Our Events

Upcoming Events

May Program

Nonprofit Ventures: Generating Revenue Through Social Enterprise

Thursday, May 8, 2025

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

CAPSLO

Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring how social enterprises can transform and empower nonprofit organizations. Discover innovative approaches to blending mission-driven initiatives with sustainable business models, and learn from local leaders who are at the forefront of this exciting movement.

Our expert panelists will share insights into their organizations' unique approaches, challenges, and successes in creating meaningful change while generating revenue to support their missions. This event offers an excellent opportunity for nonprofit professionals, social enterprise enthusiasts, and community members to network and learn together.

Past Events

April Mixer

Blooming Connections: AFP Mixer at Vespera Resort

Thursday, April 10, 2025

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Vespera Resort, 147 Stimson Avenue Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Join us for the AFP SLO County April mixer on Thursday, April 10, from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm at the stunning Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach. Enjoy ocean views from the elegant Pequin

Patio while networking with fundraising professionals in a welcoming atmosphere.

Thanks to the generosity of Vespera, attendees will be treated to complimentary appetizers and valet parking will be waived. Beverages will be available for purchase by attendees. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect and strengthen our local philanthropic community.

March Program

Engaging Your Board in the New Year

Thursday, March 13, 2025

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

CAPSLO

With the federal government highlighting the uncertainty of federal grant funding, and with shared concerns about growing rifts between income classes, development professionals across the nation are facing the same questions and uncertainties around maintaining stable funding streams while continuing to meet growing community needs.

But nonprofits cannot merely survive when community need grows. We must thrive. Our communities need higher levels of service and stronger outcomes. Fundraising strategist June Eastham will share practical strategies for analyzing your sector and building adaptive approaches that strengthen both your organization and community. Discover questions that leverage your unique strengths and enhance operations while building sustainable revenue, regardless of your sector. This workshop is designed to help local development professionals move from anxiety to action.

February Mixer

Networking with Heart

Thursday, February 13, 2025

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Joebella Coffee Roasters, Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo

Join us for a brew-tiful start to your day at our Valentine’s-themed morning coffee mixer! Let’s espresso some heartfelt connections over great coffee, warm conversations, and professional networking.

Enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries while supplies last, with additional goodies available for purchase. Whether you’re looking to stir up new ideas, connect with like-minded professionals, or share your latte love of networking, this event is sure to spark meaningful connections.

January Program

Engaging Your Board in the New Year

Thursday, January 9, 2025

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

CAPSLO

Start the year inspired about how best to work with your board to achieve your fundraising goals including engagement, expectations and how to equip them to be successful. Come prepared to share your biggest challenges and leave with ideas to overcome them.

December Program

The Art of Gathering: Building Community & Creating Meaningful Experiences by Amber Karson

Thursday, December 12, 2024

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Region Event Center

Join us for an insightful session with Amber Karson, a seasoned expert in hospitality, event planning, and relationship building, as she shares her unique perspective on creating memorable and impactful experiences for donors and the community. Drawing from her extensive experience executing large-scale events and intimate gatherings alike, Amber will explore the art of hosting with mindfulness and purpose.

National Philanthropy Day

National Philanthropy Day Celebration
Thursday, November 14, 2024
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Learn more on the NPD page

October Program

How To Be A Game-Changing Badass by Monica Grant

Thursday, October 10, 2024

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

CAPSLO

Many of us aspire to be dynamic change agents in our work (and lives). But, the percentage of leaders and organizations who rate well in strategy and execution of strategy is incredibly low. In this engaging, fun, and thought-provoking session, you will explore successful pathways to transformational change.

In this session, participants will learn about:

The tangible importance and implications of a strategic approach
The characteristics of a strategic person / organization
Obstacles that hinder strategic work
A digestible process for achieving successful strategic change
The role of fundraisers in organizational strategy
A roadmap for fostering strategic change in work (and life)

Participants will leave with:

An improved assessment of themselves and their organizations with regards to strengths/opportunities for becoming more strategic
A pathway to begin and support your journey as a game-changing leader

September Mixer

Movie Night: Uncharitable Screening

Monday, September 16, 2024

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Palm Theater

817 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

What if charity could be transformed from a gesture to an answer--to solving the world's greatest problems? What if everything we've been taught about charitable giving is wrong? What if it's undermining the very causes, we love the most? Uncharitable is a one-of-a-kind movie that shows how our charitable traditions and prejudices have suffocated the charitable sector and prevented it from leading the charge to truly change the world. Based on the book, "Uncharitable," by Dan Pallotta, which became one of the most talked-about TED talks of all time--changing everything from charity watchdog standards to the giving practices of America's biggest foundations.

All proceeds from the screening benefit the Association of Fundraising Professionals SLO County Chapter.

Watch the Uncharitable trailer here

August Program

Success in Q4: Planning Effective Giving Tuesday and Year-End Campaigns

Thursday, August 8th, 2024

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church Fellowship Hall

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on preparing for Q4 with a focus on Giving Tuesday and End-of-Year (EOY) Giving Campaigns. Lunch will be provided by Aloha Catering. During this event, you will gain valuable insights and strategies to maximize your fundraising efforts during the crucial fourth quarter. Learn from experts about planning and executing successful Giving Tuesday initiatives and EOY campaigns that can significantly boost your organization's donations.

Our esteemed panelists include:

Emily L'Heureux, Chief Executive Officer at Woods Humane Society
Jenny Meyers, Director of Philanthropy, Operations and Communications at French Hospital Medical Center Foundation
Michael Kaplan, Community Engagement Director at Transitions-Mental Health Associatio

June Networking Mixer

June Networking Mixer

Thursday, June 13th, 2024

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

15 Degrees C Wine Bar & Restaurant

3590 Broad Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Join us for the AFP SLO County Chapter June Mixer on Thursday, June 13, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at 15 Degrees C Wine Bar & Restaurant, an inviting venue offering a delightful selection of local and global wines paired with small plates and pizza.

Admission to the event is free, providing you with the perfect opportunity to connect and network with fellow fundraising professionals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

While attendance is complimentary, wine and food will be available for purchase, allowing you to indulge in delicious offerings as you step into summer and engage in meaningful conversations with peers from the nonprofit sector.

Don't miss out on this chance to mingle, unwind, and foster valuable connections within the fundraising community. We look forward to seeing you there!

May Program

Empowering Fundraising Professionals: Mastering Legacy Planning for Financial Security and Philanthropy

Thursday, May 9th, 2024

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Region Event Center

858 Monterey St.

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Calling all fundraising professionals! Join the AFP SLO County Chapter for an exclusive workshop designed to elevate your expertise in legacy planning. Hosted at the Region Event Center in San Luis Obispo, this month's program features insights from industry leaders Allie Burnett, Senior Director of Gift Planning at Cal Poly, and Brynne Speizer, CFP®, Vice President at EP Wealth Advisors (formerly Wacker Wealth Partners).

Discover essential strategies for estate planning, wealth preservation, and maximizing charitable giving impact. Gain practical knowledge on wills, trusts, tax considerations, and innovative approaches to integrating philanthropy into estate plans. We will clarify the differences and appropriate strategies for two popular vehicles: Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). Learn how to effectively communicate estate planning benefits to donors and navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence.

Whether you're a seasoned fundraising professional or new to the field, this workshop provides invaluable tools to enhance your donor relationships, secure major gifts, and advance your organization's mission. Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills and unlock new opportunities for financial security and philanthropic excellence.

April Mixer

Brewing Connections

Thursday, April 11, 2024

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Lucy's Coffee Co.

1279 Laurel Lane

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Make a detour on your morning commute to Lucy's Coffee Company and join the AFP SLO County Chapter for a cup of coffee and a pastry while brewing up some new connections!

We look forward to welcoming you on Thursday, April 11, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend, and we truly appreciate you spreading the word!

A special thanks to Lucy's Coffee Company for their generous sponsorship of this month's mixer. Your support is greatly appreciated!

March Program

AI in Fundraising 101

Thursday, March 14, 2024

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

CAPSLO

1030 Southwood Dr.

San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

Join us for an exciting event, AI in Fundraising 101, where we'll explore the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on fundraising. Discover how AI can revolutionize your fundraising efforts and help you achieve remarkable results.

February Mixer

Share the Love: AFP SLO County February Networking Mixer

Thursday, February 8, 2024

3:30-5:30 pm

KROBĀR Craft Distillery

1701 Monterey Street

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Join us for a heartwarming afternoon of connection, collaboration, and community building, bringing together nonprofit leaders in San Luis Obispo County. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, we invite you to share your love for philanthropy in a fun and welcoming environment. Bring not just your passion for philanthropy but also a friend or colleague to celebrate the important work we do as an organization. All are welcome!

Our deepest gratitude to KROBĀR Craft Distillery at The Hub for generously sponsoring this month's social event.

January Program

Philanthropy in 2024 and Beyond

with Becky Gray, Executive Director of Must! Charities

Thursday, January 11, 2024

12:00-1:30 pm

CAPSLO

1030 Southwood Dr.

San Luis Obispo

As the for-profit business world is propelling forward and ever-changing at a rapid pace, how do we shift the model of philanthropy to keep up, and how do we create greater impact and change for our ever-changing community needs?

December Program

Managing Yourself to Lead Others

with Wes Love, Co-Founder CultureStoke

Thursday, December 14, 2023

12:00-1:30 pm

Region Event Center

858 Monterey St.

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

"There is no such thing as work-life balance – it is all life. The balance has to be within you.” Sadhguru

If you struggle with stress, anxiety, burnout, overload – you are not alone. A simple Google search will show you that many people struggle with feeling burned out, stressed out and anxious about life in general, and work in particular. With that in mind, let's discuss the importance of work-life harmony, how you can accomplish it and what are some of the best practices out there to make life a little more enriching and work a lot more meaningful.