Advancing philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising

Welcome!

Dear AFP Inland Empire Members,

Summer Greetings from AFP – Let’s Celebrate Philanthropy Together!

I am continually inspired by the dedication of our fundraising community and the impact you’re making every day. From navigating new campaigns to strengthening donor relationships and advancing your own professional growth, AFP is here to support you in every step of your journey.

With National Philanthropy Day just around the corner on November 18, we have an exciting opportunity to recognize and honor the incredible individuals and organizations that make a difference in our field. I encourage you to submit nominations by August 31 for outstanding donors, peers, and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to philanthropy. It’s a great way to highlight the individuals who inspire us all.

In addition to National Philanthropy Day preparations, we have several fall events you won’t want to miss:

• Philanthropy Roundtables: An opportunity to engage with your peers in meaningful discussions around the current trends and challenges in our field. Join us September 10th for this fast-paced networking and educational luncheon.
• Webinars on Ethics and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access): Join us for these timely, impactful sessions that will help you stay informed and deepen your understanding of the ethical dimensions of fundraising and best practices in diversity and inclusion.

This summer newsletter is filled with valuable resources, upcoming events, and member highlights that showcase the amazing work happening within our chapter. I encourage you to stay connected, take advantage of all the opportunities available, and continue to make a lasting impact.

Thank you for all the important work you do to strengthen our communities through philanthropy. Together, we can achieve even greater things!

With appreciation,

Alyssa Cotter

Chair, AFP Inland Empire Chapter

National Philanthropy Day Nominations

Register for our Philanthropy Roundtables

Grant Writing Survey

The Inland Empire faces a growing demand for strong, well-resourced nonprofit organizations able to secure grant funding that advances their missions and serves our communities. To better understand the current grant readiness of nonprofits in our region, and to explore innovative ways to build capacity, we invite you to complete this survey.

This survey serves two purposes:

• To assess your organization’s current experience, capacity, and challenges in pursuing government, foundation, and corporate grants.
• To gauge interest in participating in or hosting a grant writing apprenticeship program, designed to cultivate new talent and expand grant writing expertise within local nonprofits.

Your input will directly inform the development of technical assistance, training opportunities, and support services tailored to meet the real needs of organizations like yours. It will also help shape an apprenticeship initiative that aligns with the capacity and priorities of host organizations.

The survey should take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. Responses may be submitted anonymously, but providing your organization’s name will allow us to follow up with relevant resources and opportunities.

Thank you for helping strengthen our collective ability to attract funding and deliver impact for the communities we serve!

AFP Global Member Dues Increase

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is implementing a $50 membership dues increase for Professional and Associate members, effective August 4, 2025. Of this increase, 50% ($25) will go directly back to chapters, projected to generate a total of $375,000 in additional revenue after the first full year. This adjustment is necessary to support AFP’s long-term financial sustainability and to continue enhancing member benefits, such as expanded webinars, scholarships, discounts, and exclusive content. Members can lock in current rates by purchasing 1, 2, 3, or 5-year memberships before the increase takes effect. Chapters are encouraged to refer to the FAQ for consistent responses to member inquiries and highlight the added value of this dues increase.

Membership Scholarships Available

The AFP Inland Empire Chapter is excited to announce that we are offering 9 membership scholarships between now and November 30! This is a fantastic opportunity for those interested in joining our community. To apply, simply fill out the application, and a committee member will follow up with you directly. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a network that fosters professional growth and development in the fundraising community!

AFP Events Around the Region

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