Philanthropy, the love of humanity, is synonymous with benevolence, generosity, and social conscience. It ranges from high profile acts of selflessness by wealthy benefactors to the quiet endeavors of a neighbor or service group; all of which create profound changes for our communities and our planet.
The San Diego Chapter of the worldwide Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to advancing philanthropy in the San Diego region by enabling members, prospective members, and representatives of other organizations to practice effective and ethical fundraising. We are committed to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in the fundraising profession, the philanthropic sector, and throughout all of society. Our vision is to stimulate a world of generosity and positive social good through fundraising best practices.
The San Diego Chapter is an organization governed by a local Board of Directors and supported by a comprehensive array of committees staffed by development and communications professionals who work in a wide variety of nonprofits. Our one paid staff Chapter Manager oversees our day-to-day operations and supports Board and Committee members.
Together, we raise approximately $150,000 annually. Our budget is funded, in part, by 15% of the dues paid by our members to AFP International. We also seek grants from private funding sources to support our Chapter’s various scholarship programs. The “Every Member Campaign” is our annual fundraising campaign the invites and engages our members to make a charitable contribution which supports both AFP International and AFP San Diego Chapter.
Each November, AFP San Diego joins with other AFP Chapters worldwide to celebrate National Philanthropy Day, a special day set aside to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy—and those people active in the philanthropic community—that enrich of our community and the world. National Philanthropy Day San Diego is our chapter’s premier event and nets approximately $50,000 to help fund our annual operating budget.
One of the largest and most successful in the nation, San Diego’s National Philanthropy Day attracts up to 3,000 participants annually, including philanthropists, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, board members, development professionals, business, community, and civic leaders. Each year, through National Philanthropy Day, AFP San Diego provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and to celebrate the selfless contributions of individuals and organizations across the region.
Your support is an investment in education, training, career development, and the advancement of fundraising professionals throughout San Diego County. These resources and trainings provide fundraising professionals with the tools necessary to support our region's diverse array of nonprofit organizations, which rely on charitable giving for close to half of their annual revenues.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the generous members, individual donors, grant makers, and sponsors of National Philanthropy Day San Diego. The work of AFP San Diego would not be possible without your support. It is because of you that we are able to invest in the advancement of our development profession and celebrate the lasting impact that philanthropy has on our community, and to look to our future with optimism and hope.