You can purchase one day, two days, or all three days of this conference:

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DAY 1: THE 4 PILLARS OF DONOR RELATIONS

The first day of the conference is based on Lynne Wester's book, The Four Pillars of Donor Relations. This interactive learning experience is perfect for anyone new to donor relations or 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.

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We'll dive into each of the Four Pillars of Donor Relations—acknowledgment, stewardship, recognition, and engagement. Lynne and her team of experts will bring each topic to life as they share personal stories of tragedies, triumph, ridicule, and redemption. You’ll leave inspired and energized, equipped with tangible ideas that you can implement immediately with any size staff or budget.

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DAY 2: HALF-DAY WORKSHOPS (SOLD OUT)

We're presenting four half-day workshops on Day 2—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Full conference registrations (all 3 days) include both the morning and afternoon workshops. Individual purchases can also be made to attend one or both sessions. ​

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MORNING WORKSHOPS 

Fund Reporting/Stewardship Workshop 

Join us for a half-day Fund Stewardship Workshop on the principles of fund stewardship, compliance, and financial utilization. As we know, getting the gift in the door is only half the battle. Once it’s on the books, our jobs in Donor Relations begin with the long-term process of ensuring the funds are spent to maximum capacity in accordance with donor intent, and reported on annually to the donors. This dedicated workshop will focus on setting the stage with effective and sustainable gift agreements, fund audit and monitoring best practices, donor-centered stewardship activities (including a deep dive into fund reporting), and much more. We'll explore this complex issue while identifying key partners and data needs, as well as discuss the role of Donor Relations professionals in this arena. Whether you are new to this space, or need a refresher on the “science side of the house,” this workshop is for you!

DEI Workshop | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and the Donor and Recipient Experience (SOLD OUT)

For the past few years we’ve all been learning about how we can do better in light of DEI issues. Join us for this workshop where we take a deep and sometimes 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 needed changes. From greetings and salutations in our database to building inclusive communications, let’s discuss what matters most and how we can venture to always do better for all involved.

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AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

Events Workshop (SOLD OUT)

Our events now and in the future have been forever changed 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. Today's meaningful experiences are designed with purpose and donor interests in mind, not just gathering wealthy donors in a room without a thread of connectedness beyond the organization. We'll look at the stories our events are telling—to both attendees and non-attendees—and explore current societal norms around events, reflective of the times.

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Behavior-Based Donor Relations Workshop 

Let’s face it - the way we’ve always done it is fading into the background as new practices emerge. But some shops are still stuck in traditional thanking methods based on gift amount to define their communication and recognition efforts. We have finite resources, both in staff and budgets, and we must strategize ways to engage many donors with different interests and needs. By developing a program based on donor behaviors—not arbitrary giving amounts—we can ensure we are communicating gratitude and impact to donors at all levels of giving.

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DAY 3: THE 4 PILLARS OF THE DONOR EXPERIENCE

The Four Pillars of the Donor Experience, or the DX, is built upon the foundation of the Four Pillars of Donor Relations, but goes beyond the tactics that guide our work and instead applies to a living philosophy that guides the why behind our fundraising practices.

Put yourself in the donor’s shoes—they don’t want another lapel pin or bumper sticker. They want to know they make a difference to your institution and are valued. Donor appreciation is not expensive, but neglecting it can be. Research shows that it is 7 times more expensive to acquire a new donor than to keep the ones you already have. The solution is simple: put the donor first and consume yourself with the DX—their experience, not yours.

Day 3 of this conference begins with an evaluation of your current practice based on MECHANICS, COMMUNICATIONS, STRATEGY, and CULTURE to give you a clear idea of where to focus your resources and efforts. From there, each session is dedicated to breaking down the 4 Pillars of the DX—and teaching you how to create an extraordinary donor experience.

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This conference has been approved for 18.75 CFRE points. 

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