Addressing the critical need for holistic support for minority students in higher education. While scholarships are essential, they only scratch the surface of what is needed for the success of underrepresented students. Augmenting existing minority cohort programs by raising funds to provide experiential opportunities that foster holistic student development. These experiences include attending leadership conferences, study abroad, participating in mock-interview sessions, engaging in improv session to enhance communication skills, and networking lunches with donors who share similar backgrounds. By investing in these additional opportunities, we aim to empower minority students by enhancing their soft skills, expanding their networks, and fostering their leadership abilities. The presentation will delve into the rationale behind this approach, share success stories, and outline steps for implementation.

As respected voices on campus and in the community, college presidents and campus leaders are uniquely positioned to promote their brands from the inside out. This session will provide strategies for how college leaders can authentically represent and champion their institution's brand in their digital and physical circles and reinforce their marketing teams' efforts to uphold strong brand standards and consistent messaging.

Donor named spaces were a dream of HCC. In less than 2 years, the Foundation would secure 14 different named space partners, some first time donors, raising critical funds for new construction and program expansion.

Discover how Community College of Philadelphia transformed their annual alumni awards event into a gala that raised an astounding $900,000. Join us as we unveil the secrets behind this remarkable feat, delving into the strategic selection of honorees, the management of stakeholder expectations throughout the planning of the event, and invaluable insights garnered along the way. Through real-life examples and engaging discussions, you'll learn how to identify events with untapped potential at your own institution and leverage our proven tactics to take your fundraising endeavors to new heights. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the power of events to maximize your philanthropic success!

When women come together, extraordinary things happen. In 2023, the Carl Sandburg College Foundation and College of Nursing teamed up with 100 Extraordinary WomenTM, a unique, national initiative that brings women together to raise $100,000 or more in gifts and 5-year pledges. In less than six months, more than $100,000 was raised for the College’s nursing student success grant program, bringing attention to this program and the need for increased funding support. Many were first-time gifts that were much larger than our typical initial gift. You will learn effective strategies to raise significant funds among women, boost annual giving, and deepen connections with donors to specific programs. We will also highlight concepts for implementing a simple, yet proven way of reaching groups of new donors to cultivate first-time gifts at higher levels than traditional levels. This session is designed to empower a small team to make a major and immediate impact.

Your college president comes to you ready to retire, where do you start? Are you prepared for a seamless transition to new leadership? Change in leadership can pose a unique set of challenges, but change can also mean new opportunity. Join this session to explore how leadership transitions can be leveraged to revisit institutional goals, amplify a meaningful legacy for outgoing leadership, and reaffirm your school’s mission and vision. We will tackle questions like: How can we leverage leadership changes to further fundraising goals? How do we navigate the challenges that arise when the transition happens in the middle of a campaign? How do we communicate and guide our donors through this change? Together we will explore strategies and best practices for maximizing leadership transitions to establish a sustainable future for our institutions.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, accessibility isn't just a legal obligation—it's a powerful tool for fostering inclusion and expanding donor engagement. Join us for an enlightening session where we delve into the transformative impact of accessibility best practices on donor support.

In this session, we'll explore how adopting accessibility measures can break down barriers, empower diverse communities, and amplify your organization's mission. From inclusive design principles to leveraging technology for greater reach, we'll uncover actionable strategies to enhance donor experiences and cultivate lasting relationships.

Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or a newcomer to the world of donor engagement, this session promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to unlock new avenues of support through accessibility initiatives. Join us and embark on a journey towards a more inclusive and impactful future for your organization.

Every donor journey starts with a first gift. We will explore essential strategies for building an alumni program that increases alumni participation in annual giving and other fundraising initiatives. Key topics will include: Developing a strategy for alumni engagement that inspires first-time giving and starts while they are on campus; utilizing technology to enhance alumni engagement; personalizing / segmenting annual fund appeals to resonate with potential donors; engaging event ideas that foster community and maintain meaningful connections with alumni; communicating the importance and impact of annual gifts through various channels By implementing these strategies, community colleges can create a thriving alumni network that supports the institution financially and enhances the overall value of the college experience.

Change is difficult in the best of situations, and it feels impossible in the worst of them. It doesn't have to be. Learn how you can be a force for change - breaking barriers, making friends, and building a better experience for all stakeholders. Understand the intricacies of change management in education while being the "new kid on campus", addressing challenges with a proactive approach. The session will emphasize the necessity of embracing resiliency before change, and real-world examples showcase successful (and not!) change initiatives, offering inspiration and a roadmap for attendees to apply in their unique contexts.

As Yogi Berra said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Participate in this session led by Jeff Bagel, CFRE. Bagel is the author of Annual Fundraising Plans Made Simple: A Road Map for Community Colleges and Small Development Shops, just released in its second edition (CASE 2024) with brand new material. Bagel will help you explore ways to make your annual fundraising plan better, so it becomes part of your everyday work. Whether it’s goal setting, unrealistic expectations, or you’re just too darn busy to slow down and look at it, there are ways to strengthen your plan, use your plan and ultimately, make your work life easier. A good annual fundraising plan is needed more today than ever. Because, as Yogi also said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.”