Speaker Bios

Aligned for Impact: Short-Term Goals That Move Fundraising Forward

Amanda Kearney-Smith & Richard Eveleigh, 

The Nonprofit Strategy Group

In uncertain times, long-term fundraising plans can feel out of reach, but short-term, mission-driven goals can move your organization forward with

clarity and confidence. Aligned for Impact explores how setting clear, collaborative goals energize teams and reassures donors. Through practical

tools and interactive group activities, participants will learn to foster alignment and build momentum, even in unpredictable environments.

This session is ideal for nonprofit professionals seeking focused,  achievable strategies to strengthen donor relationships and internal cohesion.

Join us to discover how short-term goals deliver long-term impact and show funders you're  confidently moving forward.

Learn more about Richard and Amanda

 Join us for a one-hour interactive session to share wins and challenges related to walking the tightrope as a development professional with

fundraising metrics. There is an art and a science to focusing on “today’s” donors and metrics while also thinking through your pipeline and who

will help you hit those same metrics next year and the following years. Walk away with tactical tips and tricks from Lauren and your colleagues i

n the room on how to walk this tightrope, how to shift your mindset, and how to create the space to do this work.

Ethical Finance and Development: Balancing on the Tightrope

Dr. Josh Evans & Lisa Hrinik

Learn more about Josh

Learn more about Lisa

Micah Smith,

Denver7 Anchor and Social Equity Reporter

Fundraising Events: Boom, Bust, or Reinvention?

In an era of digital engagement and donor fatigue, are nonprofit events still worth the effort? This panel brings together seasoned fundraising

professionals to explore the strategic value of events—not just as fundraisers, but as powerful tools for donor cultivation, community building, and

mission storytelling. From intimate gatherings to large-scale galas, we’ll unpack what makes an event meaningful, how to measure its impact

beyond dollars raised, and how to align event strategy with long-term donor engagement goals.

How to Accept Complex Gifts Like a Big Shop (While Working in a Small Shop)

Jon Kraus, University of Denver

Many small-to-medium size fundraising shops are reluctant to accept complex gifts of assets like cryptocurrency, real estate, or charitable gift annuities. There are many

valid reasons for this. The organization may not want to take on the risk, their gift acceptance policies may prohibit gifts of certain assets, or they may

simply not know where to turn for help. This session will explore the ways in which all fundraising shops, regardless of size, can accept gifts of assets by

leveraging external partnerships.

Leaning into the Trends: High-ROI Opportunities Through

Authentic, Audience-entered Engagement

Lori Collins and Fiona Cunningham

RKD Group

We all know the trends reshaping giving today: fewer donors giving more, and a growing need for trust. Instead of resisting them, lean in—and grow—with data-driven, relationship-focused strategies. Unlock the power of a proven three-step process to build stronger donor relationships and deepen trust. Discover how to better understand what matters most to your donors—boosting engagement and driving greater impact. You’ll explore real-world success stories from both local and national nonprofits already seeing measurable results. Walk away with actionable insights to future-proof your fundraising and fuel sustainable growth.

Tightrope Tactics: Strategies for Navigating and Growing Your Fundraising Career

Tonya Malik-Carson & Marianna DiVietro

This session, facilitated by two nonprofit recruiters who understand the fundraiser's journey firsthand, will help you assess your current professional landscape

and offer strategies for navigating transition. We’ll cover knowing when to move on and how to stay, initiating a job search, exiting gracefully, and advocating

for change. Whether you're considering a move or committed to thriving where you are, you'll gain insights from the candidate and hiring manager perspectives

and the tools and support needed to navigate change confidently. Join us for candid discussion and reflection and gain the empowering realization that

you’re not navigating your career journey alone.

Learn more about Tonya

Learn more about Mariana

The Multi-Source Advantage: Building a Resilient Funding Base

Melissa Brown

This session will cover strategies to examine revenue streams and create a sustainable base of support through multiple funding sources,

such as individual donors, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and special events. Participants will gain insights into assessing

their organization's current revenue mix, identifying opportunities for diversification, and developing a comprehensive plan to balance and grow their revenue.

Balancing Act: Harmonizing AI Technology and Human Connection

in Nonprofit Fundraising

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Neufeld, CEO Strat Labs

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, nonprofit fundraisers walk a tightrope between embracing technological innovation and maintaining

authentic human connections. This session explores how organizations can strategically integrate AI and digital tools while preserving the

personal touch that drives donor relationships. Drawing from real-world case studies, Elizabeth Neufeld will demonstrate how nonprofits can

balance immediate technological opportunities with long-term relationship building, navigate the tension between efficiency and authenticity,

and align digital strategies with organizational values. Participants will discover practical approaches to harmonize marketing and fundraising

efforts using accessible technology, creating a sustainable equilibrium that amplifies mission impact without sacrificing meaningful engagement.

This workshop provides a framework for fundraisers to confidently traverse the tightrope between digital transformation and

relationship-centered fundraising, turning potential challenges into strategic advantages for their organizations.