Happy New Year, AFP Greater Vancouver Members!
I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and let you know I’m thrilled to share that I’ve stepped into the role of President for the AFP Greater Vancouver Chapter. It’s an incredible privilege to continue this work alongside our dedicated board, and I’m so grateful for the passion and commitment they bring to our profession.
A special thank you to Kyle Tiney, CFRE, for his outstanding leadership for the past three years and generous mentorship as I transitioned into this role. Your guidance has been invaluable, and I’m excited to build on the strong foundation you’ve helped create.
As we move into 2026, one of my priorities is working with our board to set clear chapter goals for the year ahead and develop a strategic plan for 2026-2028. I’d love to hear from you, our members, about what matters most and how we can best serve you. If you have ideas, suggestions, or just want to connect about AFP, please reach out to me at isham-turner@familyservices.bc.ca. Your input will help guide us in the right direction.
Stay tuned for exciting opportunities to connect and learn this year! And if you’re interested in volunteering with the chapter through committees or events, please reach out, I’d love to hear from you.
Together, we’ll continue advancing AFP’s mission to build an inclusive, ethical, and thriving fundraising profession, and support our members as we work to strengthen communities across Greater Vancouver.
Here’s to a year of collaboration, innovation, and impact. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead!
Lucy Isham-Turner, CFRE
Director of Development, Family Services of the North Shore
President, AFP Greater Vancouver Chapter
Last Chance to Register for Vancouver Fundraising Day!
We’re proud to partner with the Vancouver Fundraising Day Conference on Thursday, January 29, 2026 — a full-day look at the future of our sector. Dive into timely conversations on digital transformation, shifting donor behaviour, declining volunteerism, funding trends, and the growing influence of AI and data analytics.
You’ll hear from inspiring keynote speakers Zahra Esmail (CEO, Vantage Point) and Djaka Blais (Executive Director, Hogan’s Alley Society), who will share bold perspectives on leading through change.
AFP members receive discounted tickets — don’t miss out!
Upcoming Professional Development – Presented by AFP Greater Toronto Chapter
Expand your skills this month with two free virtual learning opportunities hosted by our colleagues at AFP Greater Toronto:
Neuroinclusion in the Workplace
Facilitated by the Geneva Centre for Autism
🗓 Tuesday, January 20, at 9:00 am PT / 12:00 pm ET
💻 Live on Zoom
🔗 Register
Become Your Habits
🗓 Thursday, January 22, at 9:00 am PT / 12:00 pm ET
💻 Live on Zoom
🔗 Register
These sessions are a great way to kick off the year with fresh insights and practical tools.
AFP ICON: Early Bird Registration Ends Soon!
Early bird pricing ends January 21, so now is the best time to secure your spot at the world’s leading fundraising conference. From April 26-28, AFP ICON brings together over 3,000 fundraising professionals for three inspiring days of learning, connection, and growth in San Diego.
If you miss the early bird deadline, advance rates run from January 22 to March 11, and AFP members enjoy exclusive discounted pricing.
Learn more and register here.
New Member Orientation Webinar – Presented by AFP Global
Welcome to AFP! Your journey continues!
Take full advantage of your AFP membership by joining our virtual, live new member orientation. You can expect to learn more about:
- Access to Resources: Enjoy exclusive access to a wealth of resources, including webinars, research reports, and industry publications.
- Professional Development: Take advantage of our extensive professional development programs designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders through our events, conferences, and online forums.
- Advocacy and Support: Benefit from AFP’s advocacy efforts that work to advance the fundraising profession and support ethical standards.
Part Webinar, Part Networking! You can also expect virtual breakout sessions to get to know new and seasoned AFP members in a relaxed environment dedicated to fostering connections.
📅 Thursday, January 22
🕔 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PT
Visit the New Member Orientation (Jan 2026) | Association of Fundraising Professionals page to learn more or register directly here.
Mentorship Mingler
Join us for our first AFP Mentorship Mingler of 2026. This relaxed, welcoming event is a great opportunity to learn more about this year’s Mentorship Program, ask questions, and connect with current and past mentors and mentees.
Whether you’ve already signed up—or are just thinking about it—this is a fun way to start the year. Registration is free, with light refreshments provided (drinks available for purchase).
📅 Wednesday, February 4
🕔 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
📍 White Spot – 405 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver
Visit our events calendar to register.
Mentoring Program is Open for Applications
We are pleased to announce that the AFP of Greater Vancouver is now accepting applications for the 2026 Mentorship Program. The deadline to apply is Sunday, February 15.
Are you an experienced fundraiser looking to impart your wisdom? Or perhaps you’re a junior fundraiser looking to sharpen your skills? Apply now to be a mentor or mentee for our Chapter’s 2026 Mentorship Program.
What’s involved? Apply as a mentor or mentee and we’ll match you up with a like-minded fundraiser. We suggest pairs meet monthly for a year to share their knowledge and experience, and learn from one another.
To learn more and to apply, please visit the links below:
Please note that mentees must be AFP members and we cannot guarantee that everyone who applies will be matched.
Mentor matches will be announced at the end of February.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Christine Harris at christine_harris@sfu.ca.
Here is what two participants have shared about their time in the program:
“I have been involved in structured mentorship programs across multiple member associations and alma maters for over 20 years as a mentor. The past five years of being part of the AFP Vancouver Mentorship Program as a mentor has been extremely rewarding. It is well planned, organized and well supported by the dedicated Chapter volunteers. My matches have all been fantastic and from each of them I feel I have taken away as much as I have given. It has been a pleasure and very fulfilling to have been part of this program.’
Brent Barootes, President and CEO, Partnership Group – Sponsorship Specialists
‘… As a mentee, working directly with a mentor – an experienced fundraiser who’s fully committed to your personal career goals and aspirations – has been transformational for my growth. I’m incredibly fortunate to meet regularly with my mentor and proud to have made two big jumps in my career during our time together. I highly recommend joining this program as a mentee – or as a mentor!’
Morgan Won, Senior Officer, Philanthropy, VGH + UBC Hospital Foundation
Venue Spaces Wanted 🏛️
We’re always on the lookout for beautiful, welcoming venues across the Greater Vancouver region—downtown core and beyond. From studios to event spaces, galleries to gathering rooms, we’re excited to discover places that support community and conversation.
Have a space to share?
Email us with details—we’d love to connect.
Call for Presenters
Do you have ideas, insights, or experiences that spark meaningful conversation?
We’re inviting facilitators, speakers, and creatives to share their voice at upcoming gatherings. If you love bringing people together around connection, growth, or fresh perspectives, we’d love to hear from you.
Interested? Please fill out our short presenter interest form to get started.
Young Professionals Mixer Survey
Young Professionals, we want to hear from you! Help AFP Greater Vancouver shape our future Young Professional mixers. Share your ideas by completing our quick survey and letting us know what you want more (or less!) of at our upcoming events. The survey can be found here.
Welcoming Our Newest Members
A very warm welcome to the following AFP Greater Vancouver members joining us this month:
- Charie G.
- Tejas G.
- Tomi I.
Organizational Member Spotlight: Music on Main
This month, we’re thrilled to shine a light on Music on Main (MoM), a vibrant force in Vancouver’s arts scene that brings people together through exceptional live music experiences. Since its founding, it has produced 700+ events, featuring 1,800 musicians and 130 world premieres in intimate venues across Metro Vancouver. Every concert is a chance to discover engaging music, meet artists, and connect with the community.
Signature highlights include the acclaimed Modulus Festival, hailed by Gramophone Magazine as “one of the finest windows onto the post-classical scene,” and collaborations like the ISCM World New Music Days. Whether at Heritage Hall, The Fox Cabaret, or a pop-up venue, at MoM, you’re always welcome
Did you know? AFP Greater Vancouver’s Organizational Membership gives your entire fundraising team access to exclusive benefits — from professional development and networking to sector-wide recognition. It’s a smart investment in your people and a powerful way to grow your impact.
🔗Explore the benefits and see our current organizational members
Career Opportunities
Ready for your next career move — or looking to grow your team? The AFP Job Board is your hub for connecting with top fundraising talent and discovering exciting roles across the sector. Post a position or browse openings today and take the next step toward impact-driven success.
- The University of British Columbia – Assistant Dean, DAE, Faculty of Science (January 25)
- St. Michaels University School – Senior Development Officer (January 27)
- Parkinson Society of BC – Development and Events Coordinator (January 31)
- Up With Women – Vice President, Philanthropy (February 6)
- re:imagine hr (on behalf of the Vancouver Police Foundation) – Director, Fundraising & Donor Relations (February 6)
- Vancouver Academy of Music – Director of Development (February 9)
Volunteer Opportunities
We’re looking for visionary leaders and passionate volunteers to join AFP Greater Vancouver and help shape what’s next for our sector. Opportunities include Chairs, Co-Chairs, and committee roles — all designed to spark meaningful change, build collaboration, and strengthen our local fundraising community.
Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, your perspective matters. Bring your ideas, your energy, and your commitment to making a difference.
- Communications Committee (including Chair or Co-Chair leadership)
- Government Relations Committee (including Chair or Co-Chair leadership)
- IDEA Committee (including Chair or Co-Chair leadership)
- Membership Committee (including Chair or Co-Chair leadership)
- National Philanthropy Day Committee (including Co-Chair leadership)
- Partnerships Committee (including Chair or Co-Chair leadership)
- Professional Development Committee
Learn more about our volunteer opportunities.