Our Events

Upcoming Events

Ethics in Philanthropy and Fundraising

Ethics in Philanthropy and Fundraising
October 13, 2022
12:00-1:00 pm
Registration $15
FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members
Approved for 1 CE by CFRE International

Register here

October is Ethics Awareness Month!

Join us for this interactive session as we review AFP’s ethics guidelines and talk through real life scenarios that have happened to development professionals in SLO County!

Leading the discussion will be our very own, Loren Leidinger. Loren is a Certified Fund Raising Executive, Vice President of SLO County AFP Board, and Outreach and Development Director at CAPSLO. Loren has been working in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years with local, national and international organizations.

AFP adopted its official Code of Ethical Standards in 1964, helping to foster the development and growth of fundraising professionals to enhance philanthropic and volunteer initiatives. The 25 standards in AFP’s Code address issues such as privacy, stewardship of funds, professional responsibilities and compensation, including a prohibition on accepting commissions or percentage-based fundraising. We will take a quick look at these standards and put them under the microscope at this monthly workshop. Come with your own ethical dilemmas to discuss with the group too!

National Philanthropy Day

National Philanthropy Day Celebration

Tuesday, November 15, 2022
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Learn more on the NPD page

December Education Program & Annual Meeting

December Education Program & Annual Meeting
To be announced soon!
December 8, 2022

Past Events

A Board’s Eye View

A Board’s Eye View—Board Members discuss serving and supporting SLO County nonprofits

Michael Gunther, Moderator, with panelists Erica Flores Baltodano, Ryan Caldwell, Dave Junhke, and Jill Talley

September 8, 2022
12:00-1:00 pm
Registration $15
FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members
Full participation in “A Board's Eye View: Board Members Discuss Serving and Supporting SLO County Nonprofits” is applicable for 1 point in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Register here

MODERATOR

Michael Gunther, Founder & Senior Consultant, Collaboration Business Consulting

Current Board Service: Dignity Health Foundation Board, Rotary de Tolosa, & Golden Gate Business Association

Past Board Service: Women’s Shelter Program of SLO County, SLO Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Prado Day Center, Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business Community Advisory Council

BOARD MEMBER PANEL

Erica Flores Baltodano: President, The Baltodano Firm

Current Board Service: San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation (Chair), San Luis Coastal Education Foundation, and District 3 Civil Service Commissioner for the County of San Luis Obispo

Past Board Service: San Fernando Valley Girl Scout Council, San Luis Obispo MOMS Club, and UMCC Preschool in San Luis Obispo.

Ryan Caldwell: CEO, Wacker Wealth Partners

Current Board Service: SLO Food Bank (Vice Chair), REACH

Past Board Service: United Way SLO County, SLO Chamber of Commerce, Leadership SLO.

Dave Juhnke: Attorney -- Andre, Morris, & Buttery

Current Board Service: Lumina Alliance (Chair), SLO County Land Conservancy, SLO Chamber of Commerce, Rotary de Tolosa.

Past Board Service: SLO Y, American Red Cross, SLO Literacy Council, Friends of Prado Day Center, 2011 SLO Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.

Jill Talley: Community Volunteer – Television Journalist/News Anchor/Reporter

Current Board Service: San Luis Obispo Classical Academy (Past Chair)

Past Board Service: Wide variety of local non-profits boards for more than 30 years spanning 5 states: California, Texas, Washington, Idaho and Montana.

Mid-Level Donors: Key Strategies in Stewarding, Engaging, Soliciting and Upgrading

Mid-Level Donors: Key Strategies in Stewarding, Engaging, Soliciting and Upgrading
With Shannon Brennan

August 11, 2022
12:00-1:00 pm
Registration $15
FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members
Approved for 1 CE by CFRE International

Register here

Join Shannon Brennan, Catapult’s Vice President of Client Development, for an in-depth discussion on fundraising best practices for your mid-level donors. Shannon will discuss strategies and fundraising methodologies on how to best engage these prospects and move them up the giving pyramid. Shannon will review case studies that clearly depict how isolating mid-level donors and reinforcing their importance as a pipeline for future major gifts results in an increase in all relevant key performance indicators (pledge rate, average gift and fulfillment rate).

Get to Know The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County

With Cassandra Kartashov, Director of Grants & Programs
June 9, 2022
12:00-1:00 pm
Registration $15
FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members
Approved for 1 CE by CFRE International

Register here

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County has been a force for good for almost 25 years. Since inception, the Foundation has awarded over $37 million in grants and scholarships and has $77 million in assets under management. The Foundation supports hundreds of donors, students and nonprofits each year by serving as a catalyst and connector to support a thriving community.

So, how does it all work? How do funding decisions and grant priorities get made? Does it make sense for your nonprofit to establish a fund with the Foundation? What is a donor advised fund? What separates a funded application from one that gets declined? How do I build or deepen my relationship with the Foundation?

To hear the answers to these questions and more attend the June 9 AFP meeting with guest presenter Cassandra Kartashov, Director of Grants & Programs.

Communications Strategies of Nonprofit Fundraising

With Mary Verdin

May 12, 2022
12:00-1:00 pm
Registration $15
FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members
Approved for 1 CE by CFRE International

Register here

In today's world there are a myriad of communications channels, and that can be confusing and waste time; which are most effective for fundraising? Add to that your different donor audiences and reasons for fundraising, and it can be overwhelming to determine what the right path is to meet your needs -- and your goals. Join us as Mary Verdin shows us a simple five step process to determine the right channels and how to use them appropriately, to lead your organization to success in 2022. And beyond!

What Your Nonprofit Needs to Know About Cryptocurrency

With Tina Roh, co-founder & COO at Every.org

April 14, 2022
12:00-1:00 pm
Registration $15
FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members
Approved for 1 CE by CFRE International

Register here

As the fastest growing asset class of the decade, cryptocurrency has unlocked wealth and giving for a new generation of donors who are more generous than traditional investors. We will be covering the following topics to get you comfortable with how your organization can accept crypto support.

What is cryptocurrency?
Why should nonprofits care about cryptocurrency?
Which nonprofits can benefit from cryptocurrency?
What are the risks and considerations?
How can my nonprofit receive cryptocurrency support easily with minimal risk?

Lessons Learned About the Annual Fund During a Worldwide Crisis

With Anthony R. Alonso, President of Catapult Anthony Alonso

March 10, 2022
12:00-1:00 pm
Registration $15
FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members
Approved for 1 CE by CFRE International

Register here

Join Anthony R. Alonso, President of Catapult, as he discusses the tools and techniques you should use to maximize communication efforts with your donors, especially during times where face to face visits are not always an option. Cultivation is key for the long-term sustainability of your annual fund, so make the most of a multi-channel strategy that incorporates email, direct mail, phone, text, and social media solicitations!

Bequest Conversations and Incorporating Them Into Blended Gifts

With Kristen L. Dugdale, JD, Director, Relationship Management, TIAA Kaspick

February 10, 2022
12:00-1:00 pm
Registration $15
FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members

Register here

As development professionals, we have the pleasure of working with donors who share our commitment to the missions of our charitable organizations. Many of these donors make regular outright gifts, and would like to understand how they can make an even bigger impact at your organization. By combining their current giving with a deferred gift (such as a bequest or beneficiary designation), donors can have a larger impact than they initially imagined. This webinar will provide an overview of bequests and beneficiary designations and will give you helpful tips for having effective conversations around deferred giving with your donors.

Nonprofits, Fundraising, and the Meaning of Life

With Jan Masoaka, CEO, California Association of Nonprofits

January 13, 2022

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Registration $15

FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members with discount code

Register here

Join us for our first program of 2022 on January 13 at noon. Our guest speaker, Jan Masoaka, will be reflecting on three takeaways from the pandemic and will share insights to help us be successful in raising funds in 2022 focusing on the factors that are disrupting the nonprofit ecosystem and the policies have the potential to help or hinder our efforts.

Self-Care Reflections for the Nonprofit Fundraiser

With Meghan Madsen from Transitions-Mental Health Association

December 9, 2021

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Join us for our final program of 2021 on December 9th at noon. The program will include our Annual Member Meeting and then a deep-dive into self-care with Meghan Madsen from Transitions-Mental Health Association. We will reflect on the pandemic and its impact on each of our roles. Meghan will offer insights into deep rooted self-care. At this hectic time of year, take this moment to refresh your ideas of self-care and walk away with strategies for a lifestyle of awareness, intentionality and self-preservation.

National Philanthropy Day 2021

With keynote by Lynne Wester, Donor Relations Guru
Rethinking Your Thanking: The Purpose-Driven and Donor-Centered Approach

Thursday, November 18, 2021

11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Learn More

This year’s event will be virtual and LIVE on Zoom, Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm and will feature a celebration of philanthropy within the San Luis Obispo County Community and a keynote presentation by Lynne Wester, Donor Relations Guru.

Philanthropy is so much more than simply writing a check. There are community members throughout our region who find ways to apply their talent and creativity to the causes they believe in. We will shine the spotlight on young philanthropist Claire Guyader and celebrate her creativity to provide hope to our neighbors in need. We will honor Mary Verdin and Verdin Marketing with the President’s Award for their service to our nonprofit community with their 24-Hour Give.

Building a Major Gifts Program - the Good, the Bad and the Benefits

With Debby Nicklas, Vice President of Philanthropy for the Dignity Health California Central Coast Market Area and French Hospital Medical Center Foundation

October 14, 2021

12:00-1:00 pm

Registration $15

FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members with discount code

Major gifts are an essential part of any nonprofit’s fundraising strategy. This session will focus on how to build an effective major gifts program to help meet your fundraising goals. Highlights include prospect research, cultivation tools, moves management, and solicitation techniques.

Hybrid Events Are Here to Stay: Now What?

With Paul Richardson, System Senior Vice President, Philanthropy Engagement, CommonSpirit Health

September 9, 2021

12:00-1:00 pm

Registration $15

FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members with discount code

Register Here

This session will focus on the new normal as we continue to deal with the global pandemic and eventually shift to service recovery for our nonprofit events. The session will showcase information about the current state of strategic events from tangible recommendations on strategy, process, and tools.

Launching a Successful Bequest Campaign… and Changing Your Fundraising Strategy Forever

With Andy Ragone from Crescendo

August 12, 2021

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Registration $15

FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members with discount code

Register Here

Building a pipeline of substantially sized bequests will require a markedly different approach than through impersonal and generalized appeals. With larger gifts comes the need for a greater level of personalization, stewardship, trust and community. With perseverance, these efforts will shape your organization’s culture by creating enthusiastic champions of your cause.

Why and How Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Can Transform your Organization and Make You a Better Fundraiser

With Geoff Green, CEO of the SBCC Foundation

June 10, 2021

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Registration $15

FREE for AFP SLO County Chapter Members with discount code

Register Here

The current rise in racial justice activism has shone a light on the many ways in which our communities, institutions, and professional associations mirror and reinforce the divisions and inequities in our society. During this conversation, we'll take a look at what the data says, how it impacts our work, and strategies that we can use to make our organizations more inclusive, diverse, and equitable. The nonprofit sector is frequently a leader in addressing both the root causes and ultimate effects of inequality, discrimination, exclusion, and systemic oppression. As such, we must not only speak out in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion, but also model these principles in our own work.