Advancing philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising

Welcome!

Dear AFP Inland Empire Members and Friends,

Happy New Year! It is an honor and privilege to serve as your 2025 Chair for AFP, Inland Empire. As we step into this new year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible work being done by our philanthropic community and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Reflecting on recent challenges, including the devastating fires across California, I am reminded of the resilience and generosity that define our region. Time and again, we’ve witnessed the power of philanthropy to bring hope, healing, and renewal. This chapter stands ready to support and amplify those efforts as we navigate the path to recovery together.

This year, our chapter is focused on growth, collaboration, and providing the tools you need to thrive in your fundraising journey. From professional development opportunities to networking events, our goal is to create a vibrant and supportive community for all fundraising professionals.

I encourage you to stay connected—join us at upcoming events, engage with our social media channels, and participate in our programs. Together, we can continue to elevate the impact of philanthropy across the Inland Empire.

Thank you for your dedication to advancing the missions of your organizations and making a difference in our communities. I look forward to serving you and working together to make 2025 a remarkable year for AFP Inland Empire.

Wishing you a year filled with inspiration, impact, and success!

Warm regards,

Alyssa Cotter

Chair, AFP Inland Empire Chapter

Welcome 2025 Board of Directors

News from the Chapter

Happy New Year from AFP Inland Empire!

As we step into the new year, we’re filled with optimism and excitement for the opportunities and events that lie ahead. 2025 promises to be a year full of growth, learning, and collaboration, and we are thrilled to have you as part of our community.

Reflecting on Challenges and Resilience

Before we look forward, we would be remiss not to acknowledge the recent fires that have devastated parts of California. Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by these disasters. These events serve as a reminder of the resilience of our region and the incredible power of philanthropy. In times of crisis, we’ve seen the strength of nonprofits, donors, and volunteers coming together to support those in need. We’re inspired by the outpouring of generosity and the hard work of our local organizations, and we remain committed to helping our communities rebuild and thrive.

Supporting Our Community in Times of Crisis

As always, AFP Inland Empire is committed to supporting the nonprofit sector in responding to challenges like natural disasters. We encourage you to look for ways to assist those affected by the recent fires, whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or helping with recovery efforts. We are stronger when we work together.

Stay Connected!

We invite you to stay connected with AFP Inland Empire by attending our events, engaging with us on social media, and participating in our programs. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact in our communities.

Wishing you all a prosperous and impactful 2025!

Chamberlain Scholarship Application - Last Chance!

AFP Inland Empire Chapter is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2025 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 2025 AFP ICON will be held April 27-29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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.

In addition, the Inland Empire Chapter will sponsor the recipient up to $700 to cover travel and lodging (itemized receipts required).

Applications due January 21, 2025

Register Today for our Upcoming Events

Ready to take control of your fundraising career and earn the world’s only globally-recognized, accredited certification for fundraising professionals?

If you’ve ever contemplated becoming a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) but wanted to better understand the benefits and process, don’t miss this webinar.

CFREs in the U.S. earn 5 – 16% more than non-CFREs with comparable experience (Source: 2022 AFP Compensation & Benefits Report), while reporting enhanced professional opportunities and increased on-the-job confidence.

Join us for the webinar and you’ll learn about:

• Benefits of becoming a CFRE
• Eligibility requirements
• How to start and submit your application
• Cost
• CFRE exam overview
• Studying for the exam
• Recertification

Plus we'll have a live Q&A so you can get the answers you need. We hope you can join us! (Pending 1 CE from CFRE International)

Attend this free workshop!

Presented by CFRE Ambassador, Pegi Matsuda, MA, CFRE

Pegi Matsuda is an experienced and enthusiastic business and community leader with more than 35 years of experience during times of significant industry challenge. She’s led change in several industries including telecommunications, natural gas, publishing, health care and a not-for-profit membership organization. Immediately prior to launching her own consulting practice in July 2018, she created and launched a charitable foundation for a community hospital and became its first president. She holds an MA Degree in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University and a BS Degree in Human Relations and Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco.  She also holds the designation of Certified Fundraising Executive (“CFRE”). 

Mark Your Calendars

Looking Forward: 2025 Events & Opportunities

This year, AFP Inland Empire is excited to offer new opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come (Dates to be announced soon):

• CFRE Review with Jack Alotto, CFRE (location TBD)
• February 19, 2025 9 a.m. - Noon
• February 26, 2025 9 a.m. - Noon
• March 5, 2025 9 a.m. - Noon
• March 12, 2025 9 a.m. - Noon
• May - Philanthropy Townhall @ San Manuel Gateway College
• June - Fundamentals of Fundraising Workshop @ Big Brothers Big Sisters Inland Empire
• August - Seasoned Professionals Workshop @ UC Riverside Foundation
• September - Voices of Impact: A Donor Engagement Evening @ National Core
• October - Ethics Webinar
• November - National Philanthropy Day

Seven AFP Chapters in Southern California are collaborating to bring you a special event.

It's a full-day conference at the Orange County Hilton in Costa Mesa on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

Sessions include:

- Fear and Fundraising

- Revolutionize your Storytelling

- Scaling Solutions to Social Problems

- Bank of America Philanthropic Study

- Exploring AI in Fundraising, a Case Study

- Leveraging Google and Marcom Strategies

Early-Bird Rate until January 31, 2025.

Discounts for groups of 3+ from the same organization.

CFRE Credits for all courses

Come, meet other fundraisers, and learn. 

Job Postings

Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House

Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House is searching for an Executive Director. To find out more: Click here

UC Riverside

UC Riverside, School of Education is searching for a Senior Director of Development. To find out more: Click here

Keck Graduate Institute

Keck Graduate Institute is searching for a Director of Development. To find out more: Click here

Interested in posting a position with AFP Inland Empire? Click here for more details.

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