Monthly News & Updates

February 2026 | Issue 2.26

President's Message

Dear Friends,


My office is pretty small with limited wall space, but one item that’s followed me from place to place is a framed vinyl of one of my favorite artists—Tina Turner. I’d argue she was one of the greatest entertainers of her time. Her energy, resilience, and sheer presence were unmatched. When I’m feeling low on energy or overwhelmed by the demands of the day, I glance at that album cover and think of her unstoppable drive. It reminds me that even in the midst of challenges, we can keep showing up with strength, grace, and purpose.


As we move into February and the season of Valentine’s, I can’t help but think of one of Tina’s most famous songs, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” It’s a question I’ve reflected on often. For me, the answer is simple—love has everything to do with it. Love is what fuels our work. It’s the love of the mission that inspires us, the love of our community that connects us, and the love of making a difference that keeps us going even when the work feels hard.


Fundraising isn’t just about dollars and data—it’s about people, relationships, and the heart behind every gift. That’s what makes our work meaningful and, at times, even transformative.


At our February luncheon, we’re fortunate to have our own Missy Gale joining us to share updates on trends and strategies shaping our field. I’m confident she’ll bring valuable insights, fresh data, and practical tools to help us stay inspired and, yes, stay in love with what we do.


I look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the passion and purpose that drive our profession every day.


Warmest wishes,

Trey Harper, CFRE

2026 AFP Fort Worth Metro Chapter President

• You Could Be Our February Sponsor •

"American Generosity: Trends and Fundraising Strategies"


Building on the recommendations made by the Generosity Commission and giving trends from the Giving USA Foundation's annual report on philanthropy, this presentation will focus on strong fundraising strategies for today's giving climate. Even in the face of funding cutbacks, nonprofits remained resilient in 2025, retaining their strongest donors and new supporters alike. 


Learning Objectives

  • Understanding who and where philanthropic dollars were invested
  • How to use the recommendations made by the Generosity Commission to form strong alliances, increase volunteerism and giving from everyday givers
  • Which fundraising strategies ensure a strong pipeline of donors for your nonprofit organization.

Presented By:

Missy Gale, CFRE


As founder and CEO of M. Gale, Missy Gale has decades of experience in fundraising and public relations for nonprofit sectors including hospitals, museums, educational institutions and human service organizations. She and her team have helped nonprofit organizations across the country develop campaign strategies, implement major giving and relationship-driven fundraising programs and elevate the fundraising prowess of staff, CEOs and board members.


Missy is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and received the Ben Franklin award for outstanding professional fundraising by the Fort Worth Metro Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals. Missy currently serves on the boards of the AFP’s Global Foundation for Philanthropy and the Giving USA Foundation. She is deeply passionate about the fundraising profession, philanthropy and volunteerism in America.

Interested?? Complete this form, and one of the co-chairs will follow up with more information.

Join the Planning Team for the 2026 DFW Philanthropy in Action Conference!


We’re gearing up for another incredible year of inspiration, connection, and collaboration

— and we need passionate fundraising professionals to help shape the experience!


If you’re ready to make an impact and bring your expertise to the table, consider joining one of the committees for our 2026 DFW Philanthropy in Action Conference:

✨ Exhibitor & Sponsor

📣 Marketing

🎓 Scholarship

🤝 Registration

🗣️ Speakers

📝 Evaluations


This is your chance to help lead one of the largest regional philanthropy conferences in the country and contribute to a truly meaningful event for our community.


Interested in getting involved? Email: chairelect@dfwpc.org for more information.

Upcoming Events

2/9 | February Luncheon

3/9 | March Luncheon

4/13 | April Luncheon

5/11 | May Luncheon

You’re not alone on
your journey!


Studying for the CFRE exam can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. A local CFRE study group is forming to share resources, study together, and support one another along the way.


Ready to join the group?


Reach out to afpfwcfre@gmail.com

So glad you have joined us! 

Let us know what we can do for you - that's why we're here!!!

Stephen Hammond

Beyond Transition



Julie Eastman

Fort Worth Food & Wine Foundation


Ryan Wilkerson

Ronald McDonald House Fort Worth


Camille McPherson

Fort Worth Symphony


Madilyn Ivey

Ronald McDonald House Fort Worth


Brenna Lange

University of Texas at Arlington


Jayla Greer

University of North Texas


Rebecca Leppert

Hope Farm


Jill Hockenberry

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center


Corrie Harris

Risex Strategies


Brandy Voirin

Brompton CDHC


Melanie Griffin

Dickerson Bakker


Sabrina Renteria

The Yellow Rose Gala Foundation

Is your organization hiring? Did you know you can be highlighted in our weekly "We're Hiring Wednesday" social media post?


Visit our website and check out who's hiring, or submit open positions that are available at your organization!

Congratulations New and Recertifying CFREs

If you've earned your CFRE or been recertified recently and want to share the great news, let us know!


Quick Links

AFP Fort Worth AFP Global

Need to renew your membership?

Can't find your ID#?

Contact AFP Global


Moving? Changed Jobs?

When your title, employing organization, and/or mailing address, email address, or any other contact information changes, you must go to www.afpglobal.org and update your personal membership record. Any local updates are overwritten when we import the latest national spreadsheet into our database.

Facebook  LinkedIn

Having trouble viewing this email? View as Webpage