education sessions
We have a wide array of educational sessions waiting for you at AFP ICON 2023. 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. More Sessions to Come.
- Current & Prospective Donor Research (Sponsored by iWave)
- Ethics, Accountability & Professionalism (Sponsored by Brakeley Briscoe)
- Health Care (Sponsored by DonorSearch, Curated by Advancement Resources)
- Leadership & Management (Sponsored by Lindauer Global)
- Relationship Building
- Rebels, Renegades and Pioneers
- Securing the Gift Track
- Volunteer Involvement
Current And Prospective Donor Research
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
9:00am - 10:15am
The Multicultural Majority: Who They Are and How They Are Changing Fundraising
By 2050, ethnic minorities will become the majority – a shift already registered in the segment between 1-18 years old. As this racial diversification occurs, new philanthropy behaviors emerge. Come hear the latest data a tested strategies that will help you deliver appeals that resonates with multicultural donors.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Ivan Leon, MA
Kerux Group - Kerux Group
Ivan Leon is an accomplished cross-cultural marketing strategist. He leads Kerux Group, a multicultural communications agency that helps nonprofits engage Hispanics with authenticity. He has provided advice and direction to organizations such as Prison Fellowship, CBN, FamilyLife, In Touch, and Renewal Ministries, among others. He also speaks regularly on the topic of audience and donor diversity.Sun, Apr 16, 2023
4:00pm - 5:15pm
Digging for Gems: Using Portfolio Reviews and Donor Research to Get to the “YES!”
“Analysis Paralysis” can strike even the most seasoned fundraiser. Learn ways to use research to help manage portfolios to spend more time out of spreadsheets and still have a life outside of work! This interactive session will help you make informed decisions while finding new efficiencies to raise more money.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
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. She has lead CI's Special Events program and their global Business Councils. In addition to her CI experience, she lead 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.
National MS Society - VP, Individual and Foundation Giving
Taylor McMillan is the VP, Individual Giving & Foundation Relations for the National MS Society. She is a member of the Leadership team that oversees $180M annually and her team of 25 raises more than $50M through midlevel, major, planned, and foundation giving. Prior to this role, Taylor lead all fundraising efforts for the Society's South Central region. She is a mom of two boys, an active mentor of fellow fundraisers, and a travel lover.Sun, Apr 16, 2023
4:00pm - 5:15pm
"To Affinity and Beyond: Building a Caring, Engaged Community with Fundraising Intelligence” (Presented by iWave)
Donors are people and people are complicated. There’s more than one way that people support and engage with your nonprofit, but who are they and how do they respond to different messages and channels of communication? In this session we’ll look at how you can know much more about your donors through the stories they tell you and fundraising intelligence that can be easily applied to deepen engagement, communicate with donors in the way they’re most likely to react and respond, and build stronger fundraising results, higher retention, and develop not just donors but a thriving community championing your mission.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Clay Buck, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer
TCB Fundraising - Founder and Principal
Clay is a thirty-year fundraising veteran and is the Founder and Principal of TCB Fundraising, a nonprofit fundraising and communications consultancy focused on building individual giving at all levels. He has served in leadership roles at a variety of nonprofits across the country and has been a senior consultant with major national firms. He has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential since 2010, is an AFP Master Trainer.Sun, Apr 16, 2023
4:00pm - 5:15pm
Using Data to Maximize Donor Efficiencies Leading Up to a Campaign (CANCELLED)
Kean University Foundation will present on utilizing data-driven efficiencies to maximize the outcomes with prospective principal and major donors leading into a campaign. Participants will become equipped to expedite key donors through the moves management process ultimately securing the foundational philanthropic gifts that the campaign will base its success on.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
William Miller, CFRE
Kean University Foundation - Chief Executive Officer
Bill regularly presents at industry conferences, authors articles for nonprofit and professional publications, and serves as a guest speaker on radio segments and podcasts. He has assisted national and international organizations with major gift initiatives, annual giving programs, planning and feasibility studies, development audits, endowment programs, board training and development, corporate and foundation relations, prospect research, and campaign management. During his career, he has been involved with fund development projects that have raised over $1,000,000,000.Edward Ahart, MPA
Kean University Foundation - Chief Development Officer
Ed has been with the Kean Foundation since January 2021. Prior, he spent 4 years in a major gift development role at the University of Delaware as well as assisting various non-profit organizations across New Jersey throughout his career. Ed has demonstrated success establishing industry-academic partnerships that have been key elements to campaigns and regional economic development. Ed has a Master's in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a track in non-profit management.Mon, Apr 17, 2023
8:00am - 9:15am
Are They Feeling The Love? Using Love Language to Build Donor Identity and Wellbeing
No two organization’s donors love in the same way. Talking in donors’ love language can sustainably double giving, enhance their well-being, and draw donors closer to the community they are about. Too good to be true? Philanthropic psychology is the science designed to achieve these goals. Come and see!
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
BC SPCA - Chief Development Officer
Shoni Field is the Chief Development Officer at the British Columbia SPCA. She runs a full spectrum fundraising program raising more than $30 million annually. Shoni has been direct response fundraising for more than 23 years for a range of causes including environmental, youth, health and development organizations. When not fundraising, Shoni advocates for electoral reform and citizen engagement, plays strategy games and bakes fancy cakes.Jen Shang, PhD
Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy - Co-Director
Jen Shang is Co-Director and Professor of Philanthropic Psychology at the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. Jen's research has been featured by outlets such as the BBC and the Wall Street Journal. Her research has been funded by the Society of Judgment and Decision Making, the National Science Foundation, The Aspen Institute, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Hewlett Foundation.Mon, Apr 17, 2023
8:00am - 9:15am
Making Sense of Fundraising: A Fundraiser's Guide To What's Working in 2022 And Beyond
Our knowledge about fundraising is growing by leaps and bounds, but how do we make sense of all the different reports? In this session we'll dig deep into current trends, workshop what works best, and create a plan for you to use to implement the newest methodology in your shop.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Clay Buck, CFRE, AFP Master Trainer
TCB Fundraising - Founder and Principal
Clay is a thirty-year fundraising veteran and is the Founder and Principal of TCB Fundraising, a nonprofit fundraising and communications consultancy focused on building individual giving at all levels. He has served in leadership roles at a variety of nonprofits across the country and has been a senior consultant with major national firms. He has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential since 2010, is an AFP Master Trainer.Mon, Apr 17, 2023
8:00am - 9:15am
Stewarding Planned Donors (Presented by Blackbaud)
When was the last time you reached out to your planned givers? In this advanced session, learn how to keep planned givers actively engaged with your organization so that they feel like recognized and valuable partners. Come prepared to brainstorm, share, and learn strategies that you can implement at your organization.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
10:15am - 11:30am
Visualizing Data for Prospect Identification and Donor Metrics
Data analytics is a buzz phrase that everyone is using. Visualization and dashboards go beyond the use of Microsoft Excel. Microsoft Power BI and Tableau are platforms that can increase visibility and value for your fundraising team.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Joseph Stabb, PhD, APR, TE, ACUE
University of Tennessee, Knoxville - Assistant Professor of Practice
Joe Stabb has utilized resources to meet and exceed revenue goals with experience in marketing communications, public relations, fundraising, and nonprofit management and leadership. Joe graduated from Utica University with a B.S. in Public Relations, a M.S. from Keuka College in Management, and has a Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy from Niagara University. Stabb holds an advanced certificate, international trade and commerce (TE), accreditation, public relations (APR), and an advanced certificate, effective college teaching (ACUE).Emily Marcason-Tolmie, MA, MFA
Skidmore College - Director, Prospect Management, Research and Analytics
Emily has worked in prospect development for nearly 15 years. She’s an expert in prospect management, proactive and reactive research, analytical procedures, and trend forecasting, while focused on successfully building robust prospect pipelines, predictive donor modeling, and key fundraising metrics. She is a 2018 graduate of the Skidmore College Leadership Academy. Emily was elected president of the APRA-NY board in October 2020 after serving a term as the board's vice president and as a member-at-large.Mon, Apr 17, 2023
1:15pm - 2:30pm
New Donors, Demographics & Opportunities: Reimagining Donor Engagement in the Post Pandemic World
See the latest trends, research and insights driving our understanding of the emerging motivations and needs of donors today! Understand and apply how these insights enable us to build strategic journeys that inspire, with examples from USA for UNHCR’s community partnership program that is delivering real growth!
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Blakely - Executive Vice President, Strategic Solutions and Consultancy
When it comes to building high-value donor relationships, Kimberley’s original thinking is unparalleled. With over 35 years of experience Kimberley is a fundraiser and marketer who helps not-for-profit organizations raise the bar on the experience their donors receive. As EVP Strategic Solutions & Consulting at Blakely Inc. she brings vision and proven strategy to her clients and to the teams she leads. Kimberley is an active mentor with AFP & Tony Elischer Foundation.
Blakely Inc. - Director, Strategic Solutions
Rachel is a fundraising professional with over a decade of experience working for UK charities in Individual Giving & Supporter Experience. Through her role at Blakely Inc. she now works with US and Canadian charities and is passionate about helping charities deliver a great donor experience. She speaks internationally, served as a commissioner for the UK’s Commission on Donor Experience and is an active member of the institute of fundraising.Lacey Stone, MA
USA for UNHCR - Senior Director of Partnerships
Lacey’s experience includes more than 15 years as a development and strategic partnerships professional. She has worked with both nonprofit and corporate organizations to increase funding and awareness and to develop and grow strategic partnerships. Currently, Lacey serves as Senior Director of Partnerships with USA for UNHCR, focused on bringing new, private sector corporate, foundation, civil society, and community partners to the organization, and managing complex relationships that provide a range of support and resources.Mon, Apr 17, 2023
3:00pm - 4:15pm
How You Can Gather Focus Group Data That Will Drive Your Work
Focus Groups are a powerful research method used to gauge impact and drive change. As a Fundraiser, you already possess many of the skills needed to adopt this strategy. Come to watch a live focus group, learn additional tools, and leave ready to conduct your own focus group.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Kacey Jones, CFRE, MA
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
3:00pm - 4:15pm
A Culture For Philanthropy
A strong infrastructure is essential to support a thriving referral-based medical philanthropy (RBMP) program. Join a panel of experts to learn operational principles that help ensure each component of the RBMP program is appropriately tracked, measured, and ultimately grown for the greater success of the institution and its vision.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research , Health Care (Sponsored by DonorSearch, Curated by Advancement Resources)
Audience: Strategic
Speakers
Advancement Resources - Senior Vice President
With over 4 decades of experience in a wide range of development leadership positions, Mark has worked with leaders in healthcare, higher education, arts, human services, and faith-based institutions to help organizations prepare and take steps towards the next level of growth. He is active in various fundraising professional organizations, community nonprofits, and boards.
UK Markey Cancer Center Foundation - President & CEO
Michael Delzotti has over twenty-three years' experience as a leader in the non-profit field. Mike began his nonprofit career as the program administrator for Washington Workshops in DC then spent several years managing hospital departments and clinics in Philadelphia. Returning to philanthropy, he joined a public foundation in Los Angeles then spent time as an executive director of development at UCLA then VP of Development at Special Olympics.
UT Southwestern Medical Center - Associate Vice President of Planning and Advancement Services
Shashea L. Adams-Guess is Associate Vice President of Planning and Advancement Services at UT Southwestern Medical Center where she leads strategy development and operations for the philanthropic arm of the institution to help expand its base of support and drive pipeline growth. As a member of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations executive leadership team, she serves as trusted advisor to the Vice President, providing counsel on organizational structure, climate, and culture.
Advancement Resources - Senior Director 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.Tue, Apr 18, 2023
8:00am - 9:15am
What Funders Want (Presented by Bonterra)
Bonterra surveyed hundreds of funders across the country to find out what they look for from nonprofits when making grant decisions. We’ll discuss key takeaways from this fundraising and grant data with a funder and a nonprofit, and we’ll focus on how nonprofits can put themselves in the best position to win grants.
Education Track(s): Current and Prospective Donor Research
Audience: Applied
Speakers
Benjamin Miller, MS
Bonterra - SVP of Data Science and Analytics
Ben Miller is an entrepreneur drawing upon degrees in mathematics and systems engineering to advance applied data science in the nonprofit sector. He is the SVP of Data Science and Analytics at Bonterra and has helped raise billions of dollars from tens of millions of donors for thousands of organizations over his career. Ben serves on the Research Council for the AFP and is the chair of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project.