May 2024 Newsletter
President's Message
Greetings,

Thank you to everyone who came out to the morning March networking event, it was great to start the day feeling the encouragement and support from colleagues. I always appreciate a day that starts with smiles and hugs!

I am excited about the May 9 program about Planned Giving and look forward to hearing from our local experts about all the ways our donors can support our mission now and in the future. I was planning to take the day off to head to San Diego to pick up my daughter from college but I am delaying my plans to make sure I hear this presentation in person. Now that is dedication!

And, on a final note, I want to share a new resource in our community for nonprofit organizations. I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa Strickland recently from Strickland Strategies (https://www.stricklandsv.com/). Formerly based in Silicon Valley, she has settled in Los Osos and is ready to help wherever her skills fit in with your needs. 

Loren

P.S.: Don’t forget to schedule your vacations!
P.P.S.: Start thinking about nominations for National Philanthropy Day, we will be opening up the website or submissions soon.
Join the SLO Chapter of AFP Today!
Are you employed by, donate to, or serve on the board of a San Luis Obispo County nonprofit? If so, please consider joining our chapter. With your membership, you will enjoy a wealth of career-building programs, educational resources, networking opportunities and exclusive member discounts. Learn more.

For our nonprofit friends with small operating budgets under $2 million with less than 2 full time fundraising staff, you may want to consider a Small Nonprofit AFP membership. It’s only $125 plus a $60 chapter dues and is transferable if your development professional leaves, as opposed to the Individual Professional membership, which is $290 plus $45 in chapter dues.  
Programs
Coming Up This Month
Mastering Legacy Planning for Financial Security & Philanthropy
Thursday, May 9th, 2024
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Region Event Center
858 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401

May Program Prize!
We're thrilled to share that we'll be introducing an exciting prize for active participants on our social media platforms through May 8th! Scroll down to find our social media accounts, where we have posted with more details. Don't miss this easy and quick opportunity to win a $20 Scout Coffee gift card and some delicious Cal Poly wine! One lucky winner will be selected, so don't miss your chance!
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Calling all fundraising professionals! Join the AFP SLO County Chapter for an exclusive workshop designed to elevate your expertise in legacy planning. Hosted at the Region Event Center in San Luis Obispo, this month's program features insights from industry leaders Allie Burnett, Senior Director of Gift Planning at Cal Poly, and Brynne Speizer, CFP®, Vice President at EP Wealth Advisors (formerly Wacker Wealth Partners).
Thu, May 9, 2024 11:30 AM PST
Mastering Legacy Planning for Financial Security and Philanthropy
Region Event Center, San Luis Obispo
Next Month
June Networking Mixer
Thursday, June 13th, 2024
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

15 Degrees C Wine Bar & Restaurant
3590 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
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Join us for the AFP SLO County Chapter June Mixer on Thursday, June 13, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at 15 Degrees C Wine Bar & Restaurant, an inviting venue offering a delightful selection of local and global wines paired with small plates and pizza.

Admission to the event is free, providing you with the perfect opportunity to connect and network with fellow fundraising professionals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

While attendance is complimentary, wine and food will be available for purchase, allowing you to indulge in delicious offerings as you step into summer and engage in meaningful conversations with peers from the nonprofit sector.

Don't miss out on this chance to mingle, unwind, and foster valuable connections within the fundraising community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Thu, Jun 13, 2024 4:00 PM PST
June Networking Mixer
15degrees C Wine Bar & Restaurant, San Luis Obispo
Recap of the April Mixer
Brewing Connections
The April networking event at Lucy's Coffee Company was a great success! Fundraising professionals from various industries gathered over steaming cups of coffee and delectable pastries, creating an atmosphere buzzing with potential and opportunity.

Lucy's Coffee Company, known for its warm ambiance and exceptional brews, proved to be the perfect backdrop for this gathering. Not only did we enjoy delightful morning comestibles, but we also started the day with meaningful interactions. The event was a testament to the power of community and the importance of coming together to support and learn from one another.
Membership
Updates

We welcome the following new and renewed members to the chapter last month:

Branna Still: Cal Poly SLO
Christine McBride: KCBX
Lexie Bell: Cuesta College
Michael Kaplan: Transitions-Mental Health Association
Molly Kern: SLO Food Bank
Paige Chamberlain: Boone Graphics
AFP Membership Scholarship
AFP understands the economic challenges that current and prospective members face. In response to the current conditions, AFP Global is pleased to announce a new membership scholarship program. The goal of this program is to recruit new members and retain existing members who are unable to afford annual membership dues.

This scholarship is available to professionals, associate, young professional, and small NPO member categories and covers 1 year of global and chapter membership dues. AFP San Luis Obispo County has the ability to grant 5 scholarships to new or renewing members. 

Scholarship includes:
  • AFP Global Dues
  • Chapter Membership Dues
  • Exclusive Member Discounts
  • Access to Complimentary Webinars
  • Professional Development and Networking Opportunities

If you are interested in applying for a membership scholarship with the San Luis Obispo County Chapter of AFP, kindly fill out the form below. Deadline to submit is July 15, 2024.
News From AFP Global
Free Webinars Hosted by AFP this May

How Do You Show Up at Work?
May 7, 2024 10:00 a.m. PST
Click here to learn more

Navigating the Six Degrees: From Opportunity to Donation
May 8, 2024 10:00 a.m. PST
Click here to learn more

Can Your CRM Do This? Secrets to Explosive Fundraising
May 15, 2024 10:00 a.m. PST
Click here to learn more

AI Skills for Fundraising
May 23, 2024 10:00 a.m. PST
Click here to learn more
All AFP Members Now Have Access to AAUW Online Negotiation Workshops

Through a partnership with the American Association of University Women (AAUW), all members of AFP can now participate in AAUW’s Work Smart program, a one-hour online negotiation workshop, free of charge.

Click here to learn more
AFP Global Resources

Here’s an interesting resource found on the AFP Global Website. Check it out, and while you’re there, take a look at the many other articles and resources that are included with your membership!

7 Website Statistics to Guide Your Next Refresh or Upgrade
Click here to learn more
Member Feature
Austin Solheim

As a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and serving on its board, I've discovered an invaluable resource of professional growth, personal fulfillment, and communal impact. AFP isn't just an organization; it's a vibrant community of like-minded individuals committed to advancing philanthropy and fundraising practices.

Membership in AFP offers a rich array of resources, from exclusive educational opportunities and networking events, to access to cutting-edge research and best practices in fundraising. Through engaging with fellow members, I've found inspiration, mentorship, and a supportive network that continually challenges me to elevate my skills and broaden my perspectives.

However, serving on the board takes this experience to another level. It's an honor and a responsibility that allows me to actively shape our community, advocate for ethical fundraising standards, and champion initiatives that drive positive change in our communities. Being part of the AFP board is not just about leadership; it's about stewardship—nurturing an environment where innovation thrives, collaboration flourishes, and our collective impact reverberates throughout SLO County and beyond. It's a privilege to contribute to AFP's mission, knowing that every decision made has the potential to empower fundraisers and, ultimately, transform lives.
Chapter Job Center
AFP San Luis Obispo County Chapter proudly connects individuals and organizations through job opportunities in development and fundraising on the Central Coast. Click here to learn more about each posting. 
Director of Philanthropy
Channel Islands YMCA

Development Director
SLO Food Bank

Director of Philanthropy
Cuesta College

Marketing and Development Specialist
CAPSLO

Donor Relations Manager
San Luis Obispo Symphony

Program Assistant
The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County

Executive Director
Montecito Family YMCA
AFP General Chapter Support Fund
Your donation to the San Luis Obispo County AFP General Chapter Support Fund will support a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering professional growth and networking opportunities for fundraising professionals in our community. If you'd like to support our chapter financially, please see the donation link below for more information. Thank you for your generoisty!
Invite Your Board Members
Board members are always quick with fundraising recommendations, aren’t they? Invite them to this month’s program so that they can learn more about the intricacies of Legacy Planning. A board member who knows how to help is a powerful tool! Attending this program would be a great way to get them more involved.
Have a Fundraiser Coming Up?
Got an upcoming event? Shoot us a direct message on Instagram or Facebook once you've posted, and we'll feature it on our stories! Make sure to follow us using the links below so you don't miss the chance to spread the word!
Board of Directors
AFP San Luis Obispo County Chapter