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You may register for the Philanthropy Institute at the door.
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AFP WNC proudly presents its 14th annual Philanthropy Institute bringing a full one-day workshop to the development professionals of Western North Carolina and neighboring communities. Invite your co-workers, CEOs, Executive Directors and board members now. Sandy Rees promises to be an outstanding keynote speaking from her experience as a coach, mentor, and facilitator with non-profit organizations. Breakout sessions and lunch roundtables round out this full day providing you with doable ideas, valuable insights, and networking opportunities.
Breakout Sessions Led by experienced development professionals, these sessions provide in-depth discussion and instruction on relevant topics. Three sessions will offer a wide variety of topics for beginner, advanced, and general interests. If you would like to lead a session, please see the information above.
Effective Boards in an Uncertain Economy
presented by William P. Massey, UNC Asheville
While strong, effective boards are always important, they may be even more important in helping an organization chart its course in an uncertain, nervous economy. While this may seem like a challenge, the opportunities presented for both staff and volunteer boards are rich and exciting with lasting benefits to our organizations.
Essentials of Annual Giving
presented by J. Clarkson, CFRE, Senior Consultant, Sims & Steele Consulting
Meeting your organization's operating needs through an annual program can seem overwhelming, and sometimes it is hard to know where to begin. This session will identify the building blocks of a strong program and how to get going with each piece.
The Five Axioms of Fundraising
presented by Chris Mueller, Director of Resource Development, Western Carolina University
People are bombarded with more than 5,000 marketing impressions everyday. Amidst this noise, and current economic challenges, an increasing number of worthy organizations are trying to raise extraordinary amounts of money. The key to reaching prospective donors is applying the Five Axioms of Fundraising throughout fundraising and marketing programs. Whether it is increasing annual gifts or raising major gifts, these axioms are the basis for getting results. This session will describe each of the five axioms and provide real examples of how they can be applied.
Shall We Dance? Ways Funders and Organizations Can Work Best Together
presented by Susan Jenkins, Executive Director, Cherokee Preservation Foundation
Using the results of a study of thirty funders' perspectives on improving ways funders and organizations can enhance their working relationships, this session will further explore and detail specific skills that lead to more effective partnerships and collaborations between funders and grantees in the western North Carolina region.
Square One: Creating A Development Plan for Smaller Organizations
presented by Beth Trigg, writer & consultant
In this workshop for small and/or young nonprofit organizations, we will learn about and practice using tools for creating and working a development plan. We will discus ways to involve stakehoders (volunteer, board members) in fundraising planning and in carrying out your development plan. The session will emphasize the Annual Campaign as the keystone of any development plan, we will discuss Annual Campaign planning tools such as the gift range chart. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from the principles in this workshop, although, it is geared towards groups that don't yet have dedicated full-time development staff and are relying on volunteer and/or board involvement in fundraising planning.
Uncomplicating Planned Giving – How to Act and Appear Like a Pro
presented by Alex Comfort, Executive Director, Cradle of Forestry Association in America
Planned Giving is the most complex area of advancement. Numerous seminars stressing the most complicated tools of the seasoned attorney are terrifying to most development professionals. But the good news is that we don’t have to know it all – we simply need to know how seasoned development professionals promote planned giving and act on their opportunities! You will leave this session encouraged about having planned giving as a tool you use regularly, and you will be able to succeed and “wow” your superiors and board members.
Understanding Technology for the Small Development Office
presented by Gordon Walton, President, OneWhoServes, Inc. Computer and Business Services
If you work in a small development office, where should you invest your money for technology? Gordon will explain the ins and outs of the elements that make up your technology, including workstations, servers, operating systems (Windows, Mac, or Linux), networks, Internet options, and websites. He will also discuss office software needs and options, as well as database software selection and use. Gordon specializes in explaining technology to non-technical people in a language they can understand. Attendees of this workshop will gain basic knowledge about technology and insights on how to evaluate and implement their office’s technology needs.
Writing a Case Statement
presented by Mark Goldstein, CEO/President, Communication Mark.
Learn how to create a Case Statement — the document that you should create before seeking funds for any significant project or campaign. Mr. Goldstein will explain what to include in a compelling Case Statement, how to go about writing it, how to convince colleagues of its importance and why it is key to donor-centered fundraising. Case Statements help nonprofit organizations avoid what Mr. Goldstein calls the "fundraising death spiral" — the tendency to fall into a mad rush between well-intentioned ideas and urgent fundraising deadlines — which can leave a trail of disenchanted fundraisers and poorly-conceived projects.
Lunch Roundtables Enjoy your lunch with fellow fundraising professionals in these guided, relevant conversations on topics that are important to you. This is a great opportunity to go in-depth and talk about specific, real-life experiences and challenges. A full list of topics and discussion leaders will be available at the registration desk the day of the Institute, or simply head over to the tables with the signs. The roundtables are optional sessions. You are also welcome to enjoy the UNCA campus and visit with your colleagues.
Currently slated roundtable topics are:
• Donor War Stories -- no names, please!
• Everything You Wanted to Know About Fundraising, But Was Afraid to Ask
• Funding of the Arts
• Fundraising and Faith
• Press Releases 101
• Prospect Research
• Sponsorships 101
• (more topics TBA)
Keynote Speaker: Sandy Rees, CFRE Sandy Rees is a non-profit fundraising coach, author, speaker, and trainer. She teaches small, grassroots nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, draw more people closer to their organization, and be more effective in their work.
As a former Director of Development, Sandy is well-versed in all areas of fundraising and donor development. Her strengths include donor relations, direct mail, nonprofit marketing, board development, and strategic planning.
Sandy obtained her CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) certification in 2003. Sandy is the author of Fundraising Buffet and has contributed articles to Advancing Philanthropy, Inside Fundraising Success, and Mal Warwick's newsletter. She is the author of the blog Get Fully Funded and and contributes regularly to Step-By-Step Fundraising.
She is an accomplished presenter and teaches regular public training classes covering a variety of fundraising topics. She has lead fundraising seminars for America’s Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Amputee Coalition of America.
Sandy is active in the community and volunteers with several organizations including Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR), Lost Sheep Ministries, and Loudon High School Band Boosters. She is a former Girl Scout Leader and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Loudon County Habitat for Humanity.
