundraising, philanthropy and nonprofit experts.