Dear Members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Los Angeles Chapter,

Thank you for your 2025 membership and for being part of such an incredible AFP Greater Los Angeles community.

This year began with deep uncertainty. The unprecedented fires that ravaged our beautiful cities challenged us all, yet Angelenos came together—stepping up to care for neighbors and communities in moments of great need. Our city was challenged again as removal tactics were used that created fear and instability in many communities. Many of our member organizations’ clients were directly affected, and many of you were left feeling overwhelmed as you worked tirelessly to support those you serve.

And yet, with resilience, compassion, and unwavering passion, the nonprofit community rose again—continuing your missions and standing strong for those who need you most.

While we may not know what 2026 will bring, please know this: we will be here with you, whatever that next chapter looks like.

Even during a difficult year, our chapter accomplished meaningful and impactful work. I’m proud to highlight just a few of the notable programs and events we hosted:

• Seasoned Leaders Series: Led by John Toolan, our San Pedro event welcomed more than 70 attendees and offered valuable insights for senior fundraising professionals.
• Roundtables: Held across three locations, these sessions became some of our highest-rated programs—clearly demonstrating our members’ desire for thoughtful dialogue and shared learning.
• Emerging Leaders Programming: Chairs Bridget Altman Paskil and Jonathan Rios hosted a vibrant networking event in downtown Los Angeles. While I may have been the most senior attendee in the room, I was grateful to have my 20-year-old daughter there to help me understand phrases like “clock it” and “do it for the plot.
• An Evening with Art Taylor: We had the honor on having an intimate conversation with Art, President & CEO of Association of Fundraising Professionals at the beautiful City Club, Los Angeles.
• National Philanthropy Day Awards: We closed the year by honoring extraordinary organizations and individuals—true heroes of our philanthropic community.

It has truly been an honor to serve as your President this past year. Thank you for your engagement, energy, and commitment to this chapter and to our sector.

I hope you will continue to serve as members and partners in 2026. Together, we will keep moving forward—stronger and more connected than ever.

With gratitude,

Andrea Salazar

The 2025 National Philanthropy Day celebration hosted by the AFP Greater Los Angeles Chapter took place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, bringing together philanthropists and nonprofit professionals for an inspiring afternoon.

The event featured a VIP reception, networking opportunities, a luncheon, a keynote presentation, and an awards ceremony honoring outstanding individuals and organizations making an impact in the Los Angeles community. Attendees were energized by meaningful conversations and celebrated for their contributions to philanthropy while enjoying the beautiful garden setting. The keynote address was delivered by Randy Shulman, Senior Vice President for Advancement at The Huntington, and the ceremony was hosted by Chris Schauble of KTLA5.

The gathering also offered guests the chance to meet AFP Global President & CEO Art Taylor, further enhancing the sense of community and shared purpose. With generous sponsorship and participation, the event highlighted the power of collective action in transforming lives and encouraged attendees to elevate their own philanthropic efforts. Overall, the celebration honored generosity, compassion, and the ongoing impact of philanthropy in Los Angeles.

AFP President & CEO, Art Taylor, welcomes guests to National Philanthropy Day.

LA Hero Honoree, Fire Capt. Malcolm Dicks and his guests pictured with AFP-GLAC President, Andrea Salazar, AFP-GLAC Vice President, Kevin Delaney, Event Host, KTLA5 Anchor, Chris Schauble.

2025 Partners

Humanitarian Partners

US Bank

Social Good Partners

The Ahmanson Foundation

Cedars-Sinai

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, & Botanic Gardens

Pasadena Humane/Hopf Family

CS Arts- SGV

Union Rescue Mission

Altruistic Partners

Campbell & Company

Inspiration Partners

AFP-GLAC President, Andrea Salazar

Butterfly Equity Foundation

Davi-Gold, LLC

Direct Connection

DoubleTree San Pedro - Los Angeles Harbor

Instrumentl

Netzel Grigsby Associates

The Philanthropy Coach

• President – Kathy Ward, Director of Philanthropy, Union Rescue Mission

• Vice President & Treasurer – Kevin Delaney, Vice President, Netzel Grigsby Associates

• Immediate Past President – Andrea Salazar, Executive Director, Rancho Los Amigos Foundation

• Interim Secretary & Co-Chair Emerging Leaders – Jonathan Rios, CFRE, Major Gifts Officer, Pasadena Humane

• VP, Education – Yulanda Davis-Quarrie, MS, CFRE, Assistant Vice President for Advancement, Pitzer College

• VP, IDEA – Melissa Foster, Director of Development and Communications, Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy

• VP, Philanthropy – Carmen Himes, Donor Engagement and Event Manager, Social Justice Learning Institute

• Chair, Communications – Dana Bean, MPA, Principal & Founder, Amplify for Good

• Co-Chair, Emerging Leaders – Bridget Altman Paskil, Associate Director, Major Gifts & Planned Gifts, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

• Chair, Ethics - Warren Northern,  Senior Manager Development and Government Relations, University Community Health Center

• Chair, Membership – Renee Johnson, President, ThirdWheel Cause Consulting LLC 

• Co-Chair, National Philanthropy Day – Sandy Moreno, Philanthropy Officer, Union Rescue Mission

• Co-Chair, National Philanthropy Day – Cory Martin, CFRE, Founder & CEO, United for Humanity

• Chair, Philanthropy, Annabella Gonzalez

• Chair, Seasoned Leaders Series – John Toolan, Principal, All Points Ahead

• Co-Chair, Scholarships – Dana Boyd, Associate Director of Individual Giving, All For Kids

• Co-Chair, Scholarships – Nancy Leptuch Virrey, MPA, CFRE, Director of Advancement, Oakwood School

AFP, Greater Los Angeles Chapter is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2026 Chamberlain Scholarship. Each year AFP Foundation for Philanthropy offers one registration scholarship to qualified chapters for the Annual AFP International Conference on Fundraising (ICON). This program is designed to help individuals serving nonprofit organizations develop their knowledge and skills in fundraising. The scholarship honors the memory of Ralph E. Chamberlain, CFRE.

AFP ICON, AFP’s flagship “International Conference,” is held each year and brings together nearly 4,000 fundraising professionals to discuss important trends and issues related to fundraising and philanthropy, with a focus on fundraising practice and technique. 

The 2026 AFP ICON will be held April 26-28, 2026 in San Diego, California.

One candidate will be chosen by our Chapter Scholarship Committee to receive a scholarship toward registration for the AFP International Fundraising Conference on Philanthropy.  Registration fees, except for a $10 payment to secure registration, are paid by the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy.  

Philanthropy has the power to transform society, and fundraisers, like you, play a major role in this process. The BE the CAUSE Campaign embodies the importance and impact of a profession that values ethical and effective fundraising in the world and works in the interest of the public good. The campaign demonstrates what fundraisers do and why we do it.

AFP GLAC is a short ways away from reaching our high goal! By reaching our high goal, AFP Global will give a higher percentage of funds raised in form of a grant to the chapter! Please consider making an end of year gift to the AFP Foundation.

Your gift is a strategic investment in your chapter and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy, supporting key initiatives such as:

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

To attract fundraisers and donors who reflect the diverse communities of our society.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

To help fundraising professionals succeed at all stages of their careers.

RESEARCH

To increase knowledge of philanthropy for effective fundraising practices.

SCHOLARSHIPS

To provide fundraisers with educational and networking opportunities.

A portion of this donation is granted back to the chapter for local programs and initiatives

Career Corner