April 2025 Newsletter

President's Message


Dear Friends,  


Gratitude is the heartbeat of our work as fundraising professionals. It’s the foundation of every relationship we build, every partnership we nurture, and every mission we work tirelessly to fulfill. This month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the profound importance of expressing genuine thanks.  


Personally, I’ve found that when I operate from a place of abundance, generosity, and gratitude, every task, no matter how small, holds greater meaning. A simple thank-you is not just a courtesy; it’s a recognition of the shared vision and collective effort that propels us forward. It’s an acknowledgment that we’re not alone in this work—that together, we are building something extraordinary.  


I encourage you to take time this month to say “thank you.” Whether it’s a heartfelt note or a quick message, incorporate gratitude into your weekly practice. It’s a small act that carries immeasurable impact, reminding others of how deeply they’re valued and appreciated.  


Our missions thrive because of the unwavering belief and generosity of those who stand with us, and it’s up to us to ensure they feel the full weight of our gratitude all year round. 


I thank you for your time, service, and talent. You are noticed and appreciated here within our community. Keep up the good work; you’ve got this!


Warmly and with gratitude,

Cozy Faber

Join the SLO Chapter of AFP Today

Are you employed by, donate to, or serve on the board of a San Luis Obispo County nonprofit? If so, please consider joining our chapter. With your membership, you will enjoy a wealth of career-building programs, educational resources, networking opportunities and exclusive member discounts. Learn more.

For our nonprofit friends with small operating budgets under $2 million with less than 2 full time fundraising staff, you may want to consider a Small Nonprofit AFP membership. It’s only $125 plus a $60 chapter dues and is transferable if your development professional leaves, as opposed to the Individual Professional membership, which is $290 plus $45 in chapter dues.  

Programs

Coming Up This Month

April Mixer: Blooming Connections

Join us for the AFP SLO County April mixer on Thursday, April 10, from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm at the stunning Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach. Enjoy ocean views from the elegant Pequin Patio while networking with fundraising professionals in a welcoming atmosphere.


Date: April 10, 2025

Location: Vespera Resort,147 Stimson Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Registration Fee: $5


Thanks to the generosity of Vespera, attendees will be treated to complimentary appetizers and valet parking will be waived. Beverages will be available for purchase by attendees. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect and strengthen our local philanthropic community. 

Register Here

Recap of Our March Program

Expanded Funding Foundations: Building Stability Amidst Uncertainty


March's workshop addressed the challenges of uncertain federal grant funding and growing economic disparities, offering nonprofit professionals strategic insights for sustaining and expanding their impact. Fundraising strategist June Eastham provided practical approaches for analyzing industry trends and leveraging organizational strengths. Attendees engaged in dynamic discussions and the interactive format fostered meaningful dialogue, ensuring participants left equipped with tools to strengthen both their organizations and the communities they serve.

News from AFP Global

Upcoming Complimentary Webinars Hosted by AFP


The State of Capital Campaigns 2024-25

April 3, 2025 10:00 a.m. PST

Click here to learn more


The Monthly Giving Mastermind: 5-Step Framework to Build, Grow & Sustain Subscriptions for Good

April 9, 2025 10:00 a.m. PST

Click here to learn more


Beyond the Basics: Turning Innovative Approaches into Real Results

April 10, 2025 10:00 a.m. PST

Click here to learn more


Avoid Avoidance: Effective Coping & Your Mental Health for Fundraising Professionals

May 8, 2025 10:00 a.m. PST

Click here to learn more

AFP ICON 2025


Join AFP Global in Seattle, April 27-29, as we bring together thousands of fundraising professionals from around the globe. Immerse yourself in cutting-edge strategies, inspiring keynotes, and unparalleled networking opportunities designed to elevate your mission and drive impact. To learn more or to register, click here.

Invite Your Colleagues

Invite your colleagues to join us on April 10th for our mixer—a perfect opportunity for them to see our dynamic community in action and how fundraising builds community and trust!

Membership

We welcomed the following new and renewed members to the chapter since March 1st


Jenny Meyers, French Hospital Medical Center Foundation

Rebecca Merrell, Netzel Grigsby Associates Inc

Chapter Job Center

AFP San Luis Obispo County Chapter proudly connects individuals and organizations through job opportunities in development and fundraising on the Central Coast. Click here to learn more. 


Philanthropy Assistant

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County


Administrative Assistant to Executive Director

Cuesta College


Grant Writer

People's Self Help Housing

AFP General Chapter Support Fund

Your donation to the San Luis Obispo County AFP General Chapter Support Fund will support a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering professional growth and networking opportunities for fundraising professionals in our community. If you'd like to support our chapter financially, please see the donation link below for more information. Thank you for your generosity!

Click Here to Donate Today!

Board of Directors

Guiding our vision to inspire a world of generosity and positive social change through fundraising best practice is the Board of Directors of the San Luis Obispo County Chapter of AFP.


If you wish to get in touch with any of our board members, simply click on their name.

Cozy Faber - President

Deputy Director of Partnership and Giving, AGE Africa


Emily L’Heureux - Vice President

CEO, Woods Humane Society


Loren Leidinger, CFRE - Past President & Committee on Directorship Chair

Outreach and Development Director, CAPSLO


Donna Jones - Treasurer & NPD Chair

Controller, Eaton & Associates


Bernadette Bernardi - Secretary

Chief Executive Officer, Literacy for Life


Rick Ellison - Membership & Scholarship Chair

Executive Director, Bike SLO County


Austin Solheim

Director of Development & Operations

ECHO


Caity McCardell

Donor Development Manager

People's Self-Help Housing


Glen Quiring, CFRE

Director of Development

Pacific Conservatory Theatre


Katie Osman

Director of Development

SLO Food Bank


Wendy Lauchland

Founder

The Lauchland Group

AFP San Luis Obispo County Chapter
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