​

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12 | THE 4 PILLARS OF DONOR RELATIONS

9:00 AM | Introduction: Roadmap to the 4 Pillars
 

9:15 AM | Pillar One: Acknowledgments

A good acknowledgment is about more than just saying, "thank you." In this session, we'll teach you how to craft expressions of gratitude that will surprise and delight your donors. We'll discuss gift acceptance and receipts, thank you letters, pledge reminders, behavior-based thank you's (e.g., first-time donors), and more.
 

10:30 AM | Break

​

10:45 AM | Pillar Two: Stewardship and Reporting
Discover unique ways to show donors the true impact of their generosity. Demonstrating transparency and remaining donor-focused are key. We'll discuss broad-based and individual impact reports, how to prioritize your work based on audience and resources, and the components that go into an effective report.

​

12:00 PM | Lunch Break

​

1:00 PM | Pillar Three: Recognition
Events, giving societies, public displays—there are many ways to recognize donors (even some you should avoid). We'll discuss what to keep, what to leave behind, and how to create meaningful experiences that will make lasting impressions, and leave donors wanting more.

​

2:15 PM | Break

2:30 PM | Pillar Four: Engagement
A donor is engaged once they are emotionally invested and committed to an organization. In this session, we'll show you what it takes to get them there. We'll share examples and ideas that you can implement at your organization to connect donors to your mission and turn them into loyal supporters.

​

3:45 PM | Wrap-Up & Q&A

4:30 PM | One-Day Conference Ends

​

​

DAY 2: THURSDAY, APRIL 13 | HALF-DAY WORKSHOPS

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Half-Day Modern Events Workshop

Our events now and in the future have been forever affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. After a year and a half or more without in-person gatherings, our fundamental way of gathering has changed—for your organization and for your donors. Meaningful experiences are designed with purpose and connection, not just gathering wealthy donors in a room without a thread of connectedness beyond the organization. We will look at the stories our events are telling—both to attendees and non-attendees—and explore current societal norms around events, reflective of the times.

​

12:00 PM | Lunch Break

​

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM - DEI Workshop | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and the Donor and Recipient Experience 

For the past few years we’ve all been learning how we can do better in light of DEI issues. Join us for this workshop where we take a deep and at times uncomfortable dive into how this affects the fundraising profession. We'll cover balancing a donor’s need for recognition and our need to walk the walk when it comes to inclusion. In addition, we'll spend quality time discussing the student or beneficiary experience of a donor’s generosity. We'll dive into what is best practice, what needs to change and how we build consensus around these necessary changes. From greetings and salutations in our databases to building inclusive communications, let’s discuss what matters most and how we can proceed to strive to do better for all involved.

​

CFRE Eligibility: This conference has been approved for 12 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.​