March 2025 Newsletter

President's Message


Dear AFP SLO County Members,


Every single day, we engage in conversations that have the potential to connect, inspire, and create impact. Whether we’re speaking in person, writing an email, hopping on a Zoom call, or picking up the phone, these moments matter. And the way we show up for them—how we deliver our words—is just as important as the message itself.


Impactful communication isn’t only about what you say. It’s about the belief and authenticity you bring to the table. How often do we stop and consider the energy behind our words? When you tap into your personal power, it transforms everything about the way you communicate.


I recently listened to a podcast called “Think Fast Talk Smart”, and the episode titled “Own Your Impact: How to Communicate Your Personal Power” struck a profound chord with me. The podcast explores how to find your voice and show up authentically, whether in a casual chat or the high-stakes atmosphere of an ask meeting.


When you communicate from a place of authenticity, people notice. They respond to the belief you have in yourself—they trust you, value your perspective, and see you as a leader who knows her worth. That’s the power each of us holds. And yes, you already have that power. It’s in you, waiting to shine.


Here’s one way to start owning it today. Take a few minutes before any important meeting or phone call and reflect on your personal values. Forget, for a moment, about the details of the task ahead and zero in on what truly matters to you on a global and human level. What drives you? What do you stand for?


When you enter that meeting or call, your clarity and genuineness will radiate. You’ll be entirely present, and your authentic self will be impossible to ignore. This is how we make an impact not only as fundraisers but as humans striving to create a better world.


Warmly and with gratitude,

Cozy Faber

Matthew Cottle Fellowship: Share & Apply Now!

Do you know a young professional under 30 who is just entering the fundraising profession? If so, our AFP Chapter offers a special fellowship in honor of our founder Matthew Cottle. With the fellowship, the chosen young professional gets a membership to AFP for a year, and the registration fee covered to attend a national AFP event. Please encourage anyone you know to apply for this opportunity by April 1, 2025.

Click Here to Learn More

Programs

Coming Up This Month

Expanded Funding Foundations: Building Stability Amidst Uncertainty

With federal grant funding uncertain and income disparities widening, development professionals face challenges in maintaining stable funding while meeting growing community needs. Nonprofits must not only survive but thrive to provide stronger services and outcomes. Fundraising strategist June Eastham will share practical strategies for analyzing your sector, building adaptive approaches, and leveraging strengths to enhance operations and sustain revenue. This workshop empowers local professionals to move from anxiety to action.


Date: March 13

LocationCAPSLO, 1030 Southwood Drive San Luis Obispo

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Registration Fee: General Admission $35

Member Price with Discount $25


Choose your lunch option during registration.

Lunch will be catered by House of Bread.

Register Here

Recap of our February Program

Networking with Heart


Despite the rainy weather, our Valentine’s-themed coffee mixer was a warm and welcoming success! Professionals from across the community enjoyed great conversations, fresh coffee, and delicious pastries. The cozy atmosphere made for a morning of idea-sharing, and building meaningful connections. Thank you to everyone who braved the rain to join us—we loved seeing new and familiar faces come together in the spirit of collaboration.

Invite Your Colleagues

Invite Your Colleagues! Know a colleague who could benefit from fresh fundraising strategies? Invite them to join us for this insightful workshop! Together, you’ll gain practical tools to navigate funding challenges, adapt to change, and strengthen your organization’s impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to move from anxiety to action—spread the word and bring a friend!

News from AFP Global

Free Upcoming Webinars Hosted by AFP


Better Fundraising Results: What Nonprofits Can Learn from E-Commerce

March 12, 2025 10:00 a.m. PST

Click here to learn more


Mega Gifts in the Age of Declining Donors: How to Secure Your Largest Gift to Date

March 26, 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

Ethics Resources for Fundraisers


AFP’s Ethics Toolkit provides ready-to-use materials like the Donor Bill of Rights, sample conflict of interest policies, and case studies that help guide ethical decision-making. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to strengthen their organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Explore it here.


Membership

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


Patty Thayer, San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre

Dawn Smith, Habitat for Humanity Slo County

Allie Burnett, Cal Poly University

Kelley Abbas, Honor Flight Central Coast California

Erika Martin, Must! Charities

Heather Muran, Reach Central Coast

Victoria Silverman, Cook Silverman Search

Brittany Avila Wazny, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation

Abe Lincoln, Savie Health

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.  

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. 


Development Director

Lumina Alliance


Philanthropy Assistant

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County

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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