Stronger Together: A Year-End Message from Roger and Art

When we stepped into our respective roles as incoming CEO and newly elected board chair this year, we did so at a time of significant global and sector-wide uncertainty. Throughout 2025, nonprofits faced a rapidly changing landscape—economic volatility, shifting government policies, and evolving donor expectations. Yet, as we traveled to chapters and connected with members, we discovered a more powerful narrative: one of resilience, dedication, and a shared belief in the future of fundraising. This year-end message is our opportunity to celebrate that spirit and the progress we’ve made together as an organization and as a sector. Thank you to everyone who made it possible!

Acting on Our Strategic Plan

Guided by the voices of our members—through surveys, focus groups, and countless chapter visits—AFP launched a new strategic plan for 2025 and beyond. This plan is built on three pillars: elevating the member experience, revolutionizing professional development, and expanding our global reach. These priorities are not just aspirational; they are a direct response to what we heard from you, our members, about what you need to thrive in today’s environment. By grounding our work in your feedback, we are ensuring that AFP’s direction is both relevant and responsive, positioning us to lead the profession forward with confidence and clarity.

Elevating the Member Experience

Listening, Belonging, and IDEA

Roger: One of our biggest priorities this year has been meeting with our membership through chapter visits across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. These visits have been invaluable, allowing us to hear directly from members about the challenges and opportunities they face in their local communities. I’ve witnessed firsthand the diversity of experiences and the common threads that unite fundraisers everywhere: a deep sense of purpose, a desire for connection, and a drive to innovate in the face of uncertainty.

Belonging and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) are at the heart of the member experience. As a brown male, this commitment is deeply personal for me, and it’s why, as board chair, I’ve prioritized ensuring every member feels connected, valued, and heard. Over the past year, our board has engaged in honest conversations about what it truly means to belong, leading to the creation of the AFP Board Vision and Governance Case for Belonging. This living commitment guides us to actively seek diverse voices, remove barriers, and build a culture where every fundraiser can thrive. The journey isn’t always easy, but it’s essential—for our association, our profession, and for every individual who wants to make a difference through philanthropy. We are excited to continue this work in 2026 with a dedicated staff member and the launch of our new FORGE initiative, which will focus on building a culture of Fairness, Openness, Respect, Grace, and Empathy across AFP. Stay tuned for more on this in 2026! 

Revolutionizing Professional Development

Expanding Access and Innovation in Learning

Art: Attending my first AFP ICON in Seattle after just one month as CEO was an inspiring introduction to the heart of our community. I was immediately struck by the warmth, passion, and expertise of our members—fundraisers who are not only deeply committed to their missions, but also eager to collaborate, innovate, and support one another. Yet, I also recognized that not everyone could join us in person this year, particularly many of our Canadian members who made the decision not to travel to the U.S. In response, we launched ICON Summer Sessions, a virtual learning series designed to extend the ICON experience and foster connection and growth beyond our in-person events. This is in addition to the 45 webinars and 24 deep dive sessions AFP offered in 2025, providing flexible, high-quality learning opportunities for fundraisers at every stage of their careers. And in 2026, we’re taking an even bigger step toward access by making all AFP webinars completely free for members—removing barriers and expanding learning opportunities across our global community. These programs reflect our commitment to meeting members where they are, and to revolutionizing how our community learns, connects, and thrives together.

Expanding Global Reach and Impact

Advocacy: A United Voice for Philanthropy

Art: This year, a significant source of the industry’s uncertainty was the impact of government policy. Between Executive Orders, cuts to federal funding, the passage of major tax legislation, and a government shutdown, nonprofits had a lot to contend with. That being said, I’m incredibly impressed with the way that our community came together, partnered with like-minded organizations, and played a leading role in advocating for, and protecting, the interests of nonprofits, donors, and the missions we serve.

Our collective action was instrumental in securing a permanent and expanded universal charitable deduction, projected to generate tens of billions in new giving over the next decade—much of it from small donors who form the backbone of our philanthropic ecosystem. AFP members mobilized nationwide, ensuring harmful provisions were removed from key legislation and strengthening incentives for charitable giving. These wins demonstrate the power of our united voice and the importance of ongoing engagement in advocacy at both the national and local levels.

Looking Ahead: Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact

Roger: As we look to 2026, AFP remains committed to serving as a catalyst for professional growth, a convener of diverse perspectives, and a champion for ethical, effective fundraising. We will continue to expand research, education, and leadership development through the AFP Foundation, deepen our work on belonging, and advocate for policies that strengthen philanthropy for all. The spirit of resilience, innovation, and connection that defines our community will guide us as we shape the future of fundraising together.

Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and generosity. Whether you are a longtime member or new to AFP, your contributions make our collective impact possible. We wish you a joyful holiday season and look forward to building an even stronger, more inclusive profession in the year ahead.

With gratitude,

Roger D. Ali, MBA, C.Dir., CFRE, Board Chair, AFP
Art Taylor, President & CEO, AFP