FOCUS on Philanthropy
Sow. Grow. Flourish.
Nurturing relationships that yield lasting change.
Join us on May 1, 2026 at Bounce Innovation Hub in Akron for a powerful day of insight, strategy, and connection designed for nonprofit leaders and fundraising professionals who are committed to building organizations that last.
FOCUS on Philanthropy is more than a conference—it’s a practical, story-driven experience grounded in real-world leadership, bold vision, and sustainable growth. From grassroots beginnings to multi-million-dollar transformations, this event highlights what it truly takes to sow strong foundations, grow with intention, and flourish in today’s nonprofit landscape.
Morning Keynote
“From Grassroots to Growth: Building a Mission-Driven Nonprofit That Lasts”
Chantel Tolbert, Chief Advancement Officer, Birthing Beautiful Communities
This honest, story-driven keynote explores how Birthing Beautiful Communities grew from a grassroots effort into a thriving, mission-centered organization. Chantel will share defining moments, early challenges, and the evolution of fundraising strategy as the organization scaled impact.
Core themes include:
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Scaling fundraising with intention
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Marketing and storytelling to build visibility, trust, and credibility
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Building an engaged, values-aligned board
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Leveraging support committees and community champions
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Visioning and launching a community-rooted Birth Center
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Turning bold ideas into tangible realities
Attendees will walk away with practical lessons they can directly apply within their own organizations.
Breakout Workshops (Attend Both)
Workshop #1
“Managing Competing Demands While Staying Focused on Mission and Impact”
Deanna Nichols-Stika, Branches Consulting Company
Designed especially for leaders navigating small teams, limited resources, and expanding responsibility, this session helps participants move from reactive busyness to intentional leadership.
You’ll explore:
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How trust, capacity, and relational influence shape leadership effectiveness
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Why lack of structure and margin undermines fundraising success
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Lightweight systems that protect your most important work
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Practical ways to prioritize development efforts for maximum impact
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Strategies to build margin, reduce burnout, and lead sustainably
Participants will leave with one actionable shift they can implement immediately to strengthen their development work and long-term impact.
Workshop #2
“Managing a $70 Million Iconic Transformation”
Camille Rose Dickson, MNO
Director of Development & Partnerships, Cleveland Public Market Association
West Side Market—one of Ohio’s most beloved landmarks—is undergoing a once-in-a-generation $70 million Transformation Project. As a start-up nonprofit managing a 114-year-old institution, the Cleveland Public Market Corporation has raised $58 million and launched construction on phase one.
This session explores:
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Unique fundraising challenges of a large-scale capital transformation
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Diverse funding mechanisms used to drive momentum
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Storytelling strategies to shape the Market’s next chapter
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Lessons learned from stewarding a beloved community asset
Lunchtime Inspiration
“The Family That Helps Feed Families”
Donte Cargill, Founder & Executive Director
Patricia Ann Cargill Charities
Rooted in legacy and love, Patricia Ann Cargill Charities was built on one mother’s commitment to serving her community. Today, her children and grandchildren carry that mission forward.
As of Fall 2025:
Donte will share the powerful story of growing his grandmother’s legacy into a critical community resource—breaking cycles of hunger and restoring dignity for families in need.
Ask the Experts Panel
Close the day with a candid, interactive conversation featuring all four speakers. Bring your questions, challenges, and ideas as we explore practical solutions together.
Why Attend?
FOCUS on Philanthropy is designed for executive directors, development professionals, board members, and nonprofit leaders who want:
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Practical, applicable strategies
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Honest insights from leaders doing the work
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Tools to scale without losing mission
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Space to reflect, connect, and build relationships
You will leave equipped not only with ideas—but with clarity, confidence, and renewed focus.
Full participation in FOCUS on Philanthropy is applicable for 4.0 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.
Pricing
Through March 31:
Members - $75
Non-members - $80
April 1 through May 1:
Members - $90
Non-members - $100
Presenter Bios
Camille Rose Dickson, MNO, Director of Development & Partnerships Cleveland Public Market Association
Camille Rose Dickson, MNO (She/Her) currently serves as Director of Development & Partnerships for Cleveland Public Market Corporation – the nonprofit managing Cleveland’s iconic West Side Market. In her position, Camille leads the fundraising efforts for the Market’s $70 million dollar Transformation Project. Camille has nearly a decade of nonprofit experience including fundraising, communications, and DEI. Previously, Dickson was a Development & Communications Manager focused on donor relations at the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and a Donor Engagement Officer at Adoption Network Cleveland. She earned her Master’s in Nonprofit Management at Case Western Reserve University, and her B.A. in African American Studies and Sociology with a certificate in Global Leadership at Ohio University. Camille resides on Cleveland’s West Side with her spouse, two daughters, and two furry family members.
Donte Cargill, Founder & Executive Director Patricia Ann Cargill Charities
Donte Cargill is the founder and executive director of Patricia Ann Cargill Charities. The organization was founded in memory of his loving mother who succumbed to cancer at a very young age. Patricia Ann Cargill showed her love for all people by serving warm meals without expectation of repayment and that is what inspired Mr. Cargill. As a young father and husband, he made the patriotic decision to serve his country after the 9/11 attacks. Donte honorably served in the United States Army from 2003 through 2006. Immediately following his military service, he set about his journey to becoming a successful businessman. After many years of hard work and dedication, he operates several businesses and is a faithful supporter of his community. Always the philanthropist, Donte founded the P.A.C.C. foundation and fulfilled a lifelong dream and promise to his mother.
Deanna Nichols-Stika, Branches Consulting Company
Deanna Nichols-Stika brings over 30 years of experience in the social service sector, both in not-for-profit organizations and government roles. Her passions revolve around faith, family, and community engagement. Professionally, she focuses on leadership development, family violence prevention, and fundraising initiatives. Deanna excels in servant leadership and is known for her strong interpersonal skills, relational listening, coaching abilities, strategic planning, and data analysis. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and continuous learning as key elements in discerning God's path for individuals and communities.
Chantel Tolbert, Birthing Beautiful Communities
Chantel Tolbert is an energetic fundraising professional with 15 years of experience connecting organizations and individuals with mission-driven causes through philanthropy, community engagement, and volunteerism. Chantel earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration from John Carroll University. Her career has led her to serve in various fundraising roles for nonprofit organizations in Cleveland and Chicago. As Cheif Advancement Officer, Chantel directs all fundraising efforts at Birthing Beautiful Communities, where she has achieved significant milestones, including securing a $2M donation from MacKenzie Scott, the largest single donation in its 11-year history, leading its first capital campaign to build what will be Cleveland’s only freestanding Birth Center, and expanding the administrative team to support the rapid growth. She facilitates the execution of the strategic fundraising plan alongside the President & CEO and Board of Directors, with a goal of $5M in annual giving and $15M in capital campaign funding. She manages four fundraising professionals and over 40 special committee volunteers, who are instrumental in the success of the fundraising efforts.
Before joining Birthing Beautiful Communities, Chantel served as Donor Relations Specialist with the MetroHealth Foundation, overseeing the annual giving and employee giving campaigns, special events, and third-party fundraising supporting the $150M MetroHealth Transformation Campaign.
Chantel is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and is a dedicated advocate for philanthropy within the African American community. She has been recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by Crain's Cleveland Business and the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation, and as a Progressive Woman Honoree by Smart Business Network (Smart Business Magazine Cleveland).
She has two young daughters, Nyla and Nyomi, and is passionate about modeling purpose-driven leadership and work-life balance.