Road to Year-Round Fundraising Cohort

The spring cohort has started. Please look back for more information regarding the fall cohort.

Join Delaware nonprofit leaders as they transform their fundraising strategies with: "The Road to Year-Round Fundraising" cohort training. This comprehensive 4-week virtual cohort program is designed to equip leaders with the essential skills and tools necessary to establish sustainable fundraising practices throughout the year. 

The cohort will be led by Mark L. Duncan, CEO of The Fund Coach, LLC, empowers nonprofit leaders with the skill and confidence to secure 5-figure gifts from wealthy donors through his Relationship Fundraising Method. Mark brings over 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector from a wide range of organizations that include camp and conference ministry, higher education, K-12 education, public media and healthcare. Throughout his career, Mark has managed multimillion-dollar capital and special campaigns with a particular strength in cultivating and securing large contributions from major donors.

Program Overview

The program consists of four (4) interactive virtual group sessions, each focusing on crucial aspects of successful fundraising, supplemented by two (2) personalized virtual 1:1 coaching sessions per nonprofit over the course of four-weeks. 

Session Topics: 

Systems that Ensure Success: 

  • Database management essentials for efficient donor tracking and engagement. 

  • Crafting effective donor communications strategies for impactful outreach.

Relationship Fundraising Overview: 

  • Shifting small gift transactional givers into large gift relational donors 

  • Cultivating strong donor relationships for long-term support and loyalty. 

  • Engaging your board effectively in fundraising efforts. 

Your Staff and Fundraising: 

  • Empowering staff members to become effective fundraisers. 

  • Managing time efficiently to maximize fundraising efforts. 

Roadmap to Year-Round Fundraising: 

  • Developing a strategic plan for consistent fundraising success throughout the year. 

  • Customized tools and techniques for engaging both staff and board members in fundraising activities.

Coaching Sessions: 

Each nonprofit will receive two 1:1 coaching sessions to address specific challenges and tailor strategies to their unique needs. 

Cost and Schedule: 

There is a program fee per nonprofit. Up to 2 people from a nonprofit may join the cohort.

The schedule includes virtual weekly cohort sessions over four weeks from 12pm-1pm on Wednesdays + Week 2 & Week 4 each nonprofit can meet with Mark 1:1 for their individualized meeting. Maximum number of participants is capped at 20. 

  • Week 1: Cohort session 

  • Week 2: Cohort session + 1:1 sessions (1 per nonprofit)

  • Week 3: Cohort session

  • Week 4: Cohort session + 1:1 sessions (1 per nonprofit)

This approach is designed to move from transactional to relationship fundraising, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections with donors, board members, and staff. By providing practical tools, expert guidance, and personalized coaching, we ensure that participants are equipped to navigate the complexities of fundraising with confidence and success. 

We believe that this program will not only enhance fundraising capabilities but also foster a culture of philanthropy within participating nonprofits, driving sustainable impact in their communities. 

“I look forward to partnering with you on this transformative journey towards year-round fundraising excellence for nonprofits in Delaware.”  
— Mark Duncan

Unlock Your Fundraising Potential!

Unlock your fundraising potential with the Spur Giving Network's monthly webinars! Join us on the 4th Tuesdays for workshops focused on integrating marketing into your fundraising strategy, and on the 4th Thursdays for deep dives into enhancing your fundraising plans. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your fundraising game!

At just $25 per workshop, we're committed to keeping costs low to maximize accessibility. There is a mix of in-person and virtual workshops, please note the location when you register. Each workshop will be from 10am-11am on their designated day. Our aim is for every member of your nonprofit team - staff, volunteers, and board members - to attend our sessions. By fostering widespread understanding and support for marketing and fundraising within your nonprofit, we believe we can unlock your fundraising potential and elevate your impact. Join us and empower your entire team to make a difference!

4th Tuesdays ~ Marketing

  • Nicole Hallberg, First Ascent Design

    (In-Person) at First Ascent Design, 605 N Market St Second Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801

    If you fall somewhere between “I know just enough SEO to be dangerous” and “what does SEO stand for?” you’re in the sweet spot for this power primer on web page Search Engine Optimization, tuned for small teams with big dreams. (And now you know the answer if you fell in camp 2.) We’ll cover just the need-to-know details about how to make sure Google can find your content, including “ask and answer the question” (modeled in this copy,) “call it what your audience would call it” (modeled in this copy,) and “write for people first” (modeled in this copy.) Bring a notebook and a piece of content you want people to find, and we might workshop it live.

    Nicole is a Digital Marketing Professional featured on Vox and Moz, specializing in inbound content marketing with a focus on blogging and on-page SEO. She brings a content writing background and entrepreneurial perspective to marketing problem solving, having built and run a Philadelphia-based content marketing agency before joining First Ascent. You may have seen her writing around the web from an experiment in 2017, when she switched email signatures with a male coworker, sparking national conversations around invisible sexism in the workplace.

  • Megan Reilly, Iris Creative

    (Virtual)

    Even with the user-friendly interface, it’s possible your Canva-created designs just aren’t quite as impactful as you’d hope. With a little guidance you’ll be able to create better designs and maintain brand consistency through all your organization’s designs.

    About Meghan: A graduate of Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, Meghan is the rare design major/business minor that has made her a valuable member of Iris Creative Group’s team over the last 7 years. Her creativity is supported by an appreciation of marketing and the purpose of design to inspire action. Meghan joined Iris as an intern and now manages client projects as well as our design team.

  • John Himics, First Ascent Design

    (In-Person) First Ascent Design, 605 N Market St Second Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801

    Email marketing consistently offers nonprofits the highest ROI of any digital marketing channel. This workshop will help nonprofits learn to write and execute a simple email plan, covering the 3 main considerations--who you should be emailing, what to say, and how often to reach out. We'll go over some specific strategies to take full advantage of email marketing, while respecting your team's already full to-do list.

    John is the President of First Ascent Design, a digital marketing agency specializing in building effective marketing campaigns for nonprofits. Starting his career as an engineer at DuPont, John brings a data-focused view to optimizing marketing by building repeatable, efficient systems around technology to make the most out of nonprofit marketing budgets and time.

    John serves as an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware, a board member of Trauma Matters Delaware, a board member of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, and a Rotarian at Caesar Rodney Rotary.

  • Bruna Viana, First Ascent Design

    (In-Person) First Ascent Design, 605 N Market St Second Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801

    Through Ad Grants, Google provides nonprofits up to $10,000 per month of in-kind search advertising. This workshop will cover the most important aspects of the program. We'll delve into the application process, program requirements and limitations, and how to leverage the platform to achieve your nonprofit goals.

    After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Bruna pursued an Associate’s degree in Fine Art from Salem Community College. Bruna joined the First Ascent team as a graphic design intern in the summer of 2021 and now works full-time as a Marketing & Design Coordinator assisting both the design and marketing teams. When Bruna is not making art, she is most likely getting caffeinated or desperately trying to keep her plants alive.

  • Morgan Gross, Fundraising Beyond Borders

    (Virtual)

    Teach participants how to tell powerful stories that connect with donors emotionally and inspire them to act. Guide nonprofits on measuring and communicating the impact of their programs, ensuring transparency and accountability

    Social media strategies for nonprofit organizations

    Engaging with donors and supporters online

    Measuring the impact of social media campaigns

    AND

    Crafting Compelling Stories for Fundraising Success

    The power of storytelling in fundraising

    Identifying and sharing impactful stories

    Incorporating narratives into fundraising campaigns

    Morgan Gross, CEO & Founder of Fundraising Beyond Borders, is an international fundraising consultant and coach dedicated to empowering nonprofits to achieve their fundraising goals and expand their impact globally. Morgan provides strategic services such as fractional fundraising, custom fundraising plans, and personalized 1:1 fundraising coaching.

    Drawing from her extensive background in co-founding a nonprofit to then living and fundraising across East and Southern Africa, Morgan understands the importance of customized strategies that prioritize global donor engagement. Her client base spans continents, from Argentina to the UK to South Africa, reflecting her commitment to serving organizations worldwide.

    Morgan's mission is clear: to equip international nonprofits with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate global fundraising confidently and authentically. By offering realistic and inspiring fundraising strategies, along with genuine accountability, she empowers organizations to grow their impact and change the world.

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4th Thursdays ~ Fundraising

  • Kristen Isaac, Project Solved

    (Virtual)

    This workshop dives deep into the operational side of fundraising, focusing on how to leverage change management, process improvement, and project management principles to unlock your fundraising potential. By streamlining your approach, you can free up valuable resources and staff time, allowing you to focus on building relationships and securing more donations.

    Kristen Isaac, MPH is the Founder and CEO of Project Solved, a change management consulting firm focused on building thriving organizations by providing the tools, training, and infrastructure to support a thriving team. We do this by assessing and understanding needs, formulating a customized change plan, and implementing solutions based on organizational priorities and goals. We've managed various projects, including, building pipeline programs, leadership development programs, workshops focused on leading change, workflows to increase efficiency and proper use of resources, and more. We anticipate the needs of our partners and deliver efficient and sustainable solutions to solve issues impacting your team and/or company culture.

    She holds a Bachelor of Science from Howard University and a Master of Public Health from Thomas Jefferson University, a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University, and a Strategic Change Management Certificate from Kellogg School of Management.

  • Erin Hutt, Erin Hutt Consulting

    (Virtual)

    Dive into the art and science of grant writing with our expert-led workshop, designed to empower nonprofit professionals, educators, and community leaders. Whether you're new to the grant writing process or looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers valuable insights, practical strategies, and hands-on experience to enhance your ability to secure funding.

    As a distinguished Grant Writing Educator and Consultant, Erin Hutt, has a notable track record in the nonprofit sector, having secured over $3.5 million in grant funding. With a Master's in Public Administration and a Bachelor's in Marketing, she combines strategic insight with practical expertise.

    Erin's career spans over a decade in various leadership roles within the nonprofit realm, including Program Director and Youth Program Coordinator. This experience has fostered a deep understanding of the challenges and nuances in nonprofit operations and grant management.

    Beyond professional roles, Erin has made significant contributions to community development and service. This includes key involvement in grassroots initiatives, substantial support to various organizations and schools, and active participation in critical volunteer efforts during major crises in Flint, Michigan, and Houston, Texas.

  • Kanani Hines Munford, Philanthropy Delaware (Virtual)

    A panel discussion on what and how the wealth transfer is impacting nonprofits.

  • Mark Duncan, The Fund Coach (Virtual)

    Discuss strategies for identifying major donors, cultivating relationships, and securing substantial contributions. Guide nonprofits on measuring and communicating the impact of their programs, ensuring transparency and accountability

    Maximizing year-end giving opportunities

    Creating compelling year-end fundraising campaigns

    Encouraging donor generosity during the holiday season.

  • Alli Williams, The Pilot School

    (In-Person) The Pilot School 208 Woodlawn Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803

    In this workshop, Alli will cover crisis management strategies for nonprofits, adapting to unexpected challenges, and building resilience in the face of change.

    Dr. Alli Williams is the Head of School at The Pilot School, an independent school in Wilmington, DE for bright children who learn differently. Prior to her time at Pilot, Alli served as the Head of Upper School at AIM Academy, where she had previously held a position on the teaching faculty. Before her years of service at AIM, Alli was a faculty member at the Kildonan School, a boarding school in Amenia, New York. Alli’s early career was in community outreach, specifically supporting Deaf and Deaf/Blind adults.

    Alli received a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Classics and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education, both from the University of Arizona. She completed a post-baccalaureate program at the University of Pennsylvania in blended learning and received her Doctorate of Education in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Johns Hopkins University. Her research, targeted at faculty retention, focused on fractal organizational structures and design thinking in the education space. Alli currently serves on the Commission for Accreditation for the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools and on the Board of Trustees of the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools. In the past, she sat on the board of Teach for America for the Philadelphia region and served on the National Teaching Corps for the Folger Shakespeare Library. She has presented at national conferences and written on a range of topics, from the works of Shakespeare to special education, from leadership practices to organizational dynamics. Alli lives in Kennett Square with her husband Pete, also an educator, and their two children, Prue and Woody.

Additional Fundraising Workshops!

In conjunction with The Newark Partnership, we are able to offer three in-person fundraising workshops.

Elevate your nonprofit's fundraising game with our trio of transformative workshops! From mastering ROI analysis for successful events to securing major gifts and fostering donor engagement, discover the strategies you need to drive impact and ensure long-term support. Each session will be led by Adam Morgan, MVP Advisors.

Reserve your spot now and unlock the keys to fundraising excellence!

With the support of The Newark Partnership we are able to offer this group of workshops for $15 each. Each workshop will be from 10am-11am with a networking opportunity from 9:30am-10am along with the monthly TNP meeting from 11-11:30am.

If your nonprofit needs additional financial support please reach out directly to The Newark Partnership.

  • Adam Morgan, MVP Philanthropy

    This workshop is being held in partnership with The Newark Partnership

    (In Person) Newark United Methodist Church, 69 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19711 (For GPS, use 62 East Delaware Avenue to more easily find the free Church parking lot)

    Provide guidance on planning and executing successful fundraising events, whether virtual or in-person. Have you ever wondered what type of fundraiser is best for your organization? Measuring your fundraising ROI can help you look at the effectiveness of your different fundraisers and give you the data that you need to make solid fundraising plans. Nonprofits are always looking for ways to be more effective with their dollars and understanding your fundraising ROI can help you do that.

    Adam received his BS in Political Science from The George Washington University and went on to earn his Masters in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He has worked for several large, national nonprofits as well as Delaware based nonprofits. Adam has contributed articles about nonprofit leadership and engagement through different publications including Planned Giving Today magazine, the 2018 Giving USA Report of Philanthropy and Andrew Olsen’s 101 Biggest Mistakes Nonprofits Make and How You Can Avoid Them.

  • Adam Morgan, MVP Philanthropy

    This workshop is being held in partnership with The Newark Partnership

    (In Person) Newark Natural Foods (Co-Op Space), 209 Newark Shopping Center, Newark, DE (Free Parking Lot parking)

    Discuss strategies for identifying major donors, cultivating relationships, and securing substantial contributions. Guide nonprofits on measuring and communicating the impact of their programs, ensuring transparency and accountability

    Adam received his BS in Political Science from The George Washington University and went on to earn his Masters in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He has worked for several large, national nonprofits as well as Delaware based nonprofits. Adam has contributed articles about nonprofit leadership and engagement through different publications including Planned Giving Today magazine, the 2018 Giving USA Report of Philanthropy and Andrew Olsen’s 101 Biggest Mistakes Nonprofits Make and How You Can Avoid Them.

  • Adam Morgan MVP Philanthropy

    This workshop is being held in partnership with The Newark Partnership

    (In Person) Newark Natural Foods (Co-Op Space), 209 Newark Shopping Center, Newark, DE (Free Parking Lot parking)

    Share strategies for engaging donors, building relationships, and implementing retention programs to ensure ongoing support.

    Effective donor stewardship practices

    Donor segmentation and personalized communication

    Retention strategies for long-term support

    Adam received his BS in Political Science from The George Washington University and went on to earn his Masters in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He has worked for several large, national nonprofits as well as Delaware based nonprofits. Adam has contributed articles about nonprofit leadership and engagement through different publications including Planned Giving Today magazine, the 2018 Giving USA Report of Philanthropy and Andrew Olsen’s 101 Biggest Mistakes Nonprofits Make and How You Can Avoid Them.

If you or your nonprofit is in need of fundraising support, please consider making a free 30-minute appointment with Jennifer Saienni, Director of Nonprofit Engagement.