Conference Schedule
as of August 2, 2023
8:00 - 8:45 am
Registration and Breakfast
8:45 - 9:45 am
Opening Plenary
"From Accidental Fundraiser to Servant Fundraiser: $90M of Philanthropy at Lowell Observatory"
Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Executive Director
Lowell Observatory
As a non-profit with ambitious goals, Lowell Observatory relies heavily on philanthropy. Our increasing need for unrestricted support plus a steadily growing capital campaign have led my colleague Lisa Actor and me to a philosophy we call servant fundraising, an evolution into philanthropy of the principles of servant leadership. This approach has broadened and deepened our donor network dramatically over the past decade, and in this talk, I’ll describe the capital campaign and stewardship strategies that have led us down this path and that have inspired our donors to give generously and with joy.
10:00 - 11:15 am
Breakout sessions
"Ideal Steps To Win Grants"
Annagreta Jacobson, GPC, Consultant
Dave Tinker, CFRE, FAFP, Consultant
GoalBusters Consulting
Grants can be a great asset to your organization’s success, as well as a confusing and frustrating process. Understanding the ideal path for preparation, application, and follow-up will ensure a successful grants program. Experienced grant writers, Annagreta Jacobson and Dave Tinker, will lead you though grants in 8 easy steps.
"Your Most Critical (Often Overlooked) To-Do Item – Your Marketing Plan"
JC Patrick
JC Patrick Consulting
We’ll show you how to create a simple, flexible marketing plan with metrics you can measure. You’ll learn how to find your best prospects, how to get your message in front of them, and how to creatively reach them. We’ll talk about making the most of your social media, website, external marketing, event participation, e-newsletters, and more.
"Servant Fundraising – How the Tenets of Servant Leadership Boost Fundraising Results"
Lisa Actor, Chief Philanthropy Officer
Jeff Hall, Executive Director
Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory Executive Director Jeffrey Hall and Chief Philanthropy Officer Lisa Actor have developed a fundraising culture that mirrors the tenets of servant leadership – listening, appreciation, humility, trust, and caring. Applying these basic principles, they and their team have raised $90 million in the last seven years. Their presentation will provide a peek under the curtain at how they are transforming Lowell Observatory from a regional attraction to a global destination by ingraining the principles of servant leadership through all levels of Lowell Observatory and by creating trusting and empowering relationships with their supporters.
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Power Session
"Board Member Confessional"
Dave Tinker, CFRE, FAFP, Consultant
GoalBusters Consulting
In addition to providing training to nonprofit boards and committees, Dave Tinker has served as a board member of a variety of nonprofit organizations and publicly appointed committees and a publicly elected board over the past three decades. In this session, Dave will share his experience serving on different types of boards and what nonprofit staff need to know about their own board members and public boards from the board member's point of view.
11:30 - 11:45 am
Power Sessions
"WIIFM – The One Question Your Donor Must Answer"
JC Patrick
JC Patrick Consulting
We’ll offer quick tips to involve your donor at every touch – including your donor communications, marketing materials, and appeal letters. You’ll learn about red and green letters, creating donor heroes, and how to keep your language inclusive. This one small tip is a proven game-changer!
"Alphabet Soup: A Quick Tour through Nonprofit Credentials"
Alice Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE
GoalBusters Consulting
Thinking about pursuing a credential or just curious about what all those letters mean? This session addresses frequently asked questions about degrees, certificates, and credentials and what might be best for you or the team members that you support.
11:45 - 12:00 pm
Power Sessions
"How to Spot a Bot - Protecting Yourself from Fake Friends, 'Penny Farming' Clickbait and Political Operatives"
Jim Anderson, CFRE, Partner
GoalBusters Consulting
I hate them, you hate them, we all hate them, and yet these annoying bots are everywhere. These unethical and sometimes criminal automated accounts interrupt our workflow, spread disinformation and lies, and steal our personal and financial information. Most of these efforts are pursued because the creeps running the accounts make money doing so. In this session, we'll reveal how to spot these phony accounts, how to thwart their efforts, and how to minimize their negative impact on us.
12:00 - 12:50 pm
Lunch Plenary
"Finding Time for Fundraising (or your 'other duties as assigned')"
Chad Barger, CFRE, CNP
Productive Fundraising
Join fundraising master trainer Chad Barger, CFRE, CNP, for a fast-paced session filled with tips for busy fundraisers to get more done, by working smarter, not harder. This keynote presentation focuses not on what we do but how we do it. In order to “find more time for fundraising,” we’ll explore ways to better manage email, meetings, our energy level, distractions, self-care, to-do lists, and work-life balance (but we prefer the phrase “work-life harmony”). Attendees will leave the session with practical tips that they can immediately implement to make their days more productive while still leaving room to breathe.
1:00 - 1:15 pm
Power Sessions
"15-Minute Post-Lunch Yoga w/ Anni"
Annagreta Jacobson, GPC and Certified Yoga Instructor
GoalBusters Consulting
Sitting or standing, Anni will lead you through some fun gentle poses to stretch the body and awaken the mind for the afternoon sessions.
"Quick Tips to Supercharge Your Next Fundraising Appeal"
Chad Barger, CFRE, CNP
Productive Fundraising
Join fundraising master trainer Chad Barger, CFRE, for a review of the best practices in writing fundraising appeal letters. Chad will boil down the research from top fundraising experts to provide actionable tips on both how to write content that spurs action and how to actually get prospects to open the envelope.
"Making Remote Work"
Josh Hirsch
1:30 - 2:45 pm
Breakout sessions
"Dating Your Donors: The Do’s and Don’ts"
Robin Kasel, CFRE
Cornerstone Consulting Solutions
Navigating the relationship with a potential donor for your organization can look a lot like dating.
Using a mix of sales, psychology, research, and personal experience, Robin brings a candid and comedic style to the topic of research, securing donor meetings, and building trust. In this session, you will learn how to research, secure the first meeting, cultivate these relationships, and learn how to know when the right time is to make the ask.
"Building a Better Board: 3 I’s of Board Engagement"
Ben Mohler, MA, CFRE, ACFRE
GivingThree
Nonprofit boards are not realizing their full potential. Engage board members in a way that is mutually fulfilling for both board members and the organization they serve. Doing so can help your organization achieve more and develop advocates deeply committed to lifelong philanthropy. This interactive session will give you a roadmap you can put into practice now—to transform your board AND transform your mission.
"Unlocking the Power of AI: How Communications Professionals Can Leverage Artificial Intelligence for Success"
Josh Hirsch
Artificial intelligence is transforming the nonprofit sector, providing new opportunities for innovation and growth. In this session, we will explore how communications professionals can leverage AI to improve their performance, enhance engagement, and achieve their goals. We will discuss the latest trends in AI for communications, showcase real-world examples, and offer practical advice on how to incorporate AI into your work. Join us for an insightful and engaging session that will help you unlock the power of AI for success.
3:00 - 4:00 pm
Closing Plenary
"The Power of Your Working Genius"
Alice Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE
GoalBusters Consulting
Are you curious about what drives your joy and fulfillment in the workplace? Do you want to harness your natural strengths to become more productive, motivated, and engaged? Discover the transformative concept of "The Six Types of Working Genius," developed by Patrick Lencioni and The Table Group, and learn why these geniuses are important for your team's dynamic. Alice Ferris, a certified Working Genius Facilitator, will guide you through an exploration of the six different types of working genius: Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity. These genius types reflect the innate abilities that each of us possesses, yet often remain untapped or unrecognized. By understanding and embracing these genius types, you can revolutionize the way you work, collaborate, and thrive in your professional life. Whether you are a team leader, manager, or individual contributor, this session will equip you with valuable insights to create a more engaged and productive experience for your small and mighty team.
Registration and Breakfast
8:45 - 9:45 am
Opening Plenary
"From Accidental Fundraiser to Servant Fundraiser: $90M of Philanthropy at Lowell Observatory"
Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Executive Director
Lowell Observatory
As a non-profit with ambitious goals, Lowell Observatory relies heavily on philanthropy. Our increasing need for unrestricted support plus a steadily growing capital campaign have led my colleague Lisa Actor and me to a philosophy we call servant fundraising, an evolution into philanthropy of the principles of servant leadership. This approach has broadened and deepened our donor network dramatically over the past decade, and in this talk, I’ll describe the capital campaign and stewardship strategies that have led us down this path and that have inspired our donors to give generously and with joy.
10:00 - 11:15 am
Breakout sessions
"Ideal Steps To Win Grants"
Annagreta Jacobson, GPC, Consultant
Dave Tinker, CFRE, FAFP, Consultant
GoalBusters Consulting
Grants can be a great asset to your organization’s success, as well as a confusing and frustrating process. Understanding the ideal path for preparation, application, and follow-up will ensure a successful grants program. Experienced grant writers, Annagreta Jacobson and Dave Tinker, will lead you though grants in 8 easy steps.
"Your Most Critical (Often Overlooked) To-Do Item – Your Marketing Plan"
JC Patrick
JC Patrick Consulting
We’ll show you how to create a simple, flexible marketing plan with metrics you can measure. You’ll learn how to find your best prospects, how to get your message in front of them, and how to creatively reach them. We’ll talk about making the most of your social media, website, external marketing, event participation, e-newsletters, and more.
"Servant Fundraising – How the Tenets of Servant Leadership Boost Fundraising Results"
Lisa Actor, Chief Philanthropy Officer
Jeff Hall, Executive Director
Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory Executive Director Jeffrey Hall and Chief Philanthropy Officer Lisa Actor have developed a fundraising culture that mirrors the tenets of servant leadership – listening, appreciation, humility, trust, and caring. Applying these basic principles, they and their team have raised $90 million in the last seven years. Their presentation will provide a peek under the curtain at how they are transforming Lowell Observatory from a regional attraction to a global destination by ingraining the principles of servant leadership through all levels of Lowell Observatory and by creating trusting and empowering relationships with their supporters.
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Power Session
"Board Member Confessional"
Dave Tinker, CFRE, FAFP, Consultant
GoalBusters Consulting
In addition to providing training to nonprofit boards and committees, Dave Tinker has served as a board member of a variety of nonprofit organizations and publicly appointed committees and a publicly elected board over the past three decades. In this session, Dave will share his experience serving on different types of boards and what nonprofit staff need to know about their own board members and public boards from the board member's point of view.
11:30 - 11:45 am
Power Sessions
"WIIFM – The One Question Your Donor Must Answer"
JC Patrick
JC Patrick Consulting
We’ll offer quick tips to involve your donor at every touch – including your donor communications, marketing materials, and appeal letters. You’ll learn about red and green letters, creating donor heroes, and how to keep your language inclusive. This one small tip is a proven game-changer!
"Alphabet Soup: A Quick Tour through Nonprofit Credentials"
Alice Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE
GoalBusters Consulting
Thinking about pursuing a credential or just curious about what all those letters mean? This session addresses frequently asked questions about degrees, certificates, and credentials and what might be best for you or the team members that you support.
11:45 - 12:00 pm
Power Sessions
"How to Spot a Bot - Protecting Yourself from Fake Friends, 'Penny Farming' Clickbait and Political Operatives"
Jim Anderson, CFRE, Partner
GoalBusters Consulting
I hate them, you hate them, we all hate them, and yet these annoying bots are everywhere. These unethical and sometimes criminal automated accounts interrupt our workflow, spread disinformation and lies, and steal our personal and financial information. Most of these efforts are pursued because the creeps running the accounts make money doing so. In this session, we'll reveal how to spot these phony accounts, how to thwart their efforts, and how to minimize their negative impact on us.
12:00 - 12:50 pm
Lunch Plenary
"Finding Time for Fundraising (or your 'other duties as assigned')"
Chad Barger, CFRE, CNP
Productive Fundraising
Join fundraising master trainer Chad Barger, CFRE, CNP, for a fast-paced session filled with tips for busy fundraisers to get more done, by working smarter, not harder. This keynote presentation focuses not on what we do but how we do it. In order to “find more time for fundraising,” we’ll explore ways to better manage email, meetings, our energy level, distractions, self-care, to-do lists, and work-life balance (but we prefer the phrase “work-life harmony”). Attendees will leave the session with practical tips that they can immediately implement to make their days more productive while still leaving room to breathe.
1:00 - 1:15 pm
Power Sessions
"15-Minute Post-Lunch Yoga w/ Anni"
Annagreta Jacobson, GPC and Certified Yoga Instructor
GoalBusters Consulting
Sitting or standing, Anni will lead you through some fun gentle poses to stretch the body and awaken the mind for the afternoon sessions.
"Quick Tips to Supercharge Your Next Fundraising Appeal"
Chad Barger, CFRE, CNP
Productive Fundraising
Join fundraising master trainer Chad Barger, CFRE, for a review of the best practices in writing fundraising appeal letters. Chad will boil down the research from top fundraising experts to provide actionable tips on both how to write content that spurs action and how to actually get prospects to open the envelope.
"Making Remote Work"
Josh Hirsch
1:30 - 2:45 pm
Breakout sessions
"Dating Your Donors: The Do’s and Don’ts"
Robin Kasel, CFRE
Cornerstone Consulting Solutions
Navigating the relationship with a potential donor for your organization can look a lot like dating.
Using a mix of sales, psychology, research, and personal experience, Robin brings a candid and comedic style to the topic of research, securing donor meetings, and building trust. In this session, you will learn how to research, secure the first meeting, cultivate these relationships, and learn how to know when the right time is to make the ask.
"Building a Better Board: 3 I’s of Board Engagement"
Ben Mohler, MA, CFRE, ACFRE
GivingThree
Nonprofit boards are not realizing their full potential. Engage board members in a way that is mutually fulfilling for both board members and the organization they serve. Doing so can help your organization achieve more and develop advocates deeply committed to lifelong philanthropy. This interactive session will give you a roadmap you can put into practice now—to transform your board AND transform your mission.
"Unlocking the Power of AI: How Communications Professionals Can Leverage Artificial Intelligence for Success"
Josh Hirsch
Artificial intelligence is transforming the nonprofit sector, providing new opportunities for innovation and growth. In this session, we will explore how communications professionals can leverage AI to improve their performance, enhance engagement, and achieve their goals. We will discuss the latest trends in AI for communications, showcase real-world examples, and offer practical advice on how to incorporate AI into your work. Join us for an insightful and engaging session that will help you unlock the power of AI for success.
3:00 - 4:00 pm
Closing Plenary
"The Power of Your Working Genius"
Alice Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE
GoalBusters Consulting
Are you curious about what drives your joy and fulfillment in the workplace? Do you want to harness your natural strengths to become more productive, motivated, and engaged? Discover the transformative concept of "The Six Types of Working Genius," developed by Patrick Lencioni and The Table Group, and learn why these geniuses are important for your team's dynamic. Alice Ferris, a certified Working Genius Facilitator, will guide you through an exploration of the six different types of working genius: Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity. These genius types reflect the innate abilities that each of us possesses, yet often remain untapped or unrecognized. By understanding and embracing these genius types, you can revolutionize the way you work, collaborate, and thrive in your professional life. Whether you are a team leader, manager, or individual contributor, this session will equip you with valuable insights to create a more engaged and productive experience for your small and mighty team.
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