AFP Silicon Valley
June 2026 Newsletter
News you can use from AFPSV!
President’s Message
Learning, Connecting, and Leading Together
By Illyasha Peete
2026 AFPSV President
Dear AFP Silicon Valley Community,
As we move through June, we recognize Pride Month and Juneteenth, two important moments that invite us to reflect on identity, freedom, visibility, belonging, and the work still required to build communities where people are seen, valued, and respected.
Pride Month celebrates the courage, contributions, and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals and reminds us that belonging must be more than language. It has to be felt in our rooms, our leadership, our policies, and our relationships.
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and serves as both a celebration of freedom and a reminder that liberation requires continued commitment, truth-telling, and action.
Recently, your AFP Silicon Valley Board gathered to talk honestly about what our members may need most right now, especially in a time when so much feels uncertain. A few themes rose to the top: learning, connection, leadership, mentorship, ethical AI, donor-advised funds, member storytelling, and practical resources that help fundraisers do their work with more confidence and clarity.
We are also expanding how we define fundraisers. Fundraising is not limited to one title or department. CEOs, board members, volunteers, staff, development professionals, and community champions all play a role in building a strong culture of philanthropy inside our organizations. When more people understand their role in relationship-building, storytelling, stewardship, and resource generation, our organizations become stronger and our missions can move further.
We want AFP Silicon Valley to be the professional association of choice for current and future fundraisers throughout our region.
A place that brings people together to learn, connect, grow, and lead. Whether you are just beginning your fundraising journey or bringing decades of experience to the field, we want you to find community, build meaningful relationships, expand your skills, and discover new ways to advance philanthropy and strengthen the organizations you serve.
Thank you for being part of this community. We are listening, learning, and building what comes next together as we keep…
Bridging the Gap Together with Purpose.
Sincerely,
Illyasha Peete, MBA
President, AFP Silicon Valley Chapter
P.S. A special thank you to President-Elect Mony Nop for hosting the Board Retreat!
Upcoming AFPSV Program
Navigating the 2025 Tax Law
The Winning Playbook for High-Performing Fundraising Professionals
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June 12, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sobrato Center for Nonprofits – Redwood Shores
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has changed charitable giving tax deductions for many major donors, creating new considerations for fundraising professionals and the donors they serve.
Join Sari McConnell, Founder of Donor Boom and Board Treasurer of AFP Golden Gate, for a timely look at what the new law means for charitable giving and how fundraisers can become trusted Generosity Guides™ for their donors.
In this session, you’ll gain:
- A clear understanding of how the new law affects charitable giving
- Language and confidence to guide donors toward tax-smart generosity
- The Generosity Guide playbook for helping donors move from disposable-income giving toward wealth-based giving
About the Presenter
Sari McConnell, CFRE, MBA, founded Donor Boom, a data-driven strategic fundraising consulting firm that helps nonprofits grow their revenue. Her thought leadership on data-powered fundraising and being a Generosity Guide™ is frequently featured in webinars and publications for organizations including Bloomerang and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Annual Campaign
Support the Future of Silicon Valley Fundraising
As fundraisers, we know that true impact happens through connection. We bridge the gaps in resources and understanding across our community every day. But no one does this work alone. Who helped bridge the gap in your career?
Whether it was a mentor, a colleague, or the person who first introduced you to fundraising, we invite you to support AFP in honor of that person. Your donation ensures ALL fundraisers have access to the AFP community and resources to help them in their career in the same way.
As a chapter run by a lean, dedicated volunteer board, our annual campaign ensures that all local fundraisers have access to the same game-changing resources and community you enjoy. Help us reach our $16,000 goal to fund these three vital pillars:
Professional Development Scholarships
Providing training, education, and membership access to emerging leaders.
The IDEA Program
Investing in underrepresented leaders to champion social impact work, building on the success of our seven 2025 Fellowship recipients.
Our Mentorship Program
Pairing seasoned pros with peers for one-on-one coaching—a program that has empowered over 60 local participants in the last two years alone.
OUR ANNUAL CAMPAIGN GOAL
$16,000
Your gift today helps us build a stronger, more equitable fundraising community. Let’s bridge the gap, together with purpose.
Silicon Valley Philanthropy Day
Who Inspires You? Nominate a Silicon Valley Changemaker!
Silicon Valley isn’t just shaped by tech and innovation—it’s shaped by the incredible people and organizations who give their time, resources, and vision to make our community stronger.
Every year, AFP Silicon Valley shines a spotlight on the local heroes whose generosity and leadership create lasting, meaningful impact. But we need your help to find them!
Help Us Recognize Someone Making a Difference
Do you know an outstanding philanthropist, a dedicated volunteer leader, or a visionary organization whose work deserves to be celebrated on the big stage? Take a moment to lift them up!
Help AFP Silicon Valley celebrate the people and organizations making our community stronger.
Meet Your Board
Meet the Leaders Serving AFP Silicon Valley
Get to know the dedicated professionals who volunteer their time, experience, and leadership to support AFP Silicon Valley and our fundraising community.
Our volunteer Board of Directors helps guide the chapter’s programs, professional development, membership, and community engagement. We appreciate the time and leadership they contribute to AFP Silicon Valley.
AFP Silicon Valley Membership
Find Your Community. Grow Your Career.
Fundraising is stronger when we learn from one another. AFP Silicon Valley brings together professionals at every stage of their careers to build relationships, exchange ideas, develop new skills, and strengthen philanthropy throughout our region.
As a member, you’ll have access to educational programs, networking opportunities, mentorship, career resources, leadership opportunities, and a community of peers who understand the work you do.
Explore MembershipStay connected with AFP Silicon Valley and discover more opportunities to learn, connect, and lead.