Articles and News from the Chapter

In Case You Missed It: AI in Philanthropy Part 2 - Major Gifts & Research (Mar. 10)

The AFP Oregon and SW Washington Chapter continued its "AI in Philanthropy" series with a panel discussion covering Major Gifts and Research. Moderated by Chapter President Anthony Petchel, MBA, CFRE, our panelists shared insights about how they are effectively utilizing AI in the course of their work in philanthropy. 

It was a pleasure to have the following professionals join us:

Rachel Beck

Director of Development

Clark County Food Bank

Deriek Cruz

Senior Associate Philanthropic Officer, Providence Foundations

Jake Detels, MBA, PMP

Founder, Donor Facts

Alexis Ingram

Major Gifts Officer, Western Region, Wildlife Conservation Society

During the conversation, our moderator. Anthony Petchel, MBA, CFRE. invited panelists to respond to questions designed to explore how effectively using AI is transforming the work of major gifts officers. The responses demonstrated a spectrum of motivations for implementing AI in the course of their work. For Alexis, her use started with utilizing AI to personalize email communications with donors. For Rachel, the inspiration came from implementing a $10,000 grant provided to support the food bank’s network. For Deriek, AI made it possible to automate follow up with sponsors. For Jake, AI is integral to the work he has done in developing chatbots and creating an AI-driven platform for generating donor research.

In considering how to empower AI to do its best work, Rachel discussed the importance of training for tone and style. She found loading reports, grants, events, the AFP Code of Ethical Standards, CFRE Code of Ethics, and training the system in the tone of the CEO. Among other insights, Deriek shared that he found AI invaluable for role playing different donor scenarios. Jake provided context for how AI is developed and made the point that you should treat AI like an employee (e.g., be friendly!).

The panel dedicated time to discussing ethical considerations related to the uses of AI. Alexis expressed concern for the environmental impact especially on water usage caused by the energy consumption related to utilizing AI technology. Rachel shared the importance of protecting donors and developing policies that support that objective while protecting the company. She also cited the importance of developing rules for how employees utilize AI. Deriek spoke to the added element of navigating HIPAA rules and the importance of anonymizing donor information. Jake offered important guidance about “opting out” so that your organization’s data is not used to "train" the technology.

The discussion turned again to the importance of keeping ethics a focal point and creating policies to support the ethical use of AI in Philanthropy. Deriek described his organization’s official alignment for Microsoft Co-Pilot. He stressed that staff cannot access unvetted platforms. Rachel cited the importance of three pillars:

  1. Data Protection
  2. Human Oversight
  3. External Communications Approval

Thank you, Rachel, Deriek, Jake, and Alexis for being part of this important discussion!

A Message from Your Chapter President: How AI Is Shaping Philanthropy - March, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

There’s a lot of fear-based conversation about AI replacing jobs in nonprofits.

But a better question might be: Is AI taking the easy part of the job, or the hard part?

Take the taxi industry, for example. Google Maps or ridesharing apps did not replace driving. They removed friction, dispatch, payment processing, and navigation. The logistical part became easier, and taxi drivers no longer had to memorize maps of whole cities. The core service (getting someone safely from point A to point B), remained human. Technology replaced the hard part.

And how about accounting? Software like QuickBooks didn’t eliminate accountants. It automated calculations, reconciliation, and data entry. What remains valuable is judgment, interpretation, and strategic advice.  The easy part was replaced, freeing up time for the hard part.

In fundraising, AI can handle the easy part:

  • Drafting/improving emails
  • Summarizing donor research
  • Cleaning up call notes
  • Pulling basic data insights
  • Helping outline proposals or reports

Those tasks matter. But they are not the heart of fundraising.

The hard part (and possibly the most important part) is being human:

  • Listening deeply to a donor’s values
  • Building trust over time
  • Navigating complex family dynamics
  • Inspiring someone to invest in change
  • Holding space for meaning, legacy, and purpose

AI cannot replace the authentic connection a fundraiser can have with a donor. It cannot replicate the emotional intelligence needed to sit across the table and build trust.

What AI can do is reduce friction.

If fundraisers use AI well, it becomes a capacity multiplier. It gives us back time and mental bandwidth to focus on what truly drives philanthropy: Relationships.

The risk is not that AI will make fundraising less human.

The opportunity is that it might allow us to be more human than ever.


With appreciation,

Anthony Petchel, MBA, CTP, CFRE
President, AFP Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter

A Message from Your Chapter President: "Love" Is at the Root of Our Profession - February, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

February brings us Valentine’s Day - a holiday often centered on romance, but it is also a good moment to return to the root of our profession.

Philanthropy, at its core, means "love of humanity." Right now, that is not a soft idea, it's a critical one.

Many of us are moving through real worry: economic volatility, shifting policies, continued threats of funding cuts, and the fear and disruption that immigration raids can create for families, workplaces, and entire communities. Nonprofits are being asked to do more with less, while the people we serve are carrying more stress, more uncertainty, and in many cases real risk. Fundraisers feel that pressure up close, because we sit at the intersection of need, public systems, and the generosity that helps close gaps.

n this kind of moment, “love of humanity” must guide our actions as fundraisers. It looks like leading with ethics in our storytelling. It looks like radical transparency, being clear about impact, and helping donors respond thoughtfully rather than reactively. It also looks like caring for each other. This work can at times be isolating, and it is easier to lose our footing when we are trying to carry it alone.

That is why the community of your AFP chapter matters. When we gather with fellow fundraisers, we get perspective, tools, and support. We remember that our challenges are shared, and that our collective skill and resilience are part of what keeps mission work moving. I hope you will make it a habit to attend our monthly programs, not only for professional development, but for connection. Showing up is an act of solidarity with your peers and a way to stay grounded in the purpose of this work.

As we move through February, I am grateful for the care, courage, and clarity you bring to your organizations and communities. Thank you for choosing this profession, and for continuing to center humanity, even when the world makes that harder.
With appreciation,

Anthony Petchel, MBA, CTP, CFRE
President, AFP Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter

A Message from Your Chapter President: Growing Stronger Together in 2026


Dear Fellow Fundraisers,

As we step into 2026, I am feeling both hopeful and energized about what this year can mean for our AFP Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter. The work of fundraising is not getting easier. Our organizations are navigating economic uncertainty, political volatility, and growing community needs. In the middle of all of that, our chapter’s role is clear. We are here to grow with you, to provide the training and support you need, and to create a strong community of peers who understand this work.

This year, we are intentionally focusing on expanding our learning and community-building opportunities. Our monthly programs are designed to be timely and practical, grounded in what fundraisers are facing right now, not what was true five years ago. I want to encourage you to make it a habit to attend these programs regularly. If you have not already, consider purchasing an annual pass, which is on sale now. It is the easiest way to commit to your own professional development and stay connected with your fellow fundraisers throughout the year.

We are also looking to elevate our National Philanthropy Day awards in 2026. These awards are more than a single event on the calendar. They are an opportunity to tell the story of philanthropy in our region, to highlight the partnerships that make real change possible, and to lift up the work of fundraisers and volunteers who are too often behind the scenes. You will see more communications from us about nominations and ways to be involved as we shape a celebration that truly reflects the diversity, innovation, and generosity of our community.

Another important piece of our growth this year is leadership. In January, AFP members will receive the slate of board members for a vote. I encourage you to participate in this process. Voting is one of the simplest ways you can help guide the direction of the chapter. As you review the slate, I also invite you to think about your own leadership journey. If you are interested in serving on the board or a committee in the future, we would love to hear from you.

Most of all, I want to underscore how important it is that we stay in community with each other. This work can be isolating. Being in a room with other fundraisers, sharing what is working and what is hard, and knowing that you are not alone is powerful. My hope for 2026 is that our chapter continues to be a place where you feel supported, challenged, and inspired.

Thank you for the work you do every day and for being part of this chapter. I am grateful to serve as your president and excited for what we will build together in the year ahead.

With appreciation,

Anthony Petchel, MBA, CTP, CFRE
President, AFP Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter

A Message from Your Chapter President: Advancing Lasting Change in Our Communities - November 2025

This past month, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at AFP LEAD in Atlanta, where hundreds of fundraising professionals gathered to improve their leadership skills. A theme that surfaced repeatedly was the critical role we play in linking philanthropy to real solutions. That philanthropy is more than just funding programs, its true power is in advancing lasting change in our communities. 

In a time consumed by continued uncertainty, economic shifts, political instability, deep inequities, and ongoing societal challenges, our role as fundraisers and nonprofit leaders has never been more important. The conversations in Atlanta were a good reminder that philanthropy is not just about raising money for programs. It’s a vehicle for systems change. It's a way to reimagine what is possible in our communities.

That’s why National Philanthropy Day (NPD) means so much this year.

On Monday, November 17, 2025, we will come together to celebrate the people and organizations whose commitment to generosity is helping us meet this moment. Whether they are building tiny homes for unhoused neighbors, empowering youth through education, or advocating for equity, our honorees remind us that real change is possible and that philanthropy, in all its forms, is a powerful force for good.

As leaders, we have the opportunity and responsibility to center philanthropy in conversations about resilience, sustainability, and justice. NPD is not just a luncheon. It is a call to be in community, to remember why we do this work and who we do it for.

I hope you’ll join us, not only in celebrating our honorees, but in leaning in to your own leadership and to the collective work of creating a more just and generous world.

Warmly,


Anthony Petchel

President, AFP Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter

A Message from Your Chapter President: Let's Talk About Ethics - October, 2025

Let’s face it. Ethics is not the flashiest topic in the nonprofit world. It’s easy to overlook when we're chasing year-end goals or launching our next big campaign. But ethics becomes very flashy when something goes wrong. When trust is broken, when leadership is questioned, or when an organization ends up in the headlines for the wrong reasons, you'll care about ethics a lot!

October is Ethics Awareness Month, and our chapter is taking the opportunity to center this critical conversation. As fundraisers, we hold an extraordinary amount of influence, and with it, responsibility. On October 14, our upcoming monthly program will offer real-world scenarios and practical tools to help us navigate ethical dilemmas as fundraising professionals. 

Ethics is not just about avoiding scandals. It is about creating a culture of honesty and accountability.

Ethics is about equity in donor relationships, fairness in storytelling, and clarity in financial decisions. Ethical leadership is not always loud, but it is powerful. It shows up in the small choices we make every day. 

In today’s world, where examples of unethical behavior seem to be growing in every sector, the nonprofit community must lead by example. Donors expect nonprofits to act with integrity, steward resources responsibly, and serve their missions with honesty and transparency. That trust is earned over time, but it can be lost in an instant.

Thank you for your continued commitment to doing this work the right way. I hope to see many of you this month as we deepen our collective understanding of what it means to lead with integrity.

With appreciation,


Anthony Petchel

President, AFP Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter

Highlights from October's Luncheon - October 14, 2025

As a highlight of the Chapter’s Ethics Awareness Month activities, James Phelps, a long-tenured AFP Member, former Chapter President (and Oregon’s only ACRE), led an interactive exploration of AFP's Code of Ethics that included an interactive discussion of real-life situations and how the Code applies to a fundraiser’s daily work. He provided a framework for navigating ethical questions in a way that helps fundraisers identify and manage these situations.

 

James was also joined by Shari Scales, CFRE, former AFP Board President/current Chapter Treasurer, and member of the AFP Global Foundation for Philanthropy for a presentation about the AFP Global Foundation’s "Be the Cause" campaign. Shari described the process and confirmed that no dollars are distributed to AFP Global operations. The group was reminded that the Foundation has four pillars that funds are raised to support:

  1. Support Research on Critical Issues in Fundraising
  2. Attract and Develop Fundraising Leaders
  3. Strengthen the Sector Through a More Diverse Workforce
  4. Enhance Public Trust in Nonprofit Organizations

The Chapter thanks James and Shari for their leadership, service, and support of AFP, both locally and globally. Visit our website for more information about ethics and upcoming programs.

A Message from Your Chapter President: The Power of Community and Advocacy in Uncertain Times - September, 2025

In a time of rising need, dwindling federal resources, and increasing policy pressures on our communities, it can feel overwhelming to keep showing up as a fundraiser. Many of us are facing difficult decisions about budgets, sustainability, equity, and the long-term viability of the missions we serve.

These are the moments when your AFP community matters most.

Connecting with fellow fundraisers energizes us and reminds us that together, we are stronger. Whether it’s through a monthly program, attending a conference, or sharing coffee with another member, your AFP chapter is here to offer you a place to learn, grow, and be supported.

During times of uncertainty, we must also invest in ourselves so we can continue to invest in our organizations. The tools, perspectives, and relationships we build now will shape how we navigate the next few years. Your growth as a fundraiser, leader, and advocate is not a luxury. It is a necessity for building long-term, sustainable funding for your mission.

Finally, now more than ever, we have a responsibility to speak up. Fundraisers are not just storytellers. We are also truth-tellers. We must be willing to have honest conversations with donors about how policies and systems are impacting the communities we serve. These conversations are essential if we are to advance equity, justice, and lasting impact.

Thank you for the work you do each day. Keep showing up for your mission, your colleagues, and yourselves. We are in this together.

In Community,

Anthony Petchel
President, AFP Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter

Highlights from September's Luncheon - Sept. 9, 2025

Our September 9th luncheon welcomed the talented team from Anchorpointe Graphics for their engaging and practical session, "Direct Mail Magic: Creating Awesome Appeals."

From effective storytelling and donor-centered messaging to time-tested project management tips and design best practices, attendees left inspired and better equipped for a successful year-end campaign season.

A huge thank you to Janey Greenlees, Darla Bakaty, and Kathy Bracken for sharing their expertise, insights, and creative strategies for crafting appeals that truly connect.

A Message from Your Chapter President: Get Ready to LEAD - August, 2025

Anthony Petchel addresses AFP Southeast Wisconsin Members

This month, while spending time with my family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I had the pleasure of visiting our colleagues at the AFP Southeast Wisconsin Chapter. At their monthly chapter meeting. I reprised a 90-minute topic from a workshop I first presented at AFP LEAD 2024, "Equitable Budgeting and Forecasting." 

My time in Wisconsin provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow fundraisers, share insights, and learn about the innovative work happening in different parts of the country. It was inspiring to see just how much we all have in common.

If you’re looking to deepen your leadership skills and expand your network, I highly encourage you to attend AFP LEAD 2025 this fall in Atlanta from October 16-18. At this year's AFP LEAD, my colleague, Deborah Steinkopf and I will present "Nonprofit Finance Essentials for Fundraising Professionals," an excerpt from our Nonprofit Financial Leadership Academy. 

One of the best parts of being an AFP member is the incredible community it offers. You are part of a larger network of professionals who are all working toward similar goals and shared values that are an integral part of  supporting our fundraising community.

Warmly,

Anthony Petchel

President, AFP Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter

A Message from Your Chapter President: Growing Together in Challenging Times - July, 2025

Anthony Petchel, AFP Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter President

As we move through 2025, fundraisers across our region, and across the country, are navigating increasingly complex challenges. With economic uncertainty, cuts to federal funding, and growing demands on our nonprofit sector, the role of the fundraiser has never been more critical or more difficult.

In moments like these, when our organizations and donors are looking to us for inspiration, I encourage you to channel the collective strength of your AFP community. Together, we can lean on one another for inspiration, support, and shared learning.

That’s why your chapter board has been hard at work revitalizing programming and strengthening the foundation of our organization. Behind the scenes, we’re focused on improving our operations and finances to ensure your chapter is sustainable, strategic, and ready to serve you for the long term.

In 2025, we’ve returned to regular monthly programs, bringing back the consistent rhythm of learning and connection that so many of you have asked for. We're creating new networking opportunities, so you can build stronger relationships with peers who understand your challenges.

Now more than ever, it's vital to connect with peers and invest in your professional development. Whether it's attending a program, mentoring a colleague, or meeting a fellow member for a coffee chat, these small actions help keep our fundraising community strong.

We’re grateful to have you with us. Let’s keep showing up for each other, and keep moving forward, together.

Warmly,

Anthony Petchel

President, AFP Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter

Highlights from Our 2024 Summer Social - July 24, 2025

Summer Social 2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday at the AFP Summer Social! It was a wonderful evening of connection and conversation with fellow fundraisers at OMSI's Theory Restaurant (thanks for hosting us!). We shared a friendly reminder to renew your AFP membership before dues increase on August 4, and were excited to announce our 2025 National Philanthropy Day Awards honorees.

Highlights from June's Luncheon Program - June 10, 2025

Thank you, Jeri Alcock and Mark Parker, CFRE (Rose City Philanthropy) for sharing your insight into best practices for securing the interest of a vital (and growing) giving segment - the mid-level donor. Jeri and Mark shared their thoughts on how to secure ongoing contribution from this group amid falling retention rates, lower participation rates, and larger gifts coming from fewer donors.

On June 10, Jeri and Mark informed our attendees about their strategy tips for revitalizing mid-level donor engagement, such as the importance of conducting donor surveys and digital marketing campaigns. They also introduced campaign simulations and discussed how these scenarios can be used in campaign goal setting, course corrections, and planned giving forecasting.

Highlights from May's Luncheon Program - May 13, 2025

We enjoyed spending our lunch break with the local nonprofit and fundraising professionals who joined us for May luncheon program.

It was a pleasure to host our featured guest speakers Crystal Logan, MS, CAP® from Providence Foundations of Oregon, and Dawn Johnston, CFRE from Providence Brain & Spine Institute.

Together, Crystal and Dawn emphasized the importance of deepening the value of a donor’s gift, rather than focusing solely on the amount pledged. They reminded us that the first step in advising major donors is asking a powerful question: “Why do you give?” From there, fundraisers can better align with a donor’s values and explore how to maximize the impact of their gift.

Our guest speakers also shared practical tools and resources to help identify donor motivations, along with real-world examples from their own work. They reinforced that no single tool fits every donor—each individual has a unique story, and it’s up to us to build trust by using the right approach for long-term relationship building.

Thank you, Crystal and Dawn, for sharing your time and expertise with our members and guests!

Highlights from April's Luncheon Program - April 8, 2025

We collaborated with NW Planned Giving Round Table (NWPGRT) to provide this year’s annual Luncheon Program, Planned Giving, and Donor Stewardship. Members and guests of both organizations were treated to an insightful presentation from Michele Wasson, an attorney at Tonkon Torp LLP, who shared her expertise on legal and tax considerations in planned giving, nonprofit governance, and donor stewardship. She also discussed key aspects of gift acceptance policies, including how to evaluate complex gifts, navigate gift agreements, and ensure alignment with your organization’s mission and legal requirements. The session provided an exceptional opportunity to grow our fundraising knowledge, impact, and network.

Thank you to NWPGRT, Michele, and those of you who attended!

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