Greater Dallas AFP Newsletter

January 2026

In This Issue

• President's Message
• January 28, 2026 Luncheon Program
• Apply for 2026 Chamberlain Scholarship by January 15

President's Message

Hello Friends, and Happy New Year from your new President!

Like many of you, I spent the close of 2025 with friends and family, sharing meals, opening gifts, and celebrating the magic of a season centered on generosity. Throughout those moments, one simple phrase kept surfacing in conversations: “Enjoy it.”

As the father of two young boys, I’m constantly reminded of how quickly time moves. I often have to make a conscious effort to slow down and truly appreciate the small, meaningful moments along the way.

As professional fundraisers, we live with a tremendous sense of responsibility. The pressure to perform is real, especially when the success of our organizations directly impacts the communities we serve. But how often do we pause to enjoy the work itself? Too often, we allow challenges and busy schedules to pull our focus rather than reflect on the difference we make.

What if 2026 were different?

What if we took time to savor the change we help create? What if we paused to recognize the positive impact we have across North Texas? And what if, despite the challenges, we allowed ourselves to enjoy the work of making the world a better place?

With that spirit in mind, I want to personally invite you to engage with your local AFP community this year. We have a variety of programs and events planned for 2026, and I hope you’ll join us, both to grow professionally and to reconnect with the purpose that brought us to this work.



I look forward to seeing you in the year ahead.

Warm regards,

Evan White

Greater Dallas AFP President 2026

January 28 Luncheon Program

The Gild (South Tower)

8150 N Central Expressway Room 1008

Dallas, TX 75206 

The Power of Mentorship

Building Stronger Connections with Colleagues

Has your role changed? Do you need a new opinion or a fresh or objective sounding board? Manuel Mesa, CFRE, and Scott Price, CFRE, were matched in the Greater Dallas Chapter’s mentor program in 2025. Join them as they talk about why they joined the mentorship program, the process, and how the program has benefited them both personally and professionally. 

About Our Speakers

Manuel Mesa, CFRE, brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership to The Philanthropy Blueprint, combining practical experience with a values-driven perspective. As Immediate Past President of AFP Greater Dallas and a former executive director, he offers both strategic guidance and hands-on knowledge. Manuel partners with organizations to clarify their vision, strengthen leadership teams, and design fundraising strategies that inspire long-term growth.

Scott Price, CFRE, is a key contact for the Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation and Methodist Health System's giving initiatives, specifically for the Richardson campus, serving as a liaison for employee giving and fundraising campaigns like Methodist Gives. As a fundraiser Scott works to secure philanthropic support for the hospital's technology, staff, and programs, with the goal of ensuring excellence in patient care for the local community. 

IF YOU ARE ALREADY A 2026 LUNCHEON PROGRAM SUBSCRIBER:

First and foremost, thank you! If you are a 2026 subscriber to Dallas AFP educational luncheon programs you are pre-registered. If you cannot attend, you may send a colleague in your place!

Subscribe to 2026 luncheon meetings by January 31!

Learn more and register now for this upcoming event!

Members and non-members are welcome! Discounted rates for emerging leaders age 35 or under and/or with 5 years or less experience as a fundraising professional, member or non-member.



• $50 for non-members
• $35 for members
• $30 for emerging leaders, members or non-members, 35 and under or with 5 or fewer years fundraising experience

2026 AFP Chamberlain Scholarship

Deadline to apply is Thursday, January 15, 2026

The Ralph Chamberlain Scholarship provides a complimentary registration for a member of the Greater Dallas Chapter to attend 2026 AFP ICON, April 26-28 in San Diego, California, for the first time. The Chamberlain Scholarship does not include transportation, food or lodging.

Click here to download an application.

Grant Writing Workshop Opportunity

Grant Writing USA will present a two-day workshop with the Fort Worth Police Department, February 9-10, 2026. You'll learn how to find funding opportunities and write winning grant proposals. This training is appropriate for all city, county, and state agencies as well as area K-12, first responders, nonprofits, and others seeking government or foundation grants. Click HERE for more information.

Member News

Janny Chang is excited to report that she received her CFRE designation last month. She has been fundraising for 13 years in education, global development, and for domestic workers’ rights.

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