The Birgit Burton R.I.S.E. Fund

for Fundraisers of Colour

Meet Birgit

Birgit Smith Burton is a passionate advocate for equity in philanthropy and the founder and CEO of the African American Development Officers (AADO) Network. She launched AADO in 1999, creating a space where fundraisers of color could access mentorship, education, career support, and a vibrant professional community. What began as a vision has grown into a thriving network serving thousands across North America.

Over her 26-year tenure at Georgia Tech, Birgit led efforts that raised more than $700 million from private philanthropic foundations. She was selected for the inaugural Leading Women @ Tech cohort and received a team award for her role in launching the Marcus Center for Therapeutic Cell Characterization and Manufacturing.

A trailblazer in the field, Birgit made history as the first African American woman elected chair of the AFP Global Board. She is a sought-after speaker and thought leader on fundraising and diversity, and has shared her journey through books such as Collecting Courage and The Philanthropic Covenant with Black America. Her career continues to inspire future leaders through the R.I.S.E. Fund, established in her honor.

A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she holds a bachelor’s degree in media communications from Medaille University.

Birgit remains active on national boards and advisory councils, championing inclusion, equity, and opportunity across the philanthropic landscape.

The Fund’s mission is to advance fundraisers of colour by providing Resources, Inspiration, Support, and Education (R.I.S.E.)

About the Fund

The R.I.S.E. Fund seeks to complement, not compete with, other educational awards, funds, and organizations working to advance women and men of colour in the fundraising profession.  We encourage our donors to support the various awards advancing the education of women of colour in fundraising.

Founded by a group of Black female fundraisers and working with allied organizations, also supporting the advancement of fundraisers of colour, the R.I.S.E. Fund will annually contribute $2,000 USD to each allied organization to award educational stipends to eligible recipients selected from among their membership.

Funds must be used within 18 months of receiving the award

Eligibility Requirements

R.I.S.E Fund applicants must:

  • Be a fundraiser of colour living in the US or Canada

  • Have fundraising and/or development designated as their primary responsibility in their organization

The following groups of individuals are not eligible to receive the educational stipend:

  • Any and all officers, managers or trustees of any of the allied organizations

  • Any and all members of the selection committee of any of the allied organizations

  • Any and all substantial contributor to any of the allied organizations

  • Any US or Canadian government officials

  • Any and all family members of the above listed groups

Permitted usage of the educational stipend

The educational stipend can be spent on any combination of the following:

  • Registration fee and travel to a fundraising education session or conference

  • Any academic course which positively impacts the applicants fundraising career

  • Membership fee to fundraising membership organization

  • Initial certification or recertification fee for the CFRE Certification Exam

Selection Criteria

  • Each allied organization will independently develop and implement its bias-free selection criteria

  • Annually, allied organizations will nominate one eligible candidate from among its membership

  • The educational stipend will be awarded on an objective basis

Allied Organizations

Currently, there are four allied organizations. Organizations working for the education and/or advancement of fundraisers of colour in fundraising are welcome to participate. To find out more about becoming an allied organization, contact us.

 

Black Canadian Fundraisers’ Collective

We are a collective of Black identifying people, rooted in the historic tradition of Ubuntu, “I am, because we are.” 

We inspire and elevate our fundraising sector as the leading advocate and thought collective for Black Canadian philanthropy.

We do that through supporting Black fundraisers, creating learning opportunities, inspiring Black philanthropy and cultivating meaningful partnerships for the benefit of Black non-profit professionals.

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F3 – Fabulous Female Fundraisers

F3 was founded out of a need to support women of  color in the field of nonprofit fundraising who are often marginalized, overlooked, and dismissed. A small group of women in Atlanta, GA convened bi-monthly to provide support for one another. Common experiences, respect for individual contributions, and passion for nonprofit work created a bonded network. Through a shared view of giving back to transform the world, F3 was formed to celebrate womanhood, professional development, and the impact we make individually and collectively. 

We provide a safe space for women of color in fundraising who need support to grow personally and professionally. We support women who wish to pursue a career in fundraising with mentoring and professional advice. We help to advance the field of fundraising by sharing our talents, passion, and experience.

African American Development Officers Network (AADO)

Started in 1999 by Birgit Smith Burton, The African American Development Officers (AADO) Network is made up of professionals of color and allies that have designated fundraising and/or development as their primary responsibility in their organization. AADO’s mission is to provide professional development, education, employment support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for fundraisers of color. Currently, led by a team of profoundly committed and accomplished volunteers, there are over 1,800 members across North America.