Featured Courses (also offered as a full series: $495)

Development 101

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Eastern Time

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

An Overview of Development:

Learn both classical fundraising and cutting-edge, out of the box techniques. This course will provide you with the fundamental components you will need to create a strategic Development Plan which will support your immediate funding needs and build the foundation for future giving.

Highlights Include:

• Building Your Donor Base
• Foundation and Government Grants and Contracts
• Web-based Fundraising
• Corporate Engagement
• Cultivating High Net Worth Individuals
• Legacy Giving Plans
• Faith-based Giving
• Fundamentals of Tax Law: 501(c)(3)
• Fundraising trends that will shape 2024
• The rise in Workplace Giving and its impact on your Development Plan
• Combatting Donor Fatigue
• Understanding “Cause Marketing” and how to maximize its value
• The importance of Recurring Giving and Tips for turning donors into long-time supporters
• Donor Advised Funds (DAF)

This 75 minute seminar includes a Q&A and discussion of strategic problem solving and Development How To’s. 

How To Successfully Maximize Donor Advised Funds

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 – 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm EasternTime

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

In today’s philanthropic landscape, Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have emerged as a pivotal tool for affluent donors and nonprofits alike. This webinar aims to provide you with comprehensive insights and strategies to effectively navigate and leverage DAFs to maximize your organization’s fundraising potential.

Throughout our session, we’ll delve into the fundamentals of donor-advised funds, explore donor motivations, tackle the benefits and challenges for nonprofits, and equip you with actionable approaches to cultivate relationships, craft compelling appeals, and integrate donor-advised funds into your fundraising strategies.

By the end of this webinar, you’ll be empowered with the knowledge and tools to forge stronger connections with donors, drive impactful fundraising initiatives, and propel your organization toward its mission-driven goals.

In this webinar, we will focus on:

• Introduction to Donor-Advised Funds (DAF) – How DAFs Work and Their Importance In Philanthropy
• Understanding the Donor Perspective – Motivations Behind DAF Contributions and Profiles of DAF donors
• DAF Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies for Nonprofits
• Building Relationships with Donor-Advised Fund Holders
• Crafting Compelling Fundraising Appeals
• Best practices for Communicating with Donors Who Use DAFs
• Compliance and Legal Considerations – Remaining Compliant While Maximizing Fundraising Efforts
• Integrating Donor-Advised Funds into Annual Fundraising Strategies

Strategies for cultivating relationships with community foundations managing DAFs and professionals who counsel wealthy individuals

This 75 minute seminar includes a Q&A and discussion of strategic problem solving and Development How To’s.

Grant Writing 101

November 5, 2024 – 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Eastern Time

Live session $79/Live session with recording $119

How well you respond to requests for proposals for grants can make or break your organization’s budget. This course will provide the in’s and out’s of applying for grants from foundations and government agencies.

Highlights Include:

• The “do’s” and “don’ts” of writing an LOI and Grant Proposal
• Managing the Grant Proposal process, especially for small teams
• How to leverage your LOIs and proposals with the criteria and objectives of your prospective grantor
• Locating Grant Prospects including private and family foundations; local, state, and federal government grant opportunities
• Creating a Project Budget for your grant proposal
• Navigating the 2024 funding environment
• Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and the best approach to responding (or not)
• Developing effective boilerplate language for use on future proposals
• Personalizing proposals to make your organization stand out among other applicants
• Generating Letters of Intent and Proposal Writing via Artificial Intelligence: facilitate responses to LOI’s, tone analysis, personalization, translation, fine tuning of proposals and drafts. 

This 75 minute seminar includes a Q&A and discussion of strategic problem solving and grant writing How To’s.

Virtual Fundraising, Special Events, and AI Generated Fundraisers

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 – 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Eastern Time

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

Virtual fundraising has quickly become a major trend for nonprofits of all sizes. With the expanding popularity of live-streaming technology and other generated event tools, virtual fundraising is primed as a continual and viable option for future fundraisers.

Traditional events like galas and cocktail receptions can be less effective for both long-time and younger generation donors. But the use of virtual technology for event planning is breathing new life into its fundraising efficacy.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can also assist in customizing events for maximum giving including with donor segmentation and targeting, predictive analytics, and real-time analytics. This course will provide you with tips & tools for rolling out dynamic and contemporary Special Events, small and large scale, live and virtual, and AI supported.

Highlights Include:

• Virtual fundraising ideas and tangible strategies for the most impactful special events in 2024 and beyond
• Classic vs. Out-of-the-Box Gala Planning
•  Utilizing AI to make data-driven decisions on event planning, such as choosing the right timing, venue, and theme to maximize participation and donations.
• Creative ways to transform Annual events – Live, virtual, AI generated, and hybrid
• Holding on to what works: Intimate cultivation events – Dinner parties and “Parlor Meetings”
• Technology at work for you: Virtual Journals and Silent Auctions, Text-to-Pledge, and more
• Tapping into AI for expanding your donor base through virtual and non-traditional events
• Interactive events to engage younger donors: marathons, concerts, peer-to-peer events, and more

Giving Tuesday, Digital and AI Marketing, and Social Media Fundraising

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 – 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Eastern Time

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

Rethink Your Giving Tuesday Strategy and Unlock the Puzzle of Social Media Fundraising

Many nonprofits struggle with maximizing their fundraising potential from Giving Tuesday (and other giving days). Aside from a nuanced pod or ambassador driven approach, AI can play a valuable role in supporting nonprofits during Giving Tuesday including with donor targeting and personalization, automated fundraising campaigns, social media “listening”, real-time data analysis, and utilizing chat-boxes to maximize donor giving.

Learn how to use digital outlets to effectively engage elusive major donors, spread mission awareness, connect with your target audience, and promote your events. Converting your social media into successful fundraising campaigns can be a challenge. Learn how to make social media fundraising part of your long-term successful fundraising plan.

Highlights Include:

• How to successfully drive and increase your fundraising potential from Giving Tuesday
• Utilize digital marketing for content and influencer marketing, search engine optimization, and pay-per-click advertising.
• Leverage AI effectively to drive Giving Tuesday fundraising and enhance your overall fundraising efforts
• Tips and tools to get you comfortable navigating popular social media and online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, GoFundMe, Slack, and Constant Contact
• Mapping an annual communication plan that includes expanding your presence on the most impactful social media platforms for delivering your organization’s message to constituents and donors
• Branding your organizational marketing material to create a consistent message across social media platforms
• Appealing to Millennials and Gen X through social media with Peer-to-Peer fundraising, Crowdfunding, and other interactive tools
• The importance of data analytics for tracking and growing a successful social media campaign
• Generate social media posts that highlight your nonprofit’s mission and encourage donations using AI

This 75 minute seminar includes a Q&A and discussion of strategic problem solving and Development How To’s.

Launching a Capital Campaign

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 – 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Eastern Time

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

Your capital campaign supports the continued strong growth of your organization by directing funding toward specific needs and programs.  This course provides all of the nuts and bolts of a successful fundraising Capital campaign, and provides the tips & tools you’ll need to design a campaign tailored to the needs of your organization.

Highlights Include:

• Understanding, planning, and effectively guiding all of the phases of a Capital campaign from launch to completion
• When and where to target your Capital Campaign to make the deepest impact
• How to interpret donor information from wealth screening platforms to best boost your campaign’s success
• Choosing best marketing tools: Creating simple campaign materials to segment your prospects, track your donors, and analyze campaign progress
• Starting your Capital campaign fundraising: soliciting “Leadership” and Major gifts
• Making the most of in-house resources and employing consultants
• Utilizing “Moves Management” to drive campaign growth

This 75 minute seminar includes a Q&A and discussion of strategic problem solving and Development How To’s.

Corporate Giving and Cause Marketing

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 – 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Eastern Time

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

Securing corporate sponsors can provide a big boost to your organization’s fundraising efforts and bottom line budget. This course will provide you with the tips & tools you’ll need to cultivate a long-lasting relationship with a corporate partner committed to your not-for-profit and its work.

A fresh approach towards Corporate Giving also involves “Cause Marketing”, the sale of goods and services, which is growing as a source of funding for not-for-profits. This course will also provide you with the ins & outs of Cause Marketing including tax and legal considerations for both seller and buyers.

Highlights Include:

• Understanding what motivates corporations to give
• Best methods for corporate prospect research and choosing your corporate partners
• Leveraging corporate giving opportunities: Matching gifts, challenge grants, and in-kind support
• Sponsorships: a “win” for both not-for-profit and corporate sponsors
• Launching a “Cause Marketing” campaign and incorporating it with your corporate giving package
• Cultivating multi-tiered relationships with your corporate partners: Employee giving and volunteer programs
• Examples of Cause Marketing income generating activities
• Product Marketing – becoming an independent seller or partnering with a for-profit within a licensing arrangement
•  Legal considerations for product & service sales
• Getting the most out of Cause Marketing: cultivating new corporate partners, growing corporate and individual giving

Major Gifts/Planned Giving

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Eastern Time

Register Live Session $79/Live Session and Receive Recording $119

Individual donors are the lifeblood for a not-for-profit, so cultivating new donor prospects and stewarding existing ones should be at the top of your fundraising agenda, whatever size your budget is.

In this course we will provide the tips & tools for successfully soliciting “Major Gifts”, large donations from High Net Worth Individuals. And we will show you how to turn major donors into long-term donors by welcoming them into your legacy giving program.

This webinar will also provide you with the tips and tools you’ll need to understand Planned Giving, including tax benefits for donors, and to successfully launch a Legacy Giving program.

Highlights Include:

• Prospect Research 101:  Locating Major Donors
• Looking for gold:  Identifying new Major Donors in your existing donor database
• Creatively leveraging your Corporate and Faith-based relationships into Major Donor prospects
• Finding Major Donor prospects for Planned Giving and a Legacy Giving Society
• Understanding a multifaceted “Moves Management” strategy for donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and setting the stage for the “Ask”
• Engaging Millennials and younger donors through Peer-to-Peer and interactive fundraising Simple steps for launching a Legacy Giving program
• Understanding bequests, gifts of IRAs and life insurance, donations of personal property, and more
• Using demographics, giving patterns, and statistical information to wealth screen your database and determine Legacy Giving prospects
• Applying a “Moves Management” approach to Legacy Giving
• Write personalized fundraising letters that can be sent to donors via mail or email.

This 75 minute seminar includes a Q&A and discussion of strategic problem solving and Development How To’s.

Engaging Gen X and Millennial Donors

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising and More

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 – 3:30 pm Eastern Time

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

Today, your fundraising needs to take on a new, more youthful face to hold the interest of Millenial and Gen X supporters. This is especially true for reaching younger donors who are used to more interactive experiences. This course will provide you with tips & tools for managing successful social media fundraising, crowdfunding, and other events geared toward next generation donors.

Highlights Include:

• Interactive fundraising strategies to engage the internet generation
• Peer-to-Peer networking: Fundraising to grow your prospect pool far beyond your existing donor base
• Turning your staff and supporters into fundraising “ambassadors” for your not-for-profit
• Designing creative Crowdsourcing campaigns to engage young donors: birthday celebrations, sporting events, and viral Challenges
• Launching a “Younger Generation Society”
• Rolling Campaigns vs. Time-Based Campaigns
• Weaving your peer-to-peer events into your major donor and corporate giving strategies
• Thinking outside the box in 2024 and beyond

Internship Programs 101

Tuesday, January 7, 2024 – 3:30 pm Eastern Time

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

With your employees stretched to their limit during times of limited resources it’s important to find creative staffing solutions. By establishing an internship program you can address staffing needs without adding financial stress to your organization, while also helping to empower younger generations.

Highlights Include:

• Designing an internship program to meet your specific needs
• Where to find the most qualified interns and what to know about Generation Z
• Best practices for internship programs
• The legal ins and outs of hosting an internship program
• College credit and other options for intern compensation
• On-boarding and training interns
• In-house resources for supporting your interns
•  Cultivating productive working relationships between your interns and your employees

Board of Trustees

Tuesday, January 14, 2024 – 3:30 pm Eastern Time

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

Your Board members should be your best resource for community outreach, donor cultivation, and fundraising. This course will provide a comprehensive approach for recruiting, engaging, and sustaining Board members.

Highlights Include:

• The in’s and out’s of Recruiting and On-boarding new Board members
• Strategies for keeping your current Board engaged
• Turning Board members into fundraisers: Launching a Board giving campaign
• Creating Dynamic and Impactful Board Committees
• Cultivating a diverse Board that reflects the values and mission of your organization
• Realistic Expectations and Succession Planning
• Drafting board “job descriptions” and initiating a self-evaluation process

Affinity Group Fundraising

Tuesday, January 21, 2024 – 3:30 pm-4:45 pm Eastern Time

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

Many nonprofits often overlook fundraising via affinity groups, although this approach can help identify untapped major donor prospects and “low-hanging fruit”. Moreover, affinity group giving can yield significant funding opportunities for not-for-profits. Aside from this,affinity groups are typically more amenable to hosting nonprofit speakers which can also assist your organization in developing new donor pipelines.

This webinar will also include an introduction to “Affinity Group Fundraising” to understand the concept and its importance in 2024 fundraising including potential challenges and solutions. Successfully defining affinity groups by identifying groups of people linked by a common interest, identity, religion, or purpose can yield fortuitous fundraising results.

Highlights Include:

• Dynamics of affinity group fundraising
• Traditional affinity group Fundraising vs. Entrepreneurial affinity group Fundraising
• Developing a Win-Win Dynamic for Converting Members Into Donors
• Creating Robust Relationships with Organizations Within Your Community to Establish New Pipelines of Financial Support
• Up and Coming Groups to Delve Into
• Securing a Win-Win plan for turning group members into donors
• Cultivating relationships with organizations in your community
• Trends in affinity group giving to secular not-for-profits
• Understanding how religious tenets and philosophy impact giving habits
• How To of affinity group prospect research
• Non-monetary giving options:  Creating volunteer opportunities for affinity group members at your organization
• Timing your affinity group fundraising
• Ascertaining the benefits of Targeting Affinity Groups: including Higher engagement rates, increased trust, and tailored messaging.
• Employing tools and techniques to identify potential affinity groups within your supporter base.
• Crafting customized communications that resonate with each affinity group’s values, interests, and motivations.
• Leveraging digital technology to manage, engage, and fundraise from affinity groups.

This 75 minute seminar includes a Q&A and discussion of strategic problem solving and Development How To’s.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Tuesday, January 28, 2024 – 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Eastern Time

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

Best practices for promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at your workplace

 Systemic disparities in hiring and other unfair workplace practices impact the morale of employees and the healthy functioning of a workplace. In order to attract the best workers, an organization today needs to show a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. It’s essential to be on top of current practices for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within your organization.

 Highlights Include:

• Tools to successfully achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion in a workplace, including planning and implementing a DEI program, and challenges you may face
• Fostering and empowering employees: Creating ERGs (employee resource groups)
• Strategies for recruiting to encourage DEI
• How To Build Connections between Multicultural Employees
• Best Practices for DEI Training, and Evaluation of Progress
• How to counteract unconscious biases
• Draft and edit sections of Letters of Intent (LOI’s) and grant proposals  using AI

This 75 minute seminar includes a Q&A and discussion of strategic problem solving and Development How To’s.

Public Relations for Not-For-Profits

Tuesday, February 4, 2024 – 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm EasternTime

Live Program $79/Live Program and Receive Recording $119

Promoting your nonprofit through public relations is crucial for success. It’s not just about spreading awareness of your mission, but also attracting potential donors and building trust within the community.

This webinar will demonstrate how to develop and execute effective public relations strategies to disseminate your key messages, highlight accomplishments, and project compelling stories to build visibility for your nonprofit. You’ll learn how to manage media relations and create a solid annual organizational communications plan that clarifies your mission goals and benchmarks for success.

It’s essential to understand that public relations for nonprofits is different from traditional PR. This webinar will help you navigate the unique challenges of promoting a nonprofit organization and support you in building relationships with all types of donors and community partners.

Finally, you’ll learn about the importance of maintaining your organization’s fiscal health and how watchdog agencies evaluate nonprofits. Understanding these ratings criteria can help you cultivate trust and credibility with all your organizational constituents. By attending this webinar, you’ll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to execute impactful public relations for your nonprofit.

Highlights Include:

• Develop a comprehensive Communications Plan that incorporates traditional media and innovative technologies to reach your target audience.
• Create digital marketing strategies that raise public awareness of your nonprofit’s mission and generate new donations.
• Craft engaging content for social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Tik Tok while maintaining a unified brand voice across all channels.
• Review digital marketing analytics, including Google Ads, to evaluate the impact of your marketing efforts and measure success.
• Define your nonprofit’s target audience and develop a clear and concise brand messaging strategy to address their needs and interests.
• Utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to create effective press releases, media pitches, and other communications materials.
• Leverage social media to engage with your audience, promote your nonprofit’s mission, and increase visibility.
• Understand how nonprofit rating agencies impact public perception and donor trust, and ensure your organization meets their standards.
• Create a crisis communication plan to prepare for and respond to negative publicity.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets and community influencers to amplify your nonprofit’s message.
• Implement best practices for conducting successful events, crafting press releases, and leveraging PR opportunities.
• Maintain a positive public image for your nonprofit through consistent messaging, transparency, and engagement with stakeholders.

And Use AI to:

• Generate scripts for fundraising videos that can be shared on social media or your nonprofit’s website
• Create content for a fundraising campaign website, such as a landing page or donation page
• Develop an engaging chatbot that can answer donors’ questions and guide them through the donation process
• Craft catchy slogans and taglines for your fundraising campaigns
• Compose speeches for fundraising events or presentations

This 75 minute seminar includes a Q&A and discussion of strategic problem solving and Development How To’s.