

January 2009
Japanese Fundraaising Association
Paulette Maehara, CFRE, CAE, President and CEO, AFP
On behalf of the board of directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), as well as our members around the world, congratulations on the creation of the Japanese Fundraising Association (JFRA). You are taking an important step in formalizing the philanthropic culture and tradition of Japan, and AFP welcomes JFRA into the worldwide community of professional fundraising associations.
Japan has an extraordinary history of philanthropy, dating back countless centuries. When people are in need, the Japanese have come together time and again to help each other and their country. That more than 70 percent of Japanese make contributions to charity, and that many organizations and corporations are getting more involved in giving, underscore that the Japanese culture of philanthropy does not need to be created because it already exists. The generosity exists. The ideas and the innovation exist.
As in any country, the Japanese culture of philanthropy needs to be identified and spotlighted,
so people are aware of the amazing impact charity has in Japan. This culture needs to be strengthened through the development of a code of ethics and best practices for fundraising practitioners and charitable organizations. This culture needs to be energized and professionalized through training, education and certification of fundraisers. All of us at AFP, and indeed the entire global fundraising community, stand ready to assist you in these endeavors.
I commend the JFRA for its leadership in advancing the fundraising profession in Japan and its commitment to the principles of ethical and effective fundraising. Your work is strengthening fundraising not just in Japan, but around the world, and I look forward to your many ideas and contributions to our field in the years to come.
Congratulations again.
Sincerely,
Paulette V. Maehara, CFRE, CAE
President and CEO
Paulette Maehara
