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Experience DRG's New Four Pillars Conference in Denver!
Join us for a transformative, three-day experience designed to provide you with the knowledge, strategies, and inspiration you need to take your donor relations practices to new heights. Grounded in the foundational concepts of Lynne Wester’s The Four Pillars of Donor Relations, this conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your understanding of acknowledgment, stewardship, recognition, and engagement practices. Whether you're new to donor relations or a seasoned expert, you'll leave with actionable insights, innovative ideas, and connections that will energize your work.
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Each day is thoughtfully curated to address key aspects of donor relations—from the essentials of acknowledgment and stewardship to advanced strategies for creating meaningful recognition and engagement programs.
We'll take a deep dive into the Four Pillars of Donor Relations with a blend of interactive learning and hands-on activities. Our team of experts will share best—and next—practices in each of the Four Pillars, inspire you with samples from across the industry, and provide key takeaways you can implement at your shop right away.
Stick around for our half-day workshops on days 2 and 3, and learn how to hone your communication skills to craft messages that resonate with donors, and design memorable donor experiences that inspire generosity and build lasting connections.
Don’t miss this chance to explore cutting-edge trends, engage with leading experts, and connect with peers in the vibrant city of Denver. Whether you're new to the field, seeking fresh ideas, or advancing your existing skills, there is something for everyone at the Four Pillars Conference in Denver!
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The DRG Difference
At DRG, we conference differently. We believe conferences should be more than just a learning experience—they should be memorable, inspiring, and FUN! That’s why every DRG event is carefully crafted to deliver expert insights in an engaging, intimate, and dynamic atmosphere that sets us apart.
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From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the difference. Our presentations are vendor-free, ensuring that the focus stays squarely on your professional growth, not sales pitches. You’ll be guided by dynamic presenters who are experts in the field, delivering practical strategies and innovative ideas you can implement right away. And you won’t leave empty-handed—our detailed workbooks serve as your roadmap for success, packed with resources to help you take what you’ve learned and apply it directly to your work.
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We also know that the best learning happens in an environment that’s as enjoyable as it is educational. That’s why we infuse our events with good food, great music, and an abundance of laughter. Whether it’s a thought-provoking discussion, a moment of connection with your peers, a shared laugh, or a dance break you didn't know you needed—you’ll leave feeling energized and ready to take on new challenges.​
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At DRG, we don’t just host conferences—we create joyful experiences that inspire, connect, and empower you to create amazing donor experiences at your organization.
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Conference Overview
Day 1: June 25, 2025
The Four Pillars of Donor Relations
Pillars One and Two: Acknowledgment and Stewardship
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The first day of the conference is based on the first half of Lynne Wester's book, The Four Pillars of Donor Relations. This interactive learning experience is perfect for anyone new to donor relations, or even the experienced professional. Filled with fresh content and real-life examples, day one of this conference will teach you the basics of donor relations as well as next practices and new industry trends.
We'll dive into the first two, must-have pillars of The Four Pillars of Donor Relations—acknowledgment and stewardship—to help you assess your current program and identify where and how you can advance your efforts. We'll also provide you with time to workshop your own acknowledgments and impact reports.
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Learning Outcomes:
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Understand the Foundations of Donor Relations: Learn the principles of acknowledgment and stewardship as the foundational pillars of effective donor relations.
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Assess Current Donor Relations Practices: Conduct a thorough assessment of your current donor relations program to identify strengths and areas for improvement, and prioritize key areas to advance your donor relations efforts.
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Refine Acknowledgment Processes: Workshop acknowledgment strategies to enhance effectiveness and personalization.
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Craft Creative Expressions of Gratitude: Identify unique ways to express gratitude that surprise and delight donors, and review real-life examples to recognize common acknowledgment mistakes and learn actionable fixes.
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Audit Gift Agreements for Legal and Practical Integrity: Understand how to review and assess gift agreements for both legality and practicality and identify key clauses to include or revise to ensure alignment with organizational and donor expectations.
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Optimize Stewardship Practices: Discover how to tier and structure reports for different donor segments to maximize efficiency and relevance.
Day 2: June 26, 2025
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Morning Session — The Four Pillars of Donor Relations
Pillars Three and Four: Recognition & Engagement
We'll kick off the second day with the final two pillars of the Four Pillars of Donor Relations—recognition and engagement. You'll learn why and how nonprofits are moving from dollar-based to behavior-based recognition programs, the importance of crucial conversations around gift agreement policies and procedures, and see examples of ways donors really want to be recognized and engage with your organization (Hint: It's not a giant check or a rubber chicken dinner in a ballroom). You'll return to your organization ready to create amazing experiences that will surprise and delight your donors. All participants who complete the comprehensive training on the Four Pillars of Donor Relations will be awarded a digital certificate and badge.
Learning Outcomes:
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Understand the Transition to Behavior-Based Recognition: Assess current recognition practices to identify areas where a shift from dollar-based to behavior-based recognition can better align with evolving donor expectations, and understand how the changing donor base influences recognition strategies and requires more personalized and meaningful approaches.
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Implement Donor-Centered and Inclusive Recognition Strategies: Learn to establish internal documents and policies to guide recognition practices, and apply principles of equality and inclusivity to create recognition programs that honor all donors authentically and respectfully.
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Create Unique Donor Experiences: Identify opportunities to create meaningful donor recognition and engagement experiences that go beyond traditional approaches, surprising and delighting donor
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Afternoon Session — Messages that Matter: The Art and Science of Writing for Donor Relations
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Writing is the heart of donor relations, shaping how nonprofits inspire, engage, and steward. From acknowledgment letters and impact reports to event scripts, social media posts, and video storytelling, today’s donor relations professionals must wield a wide range of writing styles to connect with diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
This workshop will provide you with the skills and tools to elevate your writing for every stage of the donor journey. You'll explore how purpose and audience shape tone, style, and messaging, and learn to apply storytelling frameworks like the "Hero's Journey" to craft compelling donor-centric narratives that motivate generous hearts to act.
Dive into the nuances of writing for various channels—including web, email, print, social media, and events—and discover practical strategies to create consistent, engaging, and effective messaging. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into leveraging AI-driven tools to streamline your writing process, save time, and deliver high-impact content even with limited resources.
Through hands-on exercises, real-world examples, and best practices, this workshop will stretch your creative muscles and empower you to write with confidence, purpose, and efficiency. Leave with a toolbox of techniques to fine-tune your tone, strengthen donor connections, and make a lasting impression with your words.
Learning Outcomes:
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Pursue Writing with Purpose: Understand how to identify core objectives, tailor your writing style to specific audiences, and use communication plans to optimize frequency and impact.
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Craft Compelling Stories: Apply narrative structures to create donor-centric stories and calls-to-action that resonate and inspire. Learn to incorporate powerful imagery, meaningful language, and effective formatting into your content.
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Adapt Writing Across Channels: Gain expertise in creating content for print, web, email, social media, and event communications, ensuring consistency and engagement across platforms.
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Leverage AI for Efficiency: Explore essential AI tools and plugins to enhance your writing process, from brainstorming and editing to creating polished, professional content with ease.
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Day 3: June 27, 2025
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Sparking a Lasting Connection: Event Experiences Designed for Donors
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The events industry has undergone transformative changes in recent years, reshaping the way nonprofits approach donor engagement. Events are no longer just gatherings—they are strategic opportunities to build community, demonstrate donor impact, and inspire lasting change. This interactive workshop will empower you to design meaningful donor-centric experiences that not only inspire generosity, but also deepen emotional connections with your organization.
This session will delve into the essentials of planning successful donor-focused events, exploring how storytelling can be used to highlight donor impact and foster a sense of shared purpose. You’ll also gain insights into the evolving role of event technology, its implications for design and execution, and how to harness it effectively. As organizational leadership increasingly prioritizes measurable outcomes, you’ll learn how to collect and analyze event data to assess success and make informed decisions.
Additionally, this workshop will address the critical role of community-building in today’s event landscape. Discover how to leverage data and audience insights to craft experiences that leave an enduring impression and align with your mission-driven goals. Whether you're seeking to refine your existing strategies or innovate your approach, this session will provide actionable takeaways to elevate your event portfolio.
Led by experienced professionals in nonprofit events and donor engagement, this workshop offers a combination of best practices, case studies, and practical tools. You’ll also have the chance to connect with peers, share challenges, and collaborate on ideas to drive results. Walk away with the skills and confidence to design event experiences that captivate, inspire, and foster lifelong connections.
Learning Outcomes:
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Discover Donor-Centric Event Design: Understand the key differences between donor-focused experiences and other types of events and learn how to craft events that resonate with donors.
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Strengthen Connections Through Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to demonstrate donor impact and strengthen emotional ties to your organization.
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Leverage Data for Success: Explore the growing importance of data in event planning and learn how to measure and analyze success to refine your strategy.
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CFRE Eligibility: This conference has been approved for 15 CFRE points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification. ​
Rave Reviews
This conference was a rich experience enhanced by relevant content, interactive sessions, and a broad range of institutional knowledge from the presenters and participants. I highly recommend!
The best donor relations conference I've been to. Each session packed a punch with great info, super tactical tips and lots of laughs!
I truly appreciated this conference and being able to interact with peers in the same role as me. I've been to conferences through other organizations but they never seem to have the right content for donor relations professionals. I felt I was in a room of people who have the same wins and struggles as me - it made me feel like I am not alone!
This conference didn't feel like a conference---it was an experience! The DRG Group clearly applied what they know about donor relations to every piece of the conference. It was personal, memorable and valuable. Thank you to the entire team for a great three days.
Conference Schedule
Day 1: Wednesday, June 25
The Four Pillars of Donor Relations (Part 1)
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9:00 AM | Introduction: Roadmap to the Four Pillars of Donor Relations
9:15 AM | Pillar One: Acknowledgments
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10:30 AM | Break
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10:45 AM | Pillar One: Acknowledgments (cont'd)
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12:00 PM | Lunch Break
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1:00 PM | Pillar Two: Stewardship and Reporting
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2:15 PM | Break
2:30 PM | Pillar Two: Stewardship and Reporting (cont'd)
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3:45 PM | Wrap-Up & Q&A
4:30 PM | Day 1 Ends
Day 2: Thursday, June 26
The Four Pillars of Donor Relations (Part 2) + Writing Workshop
9:00 AM | Introduction/Agenda for the Day
9:15 AM | Pillar Three: Recognition
10:30 AM | Break
10:45 AM | Pillar Four: Engagement
12:00 PM | Lunch Break
1:00 PM | Messages that Matter: The Art and Science of Writing for Donor Relations (Part 1)
2:15 PM | Break
2:30 PM | Messages that Matter: The Art and Science of Writing for Donor Relations (Part 2)
3:45 PM | Wrap-Up & Q&A
4:30 PM | Day 2 Ends
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Day 3: Friday, June 27
Sparking a Lasting Connection: Event Experiences Designed for Donors
9:00 AM | Introduction/Agenda for the Day
9:15 AM | Sparking a Lasting Connection: Event Experiences Designed for Donors (Part 1)
10:30 AM | Break
10:45 AM | Sparking a Lasting Connection: Event Experiences Designed for Donors (Part 2)
12:00 PM | Conference Ends
Location
Special thanks to our hosts at University of Colorado Denver!​
CONFERENCE LOCATION
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University of Colorado Denver
Lawrence Street Center
1380 Lawrence St.
Denver, CO 80204
HOTEL
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Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver
1717 Champa Street
Denver, CO 80202
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Book through the link below for a special DRG rate!
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Can't wait to dive into the content?
Grab your copy of the book that started it all—The Four Pillars of Donor Relations—and discover why Lynne's Four Pillars framework is the guide that every donor relations shop needs. A brilliant partner to the Four Pillars Conference, this book contains a dozen examples of creative communications with donors from real institutions, and 60 pages of appendices offering specific advice on everything from what to include in a gift acceptance policy to donor event management. Learn the framework during the conference, and keep the book as a reference for everyone at your organization for years to come!
Ready to take your donor relations to the next level? The 4 Pillars of the Donor Experience—knowledge, strategy, culture, and emotion—builds upon the foundation of the Four Pillars of Donor Relations, and lets us understand the fundamental truths behind why donors continue to respond to our work, continue to give, and deepen their relationships with our organizations.
In The 4 Pillars of The Donor Experience, Lynne breaks down the philosophy of donor engagement while providing concrete strategies, tangible examples, and a whole slew of images and samples from organizations across the nation doing great work. Now available in print or as an audiobook!
Our Sponsors
Our sponsors allow us to keep our prices low while still providing you with the best experience possible. Thank you to our friends who partner with us to make these conferences and workshops possible. We couldn't do it without you! Click on the logos below to learn more about the incredible work they do.
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