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Illuminate Conference

Tuesday, July 14, 3-5 pm

All Missional Philanthropy Conference Events Take Place at Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Registration (Main Entrance / North Atrium)
Welcome to the Missional Philanthropy Conference! Please check in at our Information Table in the South Atrium before attending other activities.

Tuesday, July 14, 4:30-5 pm

Mix and Mingle (Fellowship Hall)
Come early for dinner to visit with your peers, both familiar faces and new acquaintances.

Tuesday, July 14, 5-6:30 pm

Dinner (Fellowship Hall)
Details TBD ...

tuesday, july 14, 7-8:30 pm

“Money-Getter” to Ministry: How the Biblical Role of the Fundraiser Leads to Larger Gifts (plenary, sanctuary)
As a fundraiser, what’s your job? Your answer can change everything. In this practical session, Russell James shows how a biblical view of the fundraiser’s work leads to better donor conversations and larger gifts. This is not just abstract theology. It is a better way to do fundraising. We will cover how to explain your role, how to guide donors toward more meaningful gifts, and how to use questions, stories, and key phrases to encourage transformational giving. Come ready to rethink your role. Leave ready to help make larger gifts happen.

Presenter: Russell James, JD, PhD, CFP, is a chaired professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University where he directs the on-campus and online graduate program in Charitable Financial Planning (planned giving). Prior to his career as an academic researcher, James worked as the director of Planned Giving for Central Christian College in Moberly, Missouri. He later served as the school's president, during which the college successfully completed two major capital campaigns, built several new debt-free buildings, and more than tripled enrollment.
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Wednesday, July 15, 8-9 am

Light Breakfast (South Atrium)
Hot beverages, fruit, and small pastries (including vegan and gluten-free options) provided.

wednesday, july 15, 9-11 am

Building and Enhancing Personal Solicitation Skills (Plenary, Sanctuary)
This session addresses the key elements of working with individual gift prospects, from getting the initial appointment, the primary objective for that first meeting, developing the strategy, soliciting, and closing the gift. Come prepared to garner highly practical information you can utilize immediately. The first half of the session focuses on effective preparations for personal solicitation and explores strategies for getting the appointment—especially that critical first appointment—making the most of that initial visit, and key steps in cultivation. In the second half of the session, Criscillis will discuss soliciting the gift, with tips for presenting your request clearly and cogently, differentiating between the case and leveraging points. Recognizing that the answer to gift requests is often something other than “yes,” he will also discuss ways to deal with potential concerns and provide strategies for closing the gift.

Presenter: Arthur Criscillis has worked with Alexander Haas for 23 years and serves as the managing partner for the firm’s higher education practice. Before joining Alexander Haas, he led the advancement programs for Rhodes College and Centre College, as well as the Purdue University College of Science. Criscillis moved into consulting for the opportunity to assist a variety of colleges and universities, and his work for clients runs the full range: assessments, feasibility studies, consulting, and training for staff, academic leaders, and volunteers. He has been part of successful campaigns ranging from $20 million to more than $1 billion.

wednesday, july 15, 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

Four Skills That Increase Nonprofit Fundraising Leaderhsip Impact (Plenary, Sanctuary)
You have chosen a career dedicated to raising money to further a mission. You do a job that many people profess to dread because you care deeply about bringing people together to solve critical social issues. And while this work brings you into contact with many leaders and donors, that does not preclude your own leadership. In fact, it requires it. CCL’s research has consistently revealed that leadership is both a lever for increasing community impact and a framework for navigating emerging environments. In our time together, we will explore how the core leadership skills of communication, influence, learning agility, and self-awareness can help those in nonprofit fundraising leadership roles create greater impact.

Presenter: Greg Cameron, MA, Education Sector director of the Center for Creative Leadership, uses a research-based approach to design and facilitate programs that assist organizations who believe leadership isn’t about titles or roles. It’s about growth, purpose, and the ripple effect that starts with self-awareness.

Wednesday, July 15, 1-2:15 pm

Lunch and Moderated Q&A session with speakers (fellowship hall)
Enjoy food and fellowship on site, with additional philanthropy wisdom shared by conference presenters during a Q&A.

Wednesday, July 15, 2:30-3:20 pm

Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details

From Passive to Powerful: Optimizing Boards for Mission ("Fundamentals" Session)
Explore how organizations can transform boards from passive overseers into active mission partners who strengthen organizational impact through advocacy, philanthropy, stewardship, and influence. Adaptable for organizations of all sizes, this practical session examines the core roles of effective boards, the power of relational leverage, and actionable strategies to elevate impact with credibility. Participants will leave with tools to create and cultivate strategic boards that advance mission through relational influence and shared purpose.

Presenter: Gayle Pottle, MS, CFRE, leads philanthropic strategy for AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain Region, supporting eight foundations encompassing hospitals, international missions, and hospice. She brings a distinctive blend of Fortune 100 technology experience and nonprofit leadership expertise to her work, with a passion for building mission-centered, high-performing cultures of philanthropy. A Milton Murray Fund Executive Leadership Fellow, she is committed to developing nonprofit leaders and strengthening the capacity of organizations that serve their communities both locally and around the world.
The Insight Engineer: How One Fundraiser Can Do the Work of a Whole Team ("Fundamentals" Session)
Big development teams used to have a monopoly on sophisticated fundraising. Not anymore. This session shows how a single fundraiser, armed with AI, data, and targets, can run a program that competes with shops ten times its size. It's built for the people who wear every hat at schools, nonprofits, and minstries. Less busywork and fewer “just because” moments, more of the moves that actually bring in money. The promise is simple: become the insight engineer and action taker your mission needs.

You'll learn how to:
  • Research any donor in minutes instead of weeks, and let AI do the digging for you
  • Turn messy donor records into something that actually tells you what to do next
  • Where you reconcile the differences between expectations & reality. 
  • Stop reporting and start acting, because action beats data every time
  • Run a one person shop with the leverage of ten, and watch it show up in your numbers
The "we're too small to do this" excuse is done. Come see what one person and the right system can really do.

Presenter: J.J. Reynolds’ company, Vision Labs, helps businesses build strong internal data teams that leaders can rely on and trust. With experience in media buying, PPC, and advanced custom solutions, Reynolds is able to see the whole picture and take a predictive approach, answering the clients “next questions” in initial implementations. The goal is always to deliver meaningful visualizations on which anyone can take action.
From Conversation to Commitment: Facilitating Meaningful Giving Experiences ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
The most transformative gifts rarely begin with an ask — they begin with a conversation. In this interactive session, philanthropic advisor Marisa Ogles equips fundraisers with the skills, tools, and confidence to guide donors through meaningful discovery conversations that uncover values, clarify impact goals, and articulate a lasting legacy of generosity. Participants will leave with generation-specific engagement strategies, a toolkit of questions and resources for ongoing donor cultivation, and practical techniques for synthesizing donor insights into stewardship strategies that deepen relationships and strengthen long-term organizational impact. Whether you are new to major gift conversations or looking to elevate your practice, this session will help you meet donors where they are and walk alongside them toward where they want to go.

Presenter: Marisa Ogles, MPA, CFRE, is a philanthropic advisor and nonprofit strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals, families, and organizations transform their generosity into lasting community impact. As principal of Compass Consulting, LLC, she partners with donors and nonprofits to align values with meaningful giving strategies — guiding clients through the personal, relational, and legacy dimensions of philanthropy that numbers alone cannot capture. Ogles’ career spans roles as senior director of Donor Services at the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, executive director, and development director.
The Socratic Ministry of Christian Fundraising: Guiding Donors with Questions ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
The most meaningful donor conversations often begin not with a pitch, but with a question. In this session, we’ll explore how a Socratic approach (modeled by Jesus Himself) can foster deeper relationships, reveal donor motivations, and lead to joyful generosity. Learn how asking well-placed questions can help supporters connect their faith, values, and resources. Ideal for fundraisers who want to move from transactional asks to personally transformational dialogue.

Presenter: Russell James, JD, PhD, CFP, is a chaired professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University where he directs the on-campus and online graduate program in Charitable Financial Planning (planned giving). Prior to his career as an academic researcher, James worked as the director of Planned Giving for Central Christian College in Moberly, Missouri. He later served as the school's president, during which the college successfully completed two major capital campaigns, built several new debt-free buildings, and more than tripled enrollment.

Wednesday, July 15, 3:30-4:20 pm

Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details

From Passive to Powerful: Optimizing Boards for Mission ("Fundamentals" Session)
Explore how organizations can transform boards from passive overseers into active mission partners who strengthen organizational impact through advocacy, philanthropy, stewardship, and influence. Adaptable for organizations of all sizes, this practical session examines the core roles of effective boards, the power of relational leverage, and actionable strategies to elevate impact with credibility. Participants will leave with tools to create and cultivate strategic boards that advance mission through relational influence and shared purpose.

Presenter: Gayle Pottle, MS, CFRE, leads philanthropic strategy for AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain Region, supporting eight foundations encompassing hospitals, international missions, and hospice. She brings a distinctive blend of Fortune 100 technology experience and nonprofit leadership expertise to her work, with a passion for building mission-centered, high-performing cultures of philanthropy. A Milton Murray Fund Executive Leadership Fellow, she is committed to developing nonprofit leaders and strengthening the capacity of organizations that serve their communities both locally and around the world.
The Insight Engineer: How One Fundraiser Can Do the Work of a Whole Team ("Fundamentals" Session)
Big development teams used to have a monopoly on sophisticated fundraising. Not anymore. This session shows how a single fundraiser, armed with AI, data, and targets, can run a program that competes with shops ten times its size. It's built for the people who wear every hat at schools, nonprofits, and minstries. Less busywork and fewer “just because” moments, more of the moves that actually bring in money. The promise is simple: become the insight engineer and action taker your mission needs.

You'll learn how to:
  • Research any donor in minutes instead of weeks, and let AI do the digging for you
  • Turn messy donor records into something that actually tells you what to do next
  • Where you reconcile the differences between expectations & reality. 
  • Stop reporting and start acting, because action beats data every time
  • Run a one person shop with the leverage of ten, and watch it show up in your numbers
The "we're too small to do this" excuse is done. Come see what one person and the right system can really do.

Presenter: J.J. Reynolds’ company, Vision Labs, helps businesses build strong internal data teams that leaders can rely on and trust. With experience in media buying, PPC, and advanced custom solutions, Reynolds is able to see the whole picture and take a predictive approach, answering the clients “next questions” in initial implementations. The goal is always to deliver meaningful visualizations on which anyone can take action.
From Conversation to Commitment: Facilitating Meaningful Giving Experiences ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
The most transformative gifts rarely begin with an ask — they begin with a conversation. In this interactive session, philanthropic advisor Marisa Ogles equips fundraisers with the skills, tools, and confidence to guide donors through meaningful discovery conversations that uncover values, clarify impact goals, and articulate a lasting legacy of generosity. Participants will leave with generation-specific engagement strategies, a toolkit of questions and resources for ongoing donor cultivation, and practical techniques for synthesizing donor insights into stewardship strategies that deepen relationships and strengthen long-term organizational impact. Whether you are new to major gift conversations or looking to elevate your practice, this session will help you meet donors where they are and walk alongside them toward where they want to go.

Presenter: Marisa Ogles, MPA, CFRE, is a philanthropic advisor and nonprofit strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals, families, and organizations transform their generosity into lasting community impact. As principal of Compass Consulting, LLC, she partners with donors and nonprofits to align values with meaningful giving strategies — guiding clients through the personal, relational, and legacy dimensions of philanthropy that numbers alone cannot capture. Ogles’ career spans roles as senior director of Donor Services at the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, executive director, and development director.
What Donors Wish You Knew: A Candid Conversation on Relationship, Recognition, and Getting it Right ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
What does it feel like to be on the other side of your fundraising? In this candid panel conversation, two experienced philanthropists share what motivates their giving, what keeps them loyal to an organization, and what makes them quietly disengage. Their message is direct: donors want to be known, not processed. They want gratitude that feels genuine, not transactional. And they have strong opinions about what fundraising professionals are getting right — and wrong.

This intimate live dialogue offers rare, unfiltered donor perspective on the art of relationship-based fundraising. Attendees will leave with practical insight into how to strengthen donor stewardship, elevate their acknowledgment practices, and build the kind of trust that deepens giving over time — not just closes a gift.

Presenter: David Earles has more than 30 years of experience in executive management, fundraising, and marketing at the local, state, national, and global level. He has now consulted with more than 35 organizations and led strategic planning for more than 15. Earles has provided fundraising training for graduate students, professional certification courses, and organizational gatherings.

Wednesday, July 15, 4:45-6 pm

2,000-year-old best practices: The Science and Scripture of Major Gift Fundraising (Plenary, Sanctuary)
This presentation focuses on the latest research and the newest findings. So, what’s the answer? What really works in BIG fundraising? The latest, greatest answer is ... about 2000 years old. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul instructs Timothy on the ministry of major gifts fundraising. A deep-dive word study shows how his approaches match the latest experimental research and real-world best practices. Want to be a more effective, more confident, and more inspired major gifts fundraiser for your ministry? Come to this presentation and learn the practical, step-by-step process for real-world success taken straight from scripture!

Presenter: Russell James, JD, PhD, CFP, is a chaired professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University where he directs the on-campus and online graduate program in Charitable Financial Planning (planned giving). Prior to his career as an academic researcher, James worked as the director of Planned Giving for Central Christian College in Moberly, Missouri. He later served as the school's president, during which the college successfully completed two major capital campaigns, built several new debt-free buildings, and more than tripled enrollment.
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Thursday, July 16, 8:30-9 am

Light breakfast (South Atrium)
Hot beverages, fruit, and small pastries (including vegan and gluten-free options) provided.

Thursday, July 16, 9-9:50 am

Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details

Expanding Opportunities for Generosity ("Fundamentals" Session)
As more Americans hold their wealth in assets such as stocks, cryptocurrency, and real estate rather than cash, nonprofits have an opportunity to expand their fundraising efforts by accepting these alternative gifts. However, many organizations miss these opportunities due to a lack of infrastructure, expertise, or confidence in managing non-cash donations.

This presentation will provide a practical overview of how organizations can begin accepting and benefiting from gifts of appreciated assets, including stock, cryptocurrency, real estate, and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Attendees will learn the advantages these gifts offer donors, the
basic processes involved in accepting them, and the key considerations for creating a successful gift acceptance strategy.

Participants will leave with actionable ideas to remove barriers for donors, diversify fundraising opportunities, and position their organizations to capture a growing source of charitable giving.

Presenter: Adam Straub, MBA, CSPG, vice president of Western Adventist Foundation, oversees the organization’s investments, financial operations, and long-term fiscal strategy. With almost 16 years of experience at the foundation and just under five years serving in executive leadership, Straub plays a key role in advancing the mission of planned giving and trust services.
The Four Pillars of Philanthropy and the Power of Your Annual Fund ("Fundamentals" Session)
This session introduces essential elements for a comprehensive fundraising strategy and the value of building genuine relationships to maximize philanthropic impact. The session also shines a spotlight on the vital role of your Annual Fund, demonstrating how it serves as the heartbeat of an organization’s giving and stakeholder engagement. This seminar is ideal for newcomers to philanthropy, board members, and volunteers. You will receive practical insights and tips to build a strong foundation for generating ongoing, sustainable philanthropic revenue for your nonprofit. 

Presenter: LuAnn Davis, CFRE, is vice president for Advancement at Union Adventist University, a position she accepted in 1992 at her undergraduate alma mater where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. Davis went on to receive an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1996.
How to Work with Your Community Foundation ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Ever receive a mysterious check from your Community Foundation and not know who to thank? Attend this session to learn what information community foundations can and cannot share on their donors; what resources are available, including legacy planning; tips for tapping in a community network, and more.

Presenters: Maria Kain Matthews, director of Donor Relations for The Generosity Trust, has worked in the nonprofit field for 35+ years, including various development and fundraising roles with Girls Preparatory School, her alma mater. Stephany Skaggs Pedigo joined The Generosity Trust in 2025 as director of Family and Business Philanthropy. She has practiced law in Chattanooga for the past 25+ years
Understanding and Managing Change ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Understanding and managing change is a core leadership mindset and skill set. In this breakout, you will have the opportunity to take a quick assessment to discover your own Change Style. You will also have the opportunity to see how your style intersects with others and how different styles working together can become a powerful leadership force.

Presenter: Greg Cameron, MA, Education Sector director of the Center for Creative Leadership, uses a research-based approach to design and facilitate programs that assist organizations who believe leadership isn’t about titles or roles. It’s about growth, purpose, and the ripple effect that starts with self-awareness.
one-on-one meetings with gayle pottle ("Unite" Room) or david burghart ("Hope" Room)
These two philanthropy professionals are available during this time for individual meetings with conference guests who have specific questions too nuanced for asking/addressing during group sessions. Sign up now for one of four 15-minute slots available for each of them.

Thursday, july 16, 10-10:50 am

Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details

Expanding Opportunities for Generosity ("Fundamentals" Session)
As more Americans hold their wealth in assets such as stocks, cryptocurrency, and real estate rather than cash, nonprofits have an opportunity to expand their fundraising efforts by accepting these alternative gifts. However, many organizations miss these opportunities due to a lack of infrastructure, expertise, or confidence in managing non-cash donations.

This presentation will provide a practical overview of how organizations can begin accepting and benefiting from gifts of appreciated assets, including stock, cryptocurrency, real estate, and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Attendees will learn the advantages these gifts offer donors, the
basic processes involved in accepting them, and the key considerations for creating a successful gift acceptance strategy.

Participants will leave with actionable ideas to remove barriers for donors, diversify fundraising opportunities, and position their organizations to capture a growing source of charitable giving.

Presenter: Adam Straub, MBA, CSPG, vice president of Western Adventist Foundation, oversees the organization’s investments, financial operations, and long-term fiscal strategy. With almost 16 years of experience at the foundation and just under five years serving in executive leadership, Straub plays a key role in advancing the mission of planned giving and trust services.
The Four Pillars of Philanthropy and the Power of Your Annual Fund ("Fundamentals" Session)
This session introduces essential elements for a comprehensive fundraising strategy and the value of building genuine relationships to maximize philanthropic impact. The session also shines a spotlight on the vital role of your Annual Fund, demonstrating how it serves as the heartbeat of an organization’s giving and stakeholder engagement. This seminar is ideal for newcomers to philanthropy, board members, and volunteers. You will receive practical insights and tips to build a strong foundation for generating ongoing, sustainable philanthropic revenue for your nonprofit. 

Presenter: LuAnn Davis, CFRE, is vice president for Advancement at Union Adventist University, a position she accepted in 1992 at her undergraduate alma mater where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. Davis went on to receive an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1996.
How to Work with Your Community Foundation ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Ever receive a mysterious check from your Community Foundation and not know who to thank? Attend this session to learn what information community foundations can and cannot share on their donors; what resources are available, including legacy planning; tips for tapping in a community network, and more.

Presenters: Maria Kain Matthews, director of Donor Relations for The Generosity Trust, has worked in the nonprofit field for 35+ years, including various development and fundraising roles with Girls Preparatory School, her alma mater. Stephany Skaggs Pedigo joined The Generosity Trust in 2025 as director of Family and Business Philanthropy. She has practiced law in Chattanooga for the past 25+ years
Panel Discussion: Leadership, Boards, and Volunteers ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
For this panel discussion on leadership, boards, and volunteers, Southern Adventist University president Ken Shaw, EdD, will be joined by conference presenters Greg Gerard, Ava Willis-Barksdale, and Gayle Pottle.

Moderator: David Burghart is a fundraising professional with more than 35 years of experience. His philanthropic career covers secondary education, higher education, and healthcare. The past 15 years have been dedicated to leading the fundraising efforts of Adventist and non-Adventist hospital foundations. During this time, he has given oversight to significant growth in foundation operations and led numerous capital campaigns for new buildings, expansions, and equipment purchases.
one-on-one meetings with JJ Reynolds ("Hope" Room) or Marisa Ogles ("Unite" Room)
These two philanthropy professionals are available during this time for individual meetings with conference guests who have specific questions too nuanced for asking/addressing during group sessions. Sign up now for one of four 15-minute slots available for each of them.

Thursday, July 16, 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

Leadership As a Social Process: Direction, Alignment, Commitment (Plenary, Sanctuary)

While formal accountability for achieving results may rest with a designated leader or a select leadership cohort, the process depends on the active participation of all group members collaborating effectively toward collective outcomes. CCL’s extensive research has defined these outcomes as:

• Direction: Shared consensus on overarching goals, objectives, and mission

• Alignment: Efficient structuring and synchronization of work efforts

• Commitment: Readiness to prioritize collective interests above individual agendas

During this session, leaders will interact with the framework through experiential activities that bring its principles to life. They will also receive practical tools and structured opportunities to evaluate current DAC levels within their teams and organizations, along with resources for initiating and guiding conversations that strengthen DAC at every level.

Presenter: Greg Cameron, MA, Education Sector director of the Center for Creative Leadership, uses a research-based approach to design and facilitate programs that assist organizations who believe leadership isn’t about titles or roles. It’s about growth, purpose, and the ripple effect that starts with self-awareness.

Thursday, july 16, 1-2:15 pm

Lunch and Moderated Q&A session with speakers (fellowship hall)
Enjoy food and fellowship on site, with additional philanthropy wisdom shared by conference presenters during a Q&A.

Thursday, July 16, 2:30-3:20 pm

Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details

Building a Fundraising Program from the Ground Up ("Fundamentals" Session)
This presentation explores the foundational principles, strategies, and systems necessary to create a thriving and sustainable development program. Designed for schools, nonprofits, and ministry organizations seeking to strengthen their fundraising efforts, the presentation will guide participants through the essential building blocks of successful advancement work; from establishing a compelling mission and case for support to cultivating meaningful donor relationships and building a culture of philanthropy. Key topics will include developing a strategic fundraising plan, identifying and engaging prospective donors, organizing donor data and communication systems, creating annual giving and major gift strategies, and fostering donor trust through gratitude and stewardship. Practical insights, helpful examples, and lessons learned from experience will help participants understand how even small organizations can build strong fundraising momentum that grows over time and advances mission impact for generations to come.

Presenters: Greg Gerard, EdD, has been a director of Development and vice president of Advancement, as well as a school principal. He enjoys being part of teams that bring change and improvement to a school. A teacher by training, Nancy Gerard, EdD, entered the world of fundraising in 2002 after accepting a role with Georgia-Cumberland Academy. She enjoys helping donors connect their values with the mission of Adventist education.
when offerings become gifts: Capital and comprehensive campaigns ("Fundamentals" Session)
Many organizations that rely on the assistance and support of others (volunteers or donors) contemplate the idea of launching campaigns that go beyond their typical support. No two organizations are exactly the same. No two campaigns have the same goals or objectives, or the same success levels at the end. However, there are recommended steps for preparation, launching, monitoring, and celebrating successful campaigns that can be adapted to any organization or cause. No matter how large or small, whether the campaign will fund one project or multiple initiatives (or if it just seems impossible to get started), this session will provide some guidelines, hints, and conversation informing participants who are interested in launching a campaign.

Presenter: Ava Willis-Barksdale, MA, serves as the vice president of Advancement at Oakwood University. She returned to her alma mater to serve after amassing more than 30 years of experience as a medical professional, faculty member and educational program leader, and advancement leader in educational and healthcare settings.
Building a Fundraising Plan: Strategies for Sustainable Growth ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Whether you're creating your first fundraising plan or refining an existing one, this interactive session will guide you through the essential components of a successful fundraising strategy. Using a "building" framework, participants will explore organizational readiness, goal setting, donor engagement, revenue diversification, and implementation planning. Through self-assessments and practical examples, attendees will leave with tools and ideas to build a more sustainable and resilient fundraising program.

Presenter: Scot Coppock, MA, is ADRA’s senior director for Development, leading initiatives to inspire and grow support from private donors for ADRA’s global humanitarian work. He previously served as associate director of Planned Giving & Trust Services for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Small Gifts, Big Impact: Unlocking the Power of Crowdfunding ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Giving days and crowdfunding campaigns can do more than raise money. They can engage new donors, expand participation, and build lasting connections to your mission. In this session, participants will explore the benefits of incorporating crowdfunding into their fundraising strategy, including attracting first-time donors, empowering advocates, and strengthening donor engagement. Whether you're launching your first campaign or looking to grow an existing program, you'll leave with practical steps to get started, strategies to increase impact, and ideas for turning collective generosity into long-term philanthropic support.

Presenter: Sandra Araújo-Delgado is associate director of Annual Giving at Southern Adventist University, leading multi-channel fundraising that connects alumni, friends, and the campus community in support of students and the university’s mission. She brings more than 15 years of nonprofit experience across public relations, development, alumni relations, and fundraising.
one-on-one meetings with luann davis ("Hope" Room) or maria matthews ("Unite" Room)
These two philanthropy professionals are available during this time for individual meetings with conference guests who have specific questions too nuanced for asking/addressing during group sessions. Sign up now for one of four 15-minute slots available for each of them.

Thursday, July 16, 3:30-4:20 pm

Each Breakout Session in Separate South Atrium Room; Click on Title for Topic Details

Building a Fundraising Program from the Ground Up ("Fundamentals" Session)
This presentation explores the foundational principles, strategies, and systems necessary to create a thriving and sustainable development program. Designed for schools, nonprofits, and ministry organizations seeking to strengthen their fundraising efforts, the presentation will guide participants through the essential building blocks of successful advancement work; from establishing a compelling mission and case for support to cultivating meaningful donor relationships and building a culture of philanthropy. Key topics will include developing a strategic fundraising plan, identifying and engaging prospective donors, organizing donor data and communication systems, creating annual giving and major gift strategies, and fostering donor trust through gratitude and stewardship. Practical insights, helpful examples, and lessons learned from experience will help participants understand how even small organizations can build strong fundraising momentum that grows over time and advances mission impact for generations to come.

Presenters: Greg Gerard, EdD, has been a director of Development and vice president of Advancement, as well as a school principal. He enjoys being part of teams that bring change and improvement to a school. A teacher by training, Nancy Gerard, EdD, entered the world of fundraising in 2002 after accepting a role with Georgia-Cumberland Academy. She enjoys helping donors connect their values with the mission of Adventist education.
When Offerings Become Gifts: Capital and Comprehensive Campaigns ("Fundamentals" Session)
Many organizations that rely on the assistance and support of others (volunteers or donors) contemplate the idea of launching campaigns that go beyond their typical support. No two organizations are exactly the same. No two campaigns have the same goals or objectives, or the same success levels at the end. However, there are recommended steps for preparation, launching, monitoring, and celebrating successful campaigns that can be adapted to any organization or cause. No matter how large or small, whether the campaign will fund one project or multiple initiatives (or if it just seems impossible to get started), this session will provide some guidelines, hints, and conversation informing participants who are interested in launching a campaign.

Presenter: Ava Willis-Barksdale, MA, serves as the vice president of Advancement at Oakwood University. She returned to her alma mater to serve after amassing more than 30 years of experience as a medical professional, faculty member and educational program leader, and advancement leader in educational and healthcare settings.
Building a Fundraising Plan: Strategies for Sustainable Growth ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Whether you're creating your first fundraising plan or refining an existing one, this interactive session will guide you through the essential components of a successful fundraising strategy. Using a "building" framework, participants will explore organizational readiness, goal setting, donor engagement, revenue diversification, and implementation planning. Through self-assessments and practical examples, attendees will leave with tools and ideas to build a more sustainable and resilient fundraising program.

Presenter: Scot Coppock, MA, is ADRA’s senior director for Development, leading initiatives to inspire and grow support from private donors for ADRA’s global humanitarian work. He previously served as associate director of Planned Giving & Trust Services for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Small Gifts, Big Impact: Unlocking the Power of Crowdfunding ("Fine-Tuning" Session)
Giving days and crowdfunding campaigns can do more than raise money. They can engage new donors, expand participation, and build lasting connections to your mission. In this session, participants will explore the benefits of incorporating crowdfunding into their fundraising strategy, including attracting first-time donors, empowering advocates, and strengthening donor engagement. Whether you're launching your first campaign or looking to grow an existing program, you'll leave with practical steps to get started, strategies to increase impact, and ideas for turning collective generosity into long-term philanthropic support.

Presenter: Sandra Araújo-Delgado is associate director of Annual Giving at Southern Adventist University, leading multi-channel fundraising that connects alumni, friends, and the campus community in support of students and the university’s mission. She brings more than 15 years of nonprofit experience across public relations, development, alumni relations, and fundraising.
one-on-one meetings with adam straub ("Unite" Room) or david burghart ("Hope" Room)
These two philanthropy professionals are available during this time for individual meetings with conference guests who have specific questions too nuanced for asking/addressing during group sessions. Sign up now for one of four 15-minute slots available for each of them.
CONFERENCE CONCLUDES. THANK YOU FOR COMING!

The Missional Philanthropy Conference is made possible by generous support from event sponsors. Thank you!