Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to join The CDO Network?
The CDO Network is designed to provide community throughout the year for everyone who serves an organization as the senior fundraising officer who reports to that organization’s chief executive officer/president and/or board. Members typically have the title of Chief Development Officer, Chief Advancement Officer, Vice President or Senior Vice President of Development or Advancement, or Director of Development.
Executive Directors of small organizations who also serve as the organization’s chief development officer are welcome. In some cases, more than one person in the same 501(c)(3) may be eligible for membership. Interim CDOs and those who have served in the role but are between CDO jobs are encouraged to apply.
Please contact us at info@thecdo.network if you have additional questions about your eligibility.
How does The CDO Network relate to other professional associations?
There are many professional associations that support the work of professionals in fundraising. Some are focused on one sector (such as healthcare), some are focused on women, some are focused on people of color, and some are focused on a specific region. All of them offer resources important to today’s CDO. The CDO Network complements their services, providing community specifically for CDOs, in every part of the nonprofit sector and around the globe. Most members of the Network are members of multiple professional associations. The CDO Network regularly promotes CDO-focused activities of other professional associations.
Who supports members? Who creates these resources?
Members of The CDO Network receive support from peers, support from leading CDOs who serve on the advisory board and as founding advisors, and support from a dedicated staff. The staff includes a Community Manager who helps members navigate and use the platform, and CDO Network Peer Facilitators — all of whom are current or former CDOs — who help members and peer groups derive benefit from the many resources and services offered by the Network.
The CDO Network provides infrastructure and personal support that allows busy CDOs to find and engage with peers quickly, easily, and when they need it most. This framework is what makes it possible for us to partner with leading institutions like the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy for exclusive quarterly forums and invite featured guest experts to our monthly virtual events to provide new perspectives and additional support.
What is expected of members?
The CDO Network is designed by and for CDOs. Members have access to dozens of resources and services thoughtfully designed by other CDO members. But members are also invited and encouraged to contribute to the Network — by recommending resources, by submitting discussion questions, or by offering to lead or participate in online and in-person gatherings, for example.
The Network’s greatest value and strength is its members. The more they add, the stronger the Network becomes. The CDO Network serves as a community that provides not only a forum for the exchange of valuable information but also moral support in what can sometimes be a lonely job.
Who should I contact if I have further questions?
You can email us at info@thecdo.network, and we’ll be happy to assist you!