Chapter Blog

Elizabeth Weinberg is a thoughtful, relationship-centered fundraiser who believes the strongest philanthropy begins with connection, purpose, and trust. Drawn to work at the intersection of people and impact, she brings a reflective and community-driven perspective to fundraising and donor engagement.

As a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter, Elizabeth shares insights on building authentic relationships, navigating growth within a developing philanthropy program, and balancing emerging technology with meaningful human connection.

Q: How did you first get into fundraising or nonprofit work? What drew you to this field?
I’ve always been drawn to work that sits at the intersection of people, purpose, and impact. Fundraising felt like a natural fit because it’s about learning what people care about, and how they want to contribute to something larger than themselves. What keeps me in this field is the opportunity to build authentic relationships and help connect generosity to meaningful work.

Q: What has been one of your most memorable or rewarding moments in your fundraising career so far?
Some of my most meaningful moments in fundraising have been when employees, who may not be making high salaries, choose to give financially. These gifts are often the most powerful, because employees see the impact of the organization’s work firsthand. Their generosity is a reminder that everyone, regardless of income, can make a difference. Moments like these reinforce for me that fundraising is ultimately about trust, care, and connection.

Q: What inspired you to join the AFP Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter?
AFP has always represented a community of thoughtful, values driven professionals, and the Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter reflects that spirit. While I’m also a member of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter, I appreciate the smaller group dynamic of the Valley chapter. It creates space for deeper relationships with speakers and members.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of the chapter?
Fundraisers don’t always get the space to reflect or be candid about the challenges and joys of the work, and the chapter provides that. It’s energizing to learn from peers who are navigating similar questions and to feel part of a profession that genuinely wants to grow together.

Q: What’s one fundraising strategy, tool, or approach you’ve found especially effective lately?
I’ve been at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine for a year, and success requires both learning and building strong relationships. Because we are building a program from the ground up, I constantly remind myself to slow down, and that building a robust philanthropy engine is a marathon, not a sprint. 

 
On the tools side, I’ve also been appreciating how better data and emerging AI tools can support more personalized outreach—but only when they enhance, rather than replace, human connection. Technology is helpful when it allows us to listen better and respond more thoughtfully.

Q: What’s a challenge you’re currently navigating in your work, and how are you approaching it?
We’re in a foundational phase of building systems, processes, and partnerships to support long term fundraising success. That means balancing  infrastructure building with relationship  building. I approach it by staying focused on why the foundation matters: the stronger it is, the more time we’ll ultimately have for meaningful donor engagement and impact.

Q: What’s one thing most people might be surprised to learn about you?
Because my job requires a lot of extroverted energy, I also need quiet, reflective time when I’m not working. While I truly enjoy meeting new people and building relationships, I’ve learned that being “on” most of the time can still be a challenge and finding balance matters to me.

Q: If you could give one piece of encouragement to fellow Valley fundraisers, what would it be?
Remember that people give because they care, not because they’re persuaded. When fundraising feels challenging, taking the time to ask what truly matters to a prospect or donor can open the door to deeper connection. It may sound familiar, but there’s wisdom in the idea that asking for advice often leads to generosity. Our work matters, and the relationships you’re building, even the quiet and behind the scenes ones, are making a real difference.

By Tarry Kang, CFRE

Senior Director of Development, Division of Student Affairs

California State University, Northridge

Earning the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential is often described as a professional milestone—but in practice, it’s much more of a journey than a destination. For me, that journey proved deeply worthwhile in ways that extended far beyond the certification itself.

One of the most valuable aspects was the community I found along the way. Through study groups, professional networks, and conferences, I connected with colleagues from across the country who were equally committed to advancing their craft. These weren’t just casual connections—they became mentors, thought partners, and, in many cases, lifelong professional peers. Michele Wray Khateri, my study and accountability partner, was instrumental throughout the process—critical in helping me maintain focus and stamina when the demands of preparation could have easily derailed my progress.

The CFRE process also grounded me in the fundamentals of ethical and effective fundraising. It required a disciplined understanding of the “rules” of the profession—donor rights, stewardship standards, accountability, and the principles that guide sustainable philanthropy. More importantly, it clarified where there is room for flexibility and innovation, and where there are non-negotiable boundaries. Jack Alotto and Ben Mohler were especially influential here, serving as exceptional teachers and mentors who strengthened my learning, my approach to fundraising strategy, and my test taking strategy.

Perhaps the most immediate outcome was a noticeable increase in confidence. Preparing for and earning the CFRE affirmed that my experience aligned with national standards of excellence. It gave me a stronger voice in strategic conversations and a clearer framework for decision-making.

That confidence, paired with the credential itself, also contributed to my professional advancement. The CFRE signaled readiness for greater leadership responsibility and played a meaningful role in my promotion.

In the end, the CFRE journey wasn’t just about adding letters after my name. It was about sharpening my practice, expanding my network, and stepping more fully into my role as a fundraising professional.