Hi there!
My name is Lisa Sanchez, and I’m a proud AFP member serving on our Board of Directors as VP of Communications. One of the best parts of this role is getting to share the incredible stories, events, and wins happening across our community. It’s inspiring to see so many passionate people engaging with AFP and building meaningful connections with fellow fundraisers. There’s a real sense of collaboration and community here, and you can truly feel it through AFP.
I only became a member in 2025, and I’ve already had the opportunity to experience so many of the benefits of membership. Most recently, I attended AFP’s ICON conference in San Diego through the Chamberlain Scholarship. It was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, growth, and connection alongside people who make this profession so impactful. It reminded me how important our work is in building strong, vibrant communities. Also, shoutout to the free headshot I got at ICON!
If you’re ever looking to connect or learn more about AFP, I’m always happy to chat. And if I don’t have the answer, I’ll help find it for you. lsanchez@fsgv.ca
A reminder to all fundraisers and nonprofit professionals: get involved. Whether it’s joining one of our committees, volunteering your time, or attending an event where you might meet a mentor, friend, collaborator, or even a donor, there’s so much value in showing up and being part of the community.
Lisa Sanchez
Vice President, Communications
2026 Ten Star Gold Award 🌟
AFP Greater Vancouver is proud to be recognized with the 2026 Ten Star Gold Award from AFP Global, celebrating our chapter’s commitment to advancing professionalism in fundraising and raising awareness of the impact of philanthropy. Learn more here.
Registration for our Surrey Spring Mixer is now live!
Join us for our Surrey Spring Mixer on Thursday, June 4, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Browns Socialhouse in Surrey Centre! This relaxed evening offers AFP members a chance to connect with fundraisers and nonprofit professionals at all career stages.
Exchange ideas, build relationships, and network locally with parking available and easy SkyTrain access. Spots are limited to 30 guests, and they’re filling up quickly.
Register here: AFP Surrey Spring Mixer
Volunteers Needed 📢
We urgently need passionate volunteers to help strengthen our chapter — and we’d love for you to be part of it. Several key roles remain unfilled or could use additional support:
If you’re interested in building connections, developing your skills, and making a meaningful difference in the fundraising community, now is the time to step forward.
👉 Join us and be part of something impactful. Reach out today to learn more or express your interest.
2026 Giving Hearts Awards 🏆
Mark your calendars! Nominations for the 2026 Giving Hearts Awards open Thursday, May 28. Stay tuned as we get ready to celebrate the inspiring individuals and organizations shaping our fundraising community.
National Philanthropy Day
Save the date! Tickets for our National Philanthropy Day celebration go on sale Thursday, June 11. We’re excited to gather again on Friday, November 13, at the River Rock Resort. More details will be shared soon.
AFP ICON 2026 Highlights 🌞
AFP Greater Vancouver was proud to be represented at AFP ICON in San Diego, with our chapter taking the global stage through inspiring speaker sessions and national collaboration. We also celebrated our scholarship recipients and connected with leaders from across Canada, strengthening our shared commitment to advancing the fundraising sector. Check out our recap on LinkedIn.
FREE Learning for AFP Members
New in 2026, all live AFP webinars will be available at no extra cost to members. This includes curated sessions with fundraising experts, sponsored webinars from trusted partners, and exclusive member-only content — making AFP your go-to hub for cutting-edge insights and continuing education credits.
Plus, members are eligible to receive a $100 credit to use toward archived webinars, conference recordings, and select e-courses through the AFP Blue Sky/Path Learning Management System. Learn more.
Upcoming Webinars
- Fundraising Without Fear: Activating Your Diverse Board with Equity and Intention (June 3)
- Shifting Generosity: What Younger Donors Want and How to Respond (June 17)
- Human Work Wins: Finding Your Value in the AI Era (June 18)
- The Evolution of Peer-to-Peer: Engaging the Next Generation of Donors (June 24)
Call for Nominations: AFP Global Board 🌍
Nominations are open for the 2027 AFP Global Board of Directors. Canadian leaders are encouraged to apply — your voice and perspective matter in shaping the future of our profession.
Please carefully review the criteria for Board service prior to submitting a nomination. All nominations must be submitted using this nomination form. Hurry, the deadline is June 10, 2026.
Upcoming Days of Significance and Celebration
May 31 – June 6 – National AccessAbility Week
June 3 – Red Shirt Day for Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion
June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 1 – 30 – National Indigenous History Month
Welcoming Our Newest Members
A very warm welcome to the following AFP Greater Vancouver members joining us this month:
- Andrea L.
- Christine A.
- Derek S.
- Julia H.
- Kiara P.
- Rachel Z.
- Stephanie H.
Organizational Member Spotlight: CityStudio Vancouver Society
We’re pleased to highlight CityStudio Vancouver Society as an AFP Greater Vancouver Organizational Member. CityStudio is an innovative hub that brings together students, City staff, faculty, and community partners to co‑create experimental projects that make Vancouver more sustainable, equitable, joyful, and inclusive. Through real‑world, course‑based collaborations, students work alongside civic partners to design and launch pilot projects that address local challenges—building practical skills while contributing to a more connected and forward‑thinking city.
Did you know? With AFP Greater Vancouver’s Organizational Membership, your whole team can tap into valuable perks — from learning opportunities and peer connections to increased visibility across the sector. It’s a meaningful way to invest in your people while strengthening your organization’s impact.
🔗 Discover the benefits and meet our current organizational members
Volunteer Testimonial 💙
This month, we’re pleased to feature a volunteer testimonial from Lori Muñoz, an active committee member contributing her time and expertise to both the Communications and Professional Development teams. Below, Lori reflects on how her volunteer experience has strengthened her connection to the chapter.
Interested in contributing your skills? AFP offers a range of volunteer opportunities where you can make an impact and connect with peers.
AFP Job Board 🔎
Whether you’re building your team or thinking about your next step, the AFP Job Board is where purpose and opportunity connect. Explore open roles, share your postings, and see what’s out there — with an added perk of $100 off job listings for AFP members.
- York House School – Advancement Services Specialist (May 23)
- BC Cancer Foundation – Vice President, Development (May 28)
- Arthritis Society Canada – Manager, Grants & Community Partnerships (June 2)
- The University of British Columbia – Associate Director, Faculty of Medicine (June 5)
- Sources Community Resources Centre – Executive Director, Philanthropy & Communications (June 15)