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)
No Need for Drano- Learn How to Unclog Your Donor Pipeline Today
Learn how to identify pipeline clogs and the steps to fix them so you smoothly move donors from annual fund to mid-level to major gifts to transformational investments. Participants learn the data they need to identify the clogs and the actions to take to upgrade donors at each level.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee - Manager, Donor Relationships
Destiney Patton, CFRE, is the Manager, Donor Relationships for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. She oversees their robust mid-level giving program and develops the strategy for the Individual Giving Team to maintain a thriving pipeline at each level. In addition to her work at Second Harvest, Destiney leads all fundraising for Girls on the Run of Middle Tennessee as Board Chair and serves as Board President for the AFP Nashville chapter.
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
9:00am - 10:15am
Fundraising Alchemy: The Science and Art of Integrated Campaigns
Is direct mail dead? Can digital alone sustain your program? Can’t the two just carry on in their respective corners? Nope, no way, and definitely not!
Join direct response and digital innovation nerds Holly and Brock for an engaging session on the science and the art of integrated fundraising campaigns.
Brock Warner, CFRE is a recognized leader in the nonprofit sector and author of the bestselling From The Ground Up: Digital Fundraising for Nonprofits.
He has raised millions of dollars, and developed successful campaigns, partnerships, and sector innovations, and co-founded Broccoli in 2021.
Brock is a sought-after presenter throughout North America, and is the professor of Integrated Marketing for Nonprofits at Humber College Business School’s Fundraising Management postgraduate program in Toronto.
Holly H. Paulin, CFRE has been a professional fundraiser for 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.
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
9:00am - 10:15am
Creating a High-Performance Environment for Major Gifts
In this session, we will learn how emerging fundraising trends are impacting major gifts—and how to handle it. We will discuss recruiting and maintaining a high-performing major gifts team and how to practice strategies that will increase major gifts ROI and will promote inclusion and diversity.
Campbell & Company - Vice President, West Region Director
Cassie Carter brings 30 years of experience to her work where she builds a shared understanding how organizational strengths can be leveraged to achieve fundraising success.
Cassie was Associate Vice President for Development at Hawaii Pacific University and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and Executive Director of Montana Outdoor Science School.
She is chair of Pierce College Foundation and holds a doctoral degree in Teaching and Learning from University of Southern California.
Campbell & Company - Vice President, Executive Search
With 30 years of professional experience including retained executive search, Dan has successfully placed over 170 senior executives at regional and national nonprofits and associations. Prior to his work at Campbell & Company, Dan served as principal at a premier national executive search firm and was a museum curator and socio-economic historian. He received his master's degree and completed his doctoral studies at the University of Chicago.
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
9:00am - 10:15am
Mid-Level, Sustainer, and Sophisticated Direct Response: How to Adapt to Shifting Donor Expectations (Sponsored by GiveSmart by Community Brands)
For years, consumer and philanthropic trends were considered unique and distinct. This idea limited curiosity around their points of intersection. This session will look at shifts in consumer and donor behaviors. Participants will leave a deeper understanding of practical ways to leverage and expand their audience to increase revenue.
With nearly three decades serving in the non-profit sector, Krista is passionate about improving lives on a global scale through data driven, actionable, direct marketing strategy designed to grow revenue for mission-focused organizations. She has proven the value of delivering exceptional donor centered experiences through integrated omni-channel campaigns while building a pipeline for peer to peer, monthly, mid-level, planned giving and major donor programs.
Jennifer Bielat serves as Executive Vice President, Client Strategy. With more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jennifer brings intimate knowledge and understanding of nonprofit management. In her role, she develops strategic solutions to help organizations navigate the opportunities and challenges facing today’s nonprofit organizations. Jennifer’s expertise lies in integrated marketing and communications strategy, comprehensive direct response strategy and execution, digital marketing and fundraising, and nonprofit leadership.
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
10:45am - 12:00pm
A Tale of Two Campaigns...and How the One that Failed Led Us to Future Success!
Nobody is ever happy to fail...especially in their first capital campaign, but, I did. I'll share what went wrong, and how it better prepared my team to exceed our goal a few years later. You'll also get the key ingredients necessary to help YOU achieve success the first time around.
Magee Rehab Hospital Foundation - Assistant Vice President of Development
Mark Chilutti has raised over $30 million to improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities during his 20+ year career at Magee Rehab Hospital in Philadelphia. His specialties are major and planned giving, and donor stewardship. He has presented frequently for many AFP chapters, at AFP ICON, AFP Spotlight Sessions, and on AFP global webinars. Mark is an Eagle Scout and a former wheelchair tennis player living with a spinal cord injury.
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
10:45am - 12:00pm
The Value of the Golfer Donor - (Presented by GolfStatus)
Golf fundraisers are a lucrative fundraising mechanism, but perhaps more importantly, function to acquire, engage, and retain the golfer donor. This session will discuss why golfers are a valuable donor segment, how to effectively engage them, and how to leverage your golf event to accomplish a number of mission-critical functions.
Logan Foote first picked up a golf club at age four, and despite thousands of attempts, he’s never had a hole-in-one. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and pursued a career in sales. Logan came to GolfStatus in 2017, where he channels his passion for golf to help nonprofits raise money.
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
10:45am - 12:00pm
Donor Pet Peeves and How to Address Them (Presented by Salesforce)
In this interactive and fun session, we will discuss common fundraiser and donor pet peeves and how we can address them. Share and learn how we can delight donors by avoiding some of their common frustrations
Mia Rodrigues is a marketing professional at Salesforce where she works on Fundraising solutions for
Nonprofits. Previously, she worked for the World Bank and ran her own education non-profit. Mia studied
economics at Columbia University and got her MBA from the Wharton School. She lives in the Bay Area,
California with her family and enjoys pop culture news and a good cup of tea.
Nicole Adair has worked at the intersection of nonprofits and technology for more than 20 years. As a Principal Solution Engineer at Salesforce, she helps nonprofit leaders align technology to drive their strategy and power their missions.
Before joining Salesforce, Nicole was a non-profit leader for both the American Red Cross and United Way. She led teams responsible for fundraising, marketing and operations.
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
10:45am - 12:00pm
Establish, Grow or Reignite Gift Planning in Your Organization (Presented by Catapult Fundraising, Inc. )
Who are our best planned giving prospects? Why planned giving when we need cash in the door now? Where do we even start? Join Jeff for answers to these questions! Planned gifts ensure the future of your organization, so develop a thriving program TODAY that will lead to prosperity tomorrow.
Catapult Fundraising, Inc. - Associate Vice President
Jeff Grandy has over a decade of experience and currently leads the Catapult team across the Greater Gulf Coast.
Jeff’s held leadership positions at Vegas PBS, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. He is an Instructor with the UNLV Non-Profit Management and Fundraising Certificate programs and a Fundraising Operations Mentor for the Center of Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership at Rice University. He is a board member of AFP Las Vegas.
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
4:00pm - 5:15pm
Obstacle schmobstacle! How to go over, under, around, and through to get your YES!
Come ready to play some games to hone your skills to get the elusive YES. Actor, playwright, and fundraiser B. Michael McFarland will lead you through tried and true theatre games to tap your inner actor so you never need fear an ask meeting and get more Yeses!
An openly gay professional fundraiser with 30 years of experience working almost exclusively in one-person and small shops, B. Michael McFarland has extensive experience in annual giving, major giving, foundation giving, corporate relations, special events, communications, capital campaigns, strategic planning, creating development plans, board relations, and more. Over the course of his career, he has raised in excess of $50 million for small and medium-sized organizations.
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
4:00pm - 5:15pm
Elevate your next Event with a Phenomenal Guest Experience
Events are like any business, toiling in the battlefield of consumer attention. We’ll breakdown how to elevate the event experience for your constituents. A great event starts with a unique concept and inspiring brand, we will cover the buildup, on-site experience and post event engagement to ensure a solid return.
A former in-house event planner for some of Canada’s largest charity organizations, including SickKids Foundation and Canadian Cancer Society; I am a passionate, award-winning event producer, host of the podcast - Real Talk for the Non-Profit Event Pro, marketing and fundraising expert, entrepreneur, author and speaker. Following my passion for creating life changing events, I founded Beyond Fundraising Inc. to ensure non-profit organizations nation-wide had a loud and meaningful marketing and event voice.
Sun, Apr 16, 2023
4:00pm - 5:15pm
Meet Today’s Donors: How Self-Curated Giving Experiences Are Transforming Fundraising
The pandemic created a 24/7 on-demand, when “I want it” world. New research shows “frictionless” philanthropy matters to donors. Let’s explore how to make “ease and choice” central to giving; why it matters, what motivates donors, and their expectations. We’ll share case studies that transformed fundraising ease, self-curation, and personalization.
Nikki DeFalco is a National Customer Success Manager at OneCause. She brings expertise in major gifts and signature events to her role, as well as 15 years of nonprofit experience with JDRF at national, regional, and local levels.
Kelly Velasquez-Hague has more than 20 years of fundraising, nonprofit management, and marketing experience. Prior to starting her career in fundraising technology, Kelly worked in the nonprofit sector as a Development Director and Event Coordinator. Kelly is passionate about empowering great missions and helping nonprofits reach new donors and raise more funds for their cause.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
8:00am - 9:15am
Making the Ask- using (neuro)science in your solicitation
This interactive action learning session offers you 20 radical and flexible tools to solicit your next major gift in person, by phone and even by email. Leave old school moves management techniques behind and learn to use the latest thinking in neuroscience and behavioural science in fundraising.
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. He’s 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.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
8:00am - 9:15am
From the Mailbox to the Living Room – Creating an inspiring donor journey
You can bridge direct mail donor transactions into excellent 5-6 figure major donor relationships. Learn to discover shared values leading to your best major/planned giving prospects. Then easily make that sometimes-awkward transition from your annual fund--to your portfolio—to artfully presenting a major gift opportunity in their living room.
Timothy D. Logan, FAHP, ACFRE, FCEP is a leader in developing innovative multichannel direct response programs for major and planned giving.
He holds a Masters of Nonprofit Management (MNO) from Case Western Reserve University.
Tim has over 40 years’ experience in fund raising and nonprofit management including 25 years as a direct response fundraising consultant.
An AFP certified Master Instructor, he is also an author on fundraising.
Georgia-Cumberland Academy - Director of Alumni and Development
Nancy Gerard has served Georgie-Cumberland Academy as the Alumni and Development Director for two decades. Her fundraising work in the Continuing the Mission Campaign grew giving to GCA from about $200,000 to $21 Million in 5 years - transforming the school. Nancy taught for 25 years in secondary/higher educational settings and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in family studies and educational leadership. Her optimism and solid donor stewardship practices drive her on-going results.
A 30+ year major-giving, international consultant, Marcy Heim, CEO, The Artful Asker trains and coaches Leadership, Boards, and Fundraisers with mindset/method tools for transformational, multi-million, sustained generosity! Her 3-sentence Ask gets a delighted “yes.” She raised major gifts at UW-Madison for 2 decades through a $1.8B campaign before creating major giving success for her clients. An AFP Master, CASE Crystal Apple recipient, rock-band singer, and author, Marcy renews your zest for fundraising and life.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
8:00am - 9:15am
The Future Is Digital: Learnings From The 2023 Nonprofit Acceleration Report (Sponsored by Bonterra)
Tech adoption is moving forward with lightning speed. But, what digital strategies are driving the most growth and highest ROI? Join Cameron Ripley, CEO of Community Boost, as he uncovers the latest digital marketing trends that raised over $40M in online revenue for over 400 nonprofits in 2022.
Cameron Ripley (he/him) is the CEO of Community Boost, a digital marketing agency that specifically helps nonprofits accelerate and scale revenue and impact. Since founding Community Boost in 2012, CBC has directly served over 1,000 nonprofits and helped raise over $100MM. Cameron is also the founder of the Nonprofit Marketing Summit, the world’s largest virtual nonprofit conference that regularly convenes over 25,000 nonprofit professionals.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
10:15am - 11:30am
Pulling the Heartstrings - Telling Your Story Effectively
Writing to raise funds is a specific skill. It’s more than a standard annual appeal. We’ll work together on the process of creative writing for results - the preparation, the research, the brainstorming, the plan. You’ll leave with concrete ideas that can effectively change the way you communicate.
JC has 30 years of professional fundraising experience and an extensive background in creative writing and marketing. She specializes in writing donor communications, program analysis, and marketing plan designs. JC spent ten years as the Station Development Manager for NPR. She is a frequent presenter at industry conferences and holds a BA in Radio/TV from the University of Houston. She is currently working towards her CFRE.
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.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
10:15am - 11:30am
How to Plan an Effective Capital Campaign Using New Tools and Technology
A capital campaign is likely the largest amount you have ever tried to raise. The good news is that there are tools, technology, and virtual resources to help you succeed. Join Amy Eisenstein to learn how to prepare an effective and efficient campaign strategy and plan.
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, served as the president of AFP-NJ in 2014 and 2015, and is an active volunteer with AFP. Amy became a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) in 2004 and received the ACFRE, in 2013.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
10:15am - 11:30am
Digital Philanthropy: Relationship-Building through Online Fundraising Strategies (Presented by Fundraise Academy)
Donors are consistently exposed to a great number of emails and digital touchpoints. How do you rise above the noise, make your organization stand out, and showcase your cause’s impact in a way that motivates donors to give? Learn how to connect with your donors through an intentional digital strategy. Analyze email communication cadence and content, learn how storytelling for specific audiences can remind donors why they connected with your organization, and implement digital plans that support growing a culture of philanthropy. With a digital strategy focused on relationship-building, turn one-time gift-givers into long-term, loyal supporters of your organization.
Fundraising Academy at National University - Trainer
Throughout his career, Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE has served in a variety of fundraising positions in hospital, social service and the arts as development director, major gift and legacy giving manager, and foundation and corporate relations manager. Jack has taught a variety of fundraising classes at the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership and JFK University. Jack has served on panels in Strategic Planning, Ethics in Fundraising, Cause Selling and Donor Loyalty and Donor-Centered Fundraising.
South Texas College of Law Houston - South Texas College of Law, Assoc. Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving and Trainer, Fundraising Academy
LaShonda Williams, MPA, CFRE, serves a Trainer for Fundraising Academy, and recently joined the team at South Texas College of Law as the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, in the college’s centennial year. Ms. Williams leads the charge of developing and implementing alumni engagement strategic planning and acquisition. With nearly two decades of experience in higher education, LaShonda’s mission is to secure philanthropic support for students seeking economic empowerment through education.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
10:15am - 11:30am
Objection! How to Address Donors’ Legacy Giving Concerns
Do you wish you could alleviate donors’ deepest fears so they embrace the exciting possibility of making a transformational gift? You’ll learn 5 common legacy giving concerns and build your own set of powerful messages to dissipate donor doubts and inspire them to make a gift in their will.
The Common Good Fundraising - Philanthropy Firebrand
David firmly believes philanthropy's power belongs to everyone. He created The Common Good Fundraising Agency and the Western Canada Fundraising Conference to help charities empower donors-of-modest-means to express their values -- and make the world a better place for all -- through philanthropy. David is an in-demand speaker who is regularly requested to share his unique, practical approach to fundraising at conferences and seminars across Canada and internationally.
Lynne Boardman has spent over 20 years creating successful individual giving programs for charities in both Canada and the UK. Her work has spanned health care, international development, human rights, education and environmental causes. She is currently the Managing Director of HMA, working with clients like Amnesty, Oxfam, Indspire, Covenant House, and a number of children's hospitals. She speaks, strategizes and writes about legacy fundraising whenever there is someone nearby to listen.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
10:15am - 11:30am
How to Align Donor’s Heart and Mind With Our Fundraising Desires
Improve your fundraising and Donor retention by learning the top ten big secrets to seduce Donors and make their hearts beat and enlighten their minds. Philanthropy is not only about signing a check. Our next challenge is to humanize digital fundraising and networking.
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 Woman in Fundraising Brazil.
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 tecniques.
AFP Mexico Foundation - AFP Mexico Foundation Treasurer
Carlos Madrid has more than 22 years of experience in Institutional Development and Fundraising, holds a Bachelor in Communication, and two Masters. He is an accredited consultant, and Board member for diverse institutions. Director for Development of the Hospital Infantil de Mexico (1994- 2013) and Director of the Banorte and Grumma 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 Volunteering.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
1:15pm - 2:30pm
The Unexpected Failure of Traditional Recognition in Social Media Fundraising – Why It Won’t Work
Part of your new job (even if in an old seat) is understanding how old tools work in newly important virtual environments. Otis Fulton and Katrina VanHuss help you understand why your investment in recognition in the virtual environment may be useless.
Since 1989, Katrina has led Turnkey as CEO, serving the likes of the American Cancer Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and the Alzheimer’s Association. With her husband, Otis Fulton, she presents at national conferences for the likes of Blackbaud, Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum, and Nonprofit Power, and at clients’ national meetings. Katrina contributes to NonProfit PRO on the “Peeling the Onion” blog. With Otis, she authored the 2017 book?Dollar Dash – the Behavioral Economics of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
1:15pm - 2:30pm
Subscription GivingSM - A New Revenue Stream to Your Fundraising Strategy (Presented by Bonterra)
Acquiring new donors can be an expensive proposition, even for the most resource-rich nonprofits. In this session, nonprofits will learn how to create and manage sustaining donor programs with Subscription GivingSM—a modern twist on repeat and recurring contributions.
Bonterra - Chief Fundraising and Engagement Officer
Kimberly is a seasoned nonprofit tech leader. Having worked as an executive director, chief philanthropy officer, fundraising consultant, and tech advisor, she has spent 25+ years blending fundraising and marketing principles to scale dollars raised and strengthen supporter engagement. She was an adjunct professor for 11 years at Georgetown and George Mason Universities where she taught nonprofit leadership. A certified executive coach, Kimberly currently leads Bonterra’s coaching program and hosts the popular Accidental Fundraiser podcast.
Kate joined ReEstablish Richmond in 2013. She previously worked as a special education teacher for 11 years, while also serving as a volunteer mentor for refugees in the Richmond community. Kate is currently the Chair of the Office of New Americans Advisory Board, and her dedicated efforts continue to build a supportive, trustworthy community for refugees and new immigrants living in Richmond.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
1:15pm - 2:30pm
Building Bridges: How to Engage Your Supporters with Peer-to-Peer Fundraising (Presented by Qgiv)
Over the last three years you had to learn how to go virtual almost overnight and then had to navigate hybrid event experiences on top of your never-ending to do list. Donor expectations have changed, and different generations are looking to engage with your organization in new ways.
Events and the way you connect with donors have been forever changed. Your donors want truly engaging opportunities and more meaningful connections where they feel they are a part of your mission, making a significant and direct impact. Peer-to-peer fundraising can help deliver that empowering experience to your supporters in innovative and exciting ways. All while bridging the gap, connecting donors directly to the crucial funds your organization needs to thrive.
Qgiv - Public Relations and Communications Manager
Melaina’s experience working on successful fundraising teams and political campaigns gives her a unique outlook on how to approach diverse audiences. Before joining the Qgiv, she served as the Director of Annual Giving for Florida Southern College, leading several successful giving days including the College’s most successful giving day on record. Now as Qgiv’s Public Relations and Communications Manager, Melaina stays busy collaborating on multi-channel marketing campaigns and developing content for the company’s nonprofit audience.
Islamic Relief USA - Director of Marketing and Communications
David Hawa is a communications professional with more than 25 years of experience in advertising, marketing, project management, video production, graphic design, public relations, and web design. He holds a communications degree from George Mason University and is certified in fundraising management (CFRM) from the Lily School of Philanthropy, Indiana University.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
3:00pm - 4:15pm
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Building Your Organization’s “Dream Team” to Secure that Big Gift
Large shop? Small shop? Learn ways to better engage program teammates, volunteer leaders, and your executives to help secure truly transformational gifts and have fun along the way. This interactive session will help you deepen donor engagement and find new ways to grow revenue while building trust on your team.
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.
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
3:00pm - 4:15pm
Understanding Donor-Advised Fund Giving Patterns and How to Customize Your Solicitation Strategy
Join Dr. Dan Heist for insights from his latest academic research on donor-advised funds (DAFs). Session participants will explore the various patterns that donors use when giving through a DAF. After learning how to recognize those patterns, we will discuss effective solicitation strategies for the different types of DAF donors.
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 17, 2023
3:00pm - 4:15pm
Stewarding Sustaining Donors (Presented by Blackbaud)
Did you know that sustained givers increase the giving to your organization by as much as 300% over the course of 2 years. In this advanced session, learn strategies for engaging and retaining sustaining donors. Come prepared to brainstorm, share, and learn strategies that you can implement at your organization.
Rich Waldmann is a Blackbaud University Instructor and has been working in the nonprofit & K-12 sectors for 15 years in a variety of roles: Database Administration, Event Management, Major Giving and most recently serving as the Director of Development for a performing arts center. Rich has presented at BBCON, Blackbaud K-12 User Conference and several roadshows across the U.S. sharing his experience and expertise from his years on the ground in non-profit fundraising
Mon, Apr 17, 2023
3:00pm - 4:15pm
Avoiding Campaign Calamities (Presented by Carter)
Preparing for and completing a successful campaign requires great planning and execution. In addition, it is also vitally important that you avoid some “campaign calamities” which can compromise a campaign’s success. Please join Steve Higgins, CFRE for a robust conversation that will ensure you are positioned for campaign success!
Steve serves as the President & CEO of Carter, a global consulting company specializing in fundraising, governance and organizational planning. Prior to co-founding Carter in 2011, Steve spent six years as a Senior Vice President of Ketchum. Steve is a Past President of Indian River County’s, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and has served on AFP Global’s Committee on Directorship. A graduate of Elon University, Steve resides in Vero Beach, FL.
Tue, Apr 18, 2023
8:00am - 9:15am
4 Pillars of Social Media Engagement for Fundraisers (Sponsored by Bonterra)
With increased digital donations, social media is rising as a powerful tool to build relationships with your current donors and attract new ones. In this session, attendees will learn 4 ways to build deeper relationships with social media followers and convert them into long-term supporters.
Josh Hirsch has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2006 with a focus on educational philanthropy for both public charter and independent private schools. He has an extensive background in social media, digital communications, and marketing along with experience in grant research and writing, individual giving, special event planning, stewardship, and cultivation of donors.
J Campbell Social Marketing - Digital Storytelling & Social Media
Julia Campbell is on a mission to make the digital world a better place. Through speaking, training, and consulting, she shows social purpose organizations how to use social media and storytelling to build communities, showcase impact, and advance their causes. Her passion is to get organizations and change makers to stop spinning their wheels and start getting real results using digital tools.
Tue, Apr 18, 2023
8:00am - 9:15am
MID-LEVEL DONORS: KEY STRATEGIES IN STEWARDING, ENGAGING, SOLICITING AND UPGRADING (Presented by Catapult Fundraising, Inc.)
Join Gwen for an in-depth discussion on fundraising best practices for your mid-level donors. Shannon will discuss strategies and fundraising methodologies on how to best engage these prospects and move them up the giving pyramid.
Catapult Fundraising, Inc. - Vice President of Client Services
For over 20 years, Gwen has been passionately working in development on both the consulting and institutional sides. She brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive experience to the clients she works with. Gwen’s ability to identify areas of opportunity helps the programs she manages reach their maximum potential. Gwen holds a MA in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota and an MBA from North Park University. Gwen served as a board member of the AFP Las Vegas Chapter and currently serves as president of the AFP New Jersey Chapter.
Tue, Apr 18, 2023
10:15am - 11:30am
Pathway to Philanthropist: How FIU is Redefining Charitable Giving
FIU’s Pathway to Philanthropist program (P2P) progressive gift tactics empower mid-level capacity donors to advance an institution today and in the future. P2P’s financially inclusive approach leverages their capacity, passion and enthusiasm into more impactful gifts focusing on endowment funding, alumni participation, donor retention, engagement, and irrevocable planned gift pipelines.
Livia Souza is a member of UCLA’s Office of Gift Planning. In this role, she develops and executes long and short-term strategies to secure both planned and major gifts from individuals in support of UCLA’s mission and strategic plan. She is an expert resource to unit-based colleagues across the University in planned giving arrangements, technical information, and gift planning strategies. Her work provides meaningful opportunities for UCLA donors to integrate their personal, financial, and estate-planning.
Laura Padron, Sr. Vice President for Advancement, leads UConn's championship Development team and will launch the University's first comprehensive and ambitious campaign. Previously, Laura served as Associate VP at Florida International University, leading and exceeding fundraising goals for the Next Horizon Campaign. She also held the Assistant Dean position at University of Miami's School of Business, spearheading its role in UM’s $1.6B campaign.
Tue, Apr 18, 2023
10:15am - 11:30am
Innovation, Scientists, Experiments, and Pilot Projects....Oh My! Fundraising for Research
Are you struggling with how to fundraise for research? Join this interactive session to explore strategies and tools to increase philanthropy for innovation and experimentation. Learn how to inspire donors with the excitement of investing into discoveries and transformation that advance the mission of your nonprofit.
Lauren Cooler, Esq, has more than 20 years of experience in fundraising. In New York City, she served as a Director of Major Gifts for Memorial Sloan-Kettering, including creating their grateful patient program; Director of Development for The Mount Sinai Medical Center; Director of Major Gifts for NYUStern; and Assistant Vice President for CCS Fundraising. In 2015, Lauren relocated to Los Angeles where she worked as Senior Director of Development for the University of Souther
Terry Pearl is a leading strategist in fundraising, strategic planning, capital campaigns, corporate/foundation relations, and board development, and has raised more than $175 million for nonprofits. She has consulted with diverse partners such as American Society for the University of Haifa, Hadassah, Hackensack Meridian Health, and the YWCA of NYC. Prior to consulting, she led fundraising teams for Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, The Headstrong Project, NYU Langone Medical Center, and Mount Sinai Health.
Tue, Apr 18, 2023
10:15am - 11:30am
Planned Giving for People Who are New to Planned Giving
No matter how much you know about planned giving, everyone leaves knowing a bunch more with ideas you can use right away. We will look the subject with humor and fun (yes, really) and you will feel comfortable with the subject and leave confident you can use planned giving easily.
Wayne Olson heads planned giving for one of the largest healthcare systems in the country. With more than 20 years experience in fundraising, Wayne has worked with donors and other gift officers to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in philanthropic support. He is a frequent trainer, educator and speaker to international conferences and seminars. He is the author of six books, and writes for Crescendo Interactive.
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 480, Arlington, VA 22203 • 703-684-0410 | 800-666-3863 | Fax: 703-684-0540