education sessions
We have a wide array of educational sessions waiting for you at AFP ICON 2024. Whether you want to master leadership, relationship building, securing the gift, trends and innovation, or all of the above, AFP has the latest and greatest information to unlock your fundraising potential.
- Current & Prospective Donor Research
- Ethics, Accountability & Professionalism
- Health Care (Sponsored by DonorSearch, Curated by Advancement Resources)
- Leadership & Management (Sponsored by Lindauer Global)
- Relationship Building (Sponsored by GolfStatus)
- Securing the Gift Track (Sponsored by Mission CRM)
- Volunteer Involvement
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 701A
Capital Campaigns: Top Trends and Best Practices to Help You Plan a Successful Campaign
Is there a capital campaign in your future? If so, don't miss this groundbreaking session with campaign expert, Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE, as she shares the latest trends and best practices for planning an effective and efficient capital campaign. You'll leave with practical tools and resources to use right away.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE, MA, AFP Master Trainer
Capital Campaign Pro - CEO
Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE is CEO and Co-Founder of Capital Campaign Pro. Her published books include, Major Gift Fundraising for Small Shops and 50 A$ks in 50 Weeks. Amy became an AFP Distinguished Fellow in 2021, an AFP Master Trainer in 2009, and served as the president of AFP-NJ in 2014 and 2015. Amy first received her CFRE in 2004 and received the ACFRE, in 2013. For more information visit amyeisenstein.com or CapitalCampaignPro.com.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 715 A/B
Leveraging Logic Models to Elevate Your Grant Writing and Reporting Prowess
Wrangling program leaders to identify and articulate goals, measure results and uniformly report impact is often a grant writers greatest struggle. Learn how the use of logic models can transform your grant writing activities from chaotic to calm and enhance your organization’s culture of philanthropy in the process.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Annalise Smith, CFRE
Avow Foundation - Chief Philanthropy Officer
Annalise serves as chief philanthropy officer for Avow Foundation. Responsibilities include managing fundraising staff and activities and developing resources to support the agency’s programs. Annalise completed her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a graduate business certificate in health services management from Keiser University, and a master’s degree in health services administration from Hodges University. Annalise earned a certificate in fundraising management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and earned her CFRE in 2021.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 717 A/B
Culture Shock: Understanding Death Rituals and Superstitions in a Diverse World
In today’s culturally aware society, having rich legacy conversations with donors requires understanding their customs and superstitions surrounding death and dying. This session will cover some of the main diaspora cultures in North America so you can feel better prepared to engage with donors in a culturally-sensitive way about legacies.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Ligia Pena, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer, M.Sc.
GlobetrottingFundraiser - International Legacy Consultant
Ligia Peña, CFRE is President of GlobetrottingFundraiser, specializing in helping charities develop & implement their fundraising and legacy strategy. She's also a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kent, researching national legacy marketing campaigns. As an AFP Master Trainer, she’s trained countless fundraisers around the globe. She's a sought-after and seasoned international presenter who enjoys sharing her knowledge and empowering nonprofits professionals to think about legacies differently by daring to be creative and innovative.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 718 A
No Nonsense Must-Haves for Major Giving Success NOW!
Whatever sector/size your organization is, this no-nonsense session spells out what you MUST have, DO and/or FIX to inspire MAJOR gifts. Takeaway how to prioritize key steps you CAN take, regardless of obstacles. Address your mindset, DEI priority, board engagement, asking and MORE to grow YOUR major giving success NOW.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Central Florida Community Arts - CEO
Terrance Hunter serves as the President of the AFP Central Florida Chapter as well as the CEO of Central Florida Community Arts. Throughout his career, he has worked in museums as well as in performing arts. He serves on numerous boards and has received multiple awards.Niki Chopra Richardson, CFRE, MBA
TOArts - Associate Director
Niki Richardson was born and raised in India and traveled the world with her parents before age 16. Niki earned her MBA from Pepperdine University in 2001 and has been a fundraiser ever since. She has helped raise revenue, resources, and awareness for nonprofits up and down the 101 corridor from Los Angeles to Santa Maria. She writes a food and travel blog. She is a certified yoga teacher, loves to journal and take naps.Marcy Heim, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer, CSP, PLCC
The Artful Asker - CEO
A 30-year major-giving expert, international consultant, and author, Marcy Heim, CEO, The Artful Asker, has inspired Leadership, Boards, and Fundraisers with mindset/method tools for multi-million-dollar, sustained generosity! Her 3-sentence Ask gets a delighted “yes.” After 2 decades raising major gifts at UW-Madison and through a $1.8B campaign, she now consults all sizes/sector shops. AFP Master Trainer, CASE Crystal Apple recipient, Marcy’s high-energy sessions renew your zest for fundraising and life.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 718 B
Stepping Out to Fit In: How diverse consultants are reaching success on their own terms
Sometimes the best way to change the system is from the outside. From this panel you’ll hear from a diverse group of fundraisers who found more alignment, freedom, and success working as consultants. Understand how they incorporated their identities into their work to show up authentically as their whole selves.
Education Track(s): Leadership and Management
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Cindy Wagman, CFRE, MBA
The Good Partnership Inc. - The Good Partnership Inc.
Cindy Wagman is the President and Founder of The Good Partnership, home to the Fractional Fundraising Movement. Cindy became a Certified Fundraising Executive in 2009 and received her MBA from the Rotman School at the University of Toronto in 2013.She is the host of the top-rated The Small Nonprofit podcast, and best-selling author of Raise It! The Reluctant Fundraiser’s Guide to Raising Money Without Selling Your Soul.Emma Lewzey, CFRE
Blue Sky Philanthropy - CEO
Emma Lewzey is an award-winning fundraising expert with 25 years experience raising millions of dollars across the arts, education, health and human services sectors. She’s the founder and lead consultant at Blue Sky Philanthropy, where she works with nonprofits to increase their impact and exceed their fundraising goals by helping them raise more 5, 6 and 7-figure donations. Emma is an active leader, mentor, and proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Rhea Wong - CEO
Rhea is a nonprofit fundraising expert specializing in major individual donors and establishing individual giving programs. She has raised millions in private philanthropy, mentored fundraising leaders, and received accolades such as the SmartCEO Brava Award and NY Nonprofit Media's 40 under 40. Rhea is based in Brooklyn, hosts the Nonprofit Lowdown podcast, authored the book Get that Money, Honey!, and dabbles in stand-up comedy.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 601 A/B
Why difficult ethical questions and dialogue are vital for a robust organizational culture
In a polarized time and world, do we avoid difficult ethical conversations? Just the opposite, we dive in headlong, immerse ourselves in it, and come out with confident shared ways to move forward. In this session, we will attempt to find out how! Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Education Track(s): Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Ayesha Ganguly, MA
Amphibian Stage - Director of Development and Community Outreach
Ayesha Ganguly serves as the Director of Development and Community Outreach at a professional non-profit theater Amphibian Stage where her role is to find the investment and resources needed to offer high-quality, socio-culturally relevant storytelling and arts education. She also serves as the founding board member and vice-chair for Transform 1012, a reparative justice project transforming a former Ku Klux Klan headquarters in Fort Worth into a center for arts and community healing.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 602 A/B
Let’s Get Critical: Rethinking Research & Evidence for the Sake of Better Practice
Research and evidence are a driving force in fundraising’s evolution…But what happens when the stuff of “best practice” is flawed or biased? In this session, you’ll gain a simple tool for critically evaluating and applying research so you can use it in service of your own better practice. Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Leadership and Management
Education Track(s): Leadership and Management
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Nate Levin-Aspenson, MPA
Simone Labbance, MA
Impact Innovations - CEO & Fractional Fundraiser
Simone Labony Labbance is a Bengali American fundraiser, activist, and community builder. Her expertise is grounded in her MA in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary's University of MN. Currently, Simone works as the CEO and Fractional Fundraiser for Impact Innovations; she is a certified member of the Fractional Fundraiser Network. Simone has fundraised for a number of causes including BIPOC spaces, diaspora community wellness, anti-child sex trafficking, health equity, and academic medical research.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 803 A/B
Low–Code App Development: A First Step to Creating Your Own AI–Powered Tools (Presented by Blackbaud)
What's possible when you empower business users and admins to create software solutions using low-code development tools? Those closest to your operational challenges are armed with AI power and other transformational approaches. With free tools and low-code approaches to application, your team can develop custom solutions to solve operational challenges, automate clumsy processes, drive efficiency, and fuel social impact. Want to take advantage of these capabilities? Come explore examples of how low-code approaches can be used to solve operational challenges and get valuable resources to help organizations of all sizes launch and govern their low-code programs. Whether you’re interested in creating your own apps or equipping your team, you’ll leave with actionable next steps to embrace this new frontier.
Education Track(s): Leadership and Management
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Blackbaud - Principal Product Manager, Innovation
Heather McLean began her career as a nonprofit marketer and fundraiser. Since she joined Blackbaud, Heather has been a chief evangelist for customer low-code adoption and expansion of developer tools with the Microsoft Power Platform.
North York General Foundation - Chief Information Officer
John is the Chief Information Officer at the North York General Foundation with a rich background in technology, business intelligence, and information systems management across various organizations within the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. With over two decades of experience, he has demonstrated a profound ability to lead and innovate in the domain of data management, CRM systems, and digital transformation.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 802 A/B
Leverage Top Trends for Engaging Your Healthcare Philanthropy Board (Presented by Advancement Resources)
Research shows that donors who are involved in a volunteer capacity with nonprofit organizations they care about are likely to give more than twice as much financially than those who are uninvolved. In short, volunteers are our most committed supporters—yet do we fully leverage the opportunity afforded by their commitment and expertise? In this dynamic session, explore five strategies for ensuring board members feel appreciated, fully utilized, and deeply engaged.
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Sinai Health Foundation - Executive Director, Campaign
David Grieco is Executive Director, Campaign at Sinai Health Foundation. In his role, David leads the organization’s unprecedented $50M campaign to establish a Centre for Mature Women’s Health at Sinai Health. David’s experience spans 17 years in Toronto’s non-profit sector, with over a decade of experience in health care philanthropy.
Advancement Resources - Senior Vice President
Mark is committed to this comprehensive approach, identifying strengths and opportunities, assets and effectiveness in teams, and helping to create near-term change that produces long-term transformation. With more than 36 years of experience in a wide range of development leadership positions, Mark has worked with leaders in health care, higher education, arts, human services, and faith-based institutions to help organizations prepare and take steps toward the next level of growth.
Loma Linda University Health - Senior Vice President of Advancement
Rachelle Bussell is the Senior Vice President of Loma Linda University Health. With over 30 years of experience working with nonprofits, she has been in her current role since 2011. She oversees philanthropy, marketing and communications for 6 hospitals and 8 schools within the university.Michael Delzotti, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer, FAHP
UK Markey Cancer Foundation - President & CEO
Mike has 29+ years in leadership and began at a Los Angeles foundation; moved to UCLA, then Special Olympics. In Texas, Mike was a leader at Rice University; then led both MD Anderson’s major/planned giving during two $1B+ campaigns and Neurodegeneration Consortium ($65M partner-campaign with MIT, Baylor College of Medicine).Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 801 B
Transform Your Relationships: How to Turn Volunteers and Donors Into Super Supporters (Presented by Bloomerang)
Volunteers play a vital role in the success of nonprofits. They generously offer their time and expertise and can even become dedicated donors. Research reveals that volunteers are 80% more likely to make larger donations than non-volunteers. Additionally, those who volunteer and donate have a significantly higher retention rate. This panel discussion will utilize data and live examples to explore the correlation between volunteers and financial donors. If you're hesitant to ask your volunteers to become donors or vice versa, this session is tailored to address your concerns. Join us and unlock the full potential of your volunteers and donors without leaving any untapped opportunities behind.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Lauren Tudor, CAP®, CAP
ARCHITECT Philanthropic Collective - Founder
Meet Lauren Elyse Tudor, an accomplished CAP®-certified operations strategist, fundraiser, and founder of ARCHITECT Philanthropic Collective. Her impressive track record includes leadership positions at major organizations such as the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Public Allies Cincinnati, YWCA, United Way, and All On The Line (formerly Organizing for America OFA), the campaign to re-elect President Barack Obama. Lauren is a fierce advocate for advancing social justice movements, specifically women's reproductive rights.Josh Meyer, MBA
Bloomerang - VP, Demand Generation
With over 20 years of experience in fundraising, volunteer management, and marketing, Joshua Meyer brings a wealth of expertise to his current position as the VP of Market Engagement at Bloomerang. As a valued member of the Bloomerang marketing team, Josh spearheads all thought leadership, partner, and field event initiatives for the organization.Rachel Muir, CFRE
rachelmuir.com - Keynotes, custom training & retreats
When she was 26, Rachel Muir launched Girlstart, a non-profit empowering girls in math, science, engineering and technology in the living room of her apartment with $500 and a credit card. Several years later she had raised over 10 million and was featured on Oprah, CNN, and the Today show. Today Rachel delivers workshops and offers a monthly membership, League of Extraordinary Fundraisers, transforming people into confident, successful fundraisers.
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 714 A/B
In a Donor Experience, Everything is Love or Lost (Presented by Fundraise Up)
Everything (read: everything) contributes to donor loyalty or to losing them. Every single field, pixel, word, checkbox, payment method, or lack thereof is going to be a negative or positive contributor to the donor experience. Short-term gains are won by improving conversion rates through better digital experiences, while longer-term gains are earned through trust. In this session you'll learn how to see your donor experience from the other side. For donors, nonprofit teams, and beneficiaries of the mission you work so hard on; the impact is real and tangible.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Fundraise Up - Chief Partnerships Officer
Salvatore Salpietro is the Chief Community Officer of Fundraise Up, a technology company unlocking the world’s generosity potential by optimizing how people give. He also currently serves on the board of AsiaWild.org. Prior, he served as Director of Digital for Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit focused on children's mental health, and a technologist in academia.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 801 A
Don’t Close the Door on Your Donors: Intentional Inclusivity in Fundraising Events (Presented by OneCause)
One positive change that arose during the pandemic was the increased access to philanthropy for diverse donors through virtual events and engagement opportunities. But now that we’re spending less time at our screens, large and small, how can nonprofits ensure that access is maintained and that their fundraising strategies?
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
OneCause - Director of Corporate Communications
Sarah is a marketer and brand enthusiast currently serving as Director of Corporate Communications at OneCause. With over 9 years of dedicated experience in the nonprofit technology sector, she brings a wealth of expertise in content writing and strategy, brand management, event marketing, public relations, communications, and technical writing. After graduating from Florida State University with a degree in English, she served her community as an AmeriCorps teacher.
OneCause - VP of National Accounts
Emily Newberry is sales and strategy leader in the nonprofit SaaS world. At OneCause, Emily works directly with national nonprofit organizations and their leaders to understand challenges and opportunities and collaborate on ways to engage donors and use technology to meet fundraising and stewardship goals. She works cross-functionally with internal leaders in marketing, product, and operations to ensure we build processes and products for today and tomorrow’s opportunities.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 716 A/B
Challenges of Being A Black Male In Fundraising
Join an engaging conversation about being a Black Man in fundraising. This will be a safe space to talk about real situations and outcomes. Are you open-minded and want to learn how to be more aware of situations? Be ready to listen, learn, and share!
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Trust for the National Mall - Senior Director of Philanthropy
Stephen E. Peeler, Senior Director of Philanthropy at the Trust for the National Mall, is a seasoned professional with an impressive track record in fundraising and organizational management. Stephen is responsible for developing and executing effective strategies that help the organization achieve its annual operating and campaign revenue goals. He is a confident leader who brings his expertise in fundraising and operational best practices to the Trust, to achieve excellence.Marcus Brewer, MBA
Change Happens - Director of Development
Has been Blessed to work in the fund and people-raising space for over 10 years. Much of his experience has been in small shops where he’s worn many hats, often at the same time. His experience includes grant writing, foundation relations, corporate relations, strategic partnerships, government relations, marketing, admissions, and a few more. He currently serves as Director of Development for Change Happens in Houston, TX, whose mission is to “Help people empower themselves.”
ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Southeast
Currently serves as Senior Advisor, Principal Gifts and Inclusive Philanthropy, Southeast Region for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Christopher enjoys connecting individuals with causes they are enthusiastic about. He is a seasoned fundraising advisor with over 20 years of experience serving non-profits, including ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Boy Scouts of America (Nashville, TN).
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
9:15am - 9:45am
Learning Lab 1
AFP Membership, What’s In It for Me? (Learning Lab) Presented by AFP Global
Description: Current and prospective AFP members will learn about key benefits of membership including professional development, local events, mentorship and volunteer opportunities, publications, leadership training, and more. Find out how you can maximize the value of your professional involvement while meeting your AFP peers!
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Nakera Dumas, Other
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
9:15am - 9:45am
Learning Lab 2
Unlocking the Potential of Your Entire Donor Pyramid (Leaning Lab) by Presented EverTrue
Ready to revolutionize your donor outreach? EverTrue’s suite of donor management and fundraising software is making the really hard job of fundraising so much easier for every fundraiser, so that you can improve the experience of every donor. Learn how you can transform engagement, boost retention, and increase donor pipeline through intentional, personalized outreach at scale.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Speakers
EverTrue - Senior Product Manager
Over the last 6 years, Kelley has had the pleasure of leading fantastic cross-functional teams of engineers, designers, and researchers to build products that make people’s lives better. From Mentor Collective, a higher ed platform supporting to over 300,000 mentorships for college students, to EverTrue, a suite of advancement tools helping hundreds of organizations and thousands of advancement officers fast-track their advancement processes.
EverTrue - Senior Account Executive
Jen Lesshafft is a seasoned fundraising and stewardship professional with over a decade of experience in nonprofit advancement. Currently serving as a Senior Account Executive at EverTrue, Jen has held leadership roles at institutions such as the University of Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Life University and AdventHealth. Jen proudly serves as a dedicated Board Member of the Child Advocacy Center in Gainesville, FL and actively volunteers with Keep Alachua County Beautiful and her local church.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
9:45am - 11:45am
Room 713 A/B
Breaking the Silence: Confronting Anti-Black Racism in AFP
Join this session with the Co-Conspirators, a group of racial justice activists who supported Nneka Allen, Mide Akerewusi, and Múthoní Karíukí in their pursuit of racial justice. This session will provide an overview of the obstacles, risks, and learnings in the Co-Conspirators quest for accountability from the AFP-GTC chapter. The session will explore the group’s calls to action designed to catalyze institutional and systemic change. In February 2023, this group of 16 individuals became co-conspirators through a commitment to their relationship with Nneka Allen and a desire to amplify and share the impact that Nneka, Mide, and Muthoni's experiences of anti-Black racism as board members at AFP-GTC had, and the subsequent failure to address those concerns. The Co-Conspirators united in a shared mission, to demand repair; acknowledgment, restitution and closure by the perpetrators of harm and AFP-GTC. From the beginning of this journey, the mission was clear - to ensure that Nneka, Mide, and Muthoni's experiences with anti-Black racism as members of AFP were illuminated. For too long, the experiences of anti-Black racism in the fundraising sector have been minimized or actively suppressed. In order for the sector to change, the Co-Conspirators pushed these stories to the forefront, to force one of the most powerful voices in the sector to reconcile with its racist history. The focus was on the voices of Black fundraisers, lifting up their stories, to call for a genuine apology and change. During this session, the Co-Conspirators will vulnerably share their personal experiences navigating this transformative movement. Gain insight into what they have learned in this struggle, hear the collective barriers they faced, and the individual challenges encountered while standing against injustice. Join us in unpacking this movement in the making from the perspective of these change-makers and discover how they are reshaping the narrative for a more equitable and just charitable sector.
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Rickesh Lakhani, CFRE, MBA
Radiance Advisory - Lead Consultant
Rickesh Lakhani believes that we are all responsible for each other’s success. He is the Founder of Radiance Advisory, supporting social impact organizations and leaders to align their actions with their values and build stronger cultures based on truth and trust. He has over 15 years of experience in the social impact sector, including serving as the Executive Director at a community-based organization and as the Development Director leading an $8M annual fundraising campaign.
The Board Pro - The Board Pro
Christal is passionate about purpose, justice, and supporting Black women. She believes in building community to ensure our rights to happiness, self-empowerment, and success. Christal is the founder and CEO of The Board Pro, a boutique consulting firm providing comprehensive training and coaching to nonprofits and their boards. Learn more at www.theboardpro.com.
Alzheimer Society of Ontario - CEO
As the CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, Cathy leads with enthusiasm, creativity and a drive to create impact within the not-for-profit sector. Cathy fosters innovation through fundraising and program development with a strong belief that not-for-profit organizations should step up and shine by increasing their social profit margins.
Nova Scotia SPCA - Co-Founder
Liz brings more than 20 years of experience to her consulting work with Sargasso Philanthropic CIC (Nova Scotia, Canada). Liz has served as a board member with local Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) boards, was the past chair of the AFP Women’s Impact Initiative, the past co-chair of the AFP Fundraising Bill of Rights Task Force, and currently sits on the board of the African American Development Officer Network (AADO).
Muthoni Kariuki, CFRE
Wild Woman Fundraising - CEO
Mazarine Treyz excels at motivating audiences to lead, to fundraise and question the status quo in the nonprofit sector. She taught fundraising to over 22,000 people from 2011-2023. Her works include 10 courses on fundraising & 3 books on nonprofit careers, fundraising and marketing. Treyz is committed to racial equity and justice, starting with her work at the Urban League of Portland in 2008.
Boundless Philanthropy - Founder & Principal
Nicole brings extensive experience working in the nonprofit and charitable sector as a curious leader and fund development strategist. She is the founder of Boundless Philanthropy, a consultancy providing a range of services, including sustainable business modeling, strategy development, and Raiser’s Edge database configuration and support. She is a co-Editor of the book Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love, and former book review panelist and contributing editor with the defunct online publication The Charity Report.
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:00am - 10:30am
Learning Lab 1
Do More Good With Your Golf Fundraiser (Learning Lab) Presented by Golf Status
A golf event can be a hassle—but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be! GolfStatus is the leading platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. Hear how it makes organizing and executing a successful golf fundraiser easier than ever, with solutions that save time and raise more money.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Golfstatus - Sales and Education Director
Logan Foote has been around the game of golf his whole life, but despite thousands of attempts, he’s never gotten a hole-in-one (except in mini golf). His passion for golf led him to GolfStatus in 2017, where he discovered the sport’s power for good. As Sales and Education Director, Logan oversees a team that works with thousands of nonprofits to maximize their golf fundraisers and shares his golf fundraising expertise through GolfStatus’ educational webinars.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:00am - 10:30am
Learning Lab 2
$500K Raised, Zero Fees Paid : Free Online Fundraising in a World of Hidden Fees (Learning Lab) Presented by Zeffy
Explore the truth behind "free" online fundraising platforms in this eye-opening session with Kitty from Toronto’s Parkdale Community Foodbank and François from Zeffy. They will share how critical it is to select the right online fundraising tools — because every penny counts. Learn how a 100% free online fundraising approach helped Kitty’s food bank's mission, and gain insights on maximizing donations. Discover a new fundraising paradigm that promises transparency and zero fees, where charitable pursuits retain their full impact. Join us for a candid talk on making every donated dollar work harder for your cause.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Speakers
Parkdale Community Foodbank - Executive Director
With over 8 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, I am dedicated to supporting my community. At the Parkdale Community Food Bank, I am excited to have the opportunity to work towards causes that I am extremely passionate about: food justice, security & sovereignty. Food is a human right. When it comes to fundraising, every penny counts and makes a difference in our mission
Zeffy - CEO
François, CEO and founder of Zeffy, embarked on his journey volunteering with nonprofits as a student. Witnessing the fundraising challenges these organizations encountered online, he was appalled by the extensive fees on existing platforms. The collective annual loss of $3 billion for North American nonprofits fueled his motivation to create Zeffy, a fundraising platform exclusively for nonprofits that operates fee-free. Zeffy empowers 15,000 nonprofits to direct 100% of their fundraising towards their missions, justMon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 602 A/B
Planning and Budgeting for Fundraising Success
Fundraising goals are often fill-the-gap numbers. The finance team created a budget and worked backwards to determine the fundraising goal. As a profession, we know how well this works! Let’s change that process. This session gives development professionals the knowledge and tools they need to build meaningful goals and budgets.
Education Track(s): Leadership and Management
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Kerri Mollard, MA, CGC, WBE
Mollard Consulting - Founder & CEO
Kerri Mollard, CEO, is a sought-after consultant and speaker, and a respected authority on fundraising, board governance, and planning. She has served more than 100 clients, and thousands more through speaking, since founding Mollard Consulting in 2003. Prior to consulting, she worked in positions as varied as PR coordinator, development director, and executive director. She has an MA from Indiana University, BA from Ohio State University, and a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 701A
De-Mystifying AI: Making sense of ChatGPT and Fundraising in the Age of AI
What do nonprofit leaders need to know about AI and how it’s re-shaping fundraising? What have we learned so far, and what's on the road ahead? Join me for a walkthrough of the big questions facing fundraising leaders after an exciting first year of fundraising with Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation.
Education Track(s): Leadership and Management
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
George Irish, MA
Amnesty International Canada - Digital Strategist
George Irish is a seasoned digital fundraising strategist and technologist, with 25 years of experience advising nonprofits and charities in Canada, US, and globally. He currently leads digital strategy and fundraising innovation at Amnesty International Canada. As a fundraising data strategist and tech developer, he explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and machine learning, to revolutionize fundraising. George shares insights on the synergy between fundraising and AI at FundraisingwithAI.comMon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 701B
Unlocking the Potential of Donor Advised Funds: Insights from the National Study on DAFs
Discover the potential of donor-advised funds (DAFs) in your fundraising strategy. Join us for this interactive session based on the groundbreaking DAF Research Collaborative study. Learn how to engage DAF donors, identify DAF giving strategies, and create customized solicitation plans. Transform your fundraising and better serve your donors' philanthropic goals.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Jeremy Wells, CFRE, MA
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Community Foundation - Vice President of Philanthropic Services
Jeremy R. Wells, MA, CFRE, serves as Senior Vice President at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the country. Wells is an adjunct faculty member at the University of St. Thomas and a frequently requested speaker in philanthropy. Wells is a former AFP Global Board Member, former AFP PAC Chair, and was also selected as a 40 Under 40 recipient by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in 2018.Dan Heist, PhD
Brigham Young University - Assistant Professor
Dr. Heist is an Assistant Professor of Nonprofit Management at Brigham Young University. He earned a master’s degree in Philanthropic Studies from the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and a PhD in Social Welfare from the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on philanthropy and fundraising. His nine years of professional fundraising experience inform his research and teaching. He is a leading expert on donor-advised funds and co-founder of the Donor-Advised Fund Research Collaborative.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 714 A/B
Must Wear Pants: Legacy Events Coming out of Covid
Virtual events during Covid enabled guests to attend from the comfort of their homes wearing cozy athleisure. We’ll share how a legacy event went a pre-pandemic in-person decline to a virtual upswing, and convinced guests that the renewed in-person event was an exciting new way to engage with the organization.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Sarah Cissna, MFA, CSEP
The Side Lobby - Event Consultant
Based in Washington, DC, Sarah’s firm, The Side Lobby, helps small and mid-sized nonprofits and arts organizations achieve fundraising and marketing goals through special events. She recently completed her term as a director on the International Live Events Association’s board of governors, and she co-facilitates the Equity Team at her children’s elementary school. MFA: Catholic University, Theatre: Directing. BA: College of William and Mary, Theatre. Certificate in Event Management: George Washington University.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 717 A/B
Get to know your donors to increase engagement. Legal Aid and their LGBTQ+ audience
You need to know who your audiences are so that you can engage them. Learn how Legal Aid Society targets new donors to continue an important initiative defending the rights of LGBTQ+ people. We will show you how to target new donors and present content in a brisk fundraising pitch.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Langton Creative Group, Ltd. - President
I’m a designer (president of Langton Creative Group in NY), educator (adjunct at Hostos College/CUNY), writer, and cartoonist (IG: Davidlangton1961) who believes in using the power of design as a transformative tool in promoting change in our world. My book is Visual Marketing (Wiley). I’ve worked with nonprofits, including, Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, Children's Aid, The International Rescue Committee, and The Legal Aid Society. I’m a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.Deborah Brozina, MBA
Making Change Productions - President
Content that connects to the right audiences is expensive to produce and distribute – especially for nonprofits. Having a solid, documented content strategy makes sure that you are targeting who needs what message when from the organization and in what context. Deborah Brozina specializes in content strategy, creation, and distribution. She blends her deep background in content creation and technology development to support clients including Carnegie Foundation, The Economist Group, and Phelps Memorial Hospital.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 801 B
Stewardship: Why We Need to Say Thank You" So Many Times
Saying thank you to donors should be easy yet many fundraisers are left wondering why they didn't get the next gift, a bigger gift, or any response from their loyal donors. What are we doing wrong? This session will discuss different ideas to meet the donors needs.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Pamela Perkins Dwyer, MA, CFRM
Los Angeles Master Chorale - Major Gifts Officer
Pamela Perkins Dwyer, Major Gifts Officer at the Los Angeles Master Chorale in downtown Los Angeles. Pamela has fundraised for over 20 years and believes that good stewardship has led to her success. She currently serves on the AFP Foundation Board and recently served on the Global Board. She currently serves on community boards. Pamela has a bachelor’s from Howard University, master’s from Boston University and her Certificate in Fundraising Management from Indiana University.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 601 A/B
Demystifying Wellbeing: Taking the “Woo Woo” out of Individual and Organizational Wellbeing
This interactive session will focus on demystifying “wellbeing” by sharing research and practical examples of the how to prioritize individual and organizational wellbeing. The session will illuminate the importance of wellbeing as foundational element for leadership. The session will also highlight the important connection between wellbeing and inclusion.
Education Track(s): Leadership and Management
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 718 A
Mastering the Art of Year-Round Donor Engagement: Strategies to Acquire, Retain, and Inspire Donors (Presented by GiveSmart)
In a landscape marked by dwindling donors, retention, and engagement, it's time for bold steps toward sustainable growth. Join us to learn how to identify donor gaps and opportunities, implement a year-round fundraising approach, and expand your donor base to raise more in 2024 and beyond. Learn how to understand your fundraising outcomes and how they fit into your organization’s overall financial puzzle to identify potential fundraising opportunities and donor segments. Walk away with actionable fundraising insights and real-life nonprofit fundraising campaign ideas.
Education Track(s): Leadership and Management
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 718 B
Why Direct Mail + Digital is the Perfect Pairing to Recruit Young Donors (Presented by Sylogist MISSION CRM)
The excitement of receiving and reading the mail has shifted from the inbox back to the mailbox and surprisingly, this wave of enthusiasm is led by the Millennial, Gen Z and Gen X cohorts. Join us for an interactive discussion with industry experts who are riding the wave and seizing the opportunity to reimagine a new future for direct response to reach new cohorts by leveraging the latest innovations and insights.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
RKD - Senior Vice President
Justin McCord is an industry-leading marketer with two decades of guiding commercial and nonprofit organizations to success. As SVP of Marketing and Communications for RKD Group, he acts as industry advisor while overseeing brand and thought leadership, including hosting the award-winning RKD Group: Thinkers podcast. Justin served as Co-Chair for the 2023 Bridge Conference and currently serves as Marketing Co-Chair for the Direct Marketing Association of Washington Board of Directors.
Children's Hospital London, Ontario - VP Philanthropy, Children's Health Foundation
Tim joined the Children’s Health Foundation in January 2023. In his role as Vice President, Philanthropy; Tim oversees all of the Foundation's fundraising activities including Campaign, Children’s Miracle Network, Community Relations, Integrated Direct Response, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, and Signature Events.
Make a Wish Canada - Director Mass Marketing
Rapinder is an expert strategist and storyteller, and helps guide nonprofit organizations with a holistic approach to fundraising. She has worked with numerous organizations across Canada and the U.S., including UNICEF Canada, Save the Children, MSF/Doctors Without Borders, Guide Dogs for the Blind, CAMH and many others. She is a self-proclaimed fundraising nerd and is passionate about serving great missions to make the world a more compassionate.
Company Hewitt and Johnston Consultants Inc. - President and Co-Founder
Mike Johnston has been a fundraiser for 34+ years and has worked with 100’s of social impact and charitable organizations in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Mike is an expert in fundraising innovation and integrated fundraising – especially in the use of digital technologies and their effective integration with traditional and new fundraising methods. He is the founder of the leading, global consultancy, Hewitt and Johnston Consultants (www.hjcnewmedia.com) in 1992.
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 802 A/B
Engaging Stakeholders to Champion Philanthropy ( Presented by Advancement Resources)
Philanthropy is a powerful solution to many challenges and roadblocks in modern healthcare—but the case for philanthropy is complex, and many organizational stakeholders don’t understand it fully. In this session, panelists will present the case for investing in major gift fundraising and share real-world examples of how that information can be leveraged to recruit faculty, researchers, and others as champions who understand and are committed to the tremendous opportunity in healthcare philanthropy today.
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center - Director of Philanthropic Gifts
Nick Peyton is a seasoned fundraiser, currently serving as the Director of Philanthropic Gifts at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. In this role, Nick is part of the fundraising team responsible for a $3B comprehensive campaign for Fred Hutch. With expertise in major gift fundraising, he has worked for and managed teams at organizations including the University of Washington, Pacific Science Center, Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, and Epiphany School.
Advancement Resources - Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Caleb works closely with academic, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations to develop and execute a customized and strategic approach to deepen the culture of philanthropy within each organization while supporting long-term transformation. In addition, Caleb is part of the facilitation team that delivers professional education for healthcare, academic, and nonprofit organizations. Through these engagements, he is involved in many client-focused projects and is honored to serve these organizations in a variety of ways.
BC Children's Hospital Foundation - Philanthropy Officer
Cherie Spence has more then 15 years of experience working in healthcare philanthropy in various fundraising roles. Most recently as a Philanthropy Officer at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Cherie is passionate about building connection with hospital partners to elevate the mission to transform child health through excellence in philanthropy.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 801 A
The Future of Fundraising is Female: Fundraisers & Donors Explore
Philanthropy has long been dominated by men filling the role of bard chair, advancement leaders, and donors but recent years have seen a shift towards greater representation of women, gender non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Anna Schlia, M.Ed
University of Rochester - Ph.D Candidate
Frontline fundraiser, researcher of donor inclinations, and status quo breaker, Anna Schlia is an expert in philanthropy research, principal and major gifts, program building, and executive leadership coaching. Relentlessly inquisitive about nonprofit institutions and the donors who support them, Anna is an emerging philanthropy scholar. She is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Rochester studying philanthropy for higher education.Kassie Cosgrove, CFRE, MA
Loyola University New Orleans Law - Loyola University New Orleans Law
Kassie Kissinger Cosgrove has over 11 years of experience in major gift fundraising and philanthropy working in various roles including the Chief Development Officer at the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and Director of Development for Tulane University and Ball State University. Kassie received her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) accreditation in 2016 and Certified Fundraising Management certificate from Indiana University’s Lily School of Philanthropy.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 716 A/B
The fundraising profession taking over the world
Fundraisers, let's dominate the world! The fundraising profession is present in every continent of the world and in this session you will develop a global perspective of the profession, its ethics and career opportunities, with examples from Egypt, Brazil, Japan and other countries.
Education Track(s): Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
GivingTuesday - Director
GivingTuesday Director for the Latin American and the Caribbean Hub. CEO of the Brazilian Fundraisers Association (ABCR) from 2015 to 2023. PhD student researching philanthropy and author of the book Economic Sustainability of Civil Society Organizations. Board member of the Brazilian charities Fundação Amor Horizontal, Fundação NHR Brasil and Kibô-no-Iê. CSR Professor and Alumni Manager at FECAP, Brazil.
Greenpeace Mena - Regional Fundraising Director
Perihan is a Regional Fundraising Director at Greenpeace MENA, with extensive fundraising leadership experience. She served for two years in AFP global board as At Large Director in 2023 and The Chapters Presidents' Council -CPC representative in 2022, where she was the first Arab woman nominated to this seat. She is also Immediate Past Chapter President of AFP Egypt and MENA Chapter.Masataka Uo, CFRE
Japan Fundraising Association - CEO
Masataka UO is the founder and CEO of Japan Fundraising Association, the Asian largest fundraisers network that promotes philanthropic giving and fundraising in Japan, and the founder of Fundrex, a leading consulting company in Japan which provides strategic development, fundraising management, and system consulting for more than 150 nonprofits and social business. He is CFRE and adjunct professor of Shizenkan Graduate School.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 715 A/B
(CANCELLED) Exploring the Influence, Trends, and Education of the Hispanic and Latinx Community in American Philanthropy
Join Anthony for an insightful discussion that delves into the dynamic world of philanthropy within the Hispanic and Latinx community in the United States. This session aims to shed light on the profound impact, evolving trends, and the crucial role that education will play in shaping the philanthropic landscape among this diverse and vibrant demographic for years to come.
Education Track(s): Leadership and Management
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Catapult Fundraising, Inc. - President
Anthony is one of the nation’s leading fundraising consultants with over three decades of expertise in capital campaigns, direct marketing and telefundraising. He is the AFP NJ 2021 recipient of the Consulting Excellence Award. He is also the 2023 recipient of the AFP Las Vegas Outstanding Fundraising Professional award. Anthony served on the boards of AFP New Jersey, AFP Las Vegas, The Giving Institute, Giving USA, and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 803 A/B
Just Do It!: Kickstarting Your Inclusive Fundraising & Communications Practice
1 in 4 Americans are disabled. 20% of Generation Z are LGBTQ+. The BIPOC-identifying population grows yearly. Inclusion cannot be an aspiration; it has to happen now. Informed by lived experience, Queer fundraiser Ali Kane and Hard-of-Hearing social media expert Katie Norton offer proven practices, prioritizing accessibility, representation, and intersectionality.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Ali Kane, MA
Perkins School for the Blind - Institutional Giving Officer
Ali Kane (she/they) is a Queer nonprofit leader and lifelong learner committed to intersectional inclusion and equity. They further this work through LGBTQ+ inclusion workshops for organizations across industries, advocating for health equity as Grants Management Specialist at Family Health Center of Worcester, and serving as Treasurer of Love Your Labels. Past accomplishments: Boston Future Leaders Class of 2023, appointment to American Public Garden Association IDEA Committee.
Perkins School for the Blind - Social Media Strategist
Katie Norton is an extremely passionate advocate for folks with disabilities, especially the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. As a person with hearing loss, Katie wears hearing aids and uses social media to spread awareness about the disability community and access needs, as well as empowering others with hearing loss. Currently, Katie is the Social Media Strategist at Perkins School for the Blind, focusing on digital storytelling and disability inclusion online.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
10:45am - 11:15am
Learning Lab 2
Boost Donations with Endurance Events & Giving Tuesday! (Learning Lab) Presented by GoFundraise
Discover new opportunities to raise more through engaging mass participation events (Spartan Race, San Francisco Marathon and more), plus learn new ways of fundraising through Giving Tuesday (interactive experiences, dollar matching appeals). Learn winning strategies to maximize your impact and reach new donors. This session is presented by global fundraising platform GoFundraise.
Speakers
GoFundraise - General Manager
Anthea is the General Manager of GoFundraise, a global digital fundraising platform, empowering charities and events to raise more and reduce costs. Anthea’s fundraising career started 10 years ago as a Project Manager for Variety – the Children’s Charity, and she’s been passionate about fundraising and making the world a better place ever since. She works closely with endurance events worldwide on fundraising strategies and coaches charities in crafting winning digital campaigns.
GoFundraise - Relationship Manager
Sunni Herbruck is the Relationship Manager for the global digital fundraising platform, GoFundraise. She works closely with non-profit organizations on their digital fundraising efforts in the US, Canada and the UK, and guides charities in maximizing their fundraising campaigns at mass participation events. A seasoned nonprofit tech expert, her passion is in relationship building and empowering charities to thrive.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
11:30am - 11:50am
Learning Lab 1
Leveraging Brand Voice and AI to Raise More Money (Learning Lab) Presnted by AFPeeps
Discover how to amplify your fundraising efforts by integrating your organization's unique brand voice with the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This session will explore innovative strategies for using AI to enhance your brand's communication, engage donors more effectively, and ultimately raise more money for your cause
Speakers
Cherian Koshy, CFRE
Kindsight (iWave+ UCinnovation + NOS) - VP of Product Strategy- Kindsight (formerly iWave).
Cherian Koshy, VP of Product Strategy at iWave, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), and AFP Master Trainer. He is the founder of the Nonprofit Operating System (now an iWave product), a comprehensive platform designed to help organizations streamline their operations and maximize their impact. Prior to starting NonprofitOS, Cherian spent more twenty five years working in the nonprofit sector, working with thousands of donors and raising millionsMon, Apr 8, 2024
11:30am - 12:00pm
Learning Lab 2
A New Era: How to Transform the Traditional Phonathon to Reach Today’s Donors (Learning Lab) Presented by Gravtyty
The phonathon has gone through countless evolutions, from the emergence of alternative channels like email and online giving, to scaled digital giving like GivingTuesday and giving days, to a new focus on the holistic donor experience. The now-standard approach to a hyper-personalized donor experience and the rising costs to hire student callers are shaping the ways advancement teams approach targeted fundraising campaigns like the phonathon. In this session, learn from two leading fundraising experts about how to transform your phonathon to a digital-first approach to reaching and engaging today’s donors.
Speakers
Megan Sanko, MA
Gravyty - Enterprise Account Manager
Megan Sanko is a seasoned fundraising professional with more than 16 years of frontline fundraising experience. With various roles, including Assistant Director of Digital Fundraising at the Wildlife Conservation Society and Director of Institutional Engagement at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, she has spent most of her career focused on individual, corporate, and event fundraising. She is now a product expert and account manager at Gravyty.Frank Mumford, CFRE
Gravyty - Account Executive
Frank is a fundraiser at heart who found his way into supporting nonprofits through creative software solutions. Frank got his start as a student telethon fundraiser and joined Gratavid after serving as Senior Donor Advisor at The Greater Twin Cities United Way. He serves on the AFP MN Board of Directors and NMU Alumni Association Board, and obtained his CFRE in 2019.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
12:00pm - 12:20pm
Learning Lab 1
AI and Ethics: What We Know … and Don’t Know (Learning Lab) Presented by AFPeeps
AI offers exciting opportunities for charities and nonprofits, from automating administrative tasks to gaining insight from data. However, integrating AI requires navigating complex ethical considerations unique to the fundraising sector. This session will highlight the findings in the recent Rogare report, Artificial Intelligence and Fundraising Ethics: A Research Agenda, with Cherian Koshy, project chair, and Alice Ferris, a member of the project group.
Education Track(s): Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Cherian Koshy, CFRE
Kindsight (iWave+ UCinnovation + NOS) - VP of Product Strategy- Kindsight (formerly iWave).
Cherian Koshy, VP of Product Strategy at iWave, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), and AFP Master Trainer. He is the founder of the Nonprofit Operating System (now an iWave product), a comprehensive platform designed to help organizations streamline their operations and maximize their impact. Prior to starting NonprofitOS, Cherian spent more twenty five years working in the nonprofit sector, working with thousands of donors and raising millionsAlice Ferris, ACFRE, CFRE, MBA, AFP Master Trainer
GoalBusters Consulting - Partner
Alice L. Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE, is the founder of GoalBusters, supporting small fundraising teams with development training, coaching, strategy, and implementation. For the last 30 years, she has worked extensively in fundraising for public media, rural healthcare, education, and science organizations. Alice thrives in finding creative solutions for the fundraising challenges of small organizations and teaching and training about practical and realistic tactics.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
12:15pm - 12:45pm
Learning Lab 2
Creating a Community-Driven Fundraising Strategy - (Learning Lab) Presented by Classy
Giving happens where community thrives. The best fundraising comes as a result of deep, informed relationships when beneficiaries, fundraisers, and donors are part of a connected system surrounded by a cause. But in recent years, as the sector has moved to scale fundraising, that declaration of support has become transactional. The way people interact with and participate in community is changing and even peer-to-peer fundraising has become isolated rather than a cultivator of deep sustaining relationships. Join this discussion around how organizations can radically change their perception of community building and build the future of mobilized communities in service of empowered and invigorated fundraising.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Michelle Boggs, CFRE, MBA
Classy - Executive Nonprofit Industry Advisor
Michelle Boggs has more than 15 years’ experience in fund development, community partnerships, team and constituent building and strategy for nonprofit organizations. Michelle currently serves as the Executive Nonprofit Industry Advisor at Classy, an affiliate of GoFundMe and Public Benefit Corporation and giving platform that enables nonprofits to connect supporters with the causes they care about. In this role, Boggs provides deep and practical nonprofit industry expertise and perspective for Classy's go-to-market and sales activities.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
12:30pm - 12:50pm
Learning Lab 1
Authentic Acknowledgments and Artificial Intelligence (Learning Lab) Presented by AFPeeps
This session aims to equip nonprofit professionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively integrate AI into their donor acknowledgment processes, which can enhance donor relationships and ensure a memorable donor experience. We will together understand how AI can personalize and scale donor acknowledgments and learn practical applications of AI in crafting thank-you messages all while gaining insights into ethical considerations and maintaining authenticity in communications.
Speakers
Lynne Wester, Masters in Fundraising
Donor Relations Guru LLC - Founder and Principal
Lynne is regularly featured in publications such as the Washington Post, Chronicle of Philanthropy, and CASE Currents and has contributed to two books and authored four books of her own on a myriad of industry topics. Lynne received her B.A. from the University of South Carolina, holds a Masters in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy from BayPath University, and proudly sports a DUCKtorate from the Disney Institute.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:00pm - 1:30pm
Learning Lab 1
Navigating Donor Journeys: Strategies for Engaging Nonprofit Supporters - (Learning Lab) Presented by Microsoft
In the dynamic landscape of nonprofit fundraising, understanding and optimizing the donor journey is paramount. In this Learning Lab session, we’ll delve into ways that Microsoft solutions can help your fundraising team streamline the journey building process, create meaningful connections with supporters from acquisition to long-term advocacy, and build stronger connections.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Microsoft - Technical Specialist, Tech for Social Impact
My name is Jim Ballou and I have been working at Microsoft for 2 years as a Technical Specialist for Microsoft’s Tech for Social impact team. I help our Nonprofit customers transform their operations through better technology solutions. I specialize in the Dynamics365 suite of applications, which includes customer relationship management (CRM), and the Power Platform, which enables users to create low code no code solutions.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:00pm - 1:30pm
Learning Lab 2
Are You Fit to Fundraise? Transform Your Donation Form for Greater Giving (Learning Lab) Presented by Donor Box
Are you looking to boost your fundraising efforts, bring in more donations, and better support your mission? The solution could be simpler than you think - transforming your online donation form! A well-designed form builds donor trust, improves the donor experience, and makes donating fast and easy, leading to increased gifts. In this interactive session, Donorbox experts will discuss the key elements of a successful donation form through a comprehensive “donation form fitness test.” You’ll leave with several actionable tips and the knowledge to get your form into shape, helping you raise more funds for your cause.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Donorbox - Head of Europe
Killian Raynor, a European nonprofit veteran, brings a proven fundraising track record from his time at the Red Cross and World Vision. Driven by a belief in creating lasting change, he excels in relationship-building, predictive fundraising, crafting creative campaigns, and securing the resources needed to make a difference.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 602 A/B
Curating THE Volunteer Experience
Looking to upgrade your volunteer program? Come learn & dialogue on how you can elevate the experiences your volunteers have with your organization - while maximizing the nearly $30 we save due to their gift of time.
Education Track(s): Volunteer Involvement
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Adrienne McDade Taylor, CFRE, MA, MBA
Skystone Partners - Senior Consultant
Adrienne Taylor is a Sr. Consultant at Skystone Partners. Adrienne started her career in fundraising through the AFP-Greater Cincinnati Chapter’s diversity program, New Faces of Fundraising, and now serves on the leadership team. She is the 2023 Greater Cincinnati Chapter President and AFP Global Board Member. Her commitment to IDEA is what keeps her actively engaged with AFP. She is a proud mom, wife, member of Kaleidoscope Investment Group and loves theatrical makeup.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 701A
Everything You Need To Know About African American High Wealth Donors
Are you effectively engaging African American high wealth donors? The data available on major gift donors of color is limited as compared to other demographic groups, and especially for African Americans. But these donors are highly philanthropic and give more of their household income per capita - don't miss out!
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
National Civil Rights Museum - Chief Marketing & Development Officer
Tiffany Legington Graham is the Chief Marketing & Development Officer for the National Civil Rights Museum, overseeing brand strategy and fundraising. She has 20 years of for-profit and non-profit experience. Previous leadership roles include: ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tulane University, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts+Culture and Levine Museum of the New South. She is an alumna of the University of Southern California and Georgia Tech, and serves on several advisory boards.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 701B
Building Healthy Relationships Inside Your Organization to Best Serve Donors
When it comes to relationship management, fundraisers often focus on prospects and donors. Equally as important is building relationships with colleagues inside your organization to best serve your donors. In this session, we’ll explore how best to manage relationships with supervisors, program staff, and board members to maximize mission impact.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
University of Toronto - Director, Foundation Relations
Maliha Hasan is currently Director Foundation Relations at University of Toronto. She has +12 years of experience across corporate, multilateral and not-for-profit organizations in roles spanning fundraising, resource mobilization, external relations and project management. Maliha has an MBA and in 2021, she was a part of AFP IDEA/Blackbaud Emerging Leaders Program.Lisa Chmiola, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer, CSPG, MS
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 713 A/B
How to Implement Strategies for Increasing Engagement and Philanthropy among Donors of Color
This presentation will allow participants to assess their organization’s diverse constituency landscape and establish a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) action plan to embed into their current fundraising initiatives. The session will introduce DEI strategies that align with their fundraising plans and priorities. Participants will work in small groups to assess their organization’s DEI goals, shortfalls, and opportunities; and will leave with the building blocks to create an action plan to improve the donor engagement and giving within their organization.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Alyssia Coates, PhD
Brown University - Senior Director of Development, Inclusive Philanthropic Engagement
Dr. Alyssia Coates is the Senior Director of Development, Inclusive Philanthropic Engagement for Brown University Advancement Division and Advancement Academic Liaison to faculty and administrative leadership. She formerly served for 24 years at the University of Notre Dame in many leadership roles, including regional director of development, senior leader for the enrollment management team, and professor for the college of the first year of studies.
Guilford College - Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations
LaDaniel “Danny” Gatling II, a higher education development professional with experience in philanthropic management and institutional advancement. Gatling serves as the Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. Prior to Guilford, he served as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Bennett College. Before joining Bennett, Gatling worked at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Elon University School of Law, and North Carolina A&T State University.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 801 A
Less Attrition, More Funds Recipes to Improve Stewardship and Philanthropic Culture From Donors and Boards
Dynamic, Intercultural, and Practical Session, Presented by speakers from Brazil and Mexico. Less Attrition, More Funds Recipes to Improve Stewardship and Philanthropic Culture From Donors and Boards will be the essential message. The importance of the key concepts of leadership, philanthropic culture, and stewardship will also be reviewed to overcome burnout and be successful in the fundraising plan.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Flavia Lang, MBA
Tools4Change Brasil - Managing Partner
Flavia is a curious and creative fundraising entrepreneur who helps NGOs to connect and develop meaningful relationship with individual donors. With entrepreneurial vision, creative leadership to inspire and engage teams to overcome challenges and goals, empowerment management style, the desire to turn the impossible possible, and a successful record in opening, restructuring, expansion and exponential growth of NPO. She is also a cofounder of Women in Fundraising Brazil.Ana Flavia Godoi, MBA
Women in Fundraising - Founder and CEO
She is the founder of Women in Fundraising, providing hands-on, comprehensive fundraising leadership for female fundraisers around the world. For 12 years she was on Brazilian Fundraising Association’s board. Ana has over 25 years of experience in fundraising for non-profits and foundations, focusing on strategic and development planning, major and corporate gifts. During pandemic, she raised 36 millions dollars and helped more than 500 NGOs to develop better negotiation techniques.Carlos Madrid, MBA
Fundación Liceo Sofia Labastida IAP - MBA
Carlos Madrid has more than 30 years of experience in Institutional Development and Fundraising, holds a Bachelor in Communication, and Masters. He is an accredited consultant, and was Development Director of the Hospital Infantil de Mexico (1994-2013). Director of the Banorte and Gruma Foundations (2006-2013); past Chairman of the Junta de Asistencia Privada del Distrito Federal (2014-2020). Actually, independent consultant mainly in Board Development and Corporate Volunteeering and treasurer of AFP Mexican Foundation.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 801 B
Nine Simple Ideas to Increase Your Legacy Gifts
Finding your best legacy prospects can be challenging and time consuming. In this session, you’ll learn about simple solutions that you can implement that will have you spending less time searching and more time converting legacy prospects into legacy donors.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Amnesty International Canada - Director of Fundraising
Marie-Hélène was promoted to Director of Fundraising in July 2022. She previously worked at MSF (Doctors Without Borders) and CARE Canada. And has worked in several fundraising positions from Direct Mail, Monthly Giving to Major Gifts. In the last year, the legacy program revenue at Amnesty was the highest ever for the organization, a 306% increase over 2020 and a 129% increase over 2019.Ryan Garnett, CFRE
Harvey McKinnon Associates - Head of Integrated Marketing
Ryan is an experienced consultant with more than 10 years of experience helping non-profits raise more money for their causes. At Harvey McKinnon Associates, he’s the Head of Integrated Marketing and helps clients develop strategies for integrating their efforts through all channels including direct mail, telemarketing, e-mail, and social media. Ryan has been a speaker at a number of fundraising conferences/events including the AFP Congress, AHP International Conference, and the CAGP Conference.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 715 A/B
Realigning fundraising for the "dollars up, donors down" era
The “Pareto Principle” (80/20 rule) is still referenced for fundraising planning, if only to assert that it no longer holds. Using Fundraising Effectiveness Project data participants will explore a new “principle” based on current gift distributions (fewer smaller gifts, more larger ones) while also experimenting with other new planning tools. Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Current and Prospective Donor Research
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
DataLake Nonprofit Research - President
Jonathan Durnford is founder and President/CEO of DataLake Nonprofit Research. Jon is an Affiliated Scholar of the University of San Diego Nonprofit Institute and former Affiliated Scholar of the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS, Urban Institute). Jon is key developer of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) National Database, and serves on the FEP Steering Committee, Giving USA Methodology Task Force, and AFP Research Council.Genevieve Shaker, MA, PhD
Lilly Family School of Philanthropy IUPUI - Associate Professor
Genevieve Shaker, Ph.D., is associate professor of philanthropic studies and the Donald A. Campbell Chair in Fundraising Leadership in the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. A university fundraiser for two decades, her research focuses on fundraising and fundraisers, particularly within higher education. She is a recipient of the AFP/Skystone Partners Prize for Research and AFP’s “Emerging Scholar” award.
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 718 B
Using an Equity Lens to Create Gift Acceptance Policies
Gift acceptance policies are one of the foundational documents that help guide donor relationships. It is time to rethink gift acceptance policies and practices to examine how they can be an agent of change, and a tool for educating donors on your organization’s values which include equity, reconciliation, and diversity. Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Education Track(s): Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Tanya Rumble, CFRE, MPNL (MA)
Toronto Metropolitan University - Executive Director of Development, Faculty of Arts
Tanya Rumble, CFRE is a fundraising leader who has raised millions for some of Canada's largest charities. Tanya is passionate about IDEA; and power and privilege and how these intersect with philanthropy. Tanya holds an Honours BA in Political Science from McMaster, a Graduate Certificate in Marketing Communications at NYU, and Master Philanthropy Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University; she is also a graduate of the AFP Inclusion and Philanthropy Fellowship, and DiverseCity Fellowship.Ellen Doty, Master of Philanthropy and Non Profit Leadership (MPNL)
University of Alberta - Assistant Dean, Development, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta
Ellen Doty (she/her) is a settler living on Treaty 6 Territory in Edmonton. After touring full time as a jazz singer-songwriter for several years following her university studies, Ellen moved into programming in the arts, which then naturally led to fundraising. While she’d been grant writing and crowdfunding for her own music activities for many years, she’d never considered fundraising as a career path.
Rideau Hall Foundation - Business Title Director of Indigenous and Northern Relations
Bill Mintram is Métis, originally from Saskatchewan and now resides in Treaty 6 and homeland of the Métis in Edmonton. Bill holds a BEd through the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program and is currently a master's candidate in the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program at Carleton. Currently working as Director of Indigenous and Northern Relations with the Rideau Hall Foundation.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 717 A/B
Chasing Money, Power, Respect and the Uncharitable Impact of Inequitable Fundraising
Presented by a national award-winning change agent for equitable philanthropy, this session challenges how fund development can contribute to inequity and harmful dominant cultural norms. While providing solutions to: engage a broader donor base, attract diverse talent in the field, and build authentic collaboration and deeper engagement with directly-impacted populations.
Education Track(s): Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Audience: Applied
Speakers
HERitage Giving Fund - JAMYCE, LLC
Akilah S. Wallace provides social impact consulting with 20+ years of expertise in events, fund development, nonprofit leadership and public speaking and training. She is the founder and chair of HERitage Giving Fund, a Black women’s giving circle. National honors include the Inaugural Black Women Give Back List presented by Women's Philanthropy Institute, Black Philanthropy Month and The WISE Fund and Young Black and Giving Back Institute's Philanthropist of the Year.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 601 A/B
Learn About The Advanced Credential in Fundraising, Its time to Get Involved in ACFRE
The Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated: Join us for a lively and informative session to learn “all about” the ACFRE process. Members of the ACFRE Board will explain the process and ACFRE’s will answer your questions. .
Education Track(s): Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Timothy Logan, ACFRE, CFRE, FAHP
Company Synergy Direct Marketing Solutions - Vice President, Mid-Level Solutions
Timothy D. Logan, CFRE, ACFRE, FAHP, FCEP is Vice President of Mid-Level Giving Solutions at Synergy Direct Marketing Solutions. He holds a Masters of Nonprofit Management (MNO) from Case Western Reserve University. Tim is one of only ten fundraising professionals to hold both the ACFRE and the FAHP advanced certifications.Audrey Kintzi, ACFRE, MA, AFP Master Trainer
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - Vice President, Emerita for Advancement and the Executive Director of the M. A. in Philanthropy and Development Program
Audrey Kintzi is the Vice President, Emerita for Advancement and the Executive Director of the M. A. in Philanthropy and Development Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Ms. Kintzi has been working in the development field for over 35 years and is a certified AFP Master Trainer and holds a Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology (with Distinction) from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy.William Bartolini, CFRE, PhD, AFP Master Trainer
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 718 A
Corporate Giving Officers’ Top Ten Turn-Offs, Straight from the Donor’s Mouth
Corporate giving officers are inundated by nonprofits asking for money. But do nonprofits really know what these corporations are looking for, and what turns them off? In this session, Michelle Cramer will facilitate a candid conversation with two corporate giving officers, one being her daughter, and they’re holding nothing back.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Katie Cramer, MA
Big Lots - Manager, Philanthropy & Events
In her role at Big Lots, a national retailer with 1,400 stores and more than 30,000 associates, Katie leads the organization’s charitable giving and employee engagement efforts. She oversees the Big Lots Foundation’s grantmaking, distributing $5 million annually to 250 nonprofits around the country, and manages the company’s point-of-sale campaign program, engaging customers to raise millions of dollars for Big Lots’ nonprofit partners. Katie earned her Masters from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.Michelle Cramer, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer
Cramer & Associates - President & CEO
Michelle Cramer, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer is President & CEO of Cramer & Associates, a women-owned, Hispanic-owned fundraising consulting firm. Founded in 1987, the firm specializes in feasibility studies, campaigns, and serves nonprofits of every size and sector. In 2015, Michelle was awarded the “Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of the Year” award by AFP Central Ohio. She was also a contributing author to “The Nonprofit Consulting Playbook: Winning Strategies from 25 Leaders in the Field.”Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 802 A/B
How to Create a Donor Newsletter That Raises Money
Donor newsletters can play a key role in your annual (and legacy!) fundraising strategies. Join Holly to learn how to plan and execute all the details of a newsletter appeal, how and when to integrate digital with print, what data to track, and get inspired by lots of real-life examples!
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Holly H. Paulin, CFRE
Broccoli - Partner
Holly H. Paulin, CFRE has been a professional fundraiser for over 20 years. She’s equally passionate about emotional storytelling and good data analytics, and strongly believes that the best fundraising happens at their intersection. After working as both a front-line fundraiser and a consultant, Holly co-founded Broccoli in 2021. She is a graduate of Humber’s Fundraising program, holds a B.Sc. from Mount Allison University, and served as Co-Chair of AFP Ottawa’s 2021 Fundraising Day conference.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 714 A/B
Predictions and Personalization: Leveraging AI to Supercharge Your Nonprofit through Precision Philanthropy (Presented by DonorSearch)
Explore the transformative power of AI in philanthropy with 'Predictions and Personalization.' This presentation unveils how nonprofits can harness artificial intelligence to personalize donor engagement, optimize fundraising strategies, and predict giving trends. Learn to leverage precision philanthropy through a practical blend of Predictive and Generative AI for amplified impact.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Nathan Chappell, CFRE, MA, MBA
DonorSearch AI - Senior Vice President
As a renowned thought leader, AI inventor and award-winning author, Nathan Chappell one of the world’s foremost experts on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and generosity. Nathan is SVP at DonorSearch AI, Co-Founder of Fundraising.AI and co-author of The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity’s Greatest Challenges. Nathan serves on the International Committee for Information Technology Standards, the OpenAI Users Forum and the AI for Good Foundation.
DonorSearch - Associate Vice President, DonorSearch Ai
Scott Rosenkrans is the Associate Vice President of DonorSearch Ai and has been with the organization for three years. He began his journey in the nonprofit sector twelve years ago as a prospect researcher. He quickly became fascinated with data as he noticed the organization that he previously worked for was amassing a wealth of information but was unsure how to efficiently use the data and resources to its full potential.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 803 A/B
Digital Marketing & Fundraising in 2024: How To Align Campaign Strategies To Maximize Results (Presented by Feathr )
Digital Marketing & Fundraising in 2024: How To Align Campaign Strategies To Maximize Results In a world where digital interaction is paramount, nonprofits face the constant challenge of standing out and making a meaningful impact. In this session, we’ll explore which trends in digital technology genuinely matter for nonprofits and how these can be leveraged to maximize impact. We'll delve into: How to create digital fundraising campaigns that resonate with today's easily distracted donors, ensuring your message cuts through the noise. Practical tips on boosting your nonprofit's digital and social media advertising, email marketing, and search marketing strategies to enhance donor engagement and acquisition in 2024. Real-life examples from growing nonprofits that have successfully implemented an omnichannel strategy to elevate their digital fundraising outcomes. Join us to sharpen your digital fundraising strategy and enhance your nonprofit's digital presence. Whether your goal is to attract new supporters, strengthen bonds with current ones, or boost your online impact, this session is your key to success in 2024.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Feathr - Chief Revenue Officer and President
Aidan Augustin is the co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Feathr, the Nonprofit Marketing Platform, which supports over a thousand associations and charitable orgs with modern digital marketing technology. Aidan is on a mission to elevate nonprofit marketing as a discipline and a profession, believing it to be a force multiplier for good that remains largely untapped.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Room 716 A/B
From Talk to Walk: Building a Diverse Donor Base through Authentic Partnerships (Presented by the Alford Group)
Forget "donor engagement" myths. The time has come to build authentic partnerships with donors of color, whose passion and dedication can transform your organization. This session isn't just about buzzwords - it's about actionable strategies from experts and donors themselves. Learn how to: Go beyond tokenism: Discover effective ways to identify and connect with diverse donors on their terms and values. Break down the barriers: Create an inclusive environment that fosters genuine engagement and is rooted in trust and mutual respect. Spark lasting commitment: Hear firsthand from donors on what ignites their passion and fuels their giving. Come join us in creating a movement, not just a moment by discovering how to create a sustainable relationship model that embraces the power of diverse voices in driving meaningful change for your organization’s mission and making the world a better place for ALL people.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Roger Ali, MBA, CFRE, CFRE, MBA, C. Dir (Chartered Director)
Bipartisan Policy Center - Chief Development Officer
Williams is a Certified Fundraising Executive, and in her more than 20-year career she has inspired individuals and institutions to invest more than $100 million dollars in charitable causes. Williams leads the Association of Fundraising Professionals global Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Committee; chairs the governing boards of Monument Academy Public Charter School, the Nonprofit Alliance Foundation, and Rising Media Stars; and teaches Fundraising and Leadership at The Pennsylvania State University.Ambar Syed, CFRE, B.A.
Peel Children's Aid Foundation - Director of Philanthropy
Ambar Syed is a nonprofit specialist with a decade of experience in fund development, grants, and corporate/foundation partnerships. She is currently Director of Philanthropy at Peel Children's Aid Foundation, and has a background ranging from grassroots organizations to international development. A second-generation Pakistani Canadian, she has in-depth experience working for the Muslim philanthropic community across various cultures and regions, and chairs the Muslim Philanthropy Network, dedicated to bringing together the diverse community of Muslim fundraisers.
N/A - Equity Seeker
“I am a detail-oriented and driven professional consultant and speaker, poised with an entrepreneurial flare for seeing potential, identifying opportunities and reaping results.” Anti-Oppression and Equity are part of my core values, improving both in the non-profit sector is my priority. With over 20 years of social service and community development experience, I dove right into my new chosen profession, and I added another level to my education by completing the Humber Fundraising Management program.
American Latino Veterans Asso. & VARcom Solutions - Founder & CEO
Danny Vargas is a nationally recognized business, community, and board leader. He chaired the effort to authorize the American Latino Museum and chairs the American Latino Veterans Association, the Virginia Civil Rights Advisory Committee, and a Northern Virginia economic development initiative. He is an Air Force veteran, President of VARCom Solutions, and former executive at AOL and France Telecom. He was named among the Most Influential Latinos in America and Most Influential people in DC.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:45pm - 2:15pm
Learning Lab 2
Integrating Your Blackbaud Data with Microsoft’s Power Ecosystem (Learning Lab) Presented by Heller Consulting
Discover how you can effectively leverage your Blackbaud data with Microsoft's Power Platform, Power BI, and Dynamics 365 Customer Insights. This session will guide you through enhancing Raiser's Edge data usage with practical demonstrations of advanced segmentation in Customer Insights. You’ll see a short demonstration on how you could segment.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Speakers
Heller Consulting - Principal Consultant
Mike is a Principal Consultant for Heller Consulting. In his role, he guides national organizations through complex strategy and implementation projects. Mike spent over 20 years in strategic and technical leadership positions in both nonprofit and higher education organizations. Drawing upon years of experience at the Canadian Cancer Society in marketing, online fundraising and digital, he brings a strong understanding of nonprofit organizations and complex systems issues operating at the national scale.
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
1:45pm - 2:15pm
Learning Lab 1
Canadian Knowledge Hub for Giving and Volunteering (Learning Lab)
The data shows that trends in donor behaviour, volunteerism and the social purpose sector are rapidly changing. To adapt to these changes, it is paramount that practitioners and supporters of the sector embrace data-driven engagement. Data-driven insights lead to better decisions that drive effective volunteer involvement, fundraising, and better outcomes from essential programs, services and fund development strategies that meet evolving community needs. In this session, we introduce a formidable tool to harness the power of data-driven insights – the Canadian Knowledge Hub for Giving and Volunteering.
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
2:30pm - 3:00pm
Learning Lab 1
Gifts that Grow: AI-Enhanced Strategies for Expanding Major Contributions - (Learning Lab) Presented by Donor Search
Gifts that Grow: AI-Enhanced Strategies for Expanding Major Contributions" is a dynamic session for forward-thinking philanthropists, fundraisers, and nonprofit leaders seeking to elevate their major gift efforts. In this engaging session, participants will delve into the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence and philanthropy, discovering how AI can predict potential major contributions and enhance the personalization and effectiveness of fundraising campaigns.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
DonorSearch - Senior Onboarding Specialist
Cathy Allwine has been part of the DonorSearch Client Success team for 7 years. She has presented over 1500 webinars, live sessions at conferences, and in-person training sessions for DonorSearch clients and specializes in helping clients understand how to use DonorSearch data to achieve their specific goals. Prior to DonorSearch, Cathy excelled in various customer services roles, including insurance sales, web development and email marketing, hospitality and retail.
DonorSearch - Director of Sales Operations
Jason brings over 5 years of invaluable experience to DonorSearch, where he has made significant strides in his journey from an eager account executive to becoming the Director of Sales and Operations. In his current role, Jason plays a pivotal role in driving revenue, sales strategies, and operational efficiencies, working closely with DonorSearch's Executive Vice President, Patrick Tedesco. Jason has been instrumental in transforming the culture of the sales team by embracing how non-profits fundraise.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
2:30pm - 3:00pm
Learning Lab 2
Activating Board Engagement (Learning Lab) Presented by CCS Fundraising
Have you ever found yourself asking how to engage your Board in a more meaningful way? This session tackles exactly that question by sharing how intensive efforts to better engage Trustees, took root with unique nonprofit Boards across various sectors to generate more meaningful and active engagement of Board.
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Kris Kuhns, MA
CCS Fundraising - Senior Vice President
Kris thrives working with complex organizations and those building their first fundraising program. She has run projects including Strategic Planning, Campaigns, Planning Studies, Analytics, and Interim Development. Kris serves on the Board of Directors (President Elect) of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – DC Chapter (Washington, DC). She also serves as Co-Chair of Education for the Bridge Conference (2024).Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:15pm - 3:45pm
Learning Lab 2
Unlocking Giving Potential: Navigating Market Sizes and Archetypes for Successful Fundraising in North America (Learning Lab) Presented by Altrata
This session will navigate the intricacies of North America's diverse market and donor profiles, offering strategic insights for effective fundraising for the wealthy. Explore the trends prevalent among the ultra-wealthy and learn how to leverage regional preferences. Join us to optimize your impact and ensure your organization thrives in the dynamic world of charitable giving.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Altrata – WealthEngine, Wealth-X, and RelSci - Senior Director, Head of Education and Healthcare
With over a decade in the non-profit sector, Matt Thompson is a passionate professional dedicated to serving universities and health systems. Currently at Altrata, a leader in Wealth Intelligence, Matt collaborates with a diverse range of non-profit clients using innovative solutions like RelSci, WealthEngine, and Wealth-X. His expertise lies in crafting tailored strategies to address the unique challenges faced by non-profits. Matt takes pride in witnessing the positive impact of his work on fundraising success.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:15pm - 3:45pm
Learning Lab 1
Outcomes Based Grants Reporting Made Simple: Utilizing Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud to Manage Impact Reporting (Learning Lab) Presented by RSM US
Does your grants team struggle to get accurate and accessible grants reporting in a timely fashion? Do your stewardship and marketing teams struggle with impact reporting for donors? This session will demonstrate how you can set up outcomes management in Salesforce’s new Nonprofit Cloud to then feed easily accessible reports and dashboards for grants and stewardship staff. We'll use the real life example of Catholic Social Service in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to demonstrate how an outcomes based organization is creating more accurate and timely reporting.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Speakers
RSM Canada - Associate, Nonprofit Relationship Management
Durdana Tazrian is an associate on the Nonprofit Relationship Management Team at RSM. She has been a part of the Salesforce ecosystem as a consultant for 4 years, working with clients to provide Salesforce implementation and consultation services across a variety of products. Her expertise includes, but is not limited to, Nonprofit Cloud, Nonprofit Success Pack, Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Experience Cloud, Marketing Cloud, and Pardot.
RSM US - Manager, Nonprofit Relationship Management
Jamie Van Nostrand spent 20 years in nonprofits before moving into the consulting space. During her time in nonprofits, Jamie has served as a fundraiser, membership director, stewardship manager, development operations manager, and served on the core strategy team for a large-scale digital transformation and conversion to Salesforce’s NPSP. At RSM, Jamie leads the Salesforce Not for Profit Consulting Team, primarily focusing in sales, practice development, relationship building, and strategy.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 601 A/B
From Young Pro to Emerging Leader: How to maximize AFP to build your career!
What we are hearing: “Emerging Leaders are jack-of-all-trades, masters of none.” With a projected 10-year growth in the fundraising profession of 14%, emerging leaders need to strategically maximize their growth potential. Hear how four young, diverse professionals catapulted their careers by maximizing their professional experience to become leaders.
Education Track(s): Leadership and Management
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Allison Plattsmier, CFRE, Ed.D, CAP, ANCP, GPC
Jordan Thomas Foundation - Executive Director
Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier has over twelve years of experience in the nonprofit sector, has worked with 75+ organizations and raised approximately $5 million. She currently serves as Executive Director of Edgehill Neighborhood Partnership and CEO of AQP Consulting. She was the youngest recipient of AFP's Outstanding Young Professional in 2018 and is a graduate of AFP's WII Leadership Development Program. She currently chairs AFP’s Emerging Leaders Mentor program.Jarrod Williams, CFRE, MBLI
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh (ULGP) - Director of Development and External Relations
Jarrod Williams is a courageous, strategic, and results-orientated development professional that is committed to creating a true culture of philanthropy for non-profits. He is currently the Director of Development and External Relations for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh (ULGP). He is responsible for planning, implementing, and directing comprehensive strategies for fundraising, marketing, events, and volunteer programs. Jarrod is a proud Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and member of the Men of Color in Development (MOCID).Dzenan Berberovic, CFRE, MA
Avera Health - Chief Philanthropy Officer
Refugee of war. Immigrant. Difference-maker. Dzenan Berberovic (JE-nahn Bur-bur-oh-vik) was born in one of the poorest countries of the world, war-torn Bosnia. A resident of a refugee camp and Germany for six years, Dzenan and his mother immigrated to the US when he was nine years old. Today, Dzenan he serves Avera, one of the largest health systems, as Chief Philanthropy Officer. Inspired by a stranger’s generosity, Dzenan was led to his life’s work: philanthropy.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 602 A/B
Not Just CRM Data Anymore! Mega-trends for Non-technical Fundraising Leadership
Why does Amazon message "forgot to complete your checkout" but most non-profits do not? How can we better use our websites (and mobile apps) to build new donor relationships? These are two of the many questions we tackle in this session designed for non-technical fundraising leaders.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Canadian Cancer Society
Lina Mohamed currently oversees the Mass Marketing vertical at the Canadian Cancer Society. Lina has exercised leadership in navigating complex business challenges, lean budgets, limited resources, and ambiguity by implementing scalable net new strategies across the enterprise. Industry leaders such as the Canadian Marketing Association and Direct Mail Association have acknowledged Lina’s efforts in bringing vision and strategy to life and evolving traditional ideas that have been adopted by the non-profit market.
Fundraise Up - Chief Partnerships Officer
Salvatore Salpietro is the Chief Community Officer of Fundraise Up, a technology company unlocking the world’s generosity potential by optimizing how people give. He also currently serves on the board of AsiaWild.org. Prior, he served as Director of Digital for Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit focused on children's mental health, and a technologist in academia.Philip King, MBA, ePMT
Stephen Thomas Ltd (ST) - Director of Digital
Philip is currently the Director of Digital at ST. He works with national Canadian fundraising organizations to accelerate digital revenue. Philip started as VP eBusiness for United Way of Toronto in 1999 so has been helping fundraisers 'do digital' for over 25 years. He has an MBA from University of Toronto, and AB from Harvard College. He was CEO of Artez Interactive for over a decade. He loves talking about conversion funnels!Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 701B
Corporate Partnership: Handling the Hard Questions
Exclusivity, removing company logos and saying no to employee volunteerism are just a few challenging conversations that charities have with their corporate partners regularly. Learn the mindset and approach you need to tackle these conversations and using real-world examples, we will define a clear approach to respond.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Heather Nelson, CFRE, MBA
BridgeRaise - President and Founder
Heather Nelson is founder and president at corporate fundraising consultancy, BridgeRaise. Heather started her career in program management and fundraising at small nonprofits and for 15+ years has focused on corporate partnership. She has supported 100s of charities raise money from companies by prioritizing aligned values. Heather holds her MBA from Schulich School of Business and is a certified fundraising executive. She is an experienced teacher having taught Introduction to Fundraising at Toronto Metropolitan University.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 714 A/B
Be Bold Better: What It Takes To Create Transformational Gifts
This highly interactive session will deepen participants’ understanding of what transformational giving is and how they and Board partners can develop the skills and actionable tools to create transformational gifts through concepts like BIG VISION, Signature Language, Bold Listening, the Science of Rituals, and leave invigorated to Be Bold Better!
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Christy Passmore, MA
Vision Philanthropy Group - Senior Advisor
Christy Passmore joined Vision Philanthropy Group July, 2022 following almost 40 years in staff leadership roles honing skills ranging from mass communications and volunteer management to major gifts development. More than half her career was spent at Vanderbilt University (1990-2011) where she managed two campaigns: $50 million to build a free-standing Childrens Hospital immediately followed by the planning and implementation of Vanderbilt’s first billion dollar-plus campaign, Shape the Future, which secured more than $1.8 billion.Susan Holt, MA
Vision Philanthropy Group - President and Senior Consultant
Susan Holt, fundraising specialist with 40 years experience leading/consulting education, health care, and social service/arts organizations, founded Vision Philanthropy Group in 2009. CDO at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University Medical School, Weill-Cornell Medical College, National Jewish Health. Specialist in campaigns and training in major gift fundraising. She speaks on transformational giving, campaigns, psychology of giving and philanthropic cultures. Managed campaigns from $10 million to $1.3 billion, and partnered in securing nearly $2 billion.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 716 A/B
How to engage your board in fundraising
Get your answers here! This session is for Senior Leaders (EDs, DoDs, Board): Ask your most important questions about how to engage your board in the fundraising process either through special projects or capital campaigns. Pick the minds of some of the most successful and knowledgeable leaders in
Education Track(s): Leadership and Management
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Roger Ali, MBA, CFRE, CFRE, MBA, C. Dir (Chartered Director)
Skystone Partners - President & CEO
Liz has more than 20 years of experience working for and with nonprofits. She joined Skystone Partners in 2007 as a senior consultant, became managing partner in 2010, and president and CEO in 2013. Liz has volunteered with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Cincinnati Chapter where she was a founding member of the Ethics Committee, AFP International.Penelope Cagney, CFRE, MA, MFA
The Cagney Company - President and CEO
Penelope Cagney, MFA, MA, CFRE, President of The Cagney Company, edited “Global Best Practices for CSO, NGO and Other Nonprofit Boards”; co-edited the 2015 Skystone Partners Research Prize winner “Global Fundraising: How the World is Changing the Rules of Philanthropy”; and authored “Nonprofit Consulting Essentials: What Every Nonprofit and Consultant Needs to Know”. Penelope serves on the board of the AFP Global US Foundation for Philanthropy and previously on the AFP Global Association Board.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 717 A/B
Raising Money Where You Don’t Live: Funding in Secondary Markets
Sometimes our organizations are so good at what they do, they decide to grow. And our network has too, also. In our time together, we'll be breaking down that stigma that we’re an “outsider” in the community, orienting funders in a new area, and how to steward relationships over time.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Steven Mandeville, MBA
The Family Initiative - Director, Fund Development
Steven Mandeville is the Director of Fund Development for The Family Initiative. Mandeville oversees a team raising money for the multi-state agency in Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Currently, Mandeville is focused on training the expanding fund development team and building development relationships in north Texas where TFI is expanding. The team has raised over $1.5m since he joined the agency. Mandeville earned his bachelors and masters in business degrees from Oklahoma State University.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 718 A
How Capital Campaigns are Changing and What You Can Learn from National Organizations’ Experience
Leaders from three large, national organizations (ACLU, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and UNICEF USA) will describe how their national capital campaigns have differed from other campaigns, and what innovative lessons and new approaches can be applied to all capital campaigns to make them more successful.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Jethro Miller, MA
Clinton Foundation - Chief Development Officer
Jethro Miller is Chief Development Officer for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, leading the organization’s national fundraising program. Prior to joining Planned Parenthood in 2014, he spent six years at the American Red Cross, serving as Vice President for Principal and Major Gifts. He has also served as Director of Development for Children's Rights, a national advocacy organization, and as a consultant for CCS Fundraising.Renée Cutting, MA
UNICEF USA - Chief Philanthropy Officer
V. Renée Cutting leads UNICEF USA’s strategic partnerships as Chief Philanthropy Officer. In her inaugural year, Renée inspired the individual and institutional teams to achieve over $1 billion in philanthropic revenue supporting the world’s most vulnerable children. With 25 years of experience, Renée has led at premier institutions including the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Mount Sinai, Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.Mark Wier, MBA
ACLU - Chief Development Officer
Mark Wier is Chief Development Officer for the American Civil Liberties Union. He leads a national team that collaborates with 50 ACLU affiliates nationwide. Since taking the role in 2012, Mark led the most ambitious capital campaign in the ACLU’s history, the Centennial Campaign, which raised over $2.7 billion. Prior to the ACLU, Mark worked in Development at the International Rescue Committee, WNET/Thirteen New York, and The New York Public Library.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 801 A
AI for Fundraising: Your Quick-Start Guide (Presented by Microsoft)
AI seems to be everywhere, but how is it relevant to your development team? In this session, we’ll walk through a “day-in-the-life” of a fundraiser to explore how AI can help you: Identify high-value prospects who are most likely to donate to your organization based on their past giving history and other factors. Personalize donor communications by analyzing donor data and providing insights into their preferences and interests.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Christina Macchiarola, MBA, Other
Microsoft - Global Engagement & Content Lead
Christina Macchiarola is the Global Engagement & Content Lead for the Tech for Social Impact team at Microsoft. Previously, Christina served as Sr. Director of Marketing & Consulting at the College Board, the Director of Marketing and Communications at the World Science Festival and began her nonprofit career at the New Victory Theater in New York City. Christina holds an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, an MFA from Columbia University's School.Alex Kasavin, MBA
Microsoft - Sr. Product Manager
Alex Kasavin is a senior product manager on the Tech for Social Impact team at Microsoft, where he leads the development of data and AI products for the nonprofit sector. Prior to this role, he helped Fortune 500 enterprises with their digital transformation efforts as a cloud solution architect, and was previously the founding product lead at a K-12 education nonprofit focused on educational equity.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 718 B
Moving Toward Equitable Futures: A CCF Panel
In this panel discussion, Rachel D’Souza will facilitate a spirited and informative discussion with members of the CCF Global Council to explore learnings from and experiences in the movement, and how including CCF’s core principles in your organization’s fundraising strategy can lead to larger contributions and more committed donors/funders.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Rickesh Lakhani, CFRE, MBA
Radiance Advisory - Lead Consultant
Rickesh Lakhani believes that we are all responsible for each other’s success. He is the Founder of Radiance Advisory, supporting social impact organizations and leaders to align their actions with their values and build stronger cultures based on truth and trust. He has over 15 years of experience in the social impact sector, including serving as the Executive Director at a community-based organization and as the Development Director leading an $8M annual fundraising campaign.Abigail Oduol, CFRE, MA
Earthjustice - Senior Development Officer, Planned Gift
Abigail Oduol is a Senior Development Officer, Planned Gifts at Earthjustice. Abigail’s work experience includes 3 years in Kenya and Ethiopia in refugee resettlement, work as an autism behavior therapist and a graduate degree in Transformational Urban Leadership. Abigail has lead initiatives such as a Black employee affinity group, a parenting support group and launching an organization wide initiative to retain Black staff.
Profound Gentlemen - Director of Development
Leah Rapley is the Director of Development of Profound Gentlemen, a nonprofit committed to retaining male educators of color, and serves on the Community Centric Fundraising Global Council. She received a Masters in International Education Development from George Washington University and Bachelors in Anthropology from Davidson College.
Gladiator Consulting - Founder+Principal
Rachel D'Souza is the founder of Gladiator Consulting, a boutique firm serving nonprofits across the country. Rachel is a founding member of the Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) Global Council, a body that guides a global initiative to reimagine the nonprofit sector through radical collaboration, racial equity, social justice, and decolonization. Additionally, Rachel is currently the president-elect for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater St. Louis Regional Chapter.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 801 B
Engaging Diverse Donors and Cultivating an Inclusive Donor Base
Are you looking to develop a more inclusive donor program? Join to learn about the strategies and insights gained from high-profile inclusive fundraising campaigns that launched the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Obama 2008 presidential campaign.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Funders' Committee for Civic Participation (FCCP) - Senior Director of Member and Foundation Relations
April Harley is the Senior Director of Member and Foundation Relations at Funders' Committee for Civic Participation (FCCP). Prior to this role, she's served as an executive leader in non-profits. From 2007-2012, April raised upwards of $15 million for President Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns, Inaugurations, the Party and nominating conventions. After serving as the Senior Advisor to the Mayor for the Charlotte in 2012 Convention, she created The Harley Firm, providing consulting services.
Anna Barber, JD
Barber & Associates - Founder and Principal Strategist
Anna Barber, Founder and Principal Strategist of Barber & Associates, is a 20-year fundraising veteran. Prior to starting the firm, Barber was the first Central Major Gifts Officer at the Smithsonian Institution, and a member of the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s (NMAAHC) fundraising team. At NMAAHC, Barber secured $42M in leadership ($1M+) and major ($100K) gift support, closing 22 individual one million-dollar gifts, 90% contributed by first-time Smithsonian donors.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 803 A/B
Manage and measure your impact as a strategic asset
Do you want to leverage your environmental and social impact to mobilize resources more effectively? Are you looking to measure and communicate your current impact better? In this session, we will help you create impact management plans that engage your stakeholders, meaningfully measure outcomes, and strengthen your fundraising strategies.
Education Track(s): Leadership and Management
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Relativ Impact - Managing Director
Sarah Nielsen is the Managing Director of Relativ Impact, an impact solutions provider serving purpose-driven organizations in over forty countries. She has experienced in multiple levels and areas of social sector management including fundraising, communications, impact measurement, and project development. Sarah completed post-graduate studies in fundraising management and international development in Canada before working in development roles across Southern Africa.Colin Habberton, PhD
Relativ Impact - Co-Founder
Colin Habberton is Co-Founder of Relativ Impact, an impact solutions provider based in South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand, serving investors, corporates, social enterprises, foundations, government agencies, and nonprofits. His PhD research focused on the decision-making dynamics of institutional investors towards responsible investing. Through academic research and professional practice, Colin has focused on building tools and processes to support organizations in identifying, managing, and amplifying their impact for more than 15 years.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 701A
With a great story comes great responsibility: A case study of ethical and trauma-informed storytelling
Join this session to learn about creating space, safety and equity in storytelling with vulnerable populations. Using the YWCA Regina’s capital campaign as a case study, we’ll discuss telling truthful and accurate stories while ensuring the dignity of all involved. Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Education Track(s): Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Audience: Applied
Speakers
YWCA Canada - Indigenous Relations Director/Accountability Partner
Jessica Gordon is Anishinaabe and Nehiyaw from Pasqua First Nation, Treaty 4. She is one of the four founders of the global, Idle No More movement. At YWCA Regina, Jessica is leading the organization through instrumental change in how it offers its programming at all levels, working to dismantle the systemic colonialism in the organization's history. Her activism, knowledge, and guidance is instrumental in forging a decolonized future on Turtle Island.Leah Eustace, ACFRE
University of Ottawa - Executive Director, Advancement
Leah is the Executive Director of Advancement for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Prior to joining the University, Leah spent almost two decades as a consultant working with non-profit clients to raise 100s of millions of dollars for causes all around the world. Leah is also active in shaping the non-profit landscape. She’s past chair and a current member of the ACFRE Credentialing Board.
YWCA Regina - Senior Director of Development, Marketing, Communications and Capital Campaign Director.
Chelsey Lemke, CFRE, is the Senior Director of Development for YWCA Regina, and is finishing up a $25 million capital campaign for YWCA Regina Centre for Women and Families. Prior to the YWCA, Chelsey held the position of Manager of Major Gifts with Habitat for Humanity Regina. Currently, she is President of the AFP South Saskatchewan Chapter.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 715 A/B
Post Give Day Tips to Amplify Donor Loyalty (Presented by Fundraising Academy)
Give Day Campaigns provide an opportunity to demonstrate donor loyalty and identify new supporters. Does your organization have measures in place to nurture new relationships or will your new prospects be lost in your database until next year? Your organization’s response to these questions are vital for long-term sustainability. This session will explore qualitative and quantitative measures to sustain and upgrade annual donors to major gift donors.
Education Track(s): Relationship Building
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Hannah Berger, CFRE, MPA
The Philanthropy Coach, LLC - President, The Philanthropy Coach
As a self-proclaimed “accidental expert” at revitalizing fundraising programs to realize exponential growth, Hannah is skilled at building authentic, lasting relationships with philanthropists, community leaders and corporate representatives. She thoroughly enjoys coaching other professional fundraisers to do the same. Hannah has proudly supported dozens of nonprofit organizations in raising more than $150M. Hannah's boutique consulting firm, The Philanthropy Coach, specializes in major expansion campaigns, board recruitment and development, and the creation of strategic development plans.LaShonda Williams, CFRE, MPA
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 713 A/B
Building the Future Mid-Level and Major Donors (Presented by Blackbaud)
Nonprofits are overwhelmed with the level of fundraising they need to do to keep up or even break even. Incoming funds are concentrated on major donors while the middle and small donors are disappearing. The average new donor retention rate is 45%, so it is difficult to know what strategy to employ. We want to focus on one problem: How to attract and keep younger donors and build the future of loyal mid and major gift donors. Giving in the workplace has transformed in this century. In today’s landscape, it’s become a tactic for employee engagement and retention and even marketing or brand image strategies. For nonprofits, workplace giving has the potential to attract younger donors with means (the average age of employees in corporate America is 38, and the average yearly donation is $1,250). Workplace giving has a corporation’s communication and marketing power behind it because they are using this type of programming to enhance its brand image and keep employees. It also has the element of donor engagement because a key element of workplace giving is the act of volunteering. It encourages collaboration among employees and gives nonprofits an opportunity for donors to really get to know you. Workplace giving also has the amplifying power of a company match for both donations and volunteer actions; and, in many cases, another boost from corporate foundation grants. A majority of workplace giving is inspired by local actions which encourages a closer connection between a donor and the nonprofit. Estimates of giving through the workplace in 2023 were $5B. But much of what companies have set aside for charitable gifts is left on the table. It’s estimated that between $3 and $7 billion have gone un-donated.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Matt Nash, MBA
The Blackbaud Giving Fund - Executive Director
Matthew Nash is the Executive Director of The Blackbaud Giving Fund, leading the organization’s mission to unleash generosity by connecting people to causes they care about around the world. An experienced executive with a focus on customer relationships, he previously served as the Executive Director of the Generosity Commission Working Group, where he continues to volunteer, focusing on implementing a research agenda aimed at more deeply understanding generosity in America.
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
3:45pm - 5:00pm
Room 802 A/B
Cultivating Abundance - Big Gifts for Small Shops
Can small nonprofits raise major gifts? You bet! Let's break down the taboos surrounding money and explore cultivating a mindset of abundance. You'll leave with the confidence you need and the practical steps of how to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Elisabeth Noble, CFRE
Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness - Philanthropy Lead
Elisabeth Noble, CFRE is the Philanthropy and Campaign Lead at the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. She has raised millions of dollars for social, cultural and environmental organizations in the USA and Canada. She holds a BFA from Concordia University and is dedicated to exploring the way that culture, storytelling, music and art can act as critical levers in solving the world's intersecting crises.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
4:00pm - 4:30pm
Learning Lab 2
Smarter Fundraising: Leveraging Technology to Raise More Money More Efficiently(Learning Lab) Presented by Huron Consulting Group
Join Emily Eakin, a seasoned industry professional and expert in nonprofit technology, for an enlightening session on leveraging new technology. Explore how Salesforce Data Cloud, Nonprofit Cloud, and AI are reshaping nonprofit fundraising. Discuss real-world use cases and discover how to effectively integrate technology into every stage of the fundraising process, from donor identification to stewardship and retention. With interactive discussions, this session will empower you to harness the full potential of cutting-edge technology and drive positive change for your organization. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your fundraising strategy and raise more money more effectively. Let’s demystify tech together and uncover how it can revolutionize your fundraising efforts!
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Huron Consulting Group - Digital Consultant, Nonprofit
Charmaine Lyon, armed with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management, has over 15 years of expertise in the nonprofit sector. As a former head of fundraising for multiple organizations within the social services sector, she spearheaded programs that significantly boosted annual giving, major gift initiatives, and donor stewardship. Today, as a digital consultant at Huron’s Nonprofit practice, Charmaine utilizes her understanding of nonprofit operations to drive impactful digital transformations.
Huron Consulting Group - CRM Nonprofit Practice Lead
Emily Eakin, Huron’s CRM Nonprofit portfolio leader, is at the forefront of an innovative team dedicated to empowering clients with technology to achieve their organizational and fundraising goals. She champions a comprehensive approach, driving the evolution of people, processes, and technology to meet the present and future needs of nonprofit organizations and their constituents. Bringing over two decades of nonprofit experience, Emily previously served as Business Strategy Director in Salesforce's Nonprofit Practice.Mon, Apr 8, 2024
4:30pm - 5:00pm
Learning Lab 1
Charting Success: Navigating the Dynamics of Fundraising with the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (Learning Lab)
Step into the strategic realm of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) and explore its transformative influence on fundraising methodologies within nonprofit organizations. This session highlights FEP's critical role in refining fundraising practices by offering advanced tools for measuring and boosting annual growth in contributions. A joint initiative between the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy and GivingTuesday, FEP employs a comprehensive approach through its annual Fundraising Effectiveness Survey and the innovative Fundraising Fitness Test. Gain insights into how FEP's detailed analysis of data from a myriad of nonprofits and a multitude of donors informs organizations, steering them towards data-driven, growth-focused decisions. Engage with us to comprehend the imperative of weaving FEP's nuanced analyses and strategic recommendations into the fabric of your everyday fundraising activities. Attendees will also receive a print copy of the 2023 Q4 Report.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Tim Sarrantonio, MA
