Register Here

Join us for an evening of networking, refreshments, and volunteer opportunities as we build the teams behind our upcoming events.

Welcome to the new website through Thrive Higher Logic! While visiting there may be some bumps so please don't hesitate to let me know if you experience any troubles.

ed@billingsearlyheadstart.org

Nominate yourself or another member to serve as a leader for the AFP Great Smoky Mountain Chapter.

Nominations are now open for AFP-RI’s 2026 National Philanthropy Day Celebration! Help honor the individuals and organizations making a difference in our communities through the power of philanthropy. Submit your nominations now for Outstanding Philanthropic Business, Outstanding Philanthropic Citizen, and Youth in Philanthropy Scholar! Plan to join us on November 4, 2026, for a fun, festive and plentiful breakfast gathering to celebrate these inspiring changemakers.

Join us in person at Frost Bank or virtually as Bri & Josh join us virtually for a presentation that will introduce participants to the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 5D process – (Define), Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny – as a practical, curiosity-driven approach for strengthening engagement, decision-making, and inclusive philanthropy. Through the “A.I. Garden Plot” activity, attendees explore how gardening metaphors can illuminate what grows well in their professional environments and what new ideas are ready to be planted. The session showcases how structured, intentional dialogue helps teams surface insight, encourage collaboration, and empowers constituents to co-design strategies that feel energizing and achievable. Participants will leave with an adaptable framework they can immediately apply to donor work, team leadership, and organizational change.

This program equips nonprofit professionals with innovative strategies to reposition event sponsorship as a mission-driven partnership rather than a transactional exchange. Participants will explore how to design creative, value-driven sponsorship opportunities that authentically align a sponsor’s brand with organizational purpose and community impact.

Join us for an enriching experience to indulge in a delicious lunch, connect with fellow professionals, and listen to an engaging panel discussion with corporate and foundation funders from the Greater Hudson Valley community.

Seize this unique chance to glean firsthand insights from esteemed Hudson Valley funders. Explore the evolving landscape of philanthropy and uncover invaluable tips on how to fortify your relationship with funders and grantors.

You will not want to miss out on this exclusive opportunity to mingle, learn, and hear directly from the funders!

We are delighted to announce that representatives from the following organizations will join us:

Moderator: Patricia Brigham, Westchester Library System
Derrik R. Wynkoop, President, CEO - Walden Savings Bank
Linda Selcanin, Regional Affairs Liaison - Central Hudson
Nicholas Preddice, Financial Advisor 

Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs,
530 - 700 p.m. 

In times like these, it can be tempting to put professional development on hold. Budgets tighten. Calendars fill up. We tell ourselves we'll invest in learning, networking, or leadership growth "when things settle down."

The reality is that investing in yourself is most important when things are uncertain.

Professional development is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It helps us stay current, think strategically, adapt to change, and lead with confidence. The skills that got us here are not always the skills that will take us where we need to go next. Whether you're a seasoned executive, a frontline fundraiser, a nonprofit leader, or someone just beginning your career, continuous learning is one of the most valuable investments you can make.

But professional development is about much more than attending a session or earning a certification.

It is about community.

One of the greatest strengths of Arizona's nonprofit sector is the incredible network of professionals who show up every day committed to making our communities stronger. In a profession centered on relationships, we often forget that we need relationships, too. We need colleagues who understand the challenges we face. We need peers who can share ideas, offer perspective, celebrate wins, and help us navigate setbacks.

During periods of uncertainty, community becomes even more important.

The nonprofit sector has always been resilient because of the people behind it. We learn from one another. We lift each other up. We share resources, strategies, and lessons learned. We remind each other why this work matters. When we come together, we are not simply investing in our individual growth; we are strengthening the entire nonprofit ecosystem.

That is why I believe so strongly in organizations like Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the ASU Lodestar Center's Nonprofit Management Institute and the opportunities they create for connection, learning, and collaboration. Every conversation, every session, and every new relationship has the potential to spark an idea, solve a challenge, or inspire a new approach that ultimately benefits the communities we serve.

As Arizona's nonprofit sector continues to navigate change and opportunity, I encourage you to make the investment in yourself and in your professional community. Attend the training. Join the conversation. Build the relationship. Ask the question. Share your expertise. You never know which connection will become the one that helps you move your mission forward.

Because when we invest in ourselves, we invest in our organizations. And when we invest in each other, we invest in the future of Arizona's communities.

I hope to see you all at our State Conference coming up on June 25-26th. Register today before it sells out!

Take advantage of discounted membership (Professional or Associate) for new members through July 31!

Use this code: AFPANNI26

Submit your best stories for National Philanthropy Day

AFP San Diego’s 54th Annual National Philanthropy Day, presented by PNC Bank, is a fantastic opportunity to honor an individual, organization or company making a difference in our community.

Nominations Due: June 25th by 5pm!

The AFP Fort Worth Metro Chapter is proud to announce the 2026 National Philanthropy Day Honorees:

~

Angie Gallaway, CFRE
Outstanding Professional Fundraising Executive
"The Ben Franklin Award"
~
Mike & Janet Greene
Outstanding Philanthropist

Ticket sales for the 2026 National Philanthropy Day Awards are opening soon!  We look forward to having you join us in celebrating our honorees to be presented at Cullen Yards during our National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
~~~~~

Click here for more info on the 2026 event.
November 12, 2026
@Soka University, 2:00 p.m.

Meet the Funders gives you a unique opportunity to hear directly from funding sources - what are they looking for? 

Join us on Tues, June 16 when our panel of funders shares their insights and answers our questions.

Visit our events page for details and registration links.

Pursuing a CFRE? Full attendance is applicable for 1.5 CFRE credits.

You are warmly invited to spend the evening with us and other AFP community members at Estella Restaurant & Bar in Downtown Crossing.  

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new colleagues, reconnect with old friends, and expand your professional network in a casual, enjoyable setting. Success is best when it's shared, and there's no better way to foster a vibrant community than over a friendly drink.

May Issue #2

State Conference (Keynote speakers announced)

Sponsorship Opportunities still available

Upcoming Events:  

• May 19 - Donor Advised Funds Workshop
• Aug 6 - Giving USA Report

President -  Gloucester Catholic Junior Senior High School

Gloucester City, NJ

Gloucester Catholic Junior Senior High School is a parish-based Catholic school in the Diocese of Camden serving students in grades seven through twelve. Located in the city of Gloucester, New Jersey, Gloucester Catholic has been in operation for 100 years. Gloucester Catholic is dedicated to providing an exceptional Catholic education grounded in faith, knowledge, and loyalty. The vibrant community is a place where students can grow academically, spiritually, and socially, preparing them for success in college and beyond.

The President is a newly created role at Gloucester Catholic and serves as the Chief Executive Officer responsible for supporting and implementing the mission of the school and for ensuring its sustainability. In collaboration with the Board of Limited Jurisdiction, the President will lead the implementation and evaluation of the school's strategic plan. The President works collaboratively with the school leadership team managing day-to-day academic, faculty, and student matters. The President will provide leadership in advancing the school in the areas of fundraising, admissions, marketing, community engagement, and communications.

Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 10 years of experience in education, business, nonprofit, or other organizational leadership, preferably within a Catholic school setting. The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic, model Catholic values, and believe in the mission and vision of Catholic education. The new President will have a working knowledge of overall operations of a successful and integrated organization, including finance, budget development, admissions, fundraising, marketing, building projects, and care and maintenance of the physical plant. A Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred. Limited regional travel required; must be available to attend events after work hours or on weekends as needed.

For a complete position description, listing of qualifications, and additional information on Gloucester Catholic, visit our website at www.lambertassoc.com.

Salary Range: $125,000 to $140,000 with flexibility

For inquiries, nominations, and applications, please contact:

Tara Sweeney

Lambert & Associates

tsweeney@lambertassoc.com  

May Issue #1

Dear AFP Greater Arizona Community,

I’m still reflecting on what an incredible experience at AFP ICON. It was energizing, grounding, and most importantly a reminder of the collective strength that exists within our profession.

Are you interested in joining the AFP VA Tri-State Chapter?  Scholarships are available for a one year membership.

The Director of Major Gifts will be responsible for developing and executing the organization’s strategy for major gift fundraising. This role is key to expanding CASA’s capacity to advocate for children in foster care by cultivating, securing, and stewarding significant contributions from high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations. The Director will work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to build relationships with prospective major donors, ensuring that CASA continues to grow its impact.
Key Responsibilities: 1. Major Gift Strategy & Fundraising:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive major gifts strategy, with specific targets for annual and multi-year giving.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors with a focus on securing gifts of $5,000+.
• Build and maintain a portfolio of major gift prospects, ensuring personalized stewardship plans.
• Monitor fundraising progress, analyze trends, and adjust strategies as needed to meet objectives. 2. Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:
• Lead cultivation and stewardship efforts for major donors and prospects, ensuring they feel connected to the organization's mission and the impact of their contributions.
• Plan and execute high-level donor gatherings.
• Ensure timely and effective donor acknowledgment and recognition, including personalized thank-you notes, impact reports, and regular updates. 3. Collaboration & Leadership:
• Collaborate with the development team to integrate major gifts fundraising into broader fundraising campaigns, including annual giving, planned giving, and corporate sponsorships.
• Provide regular updates to the Executive Director on progress toward major gift goals.
• Work with the Board of Trustees to engage them in major gift efforts, providing them with the tools, training, and support they need to solicit and steward major gifts.
• Help maintain donor records and track fundraising progress using the organization’s database. 4. Relationship Building:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for major gift donors, building long-term relationships.
• Actively participate in networking events and opportunities to connect with potential major donors.
• Ensure CASA’s visibility in the community, attending key events and promoting CASA’s mission.
EXPERIENCE:
• The ideal candidate will have 5+ years experience in non-profit major gift fundraising, with a proven track record of securing five-figure gifts and managing a high-net-worth donor portfolio.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• BA/BS Degree is required
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with donors, board members, and other key stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages and presentations for major donors.
• Strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement fundraising strategies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a collaborative environment.
• Deep understanding of the nonprofit sector and fundraising best practices.
• Knowledge of child welfare issues, foster care, and the CASA mission is a plus.
• Familiarity with planned giving, foundation giving, and corporate sponsorships is an advantage.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule is also required
• Experience with donor management software
Benefits:
• 401(k)/401(k) matching
• Health, including dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
Salary range: $85,000-$100,000
Travel required between three-county service area of Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden. Occasional participation in evening and weekend community events would also be expected.
Our Values
Volunteerism: We recognize that volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission
• We believe that volunteerism enriches not only our community but also the personal growth and development of those who contribute.
• We value the time, energy, and passion that volunteers contribute, understanding that their support is vital to our ability to make a lasting impact.
• Together with our volunteers, we strive to build a stronger, more connected community, and to create a culture where giving back is encouraged, supported, and celebrated.
Equity and Respect: We foster an inclusive culture of belonging and acceptance.
• We confront, resist, and dismantle inequities within our organization and challenge inequities in the systems that impact the children we serve.
• We address both direct and implicit racism and support each other in unlearning our unconscious bias.
• We believe respect is the foundation of all successful relationships, both within our team and with the communities we serve.
• We value open communication, active listening, and empathy, knowing that mutual respect strengthens collaboration and innovation.
Community Support and Trust: We develop healthy and enduring relationships that build trust with children and youth, families, volunteers, key partners, and donors to effectively carry out our mission.
• We prioritize building authentic connections and see each other as allies on whom we can rely for support.
• We are committed to adhering to professional standards, being accountable, operating legally and ethically, and exercising a high level of transparency around the financial resources we have been entrusted to manage.
• We create innovative support and unique solutions for the children we serve.
• We ensure our Advocates are equipped to mobilize systems and people to act in the best interest of children and families and communities who support them.
Quality: We pursue excellence in providing the best advocacy for children living in foster care.
• We continually strive to increase our individual and collective knowledge and skills to apply them to our work.
• We benchmark our work and adopt best practices across the network, using performance measurement processes that are in alignment with targeted outcomes.

AFP Monterey Bay Chapter Presents: Fundraising Trainings

In an effort to support and advance fundraising in Georgia, the Southern Impact: Georgia Fundraising Professionals Conference is open to anyone who desires to grow in their fundraising profession. 

Early-bird pricing is available now through July 31. 

Congratulations to our AFP Miami Chapter member, Mayte Vizcaino, on her new role at YWCA South Florida, as Senior Director of Development.

Check out the agenda for our upcoming conference and annual meeting! Registration includes breakfast, lunch, lots of time networking, and 3 CFRE points. Secure your spot today, and while you're there, if you're an AFP-RI member and bring a guest, their registration is half-price!

Issue #4:

State Conference
Sponsorship opportunities
Upcoming Events

In addition to our new website, Little Green Light is our new Chapter database. As we transition to our new database, we don’t want to lose touch with you! If you are not a current AFP member, or haven't engaged with our emails in a while, please take a moment to update your contact preferences to ensure that you continue receiving our communications through our new system, including job postings, mentorship announcements, Regional Connect gatherings, award nominations, scholarship opportunities, and more.

What an amazing cast!! 

Don't miss the NEW Solicitation Showdown
Tuesday, May 19th
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City

AFP Long Island is thrilled to announce a brand new, high-stakes competition designed to celebrate and elevate the critical skill of donor solicitation.

This dynamic event will feature top fundraisers from our community, each prepared to make a live solicitation to a mock donor. The Solicitation Showdown promises an evening of professional development, strategic insights, and thrilling competition. It's an unparalleled opportunity to learn, network, and recognize excellence in the field of philanthropy.

Judges:

Theresa Regnante - President & CEO, United Way of Long Island

Katherine Fritz - President & CEO, Long Island Cares, The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank

Charles Prizzi - Senior Vice President Advancement, Special Advisor to the President,
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Contestants:

Jolie Briedbart - Development Manager
CARCEN - Central American Refuge Center

Stephanie Robb - Senior Development Manager
American Cancer Society

Katia Conte - President and Founder
Daniela Conte Foundation

Mock Donors:

Amy Dash, Senior Director, Individual Giving
North Shore Animal League America

Lauren Vlachos, CEO
Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center

Emcee:
Bobby D. Ehlert, Co-Founder
Inspire Hearts Fundraising

Visit EVENTS page for more info

Nonprofit boards are often deeply committed to the mission, yet many organizations struggle with inconsistent engagement, unclear expectations, and uneven fundraising participation. Building Boards That Deliver addresses this challenge by focusing on the infrastructure, systems, and clarity boards need in order to perform at a high level.

As a fundraiser, you are asked to make predictions about the future, such as how much you will raise, when the pledge or funds arrive, and whether it will be an unrestricted donation. After a brief introduction exercise with all participants, we will explore common approaches to budgeting, common pitfalls to avoid, and develop talking points you can use the very next time you begin the budgeting process.

Registration is now open for AFP-RI’s conference and annual meeting! It’s an energizing opportunity to learn, connect, and grow alongside your nonprofit peers.

This year’s program features timely, practical sessions designed to meet you where you are:

• Economic Impact in Philanthropy Panel
• Breakout Sessions – Choose your focus with interactive sessions on what successful Board engagement looks like in 2026 and navigating your career path from individual contributor to executive leadership
• AI in Philanthropy Panel

SAVE THE DATE! 

On November 12, 2026, AFP will once again host our National Philanthropy Day.  This special event is being co-chaired by Jay Zeager and Kati Erickson.  More details will be coming soon, but mark your calendars now!

Position Summary:          
The Planned Giving Officer is a key member of the Deborah Hospital Foundation responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors who are interested in making planned gifts such as bequests, trusts, and other estate-related donations. This highly motivated, results-oriented individual has a strong understanding of planned giving strategies and a passion for philanthropy. Responsible for the implementation and expansion of our planned gifts program, execution of a comprehensive strategy to retain, steward, and expand the number of documented planned donors to the Foundation, active cultivation and appropriate solicitation and stewardship.

Experience Required:

• 3+ years of experience in planned giving, estate planning, fundraising, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of planned giving instruments, including bequests, charitable trusts, and life insurance.
• Highly energetic professional with a proven track record and t ng a pipeline of high-net-worth donors and successfully securing six-figure gifts.
• Experience in researching prospective donors’ capacity.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated in initiating contacts with potential donors.
• Strong analytic skills and experience developing successful cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Education and Licenses Required: Bachelor’s Degree in a related, e.g., non-profit management, fundraising, law.

Required: Valid Driver’s License.

Skills and Abilities Required:
Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge,) and social media platforms. Experience with wealth screening tools and other resources.
Knowledge of estate and tax laws related to charitable giving. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues and peers within the Foundation and medical center leadership, as well as external partners and volunteers. Self-starter with a passion for working collaboratively with a small team.
Experience with high-level donor cultivation and solicitation. Experience with donor cultivation event planning and execution. Affinity with the overall missions of Deborah Hospital Foundation and Deborah Heart and Lung Center.

Hours: full-time 80 hours per pay period 
The minimum starting rate for this position is $36.68.

At Deborah, healthcare is still about caring...for patients and team members. That is why we
offer an outstanding benefits package, which includes healthcare coverage for team members in regularly budgeted positions of at least 30 hours per week. The benefits package also includes
generous paid time-off, 401K matching contribution, tuition assistance, short- and long-term disability benefits, life insurance, meal discount, dependent care subsidy, adoption assistance and free parking.

Contact: EKrivchenia@deborahfoundation.org

Join us on April 14 in person or online when  Chris Trotta teaches fundraisers about Google Ad Grants, which provides qualified 501(c)(3) organizations with up to $10,000 per month in in-kind search advertising credit. 

This is a hands-on practitioner-led workshop. Chris Trotta (Google Advertising Manager, Didit) will guide participants through the lifecycle of a Google Ad Grant, from the technicalities of the initial application to the strategic execution of search campaigns designed to acquire new donors and volunteers. 

Participants are required to bring a laptop for a live, step-by-step setup of the Google for Nonprofits portal and the Google Ads engine.

See events page for details and registration links.

Dear Members,

Here are some public policy updates to be aware of - SEVERAL efforts coming out of the federal government could have a significant effect on the status/existence of nonprofit organizations.

Official AFP-sponsored activism is limited to promoting strategies to maximize philanthropic giving under the OBBBA at this time. I’ve attached a flyer so that you can learn more about what AFP is doing and their official stance.

For those of you interested in other activism impacting the nonprofit sector, I have compiled this information mostly from the National Council for Nonprofits.

THESE MEASURES WOULD IMPACT ALL NONPROFITS NATIONALLY.

URGENT….

Take Action! Administration Proposes Changes to Federal Grantees, Harming Nonprofits and Communities

The General Services Administration has proposed significant changes to the System for Award Management (SAM), the online portal nonprofits, state, local, and tribal governments, and other entities use to do business with the federal government. Organizations have until March 30 to submit public comments in opposition to the proposed changes.

If implemented, the changes proposed by the Trump Administration would directly impact nonprofits and other entities that apply for or receive federal financial assistance, including grants, cooperative agreements, loans, insurance, and direct appropriations. The proposed changes would require all applicants and recipients of federal financial assistance to sign new certifications under penalty of criminal and civil law. The certifications align with President Trump’s executive order and the U.S. Department of Justice guidance, misrepresenting “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The proposal also requires new certifications related to undocumented immigration and terrorism. For more information, read the proposed changes and supporting materials.

You can take action by March 30:

· Sign a national letter led by the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) and Legal Defense Fund.

· Submit a comment letter using NCN’s comment guide, which includes talking points, instructions, and more information.

· Email your members of Congress and urge them to help protect nonprofit grantees and the communities they serve.

FUNDRAISING RELATED - Administration Threatens Combined Federal Campaign

The National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), opposing its decision to decommission the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Charity Portal. The CFC provides federal employees, contractors, and retirees with an opportunity to make charitable donations to nonprofits through payroll deductions. Since it was created in the 1960s, the CFC has helped raise nearly $9 billion for nonprofits, and last year alone, the CFC raised $66 million. NCN also sent a letter to OPM in fall 2025, when the agency previously attempted to eliminate the program, but was forced to reverse its decision.

Federal Court Could Rule Soon on Nonprofit Nonpartisanship

Nonprofit nonpartisanship is at risk in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, where a federal judge may soon issue a decision in National Religious Broadcasters v. Werfel. The issue rests on whether the court will approve a legal settlement that would bar the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from enforcing federal law, known as the Johnson Amendment, that has protected nonprofits from partisan politics for 70 years. While the legal settlement only applies to the two churches involved in the case, the court’s decision risks expanding the possibility of any church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other house of worship to endorse candidates for public office without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status, and it could create a slippery slope to do the same for all nonprofits. The IRS may issue revised guidance to apply the legal settlement more broadly to all houses of worship, or even to all charitable nonprofits. NCN is closely monitoring the pending court ruling and any accompanying administration actions.

Federal Investigations and Inquiries into Nonprofits

A coalition of 19 Republican state Attorneys General (AGs) urged the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate over 150 U.S.-based nonprofits that work on environmental and other issues, accusing them of "taking money from foreign entities to influence energy policy in the United States." Without evidence, the state AGs allege that the nonprofits may be in violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) because they received grants from foundations with headquarters outside the United States. FARA requires individuals or entities to register with the DOJ with they are acting at the "order, request, or under the direction or control" of “foreign principals,” such as governments, parties, or companies.

The House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on February 10 to discuss “Foreign Influence in American Non-profits: Unmasking Threats from Beijing and Beyond.” As follow up, Rep. Smucker (R-PA) announced that the committee is working on legislation to ensure greater oversight of tax-exempt organizations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The legislation could require nonprofits to report to the IRS if they receive funding from international sources or donor-advised funds, and if the organization acts as a fiscal sponsor. Other proposals raised in the hearing include barring nonprofits from receiving donations from entities with headquarters outside the United States to support ballot measures, voter engagement, or issue advocacy, and revoking tax-exempt status – without due process – if the Treasury Secretary alleges the nonprofit has connections to the Chinese Community Party or terrorist organizations, engages in "disruptive" or violent protests, or promotes anti-Semitism or "illegal" diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or practices.

Please let us know if there is specific information you would like to hear more about in the future.

With gratitude,

Jennifer M. Tersigni, CFRE

Government Relations Lead for AFP Southern Az & Member of AFP Greater AZ

Click here for details

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Nova Scotia Chapter (AFPNS), the professional association representing fundraisers from across Nova Scotia, is deeply concerned by the recent provincial budget decisions that significantly reduce funding to many community organizations across the province.

Nonprofits and charitable organizations are essential community partners in delivering services that Nova Scotians rely on every day. From supporting seniors and people with disabilities to advancing arts, culture, education, and community wellbeing, these organizations fill critical gaps that neither government nor the private sector can address alone. When funding is reduced abruptly or without consultation, the consequences are immediate and profound for numerous Nova Scotians in the communities delivering these essential services.

The charitable nonprofit sector is already under immense pressure. Rising costs, increased demand for services, and workforce challenges have placed many nonprofits in a fragile position. For equity-deserving communities, including African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, disability, and newcomers, these organizations are often the primary providers of culturally relevant programs and essential services. Funding cuts therefore risk widening existing inequities and undermining years of progress toward a more inclusive province.

We acknowledge that Premier Tim Houston recently announced the reinstatement of $53.6 million in grants after hearing concerns from Nova Scotians and community organizations. This decision reflects the strength of community voices and the importance of listening to the sector directly impacted by these measures.  However, many communities and organizations remain affected, particularly in the arts and culture sector. 

This is troubling at a time when cultural employment in the Halifax region is growing and contributing significantly to the province’s economy and identity. In the Halifax census metropolitan area, employment in arts, culture, heritage, and sport occupations has grown from approximately 7,200 workers in 2013 to 9,700 in 2025, a 35% increase. These workers and organizations are not only cultural contributors; they are economic drivers, educators, and community builders. 

Sudden reductions to funding threaten this momentum and place organizations at serious risk. For some, these cuts could mean fewer programs, layoffs, or closing the door to vital services in underserved communities, resulting in serious strain on community organizations and a direct correlation with reduced cultural and tourism spending; an essential lifeline in many of our communities.

AFP Nova Scotia Chapter calls on the Government of Nova Scotia to work collaboratively with the nonprofit sector to ensure stable, transparent, and sustainable funding frameworks moving forward. Meaningful consultation with community organizations must be part of any future changes that affect their ability to serve Nova Scotians. Our province’s nonprofits are not simply service providers; they are vital infrastructure in our communities. Ensuring their stability is an investment in the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of Nova Scotia.

The AFP Nova Scotia Chapter Board stands with the organizations, staff, volunteers, and fundraisers working every day to strengthen our communities, and we urge the province to reconsider the remaining cuts that place this important work at risk.