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May tested my mettle. It was a tight money-month, with a grant that hadn’t landed yet, third-term school fees for 1,000 students looming, school supplies to cover, salaries for our team in Malawi, not to mention our U.S.-based expenses. The directive was unequivocal: move donors up in annual giving, re-engage donors who’d been at the same giving level for too long, and secure meetings with potential supporters who’d shown interest but hadn’t taken action. The goal was crystal clear, top of mind for everyone, with no room for ambiguity. It had to be our focus.
But small organizations know the “tyranny of the urgent” all too well. Some days stretched long, and I'd realize I hadn’t made a single call. Frustrated, I grabbed a giant sticky note and divided it into three sections: “Money in $,” “Money expected,” and “Money to find.” I listed what we had already, set a bold goal, and wrote it at the top. Then I stuck that bright piece of paper in a place impossible to ignore. For the next 31 days, every time I glanced at it—even in moments of fatigue or distraction—I’d refocus. I’d send the email. I’d make the call. I’d push forward.
And, you know what? It worked. On June 2, we officially hit our goal. What makes it sweeter isn’t just the accomplishment itself; it’s how it came to be. That sticky note wasn’t merely a to-do list. It was a call to action, a visible reminder to prioritize, to push past inertia, and to keep progress top of mind. It became my measuring stick, my proof that persistence pays off.
Would we have hit the target without that sticky note? Maybe. But I wouldn’t feel the satisfaction in knowing I set a goal, tracked it relentlessly, and achieved it with my team. Because goals aren’t just checkboxes; they’re milestones on the path to impact.
If there’s one takeaway here, it’s this: Write it down. Put your goal somewhere you can’t ignore it. Keep your eyes focused, and take one small action every day. Progress, even in baby steps, beats perfection. And don’t forget to celebrate when you cross the finish line, because your hard work deserves it. Remember, every step forward—even the tiniest one—is tilling the soil for something greater. Now, what’s your goal for this month? Write it down, stick it up, and watch the magic happen.
| | 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.
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Coming Up This Month
June Mixer: Networking at Wild Fields Brewhouse
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Connect with fellow fundraising professionals in a casual, family-friendly setting at Wild Fields Brewhouse in Atascadero. Enjoy locally crafted brews, classic games, and great conversation as we strengthen our local philanthropic community.
Complimentary appetizers will be provided by AFP SLO County, and beverages will be available for purchase.
Don’t miss this fun and relaxed opportunity to network, share ideas, and build meaningful connections in the heart of North County!
Date: June 12, 2025
Location: Wild Fields Brewhouse, 6907 El Camino Real Suite C, Atascadero, CA 93422
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Admission is free; however, contributions through our PayPal link are warmly encouraged and deeply appreciated to help support future AFP SLO County events.
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Recap of Our May Program
Nonprofit Ventures - Generating Revenue Through Social Enterprise
We had the pleasure of hosting a thought-provoking panel discussion that explored the transformative potential of social enterprises within the SLO County nonprofit sector. The conversation highlighted innovative ways local mission-driven organizations are weaving sustainable business strategies into their work to create deeper, long-term impact.
Our panelists - Michael Kaplan (Moderator, THMA), Rhys Jansen (Son Care Foundation / Mission Cars), Kathy McCorry (The Bridge Café, Restorative Partners), and Kristie Anderson-Steele (Habitat for Humanity) - shared powerful insights into how their organizations are navigating this intersection of purpose and profitability. From overcoming operational hurdles to celebrating key milestones, their stories brought both inspiration and practical wisdom.
The audience was highly engaged, contributing thoughtful questions and reflections that elevated the dialogue and created a sense of shared momentum. It was an energizing exchange of ideas and experiences—an event that truly underscored the potential of social enterprise to strengthen San Luis Obispo county..
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AFP Membership Scholarship
This scholarship is available to professionals, associate, young professional, and small NPO member categories and covers 1 year of global and chapter membership dues. AFP San Luis Obispo County has the ability to grant 5 scholarships to new or renewing members.
Scholarship includes:
- AFP Global Dues
- Chapter Membership Dues
- Exclusive Member Discounts
- Access to Complimentary Webinars
- Professional Development and Networking Opportunities
If you are interested in applying for a membership scholarship with the San Luis Obispo County Chapter of AFP, kindly fill out the form below.
Deadline to apply is today - June 2, 2025.
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Matthew Cottle Fellowship
Please join us in congratulating Aaron Espinoza!
Congratulations to Aaron, Associate Development Director for Community Development at Scouting America, Los Padres Council, for being selected as the recipient of the Matthew Cottle Scholarship! This prestigious honor recognizes Aaron’s commitment to advancing fundraising within our community. The scholarship will support his professional growth as he continues to make a meaningful impact. Join us in celebrating Aaron’s well-deserved achievement! And be sure to introduce yourself when you see him at our next event.
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New & Renewed Members
We welcomed the following new and renewed members to the chapter since May 1
Debby Nicklas
Christine Zurbach
Michael Simkins, Spokes - Resources for Nonprofits
Emily L'Heureux, Woods Humane Society
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Upcoming Complimentary Webinars Hosted by AFP
AFP 101: Why Fundraisers Join and Stay
June 3, 2025 12:00 p.m. PST
Click here to learn more
Introducing the New Member Code of Conduct - What You Need to Know
June 12, 2025 10:00 a.m. PST
Click here to learn more
Emerging Leaders Session: Developing Your Personal Brand - Informational Interviewing
June 17, 2025 10:00 a.m. PST
Click here to learn more
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Recap: 2025 AFP ICON (International Conference)
I had the opportunity to attend my tenth AFP ICON, this one in Seattle and did not disappoint. With well over 3,000 attendees, AFP ICON continues to be the largest annual gathering of professional fundraisers in the world. Next to excellent professional training sessions, well-known keynote speakers, and receptions, the best part of the conference is meeting and engaging with fundraisers from all types of organizations from all over the globe. As usual, I came out of the experience with new insights and new friendships.
The next AFP ICON will be held in beautiful San Diego April 26-28th, 2026. Full conference “Preview rates” registration will start in October, typically starting at a $799 member rate (depending on membership category) and $599 for a one-day pass. Scholarships are also available via AFP Global (Chamberlain Scholars), as well as through our SLO AFP Chapter, so consider applying if you have a financial need. AFP ICON is a huge value-add for your AFP membership and will engage and refuel your batteries!
Monica Grant, CFRE
AFP SLO County member and AFP Global Board member
| | Join Us at the Santa Barbara Symposium! | | |
San Luis Obispo AFP chapter members are invited to attend the Santa Barbara Symposium on Wednesday, June 11, at the SBCC West Campus. This inspiring event features breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and a keynote addressing the future of philanthropy.
Special Offer: SLO members can register at the AFP member price of $50!
To sign up using your AFP membership, use code MEMBER25 at checkout to receive the member rate
Don’t miss this chance to grow, connect, and lead in the nonprofit sector. Reserve your spot today! See the attached flyer for more information.
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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.
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! | |
AFP San Luis Obispo County Chapter
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