President's Message

January - 

As we close out the first month of the new year, I reflect on the challenges and opportunities ahead for our sector. Nonprofits continue to navigate financial uncertainty, shifting donor behaviors, and growing demands for services. Adding to this complexity, there is growing uncertainty at the highest levels of government, in the judiciary, and across philanthropy regarding the status and role of the nonprofit sector—how it will be funded, who should fund it, and what policy changes may impact our work. Yet, despite these hurdles, I remain deeply committed to the power of philanthropy and the critical role fundraisers play in making it all possible. As fundraisers, we are the bridge between donors and the communities being served, ensuring each group is authentically relayed to the other. We cultivate relationships, build trust, and connect generosity with impact. Without our work, philanthropy simply does not happen.

Our new board, full of some of the most dynamic fundraisers in the Valley, recently came together for a fantastic retreat, and we are energized for the year ahead. We are committed to working toward three key goals this year: Growing Revenue, Growing Membership, and Growing our Profession—ensuring that everything we do is guided by the principles of Identity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). Additionally, we are excited to begin the process of creating an updated strategic plan for the organization, one that will help us better serve our members and strengthen our impact in the sector. Be on the lookout for an email from a board member with information on our upcoming membership event and our first educational workshop of the year—both designed to help you grow and connect with fellow professionals.

As we enter Black History Month, I reflect on the generosity and resilience of Black philanthropists whose legacy continues to inspire. This moment is especially meaningful to me as I step into this role as the first Black woman to serve as an AFP Chapter President in Arizona. It is a privilege to lead this chapter, and I look forward to working alongside all of you to strengthen and educate our profession, advance the principles of IDEA, and deepen the impact of philanthropy in our community. 

If you would like to reach me, please know I am available to meet with you as members, partners, and supporters—feel free to email me at naquana@bellavitaconsultinggroup.com. Let’s make this a year of growth, learning, and, most of all, meaningful action—together.

February -

As we begin a new year of programming with both mixers and an education workshop on the horizon, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the challenges we are all facing in the nonprofit sector. Economic uncertainty, shifting donor priorities, and increasing community needs have put immense pressure on our organizations. But in times like these, one thing remains more important than ever: compassionate and transparent communication.

We are in a period where difficult conversations are inevitable. Whether it’s the ongoing attacks on DEI, discussing budget constraints with our teams, having honest conversations with donors about shifting priorities, or addressing community concerns, how we communicate can make all the difference. Leading with empathy and clarity fosters trust and strengthens the relationships that are the foundation of our work.

I strongly believe that communication is not just about delivering information—it’s about listening, understanding, and responding with care. This year, our programming will focus on equipping you with the tools to navigate these challenging discussions with confidence and compassion. From community conversations on the most pressing issues, to donor engagement strategies in uncertain times, we will provide insights and support to help you lead with both strength and heart.

As we move through the year, I encourage you to embrace these conversations, even when they are difficult. Approach them with openness and authenticity, recognizing that vulnerability can be a powerful tool in building stronger connections. Lean on this AFP community, share your challenges, and know that you are not alone.

Together, we can weather this storm, ensuring that our organizations continue to serve, inspire, and make a lasting impact. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to philanthropy. I look forward to connecting with each of you in the coming months.

April - 

I hope this note finds you well and energized for the year ahead. As we continue to grow and evolve as a chapter, I’m excited to share some important updates and opportunities that reflect the strength and dedication of our incredible fundraising community.

Strategic Planning Listening Session

This spring, we’ll start developing a new strategic plan for AFP Greater Arizona Chapter. Your input is essential. Join me for a Listening Session on Friday, May 2 at 9:00 AM at the Flinn Foundation. This is a chance to share your ideas and help shape our direction.

Click here to register

Welcome to AFP Global’s New CEO

H. Art Taylor began as AFP Global's new President and CEO on April 1. He brings 23 years of experience from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and a strong vision for our profession. I’ll be meeting him at ICON this month and hope to invite him to Phoenix during his tenure.

Attending AFP ICON in Seattle?

ICON takes place the last week of April. If you’re attending, email me at naquana@bellavitaconsultinggroup.com. I'd love to organize an Arizona meetup so we can connect and represent our chapter together.

Chapter Recognition

Speaking of pride, I’m thrilled to share that AFP Greater Az Chapter has once again earned the 10-Star Gold Award designation and a 2025 IDEA Champion Chapter! We will be recognized at ICON for this achievement, which reflects the incredible efforts and commitment of our members and board. Thank you for continuing to set such a high standard and a special thanks to our Immediate Past President, Lauren Smith and my former IDEA Co-Chair, Ernesto Ortiz for their work on this!

Upcoming Events

• Next Workshop: May 8 — We’ll focus on building a culture of accountability. Look out for the registration link in your inbox.
• Next Mixer: Date TBA — Details will be shared soon.
• National Philanthropy Day Luncheon: November 21 — Save the date. Leadership award nominations are now open. We aim for a diverse pool of nominees in line with our IDEA values.

Get Involved

We invite you to join a committee: programming, membership, diversity, communications—whatever aligns with your interests. It’s a great way to contribute and get more from your membership. Check out the list of meetings, activities, and free webinars below.

Thank you for everything you do. I look forward to seeing you soon.

May - 

As we continue to move through the spring season, there are many exciting new initiatives and opportunities on the horizon for our chapter.

I had the privilege of attending the AFP ICON conference in Seattle last month, where I connected with fellow members and leaders in the fundraising sector. A highlight of the conference was meeting AFP’s new President, Art Taylor, and the new AFP Board Chair, Roger Ali. We participated in engaging sessions on ethical AI usage, strategies for working with DAF donors, and a powerful discussion on the state of Black philanthropy. Arizona’s delegation to the ICON conference was strong, with over 20 members attending, including two conference presenters: John Scola, CFRE, CAP and our board member and NPD Chairman, Justin Duran, CFRE. Their insights and contributions were invaluable, and I was proud to see Arizona represented in such a significant way. 

We also heard from our Public Policy team and PAC about the ways we can advocate for our sector during these turbulent times. On that note, AFP Lobby Week is fast approaching, scheduled for June 16-20. This week presents a prime opportunity for us to contact our representatives and advocate for our sector. A toolkit will be coming out next week, so be on the lookout for it to help guide your advocacy efforts.

Earlier this month, I hosted our first-ever President’s Listening Session to hear from you, our members, as we begin to build our new strategic plan. It was an incredible opportunity to hear from former presidents and brand-new members alike, each sharing valuable insights and ideas. I will be holding another session on Friday, June 13th, at 9:00 AM at the Flinn Foundation. encourage you to attend and share your thoughts. REGISTER HERE

June is also our annual chance to partner with the Phoenix Philanthropy Group to present our Giving USA workshop. This year it’ll be held on June 24th, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Phoenix Art Museum. This event will include networking time, the presentation of the Giving USA report, a happy hour, and a panel discussion. Our panel, which will focus on the current climate for nonprofits and fundraisers, will feature an incredible group of leaders: Rabbanni Furquaan, President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Men; Nate Rhoton, CEO of OneNTen; Rekha Nair, Executive Director of the Phoenix Legal Action Network; and Alycia Elfstrom, Chief Advancement Officer at the Civitan Foundation.

The board is actively planning for the second half of the year, with more opportunities for networking, education, and IDEA workshops, as well as chances to connect with fellow fundraisers through affinity groups. Please remember that NPD Leadership Award nomination packets are now available. This is the perfect time to recognize those making a significant impact in our sector. This year, we are introducing a new award for "Outstanding Storyteller," which will honor an individual working in communication, marketing, or grant writing for a social benefit organization.

Thank you to each of you for your continued dedication to the profession. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and hearing your thoughts at the upcoming listening session.