As the Association of Fundraising Professionals annual meeting wraps up today in New Orleans, the conference has made clear that the organization’s work is now spreading around the world.

The association has been increasing educational offerings outside the United States and Canada and extending membership opportunities to fund raisers overseas. In addition, the association has advised charity regulators in countries including Brazil, China, New Zealand, and Poland. It is planning a symposium on developing new charity regulations to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in November.

The association now has chapters in several locations in Mexico, as well as chapters in Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Singapore. And working with 23 other fund-raising associations or related organizations from other countries, the association has produced the International Statement of Ethical Principles in Fundraising.

Among other overseas expansion activities:

• The association held its first joint fund-raising conference with the Institute of Fundraising in London last year, drawing participants from eight countries. A second conference is planned for January 2010.

• A new online-only membership has been created for overseas fund raisers who pay $50 annually to join. The association plans to market the membership more actively, although more than 100 fund raisers have joined with little promotional effort.

• The association has worked with a Mexican university to create a new Professional Online Diploma training program and a certificate in Spanish. The first students will begin taking courses this spring.