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Rising Stars

A Leadership Development Cohort for Emerging Donor Relations Leaders

The Rising Stars cohort is built for mid-career donor relations professionals with 3–5 years of experience and a clear vision for what’s next. If you're ready to move from strong contributor to emerging leader, this program is your next step.

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Over the course of 10 months, you’ll dive into a transformational experience designed to deepen your expertise, expand your impact, and prepare you for your next leadership opportunity. It’s a thoughtful balance of practical training and professional growth.

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Half of the program is focused on the core elements of donor relations—what’s working, what’s evolving, and how to drive meaningful results. The other half is all about your development as a leader: building your skills, boosting your confidence, and equipping you to lead with intention. Alongside DRG’s expert facilitators, you’ll collaborate with a talented cohort of peers who are equally committed to learning and growing.

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Together, we’ll explore real-world challenges, share insights, and tackle obstacles through a team-centered, solutions-focused approach. You’ll walk away with a stronger understanding of your own program, a clearer sense of your strengths, a network of like-minded industry peers, and the tools to grow both your organization and your career. Most importantly, you’ll leave inspired—confident in your purpose, connected to a powerful network, and ready for whatever comes next.

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Rising Stars
Program

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Here is what you will receive as a member of the Distinguished Leaders Cohort:

 

  • Five, 60-minute online meetings featuring focused learning, thought-leadership in the following areas: 

    • Leading With Strengths 

    • Transitioning from Team Member to Team Leader

    • Leading Up, Sideways, and All Around

    • Strategy Development

    • The Future of Donor Relations

    • Advocating For That Next Opportunity​

  • Five, 60-minute small group ideation and crowd-sourced problem solving sessions hosted by DRG facilitators and/or Distinguished Leaders alumni.

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This program also includes: 

  • A recording from each session that will be documented and shared with members of the cohort

  • A digital DRG Rising Stars Badge to share on LinkedIn or other professional profiles

  • Exclusive discounts on all DRG products and services, including digital products, consulting, and conferences

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*This is a tentative outline for conversations included in this cohort. Final topics and discussions will be informed by the members of the cohort and will be finalized based on member feedback.

Your Investment

A 10-month membership in the Rising Stars program is $1,750. It's truly one of the best investments you can make in your future — both personally, and for your organization. You'll receive personalized leadership training and support from our team of experts. Plus, you’ll build a lifelong network of peers in the industry. 

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Limited scholarships are available. Applicants who are interested in scholarship support can express their need within the scholarship application by answering two questions. Please understand we cannot award scholarships to all applicants who express need. 

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Need help making the case to leadership?
Use this ready-to-send template letter to share with your boss and advocate for your professional development.

How to Apply

All cohort members must meet the following requirements:

  • 3+ years of experience in donor relations

  • Complete the Rising Stars application by June 8, 2025

  • Agree to contribute materials to the cohort (examples of policies, procedures, communications pieces, hosted talk, etc.)

  • Have a firm understanding of the 4 Pillars of Donor Relations framework

  • We recommend all applicants discuss their desire to participate with supervisors and leadership to ensure budgetary support for the program. 
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Application Process:

  • Applications will be accepted from May 5, 2025—June 8, 2025. 

  • The cohort facilitators will select 30 participants —including a maximum of 5 scholarship recipients—and inform all applicants of their decision by June 16, 2025. The cohort will begin on August 1, 2025 and continue through May 2026. 

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If you have any questions, please contact Colton Withers at colton@donorrelations.com

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Apply

Meet Your Facilitators

Headshot of Angela Joens, DRG Consultant and Strategist

Angie Joens

Consultant & Strategist

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Colton Withers

Director of Operations

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Christine McGuire

Associate

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Holly Kizer

Associate

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