President's Message

Welcome to AFP Monterey Bay!

Whether you are a seasoned Chief Development Officer or a professional just starting your first role in the nonprofit sector, I want to welcome you.

Fundraising can be one of the most rewarding careers in the world, but it is also one of the most challenging. We are advocates, storytellers, and strategists. But more than anything, we are a community. At AFP Monterey Bay, we believe that no fundraiser should have to do this work alone.

Why Join the AFP Community?

It is an investment in your own growth and the health of the organizations you serve. When you join, you gain:

  • World-Class Professional Development: Access to the latest trends, research, and ethics in philanthropy.

  • Local Network: A room full of peers who understand your specific challenges and can offer advice.

  • Mentorship & Growth: Opportunities to learn from the best in our region or to give back by mentoring the next generation.

Not a Member Yet? Get Involved Today.

Even if you aren't ready to become a full member, we invite you to join any of our local events and connect with colleagues. Please consider attending:

  • Monthly Coffee Hour: Join us for our next networking social coffee hour. We alternate between Monterey and Salinas each month so please check our events calendar for more information.

  • Workshops & Trainings: We host a variety of opportunities for training from local in our field.

  • National Philanthropy Day (NPD): Each November, AFP Monterey Bay hosts NPD at the Pebble Beach Company’s Inn at Spanish Bay to celebrate local philanthropists and volunteers. National Philanthropy Day is celebrated by APF Chapters around the world. It is a day to honor the impact of philanthropy and those who work to make a difference in their communities. It’s a time to celebrate the countless ways individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and communities come together to create lasting change through generosity.

Our mission is to empower you to raise more money for the causes you love. Together, we can elevate the profession of fundraising and make a lasting impact on our community.

I look forward to seeing you at our next event.

With gratitude,

Kate Mitchell Mehle

AFP Monterey Bay, President