Volunteer

AFP San Antonio is a volunteer organization, and we need your help to continue offering the highest quality benefits and programs. By volunteering to share your time and talent, you ensure excellent quality with the programming and services we provide as a chapter. Below are volunteer opportunities with established committees, as well as contact information for each. If you don’t know exactly where to share your gifts, or if you have gifts to share outside of the areas listed here, please let us know! We are delighted to meet with you to connect you in the best place.

Please Note: You must be a current AFP member to volunteer on any committee with the AFP San Antonio Chapter.

Board Application and Instructions -- Applications for the 2024 Board Term are now open.


Communications Committee

The Communications Committee serves to build greater awareness of the chapter's activities through social media, newsletter, a dedicated website, and other publications. Volunteers help to increase the visibility of the chapter's programs and resources through the development and review of printed materials, e-communications, and social media outreach to AFP San Antonio members and other audiences. The committee meets in person twice a year with phone and e-mail communication as needed between meetings. While marketing and knowledge of electronic media would be welcomed, it is not required. Subcommittees include Website (design and management), Social Media, and News (writing).

Conference Committee 

The Conference Committee is responsible for planning and executing the San Antonio Chapter's signature event, the Annual Conference on Philanthropy. The conference features high-quality educational speakers and programming and is a major educational and professional development activity for fundraising professionals and nonprofit CEO's in the region. The conference provides an outstanding educational experience for attendees and access to guest speakers who bring a fresh, creative perspective to nonprofit organizations and charitable giving professionals in San Antonio and surrounding areas. Volunteers are essential in promoting the event, and in helping to recruit presenters and speakers who provide valuable educational content for attendees. Planning begins in February with opportunities to participate throughout the year. All levels of experience are welcome. Subcommittees include Registration/Logistics, Marketing/PR, Speaker Recruitment, Volunteer Management, and Sponsorships.

Development Committee

The AFP San Antonio Chapter relies on the philanthropic support of individuals, businesses, corporations, and foundations that recognize and value the Chapter’s mission to advance philanthropy through education, training, and advocacy across the region. AFP San Antonio bases its programs and services on research, experience, and the highest code of ethical principles and standards of professional practice. The Development Committee seeks sponsorships and strategic relationships for programs and individual events conducted throughout the year. Seeking members who have an interest in furthering the advancement of the AFP San Antonio Chapter through financial development.

Government Relations Committee

The Government Relations Committee coordinates the AFP San Antonio Chapter responses to changes in regulation and legislation affecting fundraising in Texas and collaborates with other organizations involved in shaping public policy affecting the independent sector. Additionally, the Committee’s role is to monitor local issues and report any developments to AFP’s Public Affairs Department, inform local members of important developments, distribute appropriate materials in a timely manner, ensure material related to government relations is included in the chapter newsletter and encourages members to write letters on public policy issues. Members should have experience in public policy or the willingness to learn from the chair.

Hospitality Committee

Our Hospitality Committee has the important job of making sure our members have a good experience at each of our events. The committee coordinates the logistics of our meals, greeting and checking in guests, and generally provides a welcoming environment for all members and guests. The committee coordinates through email and takes ownership of different events. Members do not need to have hospitality experience but should be outgoing and have a welcoming personality.

Membership Committee

AFP San Antonio is a member-focused chapter!  The Membership Committee implements membership plans that are devoted to the recruitment, stewardship, and retention of the most important assets in our Chapter … our members. Volunteer responsibilities include analyzing membership program data and assessing ongoing communication with prospective, current, and lapsed members. Activities and planning take place throughout the year. Key tasks include working with other committees to find opportunities to recruit new members to AFP San Antonio and highlight the value of membership. The committee meets as necessary by phone and e-mail. While it is particularly helpful to have member relations background, all levels of experience are needed and welcome!

Mentoring Committee

AFP San Antonio Mentorship Program fosters a relationship between experienced chapter leaders and newer members. The program provides one-on-one mentoring and training that helps ensure all participating nonprofit organizations, especially those that perform with limited staff, have the best professional fundraisers. The Mentoring Committee is responsible for the design, oversight, and direction of the chapter's mentorship program. This team recruits both mentors and mentees, ensures a successful match is made and monitors to ensure the relationship is successful. The committee meets quarterly to match mentors with new members and to touch base about current matches. This committee looks for individuals who have been in the philanthropy field for five years or more, or who have served as a mentor themselves.

National Philanthropy Day® Committee

National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) is the San Antonio Chapter’s most public event; a special day set aside each year to recognize the great contributions of those active in the community and enrich our world through philanthropic gestures. The NPD Committee plans and organizes the awards luncheon, presenting a prominent philanthropist as a key speaker and providing nonprofits with the opportunity to honor a special individual, organization, and youth who have made significant contributions as a donor, board member, or volunteer. The NPD committee needs chapter members who are enthusiastic about selling tables and sponsorships and will assist with promotion, arrangements, and program elements.

Contact: Luz Lovins

Programs Committee

The Programs Committee plans and executes chapter programs to further professional development as well as provide networking opportunities. Educational programs address topics such as philanthropic traditions, ethics, diversity, best practices, and the newest trends in fundraising. Programs take a variety of forms, including guest speakers on current topics, webinars, specialty workshops, conferences, and much more. Volunteers are involved with all aspects of the planning from choosing the topics to recruiting the speakers and publicizing the events. The committee meets as necessary by phone and e-mail throughout the year, and annually to finalize the program calendar. All levels of experience are needed and welcome to make this committee a diverse and creative group.

Youth in Philanthropy Committee

From where will the next generation of philanthropists come?  The obvious answer is from the youth of North America and the world. The same answer applies to the next generation of ethical fundraisers. AFP has an obligation to promote and encourage the involvement of young people in philanthropy and the profession of ethical fundraising. For AFP San Antonio, this starts right here in our own chapter. The Youth in Philanthropy Committee provides opportunities for youth throughout San Antonio to safely and ethically volunteer in impactful ways. Volunteers on this committee will establish opportunities for high school and college students to share their time and talents with member organizations. The committee meets as necessary by phone and email throughout the year and in-person twice annually.