Monthly News & Updates

May 2026 | Issue 5.26

President's Message

Dear Friends,


During Covid, I quit wearing glasses. I joke that I had seen enough! The truth is, I just got tired of them fogging up every time I wore a mask. Somewhere along the way, I also managed to lose them and never got around to replacing them. Since I’m near-sighted, I could still manage fine in familiar space, but driving in new areas, especially at night, was another story.


A few days ago, I finally decided it was time to get new glasses. The moment I put them on, it felt almost miraculous as everything looked sharper, clearer, and more in focus.


That experience reminded me of what good marketing and storytelling does for a nonprofit. It brings the mission into focus, helping others see clearly who we are and what we stand for. Strong communication builds awareness, trust, and loyalty among clients, donors, and volunteers. As fundraisers, we’re an extension of our organization’s brand, helping others see the impact of our work more vividly.



This month’s luncheon will focus on communication and storytelling and its importance in promoting our mission for the greatest impact. Join us as we network, support one another, and learn how to bring our organizations into sharper focus.


Warmest wishes,

Trey Harper, CFRE

2026 AFP Fort Worth Metro Chapter President

• You Could Be A Sponsor! •

"Stories That Build Support: How Strategic Storytelling and Reputation Management Strengthen Fundraising"


Fundraising doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s built on trust, credibility and the ability to help people clearly see impact Drawing on a background as a news producer and 10 years leading public relations for Cook Children’s Health Care System, this session explores how nonprofit organizations can use storytelling strategically to deepen audience connection and build funding support. Attendees will learn how to identify meaningful stories, what makes a story resonate and how to share impact in ways that are ethical, authentic and audience-centered. The session will also address why reputation management should be an everyday practice, not just a response when something goes wrong. We'll also address why organizations need both a crisis communications plan and the right communications support in place before they need it.

Presented By:

Kim Brown, APR

Kim Brown, APR, is the co-founder of Story and Strategy, a boutique strategic communications firm based in Fort Worth. With nearly two decades in media and public relations, Kim specializes in helping nonprofits find and amplify their voice. Her career spans broadcast journalism, including as news producer at CBS 11, and 10 years at Cook Children's Health Care System, where she helped guide the organization through globally covered crises and led strategic communications on legislative issues affecting millions of Texans. Kim also serves as an adjunct professor in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU, a board member for The WARM Place and a Past President of the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Join us for the

AFP Philanthropy in Action Conference


June 23-24, 2026, presented by the Greater Dallas & Fort Worth Metro Chapters. During this conference you will be able to network with other AFP members, expand your knowledge on fundraising principles, and much more!

Interested?? Register online here!

Upcoming Events

5/11 | May Luncheon

6/23-24 | Philanthropy in Action Conference

7/13 | July Luncheon

8/10 | August Luncheon

9/14 | September Luncheon

10/5 | October Luncheon

11/10 | National Philanthropy Day Luncheon

So glad you have joined us! 

Let us know what we can do for you - that's why we're here!!!

Jennifer Jones

Hagar's Heart


Marilyn Jones


Big news! We’re offering FREE memberships for a limited time!


Join our chapter and unlock access to exclusive events, resources, and an incredible community. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something great. Sign up now!


Apply here for a membership scholarship today!

You’re not alone on
your journey!


Studying for the CFRE exam can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. A local CFRE study group is forming to share resources, study together, and support one another along the way.


Ready to join the group?


Reach out to afpfwcfre@gmail.com

Is your organization hiring? Did you know you can be highlighted in our weekly "We're Hiring Wednesday" social media post?


Visit our website and check out who's hiring, or submit open positions that are available at your organization!

Congratulations New and Recertifying CFREs

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


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