AFP Silicon Valley
May 2026 Newsletter
President’s Message
Turning Conversation into Action
By Illyasha Peete, MBA
2026 AFP Silicon Valley President
Last month, AFP partnered with SVCREATES and Center for Excellence in Nonprofits to host a workshop featuring Vu Le. It was one of the most impactful conversations I have experienced in our sector. The discussion challenged us to think differently, lead differently, and show up more intentionally in how we build community and move philanthropy forward. The energy in the room reflected honesty, curiosity, and a shared commitment to meaningful action.
That spirit continued at AFP ICON, where nearly 40 of our members gathered alongside colleagues from across the country. It was inspiring to see so many from our chapter presenting, leading conversations, and sharing expertise on a national stage. One of the highlights was sharing a meal together with AFP San Francisco. Moments like these remind us that strong communities are built through trust, collaboration, and time spent together.
Our theme, “Bridging the Gap Together With Purpose,” continues to guide our work. As we recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the leadership, history, and contributions of AAPI communities while continuing to build intentional partnerships and increase visibility across our sector. We are also looking for opportunities to align our chapter practices with our values, including intentionally supporting AAPI-owned businesses for upcoming events.
At the same time, we are living through a period when longstanding civic participation protections, including elements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, continue to face legal and legislative challenges. These changes can disproportionately affect historically excluded communities and influence access to representation and participation. Philanthropy has an important role to play in supporting civic engagement, investing in historically underrepresented communities, and helping create spaces for dialogue, learning, and community connection.
I am grateful for this chapter and for the ways so many of you continue to lead with openness, compassion, and courage. The relationships we are building matter, and the work we are doing together continues to strengthen our collective impact. What we do next matters most.
Together, we will continue bridging the gap with purpose.
Sincerely,
Illyasha Peete, MBA
Upcoming AFPSV Program
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.
Sobrato Center for Nonprofits – Redwood Shores
It’s not too late to join us on May 22! The landscape of fundraising auctions is changing, and organizations are finding new ways to engage donors while creating memorable event experiences.
In this dynamic session, Greg Quiroga will explore today’s fundraising gala trends and share the 7 keys to a successful Fund-a-Need. You’ll learn how to choose the right event format for your organization’s culture, maximize donor engagement, and determine when a Fund-a-Need-only event may be the best strategy.
Greg will also discuss two proven approaches for engaging next-generation donors, including today’s hottest fundraising trend and the strategic use of buy-in lots to build long-term donor relationships.
Register TodayAbout the Presenter
Greg Quiroga is a San Francisco-based fundraising auctioneer, consultant, and educator. He works with nonprofit organizations to plan and implement successful fundraising auctions while staying at the forefront of industry trends that impact philanthropy. Greg is especially passionate about helping organizations develop practical gala strategies that attract, engage, and retain younger generations of donors.
Annual Campaign
Support the Future of Silicon Valley Fundraising
As fundraisers, we know that true impact happens through connection. We bridge gaps in resources, relationships, and understanding across our community every day—but none of us does this work alone.
Think about the person who helped shape your career. Maybe it was a mentor, a colleague, a supervisor, or the individual who first introduced you to fundraising. We invite you to make a gift in honor of that person and help ensure today’s and tomorrow’s fundraisers have access to the same support, encouragement, and opportunities.
As a chapter led by a dedicated volunteer board, our Annual Campaign helps make professional development, mentorship, and leadership opportunities accessible to fundraisers throughout Silicon Valley. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more connected fundraising community.
🎓 Professional Development Scholarships
Providing training, educational programs, conference opportunities, and AFP membership access to emerging fundraising professionals.
🌎 IDEA Program
Investing in underrepresented leaders committed to advancing social impact work and expanding opportunity throughout our profession.
🤝 Mentorship Program
Connecting experienced fundraising professionals with peers for meaningful one-on-one coaching. More than 60 local participants have benefited over the past two years.
Our Goal: $16,000
Every contribution helps strengthen our local fundraising community and expands access to education, mentorship, and leadership development. Together, let’s continue Bridging the Gap Together With Purpose.
Silicon Valley Philanthropy Day
Who Inspires You? Nominate a Silicon Valley Changemaker!
Silicon Valley isn’t just shaped by technology and innovation—it’s shaped by the remarkable people and organizations who generously give their time, resources, leadership, and vision to strengthen our communities every day.
Each year, AFP Silicon Valley celebrates these extraordinary individuals and organizations through Silicon Valley Philanthropy Day, recognizing those whose generosity and leadership create lasting, meaningful impact throughout our region.
Now it’s your turn to help us recognize the next class of honorees. Do you know an inspiring philanthropist, an outstanding volunteer leader, a dedicated fundraising professional, or a visionary organization making a difference? We’d love to hear their story. Take a few moments to submit a nomination and help us celebrate those who are transforming lives across Silicon Valley.
Why Your Nomination Matters
Every nomination helps shine a light on the individuals and organizations whose generosity strengthens our communities. Your nomination may introduce us to someone whose story deserves to be celebrated and inspire others to make an even greater impact.
Member Resource
Exclusive Resource: Applied Wisdom Shared with AFPSV
In the spirit of collaboration and professional growth, the organizers of Applied Wisdom for Nonprofits are generously sharing an outstanding collection of professional development resources with the AFP Silicon Valley community—completely free of charge.
Rooted in the global success of Jim Morgan’s acclaimed publication, Applied Wisdom for the Nonprofit Sector, this initiative is designed to help nonprofit leaders strengthen their management, planning, execution, and organizational leadership skills.
The Applied Wisdom team is making their entire professional development library available to our chapter at no cost and with no obligation. Whether you’re an experienced executive or new to the profession, you’ll find practical tools you can begin using immediately.
Self-Paced Online Course
An eight-part online course featuring engaging video lessons and practical workplace exercises you can complete at your own pace.
Free Ebook & Audiobook
Download both the complete ebook and audiobook editions of Applied Wisdom for the Nonprofit Sector.
Ready-to-Use Tools
Access practical templates and resources designed to strengthen organizational culture, improve accountability, and support long-term success.
We are grateful to the Applied Wisdom team for making this outstanding professional development resource available to our chapter. We encourage you to explore the collection, take advantage of the learning opportunities, and share it with your colleagues and team members.
