Name: Philanthraphobia – Getting Over Your Fear of Fundraising with a Strong Plan
Start: 2026-07-29T10:30:00-07:00
End: 2026-07-29T12:00:00-07:00
Location: The Bankhead LVA

$Philanthraphobia \u2013 Getting Over Your Fear of Fundraising with a Strong Plan$

Does the word “fundraising” fill you with dread? You’re far from alone. Whether you’re a seasoned nonprofit professional or new to development work, the anxiety around asking for money is one of the most common (and least talked about) challenges in the sector.
In this session, join Chris Carter, masterful fundraiser and CEO of Livermore Valley Arts, as he walks us through the roots of fundraising fear and, more importantly, how to move through it. With the right plan in place, fundraising transforms from something you dread into something you can approach with genuine clarity and confidence.
Together, we’ll explore the full development cycle — from building authentic relationships during cultivation, to making a heartfelt and compelling ask during solicitation, to nurturing lasting donor loyalty through meaningful stewardship. Chris will also share a handful of hard-won pro tips that only come from real experience in the field.
Whether you’re crafting your very first fundraising plan or ready to breathe new life into one that’s already underway, join us. You’ll leave better equipped, less anxious, and excited to raise.
About the Speaker:
Chris Carter was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Livermore Valley Arts (LVA) in 2020. LVA is a cultural arts nonprofit organization that runs the Bankhead Theater and Bothwell Arts Center in Livermore. Prior to his role as the CEO, Chris Carter served as the Director for Development and Communications for LVA. Since joining LVA, he has helped to raise more than $15 million for the arts in Livermore. He joined the LVA staff in 2014.
In 2023, Chris was a recipient of the Alameda County Arts Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions in the arts community. Chris was a founding board member of the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance, and continues to support TVNPA by providing the Bankhead Theater for programming for the nonprofit sector. He currently serves as the Chair of the Saint Mary’s College School of Science Advisory Board, and also serves on the board of directors for Visit Tri-Valley and Livermore Jazz Society. He is an advisory board member for Three Valleys Community Foundation, and the Las Positas College Commercial Music Advisory Board. Over the past 14 years, Carter has held various volunteer roles with the Boy Scouts including Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Chair and Scoutmaster.
An avid guitarist, Chris has performed steadily in the community for the last 30 years with his bandmate, Mike Lickiss, as a member of the LK Project. They often donate private concerts to nonprofits for auctions. Together, they have written and recorded multiple studio albums and continue to share their love of music with anyone who will listen. Chris lives with his amazing wife and three children in Pleasanton.