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
Securing The Gift
Sun, Apr 7, 2024
9:00am - 10:15am
Room 714 A/B
Small Shops Big Success in Planned Giving
Planned giving is not just for the big organizations with lots of resources. It's for every organization with a compelling mission. You will be able identify planned giving prospects and obtain over 30 different donor conversation starters. Receive practical strategies for securing the planned gift and increase annual gifts too!
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Alexis India Alm, AFP Master Trainer, CFRE, CAP, MNA
Sun, Apr 7, 2024
9:00am - 10:15am
Room 801 B
Building the House: Applying Project Management Principles to the Grant Proposal Process
From the foundation to the interior, building a house requires that certain steps be taken in the correct order. Learn how to "build the house" correctly and apply the principles of project management to submit an intentional, organized, cohesive multi-year, large-dollar, or Federal grant proposal.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Danielle Dougherty, MPA
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library - Assistant Director of Grants Management
Danielle Dougherty is the Assistant Director of Grants Management at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library where she manages all corporate and foundation fundraising in support of the institution. To date, she has raised nearly $1.6 million in grant funding for organizations ranging from museums to domestic violence centers. Danielle has a Master’s in Public Administration from West Chester University.Sun, Apr 7, 2024
9:00am - 10:15am
Room 803 A/B
Driving Impact: How to Supercharge Your Golf Tournament’s Fundraising Power (Presented by Golf Status)
Golf's capacity for fundraising is unmatched. To maximize your tournament’s fundraising potential, it’s crucial to understand how to appeal to golfers’ and sponsors’ generosity. This session will outline best practices and proven strategies for pricing teams and sponsorships, filling your tournament’s field, incorporating contests and games, and other revenue-generating components.
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.Sun, Apr 7, 2024
10:45am - 12:00pm
Room 701A
Making the Ask- using neuroscience in your solicitation
Leave old-school moves management behind and use the latest thinking in neuroscience in your major donor fundraising. Discover 20 science-based tools to engage your prospect while soliciting your next major gift. The session is almost entirely interactive under five broad headings- Passion, Proposal, Preparation, Persuasion, and Persistence.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Bernard Ross, MA
=mc consulting - Director
An internationally regarded expert on strategy and behavioral science, he’s written 8 award winning books on fundraising. Breakthrough Thinking won best non-profit book in the USA. He’s advised many of the world’s leading INGOs: UNICEF, UNHCR, IFRC, ICRC and MSF, And raised money for Europe’s largest scientific experiment, for the biggest refugee camp, to house the world’s largest dinosaur in Argentina, and to save the last 800 great apes in Africa.Sun, Apr 7, 2024
10:45am - 12:00pm
Room 713 A/B
From Click to Impact: Enhancing Your Online Donation Journey (Presented by Bloomerang)
Imagine if your nonprofit could retain just 10% more recurring givers than the industry average. Not only would this boost your fundraising efforts and help you reach your goals, but achieving this is as simple as focusing on online giving tools and best practices. During this panel discussion, we will explore insights from Bloomerang’s Donor Experience Report. This report analyzed the online giving interactions of over 300 nonprofits, where we made $25 donations to various organizations across the U.S. and carefully monitored the outcomes. We will provide practical advice on enhancing your donation process, optimizing your landing page, crafting impactful receipt emails, perfecting your thank yous, and executing effective follow-up strategies.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
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.
Child and Family Charities - Assistant Development Director
Emily Marsh, M.A., exudes an unwavering love for kids and community, evident through her role as Assistant Development Director at Child and Family Charities. With a passionate dedication to making a difference, she has spent over six years nurturing relationships and resources to support her organization's mission. Child and Family Charities, a nonprofit in Lansing, MI, provides vital services to children and families, including foster care, adoption, resource support, youth shelter, and mental health support.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.Alice 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.Sun, Apr 7, 2024
3:15pm - 3:45pm
Learning Lab 2
Zero to Hero: Starting a Planned Giving Program (Learning Lab) Presented by Freewill
The historic shift of wealth from older to younger Americans has begun, with Baby Boomers poised to transfer up to $70 trillion in assets. Learn more about what The Great Wealth Transfer means for your nonprofit and get insights into key generational giving trends that you can use to cultivate more transformational gifts this year. You’ll also get a look at how 1,450+ nonprofits are using the FreeWill platform to grow non-cash gifts in support of their missions – and how you can too as you look to take advantage of The Great Wealth Transfer.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Freewill - Account Executive
Alyssa is an Account Executive with FreeWill. For the past 4.5 years, she has been working to bring nonprofits of all shapes and sizes to the platform. She specializes in helping smaller size organizations launch and find success with the tools. Prior to FreeWill, she worked in politics. She is a graduate of Vassar College and resides in Brooklyn, NY.
Freewill - Partnerships Lead
Lisa Maxwell-Frieden, J.D. is a career fundraising professional. Since joining the FreeWill team, she has been focused on helping organizations generate more than $10 billion in new planned gifts, stock gifts, and QCD’s from partnering non-profit organizations. Before joining FreeWill, she was the Vice President for Advancement at Trine University and the Director of Gift Planning at Butler University and DePauw University.Sun, Apr 7, 2024
4:00pm - 5:15pm
Room 701A
Matching the Ask to the Motivation (Presented by Blackbaud)
Giving feels good. When a donor’s own motivations, values, and needs are met and matched with an opportunity to give, that giving feels even better. In the session, you will meet donor models, and by working through the moves management process you’ll learn their motivations and learn how to shape approaches that will resonate with the donor’s personal vision and motivations.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Mon, Apr 8, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 701A
Capital Campaigns: Top Trends and Best Practices to Help You Plan a Successful Campaign
Is there a capital campaign in your future? If so, don't miss this groundbreaking session with campaign expert, Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE, as she shares the latest trends and best practices for planning an effective and efficient capital campaign. You'll leave with practical tools and resources to use right away.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE, MA, AFP Master Trainer
Capital Campaign Pro - CEO
Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE is CEO and Co-Founder of Capital Campaign Pro. Her published books include, Major Gift Fundraising for Small Shops and 50 A$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 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 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
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
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 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 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
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 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 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 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 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
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
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 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 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.Tue, Apr 9, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 701B
Measuring Major Gifts Success: The Top 10 Metrics That Matter
Are you struggling to determine what metrics are best for your major gifts program? Is everyone on the same page about which benchmarks you’re using and why? Attend this fast-paced session for a rousing, interactive discussion (and debate!) about effective metrics application and how to measure success at your organization.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Julie Upham, CFRE
Conservation International - Vice President, Individual Giving
Julie Naranjo Upham is the VP, Individual Giving at Conservation International. She oversees more than $60M in revenue through the annual, major, and principal giving teams, and led CI's Special Events program and their global Business Councils. In addition to her CI experience, Julie led the National MS Society's Major and Planned giving teams and has an MPA in Nonprofit Management. She is a mom of three, AFP-DC Board member, and an avid triathlete.Martha H Schumacher, ACFRE, CFRE, MInstF
Hazen and HILT - Hazen and HILT
Martha H. Schumacher is President of Hazen Consulting and the Hazen Institute for Leadership Training (HILT), creating global strategies to elevate social impact and philanthropy. Her current and recent clients include Emory University, Conservation International, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and National Geographic Society. Martha is a past AFP Global Chair. She lives with her husband Casey and their sweet yet energetic rescue dogs Gage and Josie.Tue, Apr 9, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 713 A/B
Write and Wrong: Developing Million Dollar-plus Proposals
Proposal structure, wording and imagery could motivate some donors to give to your organization, and cause others to take their generosity elsewhere. We will discuss inspiring with emotion and justifying with logic, including the steps to take and the ones to avoid when your goal is securing a significant gift.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Ruane Remy, MJ (Master of Journalism)
Toronto Metropolitan University - Communications Officer
Ruane Remy is experienced at crafting persuasive narratives that inspire donors to give millions of dollars to fund innovation and equity in health care, medical research, and leading education. She specializes in developing proposals, grants, and cases for support, which have been key in securing gifts as generous as $50 million-plus. Her experience in advancement communications spans supporting higher education at Toronto Metropolitan University and top Canadian hospitals at University Health Network through UHN Foundation.Tue, Apr 9, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 718 A
What Not to Say to Your Donors, Eh? (And What to Say Instead)
Why give you money? Why you and not someone else? One thing: words. Without knowing it a reader thinks... "Wow, they really get me. Sign me up for some of that!" Come strike a memorable chord in a noisy world. Your donors long for it. Your bottom line demands it.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift , Rebels, Renegades and Pioneers
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Sarah Masterson, MA
Sarah Klein Masterson Consulting - Copywriter & Consultant, Donor Communications
Nonprofit leaders trust Sarah to help them speak from the heart – to the heart – growing meaningful donor relationships and extraordinary generosity. Her work is shaped by 25 years in cause-driven communications, along with degrees in psychology and rhetoric. She holds a Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology with Distinction from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. In a noisy world, Sarah is passionate about inspiring people to say "Me, too!" and "I'm IN."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.Tue, Apr 9, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 802 A/B
Turn data into dollars: How insights and technology together can deliver major giving wins for fundraisers (Presented by Bonterra)
When it comes to major giving, you need a way to do more with less and we have a solution. Bonterra and Altrata will take you through best practices for leveraging data and technology to make a bigger impact. Improve campaign engagement. Never miss an opportunity. Make the most of every conversation.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Eric White, MA
Altrata - Director, Account Manager – Advocacy
Eric White, a seasoned leader at the intersection of analytics, data, and nonprofit consultancy, embodies the ethos that "the magic is in the data." With over a decade of experience, Eric has excelled in roles such as Principal Senior Consultant and Director of Client Engagement, where he has orchestrated evidence-based strategies for advancement and marketing initiatives. His expertise spans from pioneering data-driven feasibility studies and capital campaigns.Garrett Swaim, MBA
Bonterra - Account Executive - Large Enterprise Sales
Garrett works with some of Bonterra’s largest nonprofit customers in the evaluation and implementation of their Enterprise Fundraising & Engagement solutions. Garrett has a diverse background working with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofits, as well as independent, family, and community foundations.Tue, Apr 9, 2024
8:00am - 9:15am
Room 717 A/B
The Keys to Donation Form Conversion: Design and Optimization (Presented by Blackbaud)
In this session, you'll learn how to design a donation form that converts visits into donations. We'll cover the 6 hallmarks of a high-converting nonprofit donation form and how you can modify your donation forms accordingly. We'll also define optimization and discuss strategies for making and testing small changes to your forms to best meet the needs of your donors. Finally, we'll share a case study where design and optimization had a real impact on conversions.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Introductory/Foundational
Speakers
Tue, Apr 9, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 714 A/B
Hidden Gold: How Monthly Giving will build donor loyalty and improve donor retention
Join Harvey McKinnon, author of three books on monthly giving and one of North America's leading experts on the subject, and Jas Jhooty, who led one of the largest monthly giving programs in Canada and learn how to create lifelong donors through recurring giving
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Jas Jhooty, MA
Independent - Consultant
As a consultant, Jas helps charities realize the power of their own donor data and tell the story behind it. Using data audits/analytics, donor journey mapping, storytelling, and a multi-channel approach, Jas helps charities keep the donors they have. She has over 15 years of monthly giving expertise including monthly acquisition, conversion, reactivation, and upgrades through email, digital, direct mail, telefundraising, DRTV, telethons, radiothons, and face-to-face/door-to-door.Harvey McKinnon, AFP Master Trainer
Harvey McKinnon Associates - President
Harvey McKinnon is recognized as one of North America’s leading fundraising experts. He has delivered fundraising keynotes at conferences around the world and is a frequent master-class trainer. He has authored five books –most recently a third book on monthly giving: How to Create Lifelong Donors. His best-selling book, The 11 Questions Every Donor Asks, is a major gift training manual for fundraising departments throughout the US and Canada.Tue, Apr 9, 2024
10:15am - 11:30am
Room 701B
CANCELLED Engaging Meaningfully with Donors Through a Gift in Will Pipeline
Donor engagement is key to fundraising success yet charities fail to meaningfully engage with its most loyal, long-term donors, resulting in dwindling legacy programs. This research and data-driven deep dive will teach how to create love-filled marketing and engagement activities for every stage of your gift in wills pipeline.
Education Track(s): Securing the Gift
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.