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Dear AFP Greater Dallas Members & Friends,
As we step into May, I can’t help but reflect on the powerful intersections between fundraising, celebration, and connection.
Several of us attended AFP ICON last week, a gathering that never fails to reignite our passion for this work. Surrounded by fundraisers from around the globe, we were reminded that the heart of fundraising is relationships. Whether you're securing a major gift, stewarding a recurring donor, or designing your next campaign, connection remains at the core.
This theme of connection feels especially timely as we approach Mother’s Day. While it’s a day to celebrate the caregivers and matriarchs in our lives, it also offers a meaningful moment to consider the why behind our work. Many of us were first introduced to generosity and service by our mothers, grandmothers, or other figures who taught us to give, share, and uplift others. These values continue to guide our work in the philanthropic sector.
Fundraising, like motherhood, requires patience, persistence, and deep empathy. It’s a long game, one that’s about more than transactions. It's about impact, legacy, and building something that lasts far beyond us.
As you plan your spring appeals or prepare for summer campaigns, I encourage you to reflect on what motivates your fundraising. Take time to honor the people and values that brought you into this profession. And if you haven’t yet, take a moment to thank the “mothers” in your life who shaped your heart for giving.
Warmly,
Manuel Mesa
2025 President, Greater Dallas AFP
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