Major changes in our U.S. economy occur roughly every ten years—9/11, the 2008 housing crisis, the 2021 pandemic, and shifting government funding have all dramatically affected nonprofit revenue. How will your organization navigate challenges like these? Major Gifts Fundraising has never been more critical and remains the single greatest revenue generator for nonprofits in California.

Simply put, money is oxygen. Without it, you can’t breathe. Is your nonprofit on life support? Are you receiving the resources you need to survive the economic and social changes we’re facing? If you’re a nonprofit executive, board member, development officer, pastor, volunteer, or marketing director, it’s time to RE-IMAGINE YOUR NONPROFIT in ways that transform both you and the people you serve.

Major Gifts Ramp-Up Pacific Coast

Westmont College

955 La Paz Rd., Santa Barbara, CA

February 24-25, 2026

9am-4:00pm (Both Days)

Happy Hour (5pm)

AFP Members: Contact the Office to receive the code to register for free!

Questions about registration or the event? Please contact Major Gifts Ramp-Up organizer, Thomas D. Reed.

Join AFP Greater San Fernando Valley, Greater Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapters on February 12 from Noon - 1:00 p.m. for the annual CFRE Overview webinar presented by CFRE International Ambassador, Pegi Matsuda, CFRE, MBA. This webinar is free to attend. Register Here

AFP Welcomes Jackson Lee Davis, IV as Vice President of Culture and Belonging

AFP is excited to announce the appointment of Jackson Lee Davis, IV as its new vice president of culture and belonging. Davis, a globally recognized leader in inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA), brings more than two decades of experience driving organizational culture transformation across the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Read More 

5 Ways Nonprofits Can Strengthen Their Marketing Impact Without Burning Out

Doing more with less is the reality for many small and mid-sized nonprofits, and marketing is often where the strain shows first. This article shares five practical, capacity-friendly marketing tactics that help you sharpen your message, build trust, and increase impact without adding more to your already full plate. (NonProfit PRO) Read More

Five Questions Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Answer About Equity

In this episode of Veritus Group's Real Talk for Real Fundraisers podcast, Jeff Schreifels welcomes AFP member Christopher Beck as co-host of a new 2026 series focused on equity, inclusion, and the real challenges facing fundraisers of color. Together, they unpack the financial and strategic stakes of donor diversification, decision-making power, and what organizations must do now to stay relevant as philanthropy rapidly evolves. (Veritus Group) Listen Now



New Member

Rachel Johnston

Santa Barbara Zoo

Returning Members

Caroline Baker

Development Director 

SB Museum of Natural History  

Jennifer Caldwell

Chief Development Officer

Food Share of Ventura County

Ethan Craig

Program and Development Coordinator

TOArts

Dena Jenson

Director, Center for Nonprofit Leadership

California Lutheran University

Taylor Swan

Chief Development Officer

United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County

Interested in becoming a member? Visit https://afpglobal.org/join to learn about membership benefits, pricing and how to join today!

Presenting Sponsors

Premier Sponsors

Partner Sponsor

Community Sponsors

Friend Sponsor

Media Sponsor

In-Kind Sponsor

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)

Founded in 1960, AFP International (formerly the National Society of Fund Raising Executives) advances philanthropy through over 24,000 members in 243 chapters around the world. AFP International is committed to promoting philanthropy and supporting the practice of ethical and effective fundraising. AFP offers many opportunities both at the local chapter and international association levels. Join your local AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter today for professional development, networking, and employment opportunities.

Association of Fundraising Professionals

P.O. Box 1564, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1564

(714) 771-3685

admin@afpsbv.org

www.afpsbv.org

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