Dear AFP Santa Barbara-Ventura Members and Nonprofit Colleagues,

We are all operating in an increasingly complex and demanding environment. From shifting funding landscapes and workforce burnout to rising community needs and policy changes—nonprofit leaders today are navigating more uncertainty than ever. In the face of these challenges, the strength of our organizations lies in our people and our commitment to continuous learning and collaboration.

That’s why I invite you to join us for the AFP SBV Annual Symposium on June 11. Whether you’re a development director, executive leader, board member, or emerging professional, this is a unique opportunity to:

1. Recharge and reconnect with peers who understand your challenges and share your commitment to mission-driven work.
2. Learn from dynamic speakers and panels offering practical tools for fundraising, leadership, and organizational resilience.
3. Invest in your team by giving them space to grow, reflect, and bring new ideas back to your organization. Bring your board members with you and ask them to sponsor your participation!

I especially encourage executive directors, development leaders, and board members to bring your teams to the Symposium. Investing in your team’s growth and visibility is not just generous leadership—it’s strategic. When your staff feels seen, valued, and included in field-wide conversations, they return with new energy, perspective, and skills to elevate your mission. Whether you’re part of a small grassroots group or a large institution, this is the kind of event that can bring fresh thinking and practical tools back to your organization.

At AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura, we are also committed to creating pathways for all nonprofit professionals to grow in this field. That’s why we encourage leaders to invest in your staff’s development by supporting their AFP membership—or better yet, encouraging them to volunteer with AFP. Engaging with our chapter builds local leadership, creates a broader professional network, and exposes your team to best practices in philanthropy and nonprofit management.

We know budgets are tight, which is why our chapter also offers a number of complimentary annual memberships each year. These are available to nonprofit professionals who might not otherwise be able to join. If you have emerging leaders or committed staff members who would benefit from a deeper connection with AFP, I urge you to nominate them or reach out to us for details.

Looking ahead, many of our members are preparing to attend AFP ICON 2025, taking place April 27–29 in Seattle.

In conjunction with AFP ICON, we encourage you to consider making a contribution to the BE the CAUSE Campaign. This annual fund our local chapter, including scholarships, leadership development, and education. Notably, during AFP ICON, Blackbaud will match $10 for every gift of $20 or more made towards BE the CAUSE. A portion of every donation also returns to our local chapter, directly benefiting our community's programs and initiatives. Please give today.

AFP is more than a professional association—it’s a community. And we are stronger when our community reflects the full range of voices, roles, and lived experiences across the nonprofit sector. Whether you’re a longtime member or just learning about our work, I hope you’ll make space to engage this year.

Let’s keep learning together. Let’s champion and invest in the people who make our missions possible. And let’s come together on June 11 for a day of inspiration, skill-building, and connection. We can’t wait to welcome you and your team.

Best,

Elena I. Nicklasson, MA

Board Chair

AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter

Many of us aspire to be dynamic change agents in our work (and lives). But the percentage of leaders and organizations who rate well in strategy and execution of strategy is incredibly low. In this engaging, fun, and thought-provoking session, you will explore successful pathways to transformational change.

Participants will learn about:

• The tangible importance and implications of a strategic approach
• The characteristics of a strategic person/organization
• Obstacles that hinder strategic work
• A digestible process for achieving successful strategic change
• The role of fundraisers in organizational strategy
• A roadmap for fostering strategic change in work (and life)

Participants will leave with:

1. An improved assessment of themselves and their organizations with
2. regards to strengths/opportunities for becoming more strategic
3. A pathway to begin and support your journey as a game-changing leader

About our Presenter: 

Monica Grant, CFRE, is an organizational and fundraising consultant. She is the former Chief Resource Development Officer for the Channel Islands YMCA and served as the CEO of the San Luis Obispo County YMCA for 9 years. Monica has thirty years of experience as a nonprofit and development professional, including YMCAs in California and Hawaii, UC Santa Cruz, The Nature Conservancy, United Way, and Sierra Club. She has an MS in Organizational Leadership, a Certificate in Organizational Development Consulting, and a Certificate in DEI. Monica serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals Global Board of Directors and is Past President and a founding board member of the AFP SLO County Chapter. She presents at AFP ICON and national YMCA conferences. She lives in Arroyo Grande with her wife, Colleen Murphy and son, Angelo.

Event Details

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Noon-2 p.m.

People Helping People

545 N. Alisal Rd., Solvang, CA 93463

$25 - AFP Members

$35 - Non-Members

Lunch Included.

Join us prior to the event for a volunteer opportunity.

Volunteer Opportunity with Food Distribution in Solvang 

Mission Santa Ines - parking lot, along the religious education classrooms

1760 Mission Drive

Solvang, CA 93463

Description

Our volunteer opportunity with our Food Distribution operates from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Any length of time is helpful. From 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon our food distribution volunteers breakdown pallets of fresh produce items, that then package them for induvial/family households. They organize and set up the tables for the distribution for our clients to "shop" and self-select their items. Volunteers also organize and assemble 60 bags of groceries that are delivered to local seniors that are homebound. At 12 noon, clients begin to check in and shop for their items, and volunteers assist in this process

People Helping People (PHP) is the primary provider of human and social services in Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos. Incorporated in 1992, PHP is “dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos Valley and adjacent communities by addressing emergency and basic needs, furnishing comprehensive integrated family and support services, and acting as a catalyst for positive community change.” We have distributed food since we were established as an organization and during our large food distribution, we prepare for 300 households, reaching 1,200 individuals. Volunteers are the heart to making this operation come to life week after week.  

Full participation in How to be a Gamechanging Badass is applicable for 1.25 point in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

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New Report on the Impact of the Charitable Act

A new report from the American Heart Association and Capital Policy Analytics finds that the Charitable Act could generate an estimated $40 billion in additional donations annually—a 7% increase over 2023 levels. Check out the report to learn more about the potential impact of the bipartisan Charitable Act (S. 317/H.R. 801). (American Heart Association) Read the Report 

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)

Founded in 1960, AFP International (formerly the National Society of Fund Raising Executives) advances philanthropy through over 24,000 members in 243 chapters around the world. AFP International is committed to promoting philanthropy and supporting the practice of ethical and effective fundraising. AFP offers many opportunities both at the local chapter and international association levels. Join your local AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter today for professional development, networking, and employment opportunities.

Association of Fundraising Professionals

P.O. Box 1564, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1564

(714) 771-3685

admin@afpsbv.org

www.afpsbv.org

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