A Year-End Message from Your Chapter President
Dear colleagues,
As we come to the close of the year, I have been reflecting on all that our AFP Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter has accomplished together. It has been a year of rebuilding, reconnecting, and reimagining how we show up for one another as fundraising professionals.
We successfully returned to regular in person monthly programs, creating more chances for members to learn from each other, share real time challenges, and make new connections. In November, we hosted our largest National Philanthropy Day celebration since COVID, filling the room with donors, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and fundraisers who are moving our communities forward. That event reminded me just how powerful it is when we are able to gather and celebrate generosity in person.
This was also a year of transition behind the scenes. With the retirement of our long time chapter administrator, Lisa, our board has truly been all volunteer run. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every board and committee member who has stepped up to manage operations, events, communications, and all the invisible work that keeps this chapter running. Your time, energy, and leadership are the reason we can offer high quality programs and experiences for our members.
We are doing this work in a time of real uncertainty. Political divisions are growing, public trust is strained, and community needs are increasing, and yet, philanthropy continue to show up. As fundraisers you keep making the case for generosity. You listen deeply to donors and communities. You help your organizations adapt and stay focused on mission. The resilience and creativity of fundraisers in this environment inspires me every day. Your AFP chapter is one of the best ways we can support each other in this work, and we need your voice.
At the national level, we can also celebrate some big wins. Beginning next year, the newly passed non itemizing charitable deduction will go into effect, creating a renewed incentive for everyday donors to give. AFP Global played an important role in championing this legislation and will continue to advocate on related policies that affect our work. At the same time, AFP Global’s library of video training content is now available at no additional cost to all members, offering even more ways for you and your teams to build skills throughout the year.
As we look ahead, there are several ways you can get involved:
· Consider serving on our board or a committee. We are actively recruiting for 2026 leadership and committee roles and would love to talk with you about how your talents and interests fit.
· Mark your calendar for AFP ICON in San Diego April 26-28. It is rare to have ICON on the West Coast for two years, and we hope many of you will be able to take advantage of this opportunity.
Before we turn the page to a new year, I hope you will join us for our final program (i.e. holiday party) of 2025 and annual meeting. This gathering is free to attend and generously hosted by Nonprofit Professionals, with food and drinks provided. It is more than a social hour. It is a chance to exhale, to reconnect with colleagues who understand the joys and pressures of this work, and to remind ourselves that we are not doing it alone.
Thank you for all that you do to advance philanthropy in our region, and for being part of this community of practice. I am grateful to serve as your chapter president and excited for what we will continue to build together in the year ahead.
With appreciation,
Anthony Petchel
President, AFP Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter