Leveraging Attributes for Financial Reporting

Presenters:  Kierstin Sykes

Sunday, 4:00-5:00PM

Overview: Transform your financial reporting with a powerful but often overlooked feature - attributes! Join Kierstin Sykes from the UC San Diego Foundation as she reveals how leveraging attributes revolutionized their reporting processes, turning a 2-3 day cash flow statement preparation into a one-hour task. Learn practical strategies for using attributes to streamline complex financial reports, automate footnote preparation, and reduce manual data manipulation. With over 73% of nonprofits spending 5+ hours weekly manipulating data outside their accounting systems, this session offers game-changing solutions for:

*Creating automated cash flow statements

*Simplifying investment reconciliations

*Streamlining tax reporting and financial statement classifications

*Managing special handling

*Building efficient footnote disclosures

Learning Objectives:

• Leverage attributes to streamline reporting processes, reduce manual data manipulation, create consistent and reproducible financial statements, and generate automated reports for cash flows, investments, and other financial disclosures.
• Set up and use attributes for transactions, accounts, and funds, implement best practices like creating value tables and consistent naming conventions, and generate complex reports including cash flow statements, footnotes, and investment disclosures.
   

Competencies: Business & Financial Acumen 

CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Program Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: Attendees should have at least 3 years of Advancement experience

Field of Study: Info Technology (Accounting)

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Element of Engagement: Question & Answer

 

What We’ve Learned From Fully Autonomous AI Fundraising & Where We’re Going Next

Sunday, 4:00-5:00PM

Presenters: Brooks Hull and Adam Martel

Overview: A few months ago, the world’s first fully autonomous fundraiser interacted with its first assigned donor. During this time, two dozen+ nonprofits joined together as cohorts to engage donors with an AI- powered Virtual Engagement Officer but more importantly research, develop, and accelerate the deployment of autonomous fundraising for our entire industry. All nonprofits can relate to the fact that they have more donors and alumni than they have fundraisers with capacity to build relationships. This is precisely where autonomous fundraising changes what’s possible.  In this session, cohort members will present the results they’ve seen from autonomous fundraising – donors engaged, dollars raised, and pipeline built, in addition to their experience being the first organizations in the world to deploy a Virtual Engagement Officer to a portfolio of their donors.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand what autonomous fundraising is and where it fits into donor engagement and overall fundraising strategy.
• Evaluate the ethics, transparency, and risks involved in autonomous fundraising.
• See first-hand results and learnings about autonomous fundraising and understand where institutions are headed next – including use-cases and innovation.
   

Competencies: Leadership; Relationship Building

CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Program Level: Overview

Prerequisites: None

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Elements of Engagement: Question & Answer, Case Study

 

A Unique Model for a Small Shop—Working Towards Self-Sufficiency

Sunday, 4:00-5:00PM

Presenters: William Miller, CFRE, and Edward Ahart, II

Overview: In turbulent times, many smaller Institutionally-Related Foundations (IRFs) are seeking alternative economic models to be fully self-sustaining. The Kean University Foundation’s economic model is unique and, we believe, cutting edge. As we enter our sixth year in our restructuring  plan, and embark on our first comprehensive capital campaign in more than 15 years, the Foundation employs all staff and absorbs the costs associated with staff benefits, human resources, information technology,  legal, etc. This presentation summarizes the funding and spending plan for the Kean University Foundation as well as the organization’s competitive cost per dollar raised.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine various funding streams that can augment and/or replace financial support from host  institutions. 
• Identify the opportunities  and challenges associated with building a self-sufficient operation.
   

Competencies: Leadership; Strategic Thinking

CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Program Level: Overview

Prerequisites: None

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Elements of Engagement: Question & Answer, Case Study

How to Use a Program Strategy to Guide Key Technology Investments

Monday, 11:15AM-12:15PM

Presenter: Joseph Lanasa

Overview: Key technologies like Data Quality & Management, Artificial Intelligence, CRM, and Data and Application Integration enable the optimization of fundraising results and donor engagement.  But limited budgets in most institutions require careful prioritization of  technology investments. How do we decide which technologies provide the greatest return in terms of new business, increased engagement,  and operational optimization? 

This case study shows how one university used a program strategy to develop a Key Advancement Technology Portfolio and Road Map which provided guidance and business justification for the technology transformation projects and critical input to their fundraising campaign strategy and budget.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe technologies that are key to advancement, such as CRM, Data infrastructure, and Artificial Intelligence, and be able to explain their relevance and where they fit in with the modern Advancement  ecosystem. 
• Explain the steps for creating a key technology program strategy  including a portfolio of the projects and activities and a road map to  guide the implementation. 
• Estimate the ROI of the program using a combination of cost and  benefit metrics standard to advancement and specific to their own  organization. CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Competencies: Business & Financial Acumen; Strategic Thinking

Program Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: Attendees should have at least 3 years of Advancement experience

Field of Study: Info Technology (Accounting)

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Element of Engagement: Question & Answer

 

Sparking Change—and Seeing it Through—to Catalyze Your Fundraising Program

Monday, 11:15AM-12:15PM

Presenters: Kelly Brown, Danielle Jean-Marie, and Jennifer Ruden

Change is inevitable, and sometimes it’s imperative. It can be instigated intentionally, or it can be generated organically by an outside force. At Lehman College, a top Hispanic serving institution, the catalyst for change was an extraordinary gift from Mackenzie Scott. This gift, unexpected and thrilling, introduced the opportunity for the Institutional Advancement department to reassess how it interacts with leadership and campus stakeholders and build new habits and practices to improve internal and external communication, which in turn increased fundraising. While a Mackenzie Scott gift is unique, the strategies Lehman implemented in its wake can be applied across institutions. This session will offer perspectives from advancement and foundation executives on how they modeled effective change management and encouraged leaders, volunteers, and employees to embrace new ways of operating.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how to address skepticism toward change. 
• Follow prescribed steps to manage change in departments and across institutions.

Competencies: Strategic Thinking; Relationship Building

CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Program Level: Overview

Prerequisites: None

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Element of Engagement: Question & Answer, Case Study

 

The Potential of Automation, Integration, and AI in Higher Education Foundations

Monday, 11:15AM-12:15PM

Speakers: Sarah Heintz, CPA, Enid Ruiz-Mattei, and Mitchell Turnbow, MBA

Overview: Join us to discuss the potential for automation, integration and AI in your foundation environment, and how you can empower and elevate those on your team using these tools. Where do you start and how can you use these tools in your leadership role in the next 5 years? We will discuss some examples of how automation, integration and AI are currently being used in our day-to-day, and think future-forward to possibilities where these tools allow us all to work smarter, not harder! 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify examples of where technology can aid us in moving forward in our leadership roles and how we can elevate our teams by using the tools that are available. 
• Increase our understanding in the differences and benefits of automation, integration and AI and the building blocks needed to successfully use these tools

Competencies: Strategic Thinking; Business & Financial Acumen

CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Program Level: Overview

Prerequisites: None

Field of Study: Computer Software and Applications

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Element of Engagement: Question & Answer

 

Crafting Great Gift Agreements: The Key to Donor Stewardship and Sustainable Giving 

Monday, 2:15-3:15PM

Speakers: Christina Chase, CPA, JD

Overview: Gift agreements are the foundation for fostering strong, long-lasting  relationships with donors. A well-crafted gift agreement not only ensures clarity and alignment between the organization and the donor but also  plays a crucial role in effective donor stewardship. In this session, Christina Chase, C.P.A., J.D., the CFO and COO of the UC San Diego  Foundation, will share valuable insights and practical advice on creating  and negotiating gift agreements that strengthen donor relationships and  encourage future giving. 

Whether you are a seasoned fundraiser or a nonprofit administrator, this session will provide you with the technical knowledge and practical tools needed to create gift agreements that foster trust, transparency, and  long-term sustainability for your organization. Join to learn how to leverage the power of effective gift agreements in building stronger  donor relationships and securing future gifts for your organization.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn strategies for negotiating gift agreements that align with both the donor's intent and the organization's mission
• Identify common pitfalls to avoid when drafting and executing gift agreements.
• Understand the impact of well-crafted gift agreements on donor relationships and future giving.
   

Competencies: Industry or Sector Experience; Business and Financial Acumen 

CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Program Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: Attendees should have at least 3 years of Advancement experience

Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Element of Engagement: Question & Answer

 

Unlocking Fundraising Potential with Strategic Planning

Monday, 2:15-3:15PM

Speakers: Tracey Story and Daniel J. Martin

Overview: In the competitive realm of higher education, fundraising success relies on more than just passion and a great case; it requires a strategic approach. Participants will learn how strategic planning principles can inspire cohesion within fundraising teams while also enhancing their overall fundraising success. 

In this session participants will learn: 

• The key components of strategic planning. 

• Strategies for fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation within  your fundraising team through the strategic planning process. 

• How to build bridges between fundraisers and their partners (such  as Deans, University leaders, and engagement or communications  branches), enhancing collaboration to drive fundraising success. 

• Ideas for setting clear expectations that align with your organization’s vision. 

• Best practices for building the tools and resources needed to  support your fundraising goals.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key components of effective strategic planning and explain how they can be applied to enhance fundraising efforts in higher education. 
• Identify strategies for fostering innovation and adaptability within their strategic frameworks  and consider how to apply these strategies to their organizational planning and operations and fundraising approaches to meet evolving institutional needs and challenges.

Competencies: Strategic Thinking; Leadership 

CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Program Level: Overview

Prerequisites: None

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Element of Engagement: Question & Answer

 

Reimagining Stewardship: Transformative Strategies for Lasting Donor Engagement

Monday, 3:45-4:45PM

Speakers: Sarah Prout and Jenn Lukens

Overview: In today’s philanthropic landscape, effective stewardship is crucial for  building lasting relationships with donors and ensuring sustained support  and retention of donors. As one of the few Stewardship departments in the country housed within a Marketing & Communications team, this  session will focus on a reimagined stewardship program by detailing the development of a comprehensive stewardship handbook and the implementation of an innovative student scholarship “thank you”  process, that went on to become a nationally award-winning CASE event, "Notes from the Nest." A key emphasis will be placed on fostering  collaboration and partnership across campus and within the provost's office to enhance stewardship efforts.

Learning Objectives:

• Review resources needed to develop a Stewardship Handbook. 
• Consider the steps necessary to launch a university-wide Gratitude Day. 

Competencies: Strategic Thinking; Relationship Building 

CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Program Level: Overview

Prerequisites: None

Field of Study: Communications & Marketing

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Element of Engagement: Question & Answer

 

Exploring Real World Ethical Scenarios and Doing What is Right

Monday, 3:45-4:45PM

Speakers: Jamie McMahon, CFRE

Overview: How do you figure out what is the correct thing to do when confronted by a challenging situation involving a donor or your organization? It is rare for a decision to be clearly and obviously right or wrong, so what tools exist to help fundraisers discern how to uphold the highest standards of  professionalism? In this session, participants will have a brief introduction to ethical principles in the fundraising profession and then will review and evaluate 5-8 real world ethical scenarios covering  everything from donor/fundraiser relationships, planned giving, donor influence, and organizational expectations for fundraisers. Particularly designed for newer members of the profession, this session will be highly interactive and participatory and will include time for discussion  and questions.

Learning Objectives:

• Consider the best practices of ethics in fundraising.
• Understand ethical decision-making in a fundraising context.
   

Competencies: Integrity and Professionalism; Emotional Intelligence

CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Program Level: Basic

Prerequisites: None

Field of Study: Behavioral Ethics

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Element of Engagement: Case Study, Group Discussion

 

From the Ground Up: Streamlining Fund Management Through Partnership & Technology 

Monday, 3:45-4:45PM

Presenters: Katie Ellwanger and Bill Dean, CPA

Overview: Both presenters will discuss how they stripped down the quarterly investment allocation process and rebuilt it from scratch leveraging process improvement, technology, and changes to investment philosophy. Designed around fund management best practices while allowing for the occasional exception, what used to be a multi-day process is now completed in a fraction of the time because of this partnership and leveraging of technology.

Learning Objectives: 

• Learn how a successful partnership between an institution’s Finance team and a technology partner can transform a process from good enough to great. 
• Identify software tools and business processes to create personalized and automated processes. 
• Understand the value of reevaluating processes and fund administration/management philosophies to move the organization forward.

Competencies: Business and Financial Acumen; Relationship Building

CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Program Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: Attendees should have at least 3 years of Advancement experience

Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Element of Engagement: Question & Answer

 

The Role of Advancement in an Effective Presidential Transition Plan

Tuesday, 9:30AM-10:30AM

Presenter: Kristin Watkins

Overview: Presidential transitions are a pivotal time for higher education institutions, but they don’t always happen when or how you’d expect. In  the recent past, Oregon State University has experienced both planned and unplanned transitions. The OSU Foundation has learned that the way advancement offices manage relationships with donors, friends and  alumni during these times is essential to the future of the university.  Using concrete, real-life examples, this session will walk attendees through how Foundation and alumni teams can shape presidential transitions and foster strong presidential relationships with key audiences by creating a strong plan with measurable goals, tactics,  milestones and impact reporting.

Learning Objectives:

• Craft a presidential transition plan that addresses short-term and long-term goals.
• Identify which audiences should be the priority for a new president to meet with, and in what order.
• Envision and articulate the role of an advancement office in presidential transitions
   

Competencies: Leadership; Strategic Thinking

CPE Credit: Attendees can earn up to 1 CPE for this session.

Program Level: Overview

Prerequisites: None

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

Advanced Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group Live

Element of Engagement: Question & Answer