Navigating the complexities of fundraising requires more than just securing gifts—it demands meaningful donor engagement, strong leadership involvement, and a strategy that goes beyond a single campaign.

Too often, nonprofit leaders struggle with:

• Unclear donor engagement strategies that leave supporters feeling disconnected
• A lack of leadership involvement in fundraising efforts
• Stewardship that focuses on recognition rather than deepening donor commitment
• Campaigns that succeed in the moment but fail to shape long-term fundraising strategy

In this masterclass, you’ll learn how to overcome these challenges and build a stronger, people-centered fundraising approach—one that ensures donors feel inspired, invested, and ready to give again.

Drawing from Raising to the Challenge, this session brings the book’s themes to life through a conversation with Steve Bult, Head of Wheaton Academy in Chicago. He shares firsthand how his school’s campaign experience transformed not just their campaign but their entire development philosophy—lessons that apply to all nonprofits, regardless of sector.

What You’ll Learn:

• What makes a truly exceptional donor experience—and how to create one
• Why donor engagement is about connecting people, not just making asks
• How to ensure every donor feels their gift was the best decision they ever made
• Why leadership plays a crucial role in fundraising success
• How Wheaton Academy used their campaign as a launchpad to build a stronger development operation
• The “Don’t Know, Don’t Know, Do Know” framework for confident, effective asks

We’ll cover these topics and more, providing you with a clear roadmap to more impactful, sustainable fundraising.