EVERYTHING IS A GIFT: STRENGTHENING DONOR DISCOVERY THROUGH CURIOSITY
Great donor discovery isn’t about asking the perfect question – it’s about listening for what matters most. This interactive session helps fundraisers sharpen their listening skills, recognize donor cues, and respond with curiosity instead of rushing toward the ask. Participants will explore practical ways to follow a donor’s lead, ask better follow-up questions, and build trust through responsive conversation. Attendees will leave with tools they can immediately use in discovery, stewardship, and solicitation conversations.
James Wasilewski
Executive Director
Virginia Commonwealth University
CLIMBING WITH INTENTION: ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR FUNDRAISING LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS
What does it take to succeed and lead? Technical fundraising skills alone are no longer enough to move into leadership roles. Today’s successful fundraising professionals must combine strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, ethical judgment, and organizational awareness with strong fundraising fundamentals. This session is designed for fundraising professionals at all career stages who want to intentionally grow into leadership roles. Drawing on real-world experience and practical examples from the nonprofit sector, this session will help attendees identify the skills they need to develop now to prepare for future opportunities.
Virginia Thumm
President
Virginia Fundraising Consultants
ACTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION: YOUNG PROFESSIONAL BOARDS AS A CATALYST FOR NONPROFIT GROWTH AND IMPACT
This workshop explores the strategic value of Young Professional (YP) Boards as a powerful tool for strengthening nonprofit engagement, donor cultivation, and Board and Committee pipelines. Participants will learn how YP Boards effectively engage the next generation of donors and advocates by aligning social impact with meaningful philanthropic involvement. The session will highlight proven strategies for cultivating young volunteers into committed, long-term supporters and future nonprofit leaders. Attendees will also examine best practices for transitioning YP Board members into governing board service. This workshop offers practical insights to build future-ready boards and donor pipelines.
Kayla Smith
Director of Community Engagement
Better Housing Coalition
DONATION FORM TRENDS TO INCREASE GIVING
Unlock the secrets to maximizing your fundraising potential with this session. In today’s competitive nonprofit landscape, staying ahead with the latest donation trends is crucial to boosting contributions and engaging donors effectively.
Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or new to the field, this session offers valuable insights to propel your organization’s mission forward. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your fundraising efforts and make a greater impact in your community.
Speaker TBD
Bloomerang
WHERE STRATEGIC PLANNING AND FUNDRAISING MEET
Are you tired of the “spray and pray” approach to fundraising? (Aka: throw it all out there and hope something sticks method)
Is your organization ready to raise substantial funds to grow your programs or operating capacity?
Funding for Good’s experts will outline WHY every organization needs a well-crafted strategic plan and HOW to use it to leverage both dollars and donors. This workshop breaks down the top ways a strategic plan contributes to fundraising success and what donors are looking for in your written plan. Finally, walk away with actionable tips and tools to cover the cost of your next planning process
Marie Palacios
Lead Consultant
Funding For Good