About this Event
Purpose of the Session
The nonprofit fundraising landscape is changing rapidly. Federal funding uncertainty, shifts in donor behavior, the growth of donor-advised funds, and increasing concentration of charitable giving among major donors are requiring nonprofit leaders to rethink how they build sustainable revenue strategies.
This session is designed to move beyond fundraising tactics and focus on the strategic investments, infrastructure, leadership practices, and long-term planning required to build resilient fundraising programs.
The conversation will be both strategic and practical. Attendees should leave with a deeper understanding of current fundraising trends, the implications for their organizations, and specific actions they can take to strengthen their development programs over the next 3–5 years.
Session Objectives
By the end of the discussion, participants should:
- Understand key trends shaping philanthropy and charitable giving
- Explore the growing role of major gifts, planned giving, and donor-advised funds
- Understand the infrastructure required to support sustainable fundraising growth
- Learn how to align fundraising strategy with organizational capacity and financial planning
- Begin thinking about fundraising through a 3–5 year strategic lens rather than annual fundraising cycles
Panelists
- Renee Davis, Founder and Principal of True North Philanthropy - Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Campaign Strategy, Executive Leadership in Fundraising
- Rebecca Parmet, Vice President of Development, Evanston Community Foundation - Donor-Advised Funds, Planned Giving, Grantmaking Partner Giving, Transformational Gifts
- Candice Schaefer, Founder & Principal, Dot Catalyst Partners. CDO - Chief Development Officer Perspective, Fundraising Infrastructure, Capacity Building, Long-Term Development Strategy
Program Schedule
- 9:30 – 9:40 AM - Welcome and Introductions (Chris or Anna)
- 9:40 - 9:50 AM - State of Philanthropy Presentation (Chris or Anna)
- 9:50 – 10:50 AM - Moderated Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A
- 10:50 – 11:00 AM - Final remarks, time for networking
Event venue & nearby stays
First Bank Chicago, 633 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, United States
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