Chapter Blog

Advancing Access and Awareness: Highlights from The Aging & Disability Funders’ & Media Forum

By Naaman Cordova

Director of Institutional Giving

Braille Institute

On April 27, 2026, Braille Institute convened the Aging and Disability Funders’ and Media Forum, bringing together philanthropists, journalists, accessibility advocates, and nonprofit leaders for an immersive and collaborative exchange. The event offered a look at how organizations can build stronger, more strategic relationships with foundations, corporate partners, and the media—relationships that are essential to advancing equity and independence for aging and disabled communities.

A Cause That Resonates

Disability and aging are universal experiences that shape nearly every life in some way. Today, approximately one in four adults in the United States lives with some form of disability. At the same time, aging remains an inevitable and ongoing process. For many individuals, growing older means eventually acquiring a disability, whether through sensory changes such as vision or hearing loss, mobility limitations, or cognitive conditions including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Despite the breadth and inevitability of these experiences, philanthropic investment has historically fallen short. According to a 2019 study by Candid, less than 1% of U.S. philanthropic funding was directed toward aging-related issues, and only about 2% supported disability-focused efforts. These disparities are particularly concerning as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age in record numbers.

At the same time, nonprofit organizations serving these populations face increasing pressure. Reductions in federal funding and social service programs have placed additional strain on providers working to support older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. In this context, cross-sector collaboration is no longer optional—it is essential.

Responding to a Growing Need

Braille Institute of America is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with visual impairment and promotes independence, dignity, and quality of life for people of all ages. In recent years, Braille Institute has experienced a significant rise in demand Today, more than half of the 15,000 individuals the organization serves annually are seniors experiencing age-related vision loss.

Recognizing both the urgency of this need and the importance of partnership, Braille Institute launched the Disability Funders Forum series in 2023. The goal: to connect mission-driven organizations, raise awareness within the philanthropic community, and highlight the value and potential of investing in aging and disability initiatives.

The April 27 forum marked an important evolution of this effort. For the first time, the event incorporated a dedicated media and public relations component, expanding the conversation to include storytelling and visibility as key drivers of change.

A Hybrid Gathering with Broad Reach

Hosted at the Weingart Center within Braille Institute’s Los Angeles headquarters, the forum was designed to be both accessible and inclusive. The hybrid format allowed participants to attend in person or virtually via Microsoft Teams, with approximately half of the audience joining online.

The event drew 93 registrants from across the country, including participants from Southern California, the Bay Area, Milwaukee, Boston, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas. Attendees represented a wide cross-section of organizations, including vision-focused nonprofits, aging and disability service providers, cultural institutions, and philanthropic entities.

Promotion efforts were supported by key partners such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals–Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter, The Nonprofit Partnership, and Vision Serve Alliance, reinforcing the collaborative spirit at the heart of the event.

Funder Panel: Building Authentic and Strategic Partnerships

The first panel of the morning centered on philanthropy, featuring Elizabeth Pianalto (Director of Corporate Responsibility, Experian), Jennifer Berdugo (Strategic Planning Director, AARP), and Jasmine DeGuzman Lacsamana, MPH (Program Officer, Archstone Foundation). The discussion was moderated by Brian Sheridan, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Braille Institute.

Each panelist shared insights into their organization’s funding approach and the evolving role of partnership in their work.

Jennifer Berdugo of AARP highlighted the organization’s commitment to community-based collaboration and local impact:

“We’re really looking to grow our reach locally. And so, we try to find those opportunities to get to know like-minded organizations where we have similar priorities. We’re also looking to reach new and diverse audiences…and finding the right trusted partners for us to connect with.” –Jennifer Berdugo, AARP

AARP’s Community Challenge Grant program, which offers up to $25,000 for quick-action projects, exemplifies this approach by supporting initiatives that enhance livability for older adults. Berdugo emphasized that strong applications are grounded in mission alignment, sustainability, and potential for long-term impact. She also encouraged organizations to engage with local AARP chapters, which can provide volunteer support and partnership opportunities.

Jasmine DeGuzman Lacsamana of the Archstone Foundation emphasized the importance of relationship-building and accessibility within philanthropy:

“The onus is on us as program staff, as funders, to get to know the organizations that are seeking funding, to get to know those that we would like to partner with, and there is a lot of opportunities for that still to happen.” –Jasmine Lacasama, The Archstone Foundation

Although Archstone does not accept unsolicited letters of inquiry, Lacsamana noted that program staff are open to informational conversations and view themselves as resources for organizations seeking to better understand funding priorities. The foundation’s current focus includes amplifying the voices of older Californians, mobilizing communities, and strengthening organizational resilience.

Elizabeth Pianalto of Experian underscored the importance of transparency and authenticity in nonprofit partnerships:

“I want to have authentic relationships with nonprofit partners that are very transparent, and I feel like it’s my responsibility to lead with that transparency.” – Elizabeth Pianalto, Experian

Experian’s philanthropic work focuses on financial inclusion and economic mobility, with a commitment to donating 1% of earnings before interest and taxes. While its grantmaking is largely by invitation, Pianalto stressed that many partnerships emerge organically—through employee engagement, volunteerism, and community presence. She also noted that unsolicited email requests are often ineffective due to volume, encouraging nonprofits to prioritize personal connections whenever possible.

Media Panel: Elevating Stories That Matter

The forum’s second panel shifted focus to media engagement, with insights from Alan Schwarz, Editor at Forbes and creator of the Forbes Accessibility 100 list, and Gilien Silsby, Director of Communications and Storytelling at the California Community Foundation. The panel was moderated by Sandy Shin, Vice President of Communications for Braille Institute.

Gilien Silsby provided practical guidance on crafting effective media pitches. Pitches should be personalized, relevant, and concise. Reference a reporter’s recent work, keep your message focused, and include compelling data and links.

She also emphasized the importance of building relationships with journalists over time, noting that organizations must be willing to engage not only when coverage is positive, but also during more challenging or critical moments:

“If you want to pitch positive stories, you also have to deal with the “negative” stories.” –Gilien Silsby, California Community Foundation

Alan Schwarz reinforced the need for originality and thoughtful targeting: He cautioned against generic, mass-distributed pitches and noted that awareness days or months are often less compelling to reporters than unique, untold stories. Instead, he encouraged organizations to think creatively and to consider what would genuinely capture a journalist’s attention:

“Do your homework. Find out what gets me going. What gets me going? Math? Yes! Stuff that’s just really, really cool, and different and interesting and rises above the typical.” – Alan Schwarz, Forbes Magazine

Both panelists stressed the importance of empathy—understanding the needs, pressures, and priorities of media professionals—and positioning stories as valuable, engaging content that makes their work easier.

Looking Ahead for Collaboration

Events like the Aging and Disability Funders’ and Media Forum create space for shared learning, relationship-building, and strategic alignment. They help bridge gaps between nonprofits, funders, and media professionals to elevate the experiences of those most impacted. With demographic shifts accelerating and demand for services continuing to grow, these connections will only become more vital. Sustainable, systems-level change requires ongoing investment, increased visibility, and a commitment to inclusive partnership.

Braille Institute plans to continue this work through future Funders and Media Forums in 2026 and beyond, further strengthening the networks and conversations that move the field forward. To collaborate on a future Funders & Media Forum, contact Naaman Cordova, Director of Institutional Giving at Braille Institute: ncordova@brailleinstitute.org

Elizabeth Weinberg is a thoughtful, relationship-centered fundraiser who believes the strongest philanthropy begins with connection, purpose, and trust. Drawn to work at the intersection of people and impact, she brings a reflective and community-driven perspective to fundraising and donor engagement.

As a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter, Elizabeth shares insights on building authentic relationships, navigating growth within a developing philanthropy program, and balancing emerging technology with meaningful human connection.

Q: How did you first get into fundraising or nonprofit work? What drew you to this field?
I’ve always been drawn to work that sits at the intersection of people, purpose, and impact. Fundraising felt like a natural fit because it’s about learning what people care about, and how they want to contribute to something larger than themselves. What keeps me in this field is the opportunity to build authentic relationships and help connect generosity to meaningful work.

Q: What has been one of your most memorable or rewarding moments in your fundraising career so far?
Some of my most meaningful moments in fundraising have been when employees, who may not be making high salaries, choose to give financially. These gifts are often the most powerful, because employees see the impact of the organization’s work firsthand. Their generosity is a reminder that everyone, regardless of income, can make a difference. Moments like these reinforce for me that fundraising is ultimately about trust, care, and connection.

Q: What inspired you to join the AFP Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter?
AFP has always represented a community of thoughtful, values driven professionals, and the Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter reflects that spirit. While I’m also a member of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter, I appreciate the smaller group dynamic of the Valley chapter. It creates space for deeper relationships with speakers and members.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of the chapter?
Fundraisers don’t always get the space to reflect or be candid about the challenges and joys of the work, and the chapter provides that. It’s energizing to learn from peers who are navigating similar questions and to feel part of a profession that genuinely wants to grow together.

Q: What’s one fundraising strategy, tool, or approach you’ve found especially effective lately?
I’ve been at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine for a year, and success requires both learning and building strong relationships. Because we are building a program from the ground up, I constantly remind myself to slow down, and that building a robust philanthropy engine is a marathon, not a sprint. 

 
On the tools side, I’ve also been appreciating how better data and emerging AI tools can support more personalized outreach—but only when they enhance, rather than replace, human connection. Technology is helpful when it allows us to listen better and respond more thoughtfully.

Q: What’s a challenge you’re currently navigating in your work, and how are you approaching it?
We’re in a foundational phase of building systems, processes, and partnerships to support long term fundraising success. That means balancing  infrastructure building with relationship  building. I approach it by staying focused on why the foundation matters: the stronger it is, the more time we’ll ultimately have for meaningful donor engagement and impact.

Q: What’s one thing most people might be surprised to learn about you?
Because my job requires a lot of extroverted energy, I also need quiet, reflective time when I’m not working. While I truly enjoy meeting new people and building relationships, I’ve learned that being “on” most of the time can still be a challenge and finding balance matters to me.

Q: If you could give one piece of encouragement to fellow Valley fundraisers, what would it be?
Remember that people give because they care, not because they’re persuaded. When fundraising feels challenging, taking the time to ask what truly matters to a prospect or donor can open the door to deeper connection. It may sound familiar, but there’s wisdom in the idea that asking for advice often leads to generosity. Our work matters, and the relationships you’re building, even the quiet and behind the scenes ones, are making a real difference.

By Tarry Kang, CFRE

Senior Director of Development, Division of Student Affairs

California State University, Northridge

Earning the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential is often described as a professional milestone—but in practice, it’s much more of a journey than a destination. For me, that journey proved deeply worthwhile in ways that extended far beyond the certification itself.

One of the most valuable aspects was the community I found along the way. Through study groups, professional networks, and conferences, I connected with colleagues from across the country who were equally committed to advancing their craft. These weren’t just casual connections—they became mentors, thought partners, and, in many cases, lifelong professional peers. Michele Wray Khateri, my study and accountability partner, was instrumental throughout the process—critical in helping me maintain focus and stamina when the demands of preparation could have easily derailed my progress.

The CFRE process also grounded me in the fundamentals of ethical and effective fundraising. It required a disciplined understanding of the “rules” of the profession—donor rights, stewardship standards, accountability, and the principles that guide sustainable philanthropy. More importantly, it clarified where there is room for flexibility and innovation, and where there are non-negotiable boundaries. Jack Alotto and Ben Mohler were especially influential here, serving as exceptional teachers and mentors who strengthened my learning, my approach to fundraising strategy, and my test taking strategy.

Perhaps the most immediate outcome was a noticeable increase in confidence. Preparing for and earning the CFRE affirmed that my experience aligned with national standards of excellence. It gave me a stronger voice in strategic conversations and a clearer framework for decision-making.

That confidence, paired with the credential itself, also contributed to my professional advancement. The CFRE signaled readiness for greater leadership responsibility and played a meaningful role in my promotion.

In the end, the CFRE journey wasn’t just about adding letters after my name. It was about sharpening my practice, expanding my network, and stepping more fully into my role as a fundraising professional.