Your May Newsletter from AFP Greater San Fernando Valley

Forward

Dear Members and Guests,

Every year, AFP holds the largest gathering of fundraising professionals in the world. From May 2 – 4, nine members of our chapter gathered in Las Vegas with nearly 3,000 other AFP global members at AFP ICON 2022. The conference was chock-full of educational seminars, plenary sessions, cutting-edge vendors, and fun. We gathered for a chapter dinner after the first full day, energized by our learning experiences and the miles we walked navigating the MGM Grand venue. Our table was a mix of career veterans and newcomers all fueled with fundraising passion, brought together through AFP. Every GSFV member should experience ICON at least once and we missed YOU.

ICON 2023 will be held April 15 – 18 in New Orleans. Start planning to attend now. Chapter scholarships will be available. Will your organization help cover the costs? It’s time to inquire. Consider building the time out of the office into your schedule right now. You don’t want to miss it. What we experience through our local chapter is impressive. What we experience in a global gathering truly inspirational.

Raul V. Castillo 1968 – 2022

With great sadness we share the news that Raul Castillo passed away peacefully at his home on May 5, 2022 after a valiant fight against cancer.

Raul was born on February 14, 1968, in Manila, Philippines. His family immigrated to Echo Park, California in 1974, later settling in Arleta, California. Raul found his niche in professional fundraising as he worked with multiple arts and education organizations, and he was eventually entrusted with the role of Executive Director of the Los Angeles Valley College Foundation in 2001, where he continued to serve until the time of his passing. A former AFP GSFV President, Raul played a significant role in the chapter’s growth and development over the years. He had a knack for building genuine connections. Well, done faithful servant.

A memorial service will be held at the Old North Church at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills on June 2, 2022, at 5pm. Raul wished that donations be made in his honor to the LAVC "Raul Castillo Memorial Fund" supporting student scholarships. Please visit http://www.lavcfoundation.org/givenow.php.

Gratefully,

Nancy J. Ackerman, CFRE
2022-2023 President

Marla A. Parker, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Public Administration, Department of Political Science and Co-Founder, Civic and Social Innovation Group at California State University Los Angeles will help us unpack why our words matter more than ever. She’ll lead us on interactive exploration of the types of language and terminology that encourages a culture of inclusivity. You will be given a blue print of practical strategies, tools, and resources that will ultimately help you, as a fundraiser, build better relationships with donors and funders as well as work towards a more equitable sector and community.

At some point or another, all organizations must develop or revise a strategic plan that guides and enables their organization to advance its mission. Equally important is as the sector evolves, so must the process and elements needed to create a strategic plan.

This year’s AFP Symposium is tailored to help you consider new ideas and practices to better position you and your organization as you move forward to address the ever-changing issues facing our communities through your strategic plan. Whether this is your first rodeo or you’re a member of the strategic planning club, AFP Symposium will offer you valuable information through workshops and addresses by distinguished speakers who will share their experience and fundraising knowledge that will appeal to both seasoned fundraising professionals, board members, nonprofit executives, and those who are new to our not-for-profit community.

May 2022 Update:
Blackbaud "Good Takeover" Match Extended!

It’s not over! We are extending the Blackbaud “Good Takeover” Match!

During AFP ICON 2022 (May 2-4, 2022), Blackbaud provided a $10 match for every gift (minimum $20) received by the AFP Foundations for Philanthropy.

We received incredible support from 614 generous donors totaling $34,619 over those initial ICON dates.

But we can do more!

The Blackbaud match was offered to 1,000 donors, so they have graciously agreed to extend the match. The next 386 GIFTS of a $20 minimum donation will also receive the match, so get yours in quickly!

How to Make a Gift:

Make a gift to the Foundation for Philanthropy – U.S. by:

Texting 'AFP' to 571-749-2699
Or by clicking here

CONTACT AFP GREAT SAN FERNANDO VALLEY CHAPTER