Hello and happy April! For those of you I haven’t met yet, my name is Rachael Zapp, and I currently volunteer as Vice President, Chapter Engagement with AFP Greater Vancouver. In this role, I’m focused on community and connection — bringing people together across portfolios, creating space for collaboration, and finding meaningful ways for members and volunteers to feel engaged and supported within our local chapter. It’s a privilege to serve on the board and to work alongside such a thoughtful and dedicated group of professionals who are committed to learning, ethical fundraising, and one another.
Outside of AFP, I work with the Canadian Cancer Society, where April is Daffodil Month — a time of year that symbolizes hope, renewal, and resilience. 🌼💛 Living in Vancouver, that message feels especially present as spring unfolds, with daffodils blooming alongside cherry blossoms and magnolia trees, gently reminding us of new beginnings.
April is also a chance to shine a light on the people who make everything possible. During National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to the many AFP volunteers who generously share their time, expertise, and leadership. Your contributions are felt across everything we do. If you’ve been curious about stepping into a volunteer role, now is a great time to explore the possibilities ahead. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available, with a particular need for support on our Partnerships, Communications, IDEA, and Membership Committees. More details on these roles are shared below.
We’re also carrying great momentum from last week’s AI in Fundraising panel, which sparked thoughtful conversation and practical takeaways — thank you to the Professional Development Committee for organizing such a timely and engaging event. And as we look ahead, AFP ICON at the end of the month offers an exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and bring fresh insights back to our local community.
Thank you for being part of AFP Greater Vancouver. I’m grateful to be on this journey with you and look forward to deepening our connections together.
Rachael Zapp (she/her)
Vice President, Chapter Engagement
Volunteer Testimonial
Partnerships play a critical role in sustaining and strengthening AFP Greater Vancouver’s work. From stewarding long‑term relationships to aligning values and impact, the Partnerships Committee is central to how we show up as a trusted and credible partner across the sector.
This month, we’re pleased to share a volunteer testimonial from Judy Zhu, CFRE, former Vice President, Partnership Initiatives & Sponsorship with AFP Greater Vancouver. Below, Judy reflects on what inspired her to get involved with the Partnerships Committee.
✨ Interested in contributing your skills? The Partnerships Committee offers an opportunity to build relationship‑management and strategic partnership experience while collaborating with incredible peers and partners.
🤝 Represent an organization exploring partnership opportunities? Learn more about how to partner with us here.
Understanding BC Budget 2026 Through a Non-profit Lens
In this reflection, Nathania Fung, Vice President, Government Relations with AFP Greater Vancouver, shares early observations on BC Budget 2026 and what a period of fiscal restraint may mean for non‑profit organizations, fundraisers, and the communities they serve. Drawing on conversations with government and sector stakeholders, Nathania explores how public policy, economic conditions, and philanthropy intersect — and why this matters for fundraising, service demand, and community impact across BC.
Read more to explore key takeaways and considerations for the sector.
Stay Tuned for Our Surrey Mixer!
Our AFP Mixers are coming to Surrey! We are so excited to announce that this spring, we will be bringing our AFP Mixers to the Fraser Valley and hosting a mixer in Surrey Central. This mixer will be open to all AFP Members. Stay tuned for more details when they are announced!
The AI Advantage
On April 8, our Professional Development Committee hosted The AI Advantage: Powering the Future of Smarter Giving, bringing together fundraising professionals for a timely and engaging conversation on the opportunities and considerations AI presents for our sector. A sincere thank you to our panelists for sharing their insights and sparking thoughtful discussion. Photos from the event will be shared soon, and we encourage attendees to complete the post‑event survey to help shape future professional development offerings.
2026 IDEA Champion Designation
The IDEA Champion Designation recognizes those chapters that have accomplished many of the key objectives outlined in the advancing Inclusion and Influence strategic goal in AFP’s Strategic Plan. We are pleased to announce AFP Greater Vancouver has achieved this designation for 2026.
Upcoming Days of Significance and Celebration
May 1 – 31 – Asian Heritage Month, Jewish Heritage Month
May 5 – Red Dress Day (2026): Everything You Need to Know
May 5 – Cinco De Mayo: Meaning, History, Food, Traditions, & Facts
May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
May 21 – Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Welcoming Our Newest Members
A very warm welcome to the following AFP Greater Vancouver members joining us this month:
- Lana L.
AFP Membership Benefits Refresher Webinar — Presented by AFP Global
This virtual 30-minute, free and informative member-only session will walk you through everything you have access to as an AFP member—from networking and professional development to exclusive tools, savings, and ethical resources that strengthen your work every day. In this benefits refresher, you’ll learn more about:
- Recently released new benefits for members only.
- How to easily access member-exclusive tools, resources, and research.
- Ways to engage more deeply in professional development at the global and local levels.
- Opportunities to expand your AFP network through online forums and chapter connections.
- How to use your Professional Development Credit and other member discounts.
- The importance of AFP’s Code of Ethics and how it supports your practice.
📅 Thursday, May 7
🕔 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM PT
Visit the Membership Benefits Refresher (May 2026) | Association of Fundraising Professionals page to learn more or register directly here.
“Reconnect. Refresh. Reignite your AFP experience. The AFP Membership Benefits Refresher Webinar will help you to rediscover the value of your AFP membership.”
Organizational Member Spotlight: VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
We’re pleased to highlight VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation as an AFP Greater Vancouver Organizational Member. As the leading charity investing in health care innovation in British Columbia, the Foundation partners with donors to advance world‑class care, groundbreaking research, and life‑saving treatments across VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre, and Vancouver Coastal Health services province‑wide. By empowering exceptional health care teams and catalyzing innovation for the most serious and complex conditions, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation helps shape the future of health care in BC. Guided by bold thinking, integrity, and a deep commitment to community, their work ensures patients and families have access to the specialized care they need — when it matters most.
Did you know? An AFP Greater Vancouver Organizational Membership gives your whole fundraising team access to valuable benefits — from professional development and meaningful connections to sector-wide visibility. It’s an investment in your people and a smart way to amplify your impact.
🔗 Explore the benefits and see our current organizational members
Promote Your Services to Fundraisers
Reach nonprofit and fundraising professionals across our region by being featured in the AFP Greater Vancouver Service Provider Directory. Purchasing a service provider listing is a great way to showcase your expertise and connect with organizations seeking trusted support.
➡️ Purchase a Service Provider Listing
AFP Job Board 🔎
Whether you’re hiring talent or considering your next career move, the AFP Job Board is a trusted resource for meaningful opportunities in the fundraising sector. Post roles, browse openings, and discover what’s next — and remember, AFP members receive $100 off job postings.
- Vancouver Community College – Associate Director, Fundraising and Alumni Relations (April 18)
- Breakfast Club of Canada – Senior Corporate and Community Giving Advisor (April 20)
- Alzheimer Society of B.C. – Development Coordinator, Events (April 23)
- Richmond Hospital Foundation – Donor Relations Officer (April 26)
- Vancouver Opera – Manager Major Gifts (April 30)
- BC Mental Health Foundation – Executive Director (April 30)
- YWCA BC – Senior Manager, Fund Development Operations (May 1)
- Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation – Director, Leadership Giving (May 1)
- STMC Foundation – Development Services Officer (May 2)
- Coast Mental Health Foundation – Campaign Director (May 7)
- The Art Gallery of Ontario – Director, Philanthropy (May 15)
- VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation – Direct Response Officer (May 15)
Volunteer Opportunities
At AFP, our committees are where ideas turn into action — where relationships are built, perspectives are challenged, and meaningful progress takes shape. Whether you’re excited to step into a leadership role, eager to collaborate with peers, or looking for a hands‑on way to contribute, there’s a place for you to make an impact.
To support thoughtful and consistent volunteer leadership, we’ve introduced a shared framework for Chair and Co‑Chair roles, alongside committee‑specific position descriptions that reflect the unique focus and opportunities of each team.
We’re currently welcoming interest across the following committees:
- Communications Committee
- IDEA Committee (including Co-Chair leadership)
- Membership Committee (including Co-Chair leadership)
- National Philanthropy Day Committee
- Partnerships Committee (including Chair or Co-Chair leadership)
- Professional Development Committee
Leadership takes many forms. No matter where you are in your career, what matters most is curiosity, commitment, and a desire to contribute in meaningful ways.
👉 Explore current opportunities and learn how to get involved.