Greater Dallas AFP Newsletter

May 2025

In This Issue

  • President's Message
  • May 28 Luncheon Program at Communities Foundation of Texas
  • 2025 DFW Philanthropy Conference is June 5-6

President's Message

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

May Luncheon Program

Generosity Through The Generations

Join Christina Moore-Salinas, CFRE, as she moderates a panel discussion that will explore insights from the Generosity Commission’s recent report. Panelists will unpack shifts in how different age groups viewing and practicing generosity, and what this means for the future of philanthropy. Panelists include:

  • Erin Offord, President & CEO, BigThought
  • Amit Banerjee, CEO, Philanthropy Kids
  • Joy Tapia, UTD Master’s Program Student/AFP Collegiate Chapter Member
  • Elizabeth Liser, Senior Donor Engagement Specialist, Communities Foundation of Texas 


Your takeaways will be:

  • Understanding key findings from the Generosity Commission's report and how they inform future fundraising and engagement strategies.
  • Exploring how generational attitudes and behaviors around giving are evolving and what that means for philanthropy today.
  • Identifying practical ways to connect with and inspire generosity across different age groups.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER: Christina Moore-Salinas is a Consultant with M. Gale, helping to guide nonprofit organizations through aspects of campaign services and development strategy. Christina joined M. Gale in January 2023 and brings a 20+ year nonprofit career that includes making an impact in areas of financial services, health and human services, and education across the North Texas region. Christina is a TCU graduate and earned her CFRE in 2011. She is a Past President (2022) of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Dallas Chapter. 

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

  • 11:30 Networking
  • 12-1 PM Luncheon & Program


PLEASE NOTE LOCATION FOR THIS MONTH'S PROGRAM:

Communities Foundation of Texas

5500 Caruth Haven Lane

Dallas, Texas 75225-8146


IF YOU ARE A 2025 LUNCHEON PROGRAM SUBSCRIBER:

First and foremost, thank you! If you are a 2025 subscriber to Dallas AFP educational luncheon programs you are pre-registered. If you cannot attend, you may send a colleague in your place!


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

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