Overview
AFP South Sound provides members many opportunities to connect and build community. One opportunity is a unique learning journey through our Mentoring program. This program matches well-rounded mentors with individuals who are interested in learning more about fundraising, or who want to co-learn with a trusted colleague. This provides focused discussions, problem solving and sharing the trials and tribulations of working in this dynamic (yet sometimes challenging) industry.
The mentorship program is free to chapter members.
Interested mentees identify a program or project they need support with - such as improving donor outreach strategies, building a major giving program, creating a fund development plan, or exploring a monthly giving program. Mentees are matched with mentors who have relevant experience.
2026-2027 Mentorship Program
I’ve learned a lot in 25+ years in the nonprofit space.
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I’ve learned that an apology ends in “I’m sorry” - anything after that is usually not helpful.
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I’ve learned that a successful fundraising team is made up of more than just fundraisers.
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And I’ve learned that none of us succeed on our own.
That’s why I am such a fan of the AFP South Sound Mentorship Program. It’s a chance to give back to this industry, this community, and this chapter.
Victor Martin and I are building the mentor team for our 2026-27 cohort and we want you to join us! If you:
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have 10+ years in the nonprofit profession …
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are willing to help a fellow fundraiser with a specific project / challenge …
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are a current AFP South Sound chapter member …
Then this program needs you!
Each mentor is paired with a mentee - a chapter member looking to advance their career & fundraising skills. You’ll work on a project picked by the mentee and aligned with your professional experience.
If you’re ready to start as an AFPSS Mentor, click here to fill out a mentor interest form.
Here’s the schedule:
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A mentor meeting in August where we will review mentee interest forms and make assignments. Mentorship pairs work together from September - July.
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Regular – usually monthly – meetings with your mentee to work on their project.
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Regular – usually every few months – meetings with the full mentorship cohort.
The things you have learned in your career matter - and your experience can help the next generation of fundraisers grow their skills and their impact. The better they do, the better we all do.
Ready? Let’s go!
Chris Baiocchi
PS - If you’re not sure if this is for you, let’s talk!
PPS - Remember, please fill out a mentor interest form by Jul 31, 2026.
Watch this video to hear from a mentor and mentee about their experience in the AFP South Sound Mentorship Program:
Application to the Program
· Interest forms for mentees will be shared in summer 2026. If you are not already on the AFP mailing list, sign up to receive additional future information about the mentorship program and chapter events.
Participation Requirements
Mentors and Mentees must be members in good standing of the AFP South Sound chapter
Mentor Responsibilities include:
· Commit to attending an orientation meeting for mentors
· Commit to regular interaction with your assigned mentee
· Commit to attending regular group meetings for all mentees and mentors
· Work with your mentee to select a fundraising project, review drafts of project descriptions, and to approve the final project overview
Mentee Responsibilities Include:
· Commit to a minimum of monthly individual interactions with your assigned mentor. Mentees are expected to lead scheduling and to be prepared with discussion topics/questions for mentor meetings
· Commit to attending regular mentor/mentee group meetings
· Develop a fundraising / development project and work with your mentor on project scope, goals, and deliverables
· Each mentee’s supervisor should be fully aware of the mentee’s involvement, learning, service project and progress
Questions
For questions about the AFPSS mentorship program, please contact afpsouthsound@gmail.com.