AFP Silicon Valley
April 2026 Newsletter
President’s Message
A Message from Illyasha Peete
2026 AFP Silicon Valley President
AFP Silicon Valley recently created a public service announcement sharing the many reasons membership is a valuable and important investment in your career as a fundraiser.
Watch the two-minute video below, then share it with your colleagues and professional network.
Click the image to watch the video.
AFP Foundation
Make a Be the Cause Gift Today
Every BE the CAUSE gift helps strengthen the fundraising profession by supporting scholarships, leadership development, education, research, and programs that benefit fundraisers around the world.
A portion of every donation is returned directly to AFP Silicon Valley, helping support local education, networking opportunities, and programs that benefit our chapter members.
Scan the QR code to make your gift and help strengthen our profession locally and globally.
Board Member Feature
Ashley Bredeson
Vice President of Marketing
Ashley serves as Vice President of Marketing for AFPSV and has been a steady force on the board for 3 years. In just four months, she and her team have increased engagement by nearly 20%, strengthening how we connect with and serve our members.
Curiosity drives Ashley’s work. It’s how she identified a critical data issue early in a leadership role, protecting resources and improving donor engagement. It’s how she helped secure a $775,000 scholarship gift at Menlo College supporting single parents, foster youth, and DACA students. And it’s how she doubled recurring giving in her first year at Pinky Swear Foundation.
Now, as Development Director at Marine Science Institute, she brings that same approach. She stays close to the mission, builds strong systems, and continues to show up with intention for this community.
Ashley is always learning, always contributing, and always finding ways to make the work stronger.
Upcoming AFPSV Event
The Fundraising Gala is Dead, Long Live the Fundraising Gala!
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Friday, May 22, 2026
10:00 A.M. – 12:15 P.M.
The Current State of Galas in the Bay Area, and How To Make Them Work For You
This session, presented by Greg Quiroga of Stellar Fundraising Auctions, will cover the overall trend in fundraising auctions/galas, 7 keys to a successful Fund-a-Need, as well as explore two proven tactics for engaging new/younger donors at your event. Specifically, participants will learn:
- How to determine which fundraising format is best for the culture of your organization/event.
- How to craft an emotionally compelling and financially successful Fund-a-Need.
- The keys to conducting a Fund-a-Need-only event.
- The hottest and easiest-to-implement trend in fundraising today.
- How to use buy-in lots to target new donors.
Membership
Invest in Your Fundraising Career
AFP membership provides access to professional development, educational programs, networking opportunities, career resources, and a community of fundraising professionals committed to advancing philanthropy. If you’re not yet a member, we’d love to welcome you.
Learn About Membership