Training Programs and Retreat Facilitation

As part of our ongoing work with clients, we regularly provide training and retreat facilitation to meet client needs. We also provide training and facilitation programs on request for other organizations and groups.

Ranging from half-day to full two-day sessions, board and staff training and retreat programs provide participants with an understanding of the fundraising and strategic planning process. Topics include nonprofit fundraising and the role of the board; introduction to, and overview of, development programs and/or capital campaigns; designing and implementing major gift programs; and effective stewardship of major donors. Programs are designed to meet client’s individual needs and often involve collaborators who bring specific expertise to the training experience. Examples of training programs include:

Campaign Planning and Execution

How to effectively develop the essential components for a strong campaign: a case for support; organizing your resources; the leadership needed among the board, campaign committee, and staff; and engaging your donors.

Learn the guiding principles for a successful campaign, the balance of public and private phases, managing campaign momentum, and developing plans that keep you on track.

Major Gift Fundraising

The art of the ask, solicitation role-playing, and how to find the right balance between metrics and relationship building to effectively manage a major gifts program are examples of training we have provided in the past for major gift staff and those who oversee major gift programs.

Annual Fund 101

An introduction for new fundraising professionals to the core principles of an annual fund in the context of the overall development program and how staff play a critical role in the overall organization’s success. Participants learn the guiding principles that drive an annual fund’s success in dollars and donors, the components of a successful program, the value of volunteer management, principles of prospect management, and the partnerships among the team that can create a lifelong career in fundraising.

Board Training

Assists board members in more fully developing their individual leadership skills both personally and professionally, with a full understanding of their roles and responsibilities as members or officers, and orients members to their role in fundraising for the mission of the nonprofit organization they serve.

Managing the President’s Relationships with Top Donors

What the President needs to know, how to organize strategy, initiative, and action steps to keep those core relationships on track and moving forward.

Principles and Practice of Effective Volunteer Management

The values, principles, and steps critical to ensuring you recruit the right volunteers for the right roles and support them in a way that leads to a mutually satisfying, meaningful, and productive relationship.