On behalf of the Board of Directors for the AFP Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Chapter, we’d like to thank everyone that came out last week to show their appreciation to the outgoing board of directors and provide a warm welcome to Lauren Trujillo, CFRE as our incoming president along with the rest of the 2023 board of directors. We thank our Community Sponsors, Ventura County Credit Union, for hosting us and allowing us to close the year with laughs and fellowship amongst friends and colleagues. We look forward to seeing you all in 2023. Until then, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Adrienne DeGuevara and Gerry Pantoja

2022 Co-Presidents

THANK YOU, AFP Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Chapter members – between 100% participation from the chapter board and donations from members and friends, you have helped our chapter reach its low goal of $7,343.85 by donating $7,666.50!

We are now only $778.93 away from our high goal of $8,445.50. The AFP Foundation will return up to 35% of your donation to the Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties chapter to benefit local fundraisers through scholarship support and professional development training.

There is still time to join AFP Members like Gerry Pantoja of the Ventura College Foundation, who made their gift to the BE the CAUSE campaign so fundraisers can be the leaders their organizations and communities need them to be and bring about the positive impact that will benefit everyone. Join Gerry today by making your gift to the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy and help the Santa Barbara and Ventura County Chapter meet its goal and benefit local fundraisers through scholarship support and professional development training.

Rich Block has led the Santa Barbara Zoo as President and CEO since July 1998, bringing decades of experience in zoo and wildlife program management to Santa Barbara. Under his leadership, the organization’s operating budget has tripled. His input and leadership had led to more than $61 million raised to support general operations, community outreach, special programs, and of particular significance, capital improvements. 

Zoom information to be sent prior to the event

$20 for members, $30 for non-members.

Rob Grayson began his nonprofit career as an HIV/AIDS Counselor and Clinic Director. He has served as a Development Officer and Fundraising Consultant for various nonprofit organizations, including Valley Community Clinic, Whitman-Walker Clinic, AIDS Project Los Angeles, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, NARAL, KEYT Public Television, Sierra Club, and many more. After over 22 years in nonprofit leadership, Rob changed careers and became a graphic designer. For the past 8 years, Rob has been the Creative Director for Boone Graphics where he gets to use his skills to help nonprofits and other organizations create visual communication solutions.  

Registration opening soon!

THE ASK ACADEMY: Training Board Members & Volunteers to Ask

For those of us who are tasked with inspiring board members and volunteers with the incredible honor of raising money for an important cause. Give them the tools for success to thank donors, create their own passion statement, and find new donors without feeling that they must ask their friends. With five simple steps you can tailor your own course that will create board members who become an integral part of your fundraising process. Bring a member of your board to this event!

Presented by Queen Bee Fundraising

Stephanie Wilson, CFRE brings to her nonprofit career a unique skillset forged in her previous work in both theater and business training. For the past two decades she has worked as a fundraising executive for large nonprofits and spearheaded major capital campaigns, produced fundraising galas and golf tournaments, and trained development professionals in proposal writing. She has also worked to develop strategic plans for small organizations and large counties. Stephanie has served on more than 15 boards as a volunteer and continues to serve her community wherever there’s both an opportunity to do good and chocolate being served.

Registration opening soon!

AFPSBV Board of Directors would like to thank our new and returning members for the month of November!

New Members

Kayla Ancheta Chey

United Parents

Pete Parker

Oxnard College Foundation

Patricia Sadeghian

Ganna Walska Lotus Land

Returning Members

Kathleen Baushke

Transition House

Ashley Brown

Interface Children & Family Services

Elaine Mah Best

Santa Barbara Zoo

Niki Richardson

TOArts

Amy Towner

Health Care Foundation for Ventura

Edwin Weaver

Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley

Prepare your organization to raise more this giving season by making your strategy more inclusive. As you begin planning your final fundraising push for the Season of Giving, make a point of honoring multiple faiths and cultures by creating a more inclusive end-of-year appeal. (sgENGAGE) Read More