Conference Schedule (Subject to Change)
7:30 a.m. Registration (Lobby)
8:00 a.m. Welcome/Opening Keynote/Breakfast
Often, when times get tough, our initial reaction is to go into “survivor mode.” But we can accomplish so much more if we get into a “Thriver mode.” Bill Bartolini will explore the differences between those two modes and what you can do to thrive in these challenging economic times. His inspirational message will help you stay positive and see that you have new opportunities to engage donors.
Keynote: Bill Bartolini, ACFRE: “Beyond Survivor: Thriving in Tough Economic Times”
9:15 a.m. Workshops
#1 - The Board and Staff Partnership…Success is All About Expectations
Successful fundraising takes two…the Board and the Staff. The importance of committed board members cannot be overstated; likewise, our organizations couldn’t function without dedicated staff members. One secret to success is knowing who should be doing what…and what happens if they don’t. The roles of Board and staff members in fundraising and beyond, communication among and between Board and staff, and the lynch pin to making it all work (the mission and your case) will be discussed while participant input and involvement are strongly encouraged.
Presenter: Jill Pranger, ACFRE - Pranger Philanthropic, Webster, N.Y.
#2 -Planned Giving in a Difficult Economy
Learn how to weather future difficult economic times for your organization with planned giving. In this session you will be introduced to strategies that will work for any size organization so that you may start the planned giving conversation with your donors. Your donors are particularly sensitive right now to outright solicitations – but they still love what you do. Show them optional and additional ways that they can make gifts! Used appropriately planned gift revenue will provide a steady stream to assist in days of feast or famine.
Presenter: Davida Isaacson, Myerberg, Shain, and Associates
#M1 - One on One Meetings (Bill Bartolini)
10:30 a.m. Workshops
#3 - Annual Giving - How to Do It Well… Over and Over and Over Again
Whether starting from scratch or taking an existing program to a new level, this session will provide information about what is needed to develop a productive and effective Annual Giving Program. Planning, setting goals, specific techniques, expected performance, monitoring progress, use of volunteers, and reporting of results will be covered. Additionally, ideas will be shared about how to keep the annual giving program vibrant year after year after year after year after year…
Presenter: Jill Pranger, ACFRE - Pranger Philanthropic, Webster, N.Y.
#4 - Data Driven Successful Campaigns
Successful campaigns have many components, but at their core is research and analytics. The presenter will offer front line advice about the role of data before, during and after a campaign and how building robust data sets can help campaigns to come.
Presenter: David Shanton - Baruch College, New York, N.Y.
#M2 - One on One Meetings (Davida Isaacson)
11:30 a.m. Networking Time
12:00 p.m. - Lunch and Keynote Address “The 50,000 Foot View: Fundraising, Ethics, and a Tough Economy”
In the not-for-profit sector, we are called on to seek, accept, and steward money that is not our own. To do that, we must earn our donor’s trust…and then keep it. Whether in tough times, rough times, or buff times, knowing the latest techniques, strategies, and systems is not enough. We must also create environments at our organizations where honesty, accountability, and transparency are standard operating procedure…even when things don’t look good. Join us as we take a birds-eye look at our profession today and the features and factors that will enhance your success…and help you sleep soundly each and every night.
Introductions: John Dawe, Chapter President - AFP Northeastern PA & President, Dawe Consulting Services
Remarks: Michael N. Winn, CAE - Director, Chapter Services, AFP International Headquarters
Remarks: Jill Pranger, ACFRE - Pranger Philanthropic, Webster, N.Y.
1:30 p.m. Workshops
#5 - “Creating a Dynamic Case for Support” (Small Shop & Board Track)
Some people think they can skip this step. After all, we’ve got a good cause and people will give to it, right? Nope. This interactive session will examine why we do a case, what is the most compelling structure, and what you really should be asking for (Hint: It’s not your organization’s “needs”). Of course, we’ll share some samples, too.
Presenter: William F. Bartolini, Ph.D., ACFRE - Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic; Princeton
#6 - “Dancing with the Donors” The Stewardship Process
From the very first “dance” to all the way to winning the competition, learn the necessary steps to a well-choreographed and yet genuine, donor-centered stewardship program. Just like professional dancing, effective stewardship involves more than fancy footwork. Really knowing your partner, paying attention to the ‘moves’ and creating a long-term relationship are all important steps. Come learn how to make your donors feel like Stars and take your program to the finals, when you join us for “Dancing with Donors.”
Presenter: Susan Dantona Jolley, CFRE - Wilkes University
#M3 - One on One Meetings (Jill Pranger)
2:45 p.m. Workshops
#7 - Extreme Makeover: Small Shop Edition - A Toolbox of Tips and Techniques for the Small Shop
Being in charge a small development operation is an exciting, exhausting, and sometimes exasperating, experience. When successful, credit is given to volunteers, organizational staff, and the CEO. When things aren’t going well…let’s just say, “The buck stops here.” And, even though there are very few people in your fundraising operation (maybe only one!), there are still special events, the annual fund, major gifts, the newsletter, donor recognition, Board development, gift stewardship, starting a planned giving program, plus the myriad of other activities necessary to success…just like in the “big shops.”
When you’re in a small shop, how do you get it all done…and without tearing your hair out? This session will explore life in the small shop and will offer practical suggestions about identifying and prioritizing what must be done, ways to engage others to help, ensuring the CEO knows of your effort, and…remaining sane at the same time!
Presenter: Jill Pranger, ACFRE - Pranger Philanthropic, Webster, N.Y.
#8 - Moving from Annual Giving to Major Gifts (Bill Bartolini)
Sure, you and your organization would like to raise bigger gifts. Can’t we be successful if we just go ask people with more capacity to make those stretch gifts? Well, there are three important components of any major gifts program: your donors, your organization, and You! In this interactive session, we’ll explore the questions you need to ask to ensure all three components (including you!) are ready and the pieces are in place for you to be successful.
Presenter: William F. Bartolini, Ph.D., ACFRE - Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic; Princeton
#M4 - One on One Meetings - Susan Dantona Jolley
3:45 p.m. - General Session: The Lightning Round
Our Forum has brought together the best of the best - try to stump them, ask them the tough questions, bring questions with you and think of questions throughout the day. This panel discussion will provide you with valuable insights into Philanthropy and Fundraising!
Panelists: Jill Pranger, Bill Bartolini, Davida Isaacson, Susan D. Jolley, and David Shanton.
Moderator: John Dawe, Chapter President AFP Northeastern Pennsylvania
4:45 p.m. Reception
Member/Presenter/Exhibitor Reception (The Executive Lounge)
6:00 p.m. Optional Dinner (at your own expense, location TBA)