Most of us have been in a meeting where someone shares an interesting idea or earnest suggestion only to be shot down based on one donor or colleague's feedback: “So-and-so won’t go for that!” And, in recent years, we've all racked our brains for a measured response to frustrated emails and voicemails from university constituents, often about topics and events we simply can't control.

What does it mean to operate from a place of fear in our work—from endless what-ifs and what-abouts— instead of focusing on what could go right, and what we’re doing well? Even as we navigate campus controversies and a range of strong opinions, how can donor relations professionals resist a fear-based mindset (fixating on mistakes, anticipating reactions, squashing innovation) in favor of an approach that empowers our teammates, satisfies and celebrates our donors, and champions our values as an institution?

Emily Brorby and Kelly Monroe, donor relations staff at Stanford University, will share concrete strategies to create a workplace culture of curiosity, trust, idea-sharing, and mutual respect while facing donor relations challenges. We will share case studies of tough donor communications and highlight opportunities to build resilience and openness among your team members. These tools to cultivate an empowered donor relations approach apply to individual contributors, managers, and leaders advocating for change or seeking buy-in with your development colleagues.

In the fall of 2024, CASE partnered with FundMiner to launch a Roundtable Series aimed at exploring and developing a common framework for fund management practices, guidelines, and standards. These roundtables included 30+ CASE member institutions, addressing four key areas of fund management practice. This session will present the results from each of the four sessions, showcasing one institution in each discussion area:
• Fund management Oversight, Transparency, and Accountability
• Common Standards in Fund Management
• Impact and Financial Reporting
• Monitoring, Hygiene and Best Practices in Fund Management

In this interactive session, explore how AI technology can revolutionize donor relations by streamlining processes, enhancing personalization, and uncovering actionable insights. We’ll discuss how AI tools can
assist in identifying and cultivating potential donors through predictive analytics, strengthen relationships with dynamic communication strategies, and improve stewardship by automating and customizing touch points. Participants will learn how AI-driven data analysis can uncover trends to inform strategic decisions and campaign readiness, all while maintaining a human-centered approach through active
listening and engagement. Designed for donor relations and advancement professionals at all levels, this session will equip you with practical strategies to integrate AI into your donor relations program, ensuring it is innovative, efficient, and future-ready.

Join us for "Tech-Driven Impact: Elevating Engagement and Streamlining Workflow” -
a session designed to inspire and equip nonprofit professionals. Explore innovative technologies that amplify donor impact, elevate storytelling, and boost retention while simplifying workloads. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, you’ll gain actionable insights to creatively and efficiently transform your approach to donor engagement. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just starting your digital journey, this session will empower you to revolutionize your strategies and make a lasting impact.