Institute for Leaders in Development at University of Denver ILD Blog

December Session: The Development Plan

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:39:07 GMT

Our December ILD session focused on demystifying strategic planning and turning it into an actionable, measurable development plan that drives fundraising success. Jen Darling and Christy Clay walked participants through the essential building blocks of a strong development program—from clarifying organizational vision to defining the staffing, metrics, and systems needed to bring that vision to life.

The session opened with a grounding reminder to “do less, better,” emphasizing that strategic clarity—not more activity—is what unlocks meaningful revenue growth. We explored best practices for organizational visioning, how to align fundraising priorities with long-term goals, and why transparent, regularly reviewed plans support both accountability and momentum.

Participants then examined the core components of a development plan, including goals, ownership, budget, messaging, a detailed action timeline, and clear KPIs to track both leading and lagging indicators of success. A helpful framework on page 16 showed how to reverse-engineer milestones by starting with what success should look like at year-end and working backward.

We also introduced tools to assess your organization’s readiness for fundraising, including the Framework for Fundraising Success—a comprehensive self-audit covering mission clarity, strategic planning, board engagement, systems, donor cultivation, and infrastructure. It provides an excellent checklist to identify strengths and areas needing increased focus.

It was another energizing session that offered a practical, energizing look at how to transform vision into action and create development plans that truly move organizations forward.

Resources From This Session

Highlights from October & November

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 04:12:22 GMT

Community-Centric Fundraising

Led by Nia Wassink, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Rocky Mountain Equality

Key Takeaways/Highlights

Everyone is philanthropic
Think about who you are silencing/not empowering in your communications
Consider how AI might be discriminatory when using for diverse content/photo generation
Lead from where you are by assessing your own sphere of influence and how you can implement changes
Ways to host community-based/inclusive events: (1) Drop mandatory giving levels and/or use open invitations (2) Offer ability to donate or release seats (3) Switch to smaller event formats (but how do we engage corporate partners in these?)
CCF principles can be implemented gradually. How can you create more inclusive end-of-year appeals?

Data and Program Evaluations for Nonprofit Fundraisers
Led by Paul Collier, Director, Corona Insights

This session is new to the ILD schedule in its second year. We were pleased to offer it in the fall to help inform participant's Capstone project research plans. The cohort's familiarity with data and program evaluation varied from basic to more advanced with a few folks having a pretty deep background from work in marketing. Many have other staff in their organizations who focus on data and evaluation.

Highlights

Ethics and data collection: historically, data collection has focused on the interests and questions of more powerful groups. Data has the power to advance good or perpetuate harm. It is rarely neutral.
A simple process for designing your data collection process: 1. Begin intentionally 2. Draft questions 3. Order questions 4. Test 5. Provide context
When crafting questions, avoid Yes/No answers. Ask for specific stories and examples. Please the most critical questions to the beginning or middle.
Visualizing your Data: There are many ways to do this but keep in mind that it doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes a simple text table is very effective.
Book recommendations: The Functional Art, by Alberto Cairo; Storytelling with Data, by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic; Envisioning Information, by Edward Tufte.

November Course Highlights

Managing Up and Soft Power Skills

Led By:

Hillary Harding, ILD’19 Vice President of Development and Communications, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Discovery Visits
Led By:

Shawna English (ILD '21), Philanthropy Director, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, & Lauren Wise (ILD ' 20), Managing Director of Development, CU Anschutz

Faculty focused on tactics for effectively getting the first visit with the donor and how to prepare to meet with a donor prospect for the first time. Then, details on what to do and say when you get a visit scheduled. Proper discovery and qualification work can save time and accelerate our best donor relationships.

Highlights:

Improve your ability to evaluate and strengthen your donor portfolio from the starting line
Acquire techniques for effectively setting and preparing for discovery visits
Gain insights on what to look and listen for during discovery visits
Hear outcomes of real-life discovery visits
Key phrases and qualifying questions for discovery visits
A five-step process to qualify/disqualify prospects
Learn when to disqualify using the disqualification checklist

Fall Retreat Highlights Day Two

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:13:43 GMT

Ethics in Philanthropy - A Panel Discussion

Led by Erin Osborn (pictured upper right), Director, Prospect Research, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation; Amy Stewart, (pictured lower right) ILD '12, Vice President of Development, Mental Health Colorado; and Marcia Romero, Vice President, Community Affairs, US Bank (lower left)

Key Takeaways

It's important to have conversations about ethics regularly and to update your policies to ensure that they are legally compliant, but also in keeping with your mission and values.
You will sometimes be put in a position where you are educating a donor, boss, or community member. Talk about the likelihood of this situation ahead of time so that you are prepared. Having strong policies and great resources at the ready will be helpful.
AI brings new ethical considerations including whether your organization will used open tools where your data/information become part of the main data/tool or closed tools where your data remains within your local drive/network/cloud.
How to mitigate ethical risk
Be aware of the impact of bias on ethics

All the Resources!
These speakers shared numerous resources with the class. Add these links to your bookmarks--stat!

AFP Code of Ethical Standards | AFP Donor Bill of Rights | Colorado Nonprofit Association's Principles & Practices in Nonprofit Excellence (membership required)| APRA's DEI Data Guide |
AHP Professional Standards of Conduct | Association of Donor Relations Professionals Ethics Statement | Apra Due Diligence Toolkit | Apra Ethics and Compliance Toolkit (membership required)|
Association of Advancement Services Statement of Ethics | CASE Statement of Ethics | Independent Sector's Principles for Good Governance | National Council for Nonprofits

Career Navigation & Leadership

Elycia Cook, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters joined the class for their final session of the retreat. She shared her story of growing up in Detroit, Michigan, meeting mentors, saying yes to opportunities along the way, all the way to her current role and life in Colorado. An inspiring speaker, her themes of mentorship, discernment, embracing your role as fundraiser, hope, and resilience were a fitting way to wrap up two full days together.

Fall Retreat Highlights Day One

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:11:30 GMT

Legacy/History of Philanthropy in America

Vickie Wilson, Ph.D., Adjunct Faculty, University of Denver University College [pictured right], led the morning session, which provided an understanding of how the third sector came to be and how the history of charitable giving in the U.S. created the environment we have today.

From Generosity to Justice: A New Gospel of Wealth

Author Darren Walker writes of a new gilded age -- defined by levels of inequality that far surpasses the 19th century. 26 billionaires control as much wealth as millions of the poorest.

Our traditional interpretations of charity--one that emphasizes generosity toward the downtrodden is simply insufficient in today's workld and neglects the root causes of our socio-economic equality.

Consider the Role of the Government in Forming/Balancing the Nonprofit Sector
(1) Regulation of influence (laws allowing and prohibiting lobbying); (2) Taxation (early tax laws spurred the creation of major foundations); (3) Involvement in addressing social issues: Hoover’s “low-cost governance” vs. Roosevelt’s “New Deal"

Philanthropy isn’t just for the wealthy
Early examples of mass philanthropy include campaigns to support the Red Cross and other public health campaigns.

Narratives of philanthropy are diverse and inspiring, a few groups to know:
Black Resilience of Colorado | Latino Community Foundation of Colorado
Native Americans in Philanthropy

Clifton Strengths & Strengths-Based Leadership

Dr. Ellen Winiarczyk, Director, Nonprofit Studies Program, University of Denver University College
[pictured right]

A strengths-based approach is really impactful for teams. A much-loved example is Lessons from Geese, including the importance of standing by each other when one is weak and when one is strong.
Operating in your "strengths zone," you may find improved: confidence, direction, hope, kindness, and a greater chance of good health outcomes in life.
Using this tool can increase employee and team satisfaction.
- Effective leaders surround themselves with the right people and build on each person’s strengths
- Diversifying team members' strengths activates innovation, adaptation, and ability to deal with changes
- Broader groupings of a team’s strengths contribute to overall success

What's next? The cohort will receive a chart of everyone's strengths so that they're able to connect with and use one another as resources throughout the year.

Research & Data for Fundraising 2025

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:34:42 GMT

Recent Research - Nonprofit philanthropy

Independent sector | Public trust is the currency of the nonprofit sector.

"Without the public’s trust, everything we do to advance our collective missions becomes harder, if not impossible.

The public’s belief that nonprofits will “do the right thing” is one of the central reasons the sector exists. Communities have relied upon nonprofits to provide education, culture, life-sustaining services, environmental stewardship, and places of refuge for centuries. In today’s highly polarized environment, understanding and managing trust have never been more important for organizations to own their license to operate, lead, and succeed.

For the last six years, Independent Sector has partnered with Edelman Data & Intelligence to survey the American public, exploring the nuances of trust in American nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. These are the largest nationally representative surveys of their kind, surveying over 3,000 adults. We also conduct online focus groups to provide richer context for our findings. Given the outsized importance of trust to our sector, it is imperative to regularly assess the status of trust so, ultimately, we can fashion the policy and practice changes needed to build this critical asset." From Independent Sector

Download Report

The 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy

"A collaboration between Bank of America and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

This study is a continuation of the 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 Bank of America Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy, the 2014, 2016, and 2018 U.S. Trust® Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy, and the 2021 and 2023 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: Charitable Giving by Affluent Households research series."

Download Report

CCS Fundraising 2025 Philanthropy Landscape, 14th Edition

"This report provides a comprehensive look at the current state of US philanthropy, compiling and analyzing annual data from Giving USA and other prominent research to ensure your organization stays up-to-date on the most significant industry trends."

Download Report

Alumni Career News & Celebrations

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 20:45:50 GMT

Celebrations

Welcome our ILD Alumni who’ve recently joined the ILD Steering Committee

Theresa Garcia, ILD '23 will serve as Selection Vice Chair
Sam Lincoln, ILD '23 will serve as Communications Chair

Congratulations RMPI and Committee Members and Speakers on a Fantastic Conference!

Amy Stewart, CFRE, ILD '12
Iris Abraham, ILD '24
Heather Orr, ILD '25
Brittany Vital, ILD '24
Hillary Harding, ILD '19
Lauren Wise, ILD '20
Marianna DiVietro, ILD '18

Congratulations AFP Colorado Chapter Board Members

Blake Nauman, CFRE, ILD '21 Denver Rescue Mission
Brittany Vital, CNP, ILD '24 Coal Creek Meals on Wheels
Carson Maczuzak, CFRE, ILD '19 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Hillary Harding, ILD '19 Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Celebrations Cont.

MaryBeth Lawson, ILD ‘16 is part of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Cohort
Sue Samaniego, CFRE, ILD '20 spoke at the CASE Conference for Community Colleges in New Orleans

ALUMNI ON THE MOVE + PROMOTIONS

Natalie Barrientos, ILD '25 is now Director, Annual Giving at YMCA of Metro Denver
Rachel Rooney, ILD '17 is promoted to Interim Chief Development Officer at Boys and Girls Clubs

Highlights from October & November

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 21:23:24 GMT

Community-Centric Fundraising

Led by Nia Wassink, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Rocky Mountain Equality

Key Takeaways/Highlights

Everyone is philanthropic
Think about who you are silencing/not empowering in your communications
Consider how AI might be discriminatory when using for diverse content/photo generation
Lead from where you are by assessing your own sphere of influence and how you can implement changes
Ways to host community-based/inclusive events: (1) Drop mandatory giving levels and/or use open invitations (2) Offer ability to donate or release seats (3) Switch to smaller event formats (but how do we engage corporate partners in these?)
CCF principles can be implemented gradually. How can you create more inclusive end-of-year appeals?

Data and Program Evaluations for Nonprofit Fundraisers

Led by Paul Collier, Director, Corona Insights

This session is new to the ILD schedule in its second year. We were pleased to offer it in the fall to help inform participant's Capstone project research plans. The cohort's familiarity with data and program evaluation varied from basic to more advanced with a few folks having a pretty deep background from work in marketing. Many have other staff in their organizations who focus on data and evaluation.

Highlights

Ethics and data collection: historically, data collection has focused on the interests and questions of more powerful groups. Data has the power to advance good or perpetuate harm. It is rarely neutral.
A simple process for designing your data collection process: 1. Begin intentionally 2. Draft questions 3. Order questions 4. Test 5. Provide context
When crafting questions, avoid Yes/No answers. Ask for specific stories and examples. Please the most critical questions to the beginning or middle.
Visualizing your Data: There are many ways to do this but keep in mind that it doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes a simple text table is very effective.
Book recommendations: The Functional Art, by Alberto Cairo; Storytelling with Data, by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic; Envisioning Information, by Edward Tufte.

November Course Highlights

Managing Up and Soft Power Skills
Hillary Harding, ILD’19 Vice President of Development and Communications, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Discovery Visits
Shawna English (ILD '21), Philanthropy Director, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, & Lauren Wise (ILD ' 20), Managing Director of Development, CU Anschutz

Highlights from October & November

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:56:26 GMT

Community-Centric Fundraising

Led by Nia Wassink, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Rocky Mountain Equality

Key Takeaways/Highlights

Everyone is philanthropic
Think about who you are silencing/not empowering in your communications
Consider how AI might be discriminatory when using for diverse content/photo generation
Lead from where you are by assessing your own sphere of influence and how you can implement changes
Ways to host community-based/inclusive events: (1) Drop mandatory giving levels and/or use open invitations (2) Offer ability to donate or release seats (3) Switch to smaller event formats (but how do we engage corporate partners in these?)
CCF principles can be implemented gradually. How can you create more inclusive end-of-year appeals?

Data and Program Evaluations for Nonprofit Fundraisers

Led by Paul Collier, Director, Corona Insights

Ethics and data collection: historically, data collection has focused on the interests and questions of more powerful groups. Data has the power to advance good or perpetuate harm. It is rarely neutral.
A simple process for designing your data collection process: 1. Begin intentionally 2. Draft questions 3. Order questions 4. Test 5. Provide context
When crafting questions, avoid Yes/No answers. Ask for specific stories and examples. Please the most critical questions to the beginning or middle.
Visualizing your Data: There are many ways to do this but keep in mind that it doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes a simple text table is very effective.
Book recommendations: The Functional Art, by Alberto Cairo; Storytelling with Data, by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic; Envisioning Information, by Edward Tufte.

November Course Highlights

Alumni Career News & Celebrations

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 19:43:09 GMT

Alumni on the move

Sam Lincoln, ‘23 is Director of Gift Planning at Colorado School of Mines
Kellyn Smith, ‘10 is now Director of Development at the Sundance Institute
Allson Kerr, ‘24 is now Associate Director of Development, University of Colorado Boulder
Gaby Garayar, '23, is now Director of Development at Food Lifeline and based in Seattle, WA
Hannah Beltrone, '24, is now Director of Development, Montana Public Radio and based in Missoula, MT
Candice Jones, '22 is now Chief Advancement Officer at the Colorado Ballet
Tami Vinson, '13 is now Director of Development at the Watershed School
Kimberly Urish, '12 is now Senior Manager, Leadership Gifts at PATH International
Theresa Garcia, '24 is now Planning Giving Officer at Colorado Public Radio
Kacie Merrick, '21 is now Managing Senior Director of Development, UC Davis Children's Hospital and Children's Miracle Network and based in Northern California
Ruth Seiler, '20 is promoted to Senior Director of Development, University of Georgia - Terry School of Business
Camille Howells, ' is now National Director of Development for Teach Plus
Amy Kusek, '14 is now Development Partner at RevUp Growth Partners
Natalie Barrientos, ‘25 is now Director, Annual Giving at YMCA of Metro Denver
Lindsey Hoffman, '25 is promoted to Senior Director of Development at Nourish Colorado
Denae Duesler, '18, is now Director of Advancement at Hendrick Home of Children, based in Abilene, TX

Celebrations

Theresa Garcia, ‘24 is recognized by CPGR with the Paul Jonas Emerging Leadership Award
Savannah Wippel, '15 is now Chair of the ILD Steering Committee
Tonya Kelly, '15 is now Vice Chair/Chair-Elect of the ILD Steering Committee
Allie Steg Haskett, ILD '15 celebrates her 20th anniversary at University of Northern Colorado
Sarah James, ILD '24 became a 21/64 Certified Advisor
Jeremy Jones, ILD '24 graduated from CU Boulder with his Master's in Corporate Communication

Celebrating our Graduates & Giving Thanks!

Wed, 21 May 2025 18:00:00 GMT

On behalf of everyone involved with ILD, we are thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2025 and officially welcome them into the ILD Alumni Community!

These graduates are motivated, dedicated, and full of talent and inspiration. While we continue to navigate the many personal and professional twists and turns that a year can bring, they found space to connect and thrive. We know the benefits of this experience are already at work in the community. Join us in cheering them onwards from here!

Faculty, mentors, steering committee members, community partners, friends, and CEOs of participants, we are truly grateful to all of you. Each of you contributed in meaningful ways to our success this year.

Our graduation speaker was Sara Hazel, ILD Class of 2011 and President & CEO of Denver Public Schools Foundation. Sara delivered a message that reminded us all to embrace the power of “Yes.” Saying yes to the ILD experience was just the beginning for these graduates — she encouraged them to continue saying yes: to building connections, staying curious, offering support, collaborating with others, and driving collective impact across Colorado’s nonprofit community.

We know that it's our relationships and community that sustain us through whatever the future holds. Cheers to moving forward together.

Did you miss the celebration?
Click here to see more photos, quotes from ILD mentors, and the event program.

Alumni Career News | Alumni on the move

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 21:16:51 GMT

Career News

Liesl Thomas ILD '11, is now VP of Development at Energy Outreach Colorado
Kimberly Urish CFRE ILD '12 is offering consulting services!
Leah Bobbey CFRE ILD '22 is now Associate Director, Professional Advisor Relations at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Katy Anderson ILD '18, is now Executive Director at the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation
Jennifer Johnson ILD '15 is now Senior Director of Philanthropy at Denver Library Friends Foundation
Kevin Mullin CFRE ILD ‘13, is now Director of Development at Judi’s House in Aurora
Samantha Lincoln CFRE ILD '23 is now Director of Gift Planning at Colorado School of Mines
Amy Stewart ILD ‘12 is now Vice President of Development at Mental Health Colorado
Kate Verlaan ILD '14 is Chief Growth Officer at Water for People (4/24)
Janet McFarland Burlile ILD '09 is now Chief Development Officer at Girls Scouts of Colorado (8/24)
Renee Ferrufino ILD '16, is now President & CEO at The Women’s Foundation
Maggie Stoot ILD '19, is now VP of Development at The Women’s Foundation
Jaime Marston Cook ILD '20, recently joined the team as Major Gifts Officer at The Women’s Foundation
Lindsey Hoffman ILD ‘25 is now Director of Development at Nourish Colorado

ILD Volunteer Community

Jane Marsh is now Executive Director at Red Rocks Community College Foundation
Tess Rickey, CFRE is now Chief Philanthropy Officer at Vote Solar

Curriculum Highlights - Essential Shifts in Philanthropy

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:49:56 GMT

Essential Shifts in Philanthropy

Led by Scott Arthur, Vice Chancellor of Advancement, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Long-time ILD faculty member and fan favorite, Scott led the cohort through a fast-paced overview of the cultural shifts at CU Anschutz that have created a rewarding and people-centered environment for staff and donors. Underscoring the role of major gifts in nonprofit financial goals, participants are asked to consider their top 3 donors and create customized "Campaigns of One" for each relationship. While these donors are invited to come alongside you and invest in something where they have true alignment, this will come naturally as will their interest in future projects.
Tip Look at your calendar; these top donors will have a tailored plan with the time and attention needed for the relationship.

Internally, creating a culture where everyone on the team feels welcome and supported is central to success. Metrics reflect your commitments and focus on engagement rather than solely on dollars. Value collaboration rather than competition. A key question to ask when preparing for a meeting is, "Have we earned the right to have this conversation?" (i.e. the investment you're asking for shouldn't shock your benefactor).

Tip Give new team members time to find their own voice. Everyone has their own style and gifts that they bring to this work.

Keep authenticity as a core value and make it evident in the work you do.
Practice the joy of philanthropy: this work is full of meaning and purpose.
What would it look like to be vision-based rather than needs-based?
Consider your own plan in terms of gifts of significance
Our work values listening far more than talking/selling
Transformational gift opportunities will come at the intersection of: benefactor's values and aspirations, the nonprofit's mission and vision, and the fundraiser's integrity and passion.

Community Resources

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:57:10 GMT

Community Resources | Civic Engagement, Policy & Nonprofits

The Women's Foundation of Colorado recently hosted a Chat4Change session with the author of Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in our Country and in Our Lives, Emily Amick. The discussion focused on the value of civic engagement as powerful way to be proactive and find hope in the midst of uncertain times.

“It may seem that only those already in power are the ones with the ability to make change, but democracy is a participation sport, and if we all take on one small part, we can make big changes.”
“There are so many ways to be engaged in civic life: advocating for policy changes, joining a sports league, organizing a meal train for a sick neighbor, serving on a school board, or even trying to dismantle the entire system itself.”
― Sami Sage and Emily Amick, Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives

Community-Centric Fundraising + New Research

This month, CCF and Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy hosted Adopting Community-Centric Fundraising: Findings from a national study with Elizabeth J. Dale, Ph.D. and Maya Hemachandra, MPA, CFRE and Dana James from CCF!

Read the Report: Adopting Community Centric Fundraising

Hightlights

76% reported their organization had changed some fundraising policies or practices
Just over 50% of organizations reported making changes in 8 or more domains (principle areas) In practice, this looks like:
Sharing support with other nonprofits

Highlighting another nonprofit's work: 76.3%
Passed along funding opportunities: 65%
Shared fundraising resources with other orgs: 63.6%
Publicly crediting a partner org: 59%

Working for systemic change

Taken a public stance on a politically charged issue: 47.3%
Written op-eds or other materials to challenge harmful perceptions/practices: 32.5%
Invited supporters to take political action: 29%

Ways to Get Engaged: Sign up for our newsletter or join the Community Centric Fundraising Mighty Networks to receive links to the Guide from Elizabeth and Maya out in April and to learn about their future panel in May.

More Resources

Are you looking for ways to get more involved in your local nonprofit networks? Or, are you looking for where to stay informed about policy changes in 2025? We've rounded up some options for you below.

Alumni Celebrations | Jan - March 2025

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 18:50:59 GMT

Three cheers and congratulations to our alumni and their organizations!

Alumni Leadership @ The Women’s Foundation!
Renee Ferrufino, ILD '16, is now President & CEO
Maggie Stoot, ILD '19, is now VP of Development
Jaime Marston Cook, ILD '20, recently joined the team as Major Gifts Officer
Alumni Leadership @ Denver Library Friends Foundation! Katy Anderson, ILD '18 is now Executive Director
Jennifer Johnson, ILD '15 is now Senior Director of Philanthropy

Cori Deterding, ILD '16, is selected as a 2025 Woman of Impact by the American Heart Association
Theresa Garcia’s ILD '23 organization, FloCrit was featured on Kyle Clark’s word of thanks!
Sam Lincoln ILD '23 received her CFRE certification. Congratulations!
MaryBeth Lawson ILD '16 has been appointed to serve on the Colorado Women's Commission
Sarah Korn ILD '23 and Sarah James ILD '24 led our February Alumni Learning Mash-Up on 2/24
Jeslin Shahrezaei ILD '15 completed her Executive Education Certificate from Harvard University in February
Brittany Vital, CNP, ILD '24 joined the AFP Board of Directors + her organization Coal Creek Meals on Wheels celebrates serving one million meals!
Kacie Merrick, ILD '21 celebrates 10 years at Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Savannah Wippel, ILD '15 celebrates 15 years at Anchor Center for Blind Children
Project Angel Heart (shout out: Andrea Pacheco, ILD '21) is a finalist for the 2025 Denver Metro Chamber Business Awards in the “Large Nonprofit” Category

Have something to add to the celebration? Email Sarah: ildcolorado@gmail.com.

Discovery Work | Course Highlights

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:32:33 GMT

Discovery Work

Led by Lauren Wise (ILD ' 20), Philanthropic Advisor, CU Anschutz (left) and Shawna English (ILD '21), Philanthropy Director, Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation (right)

Lauren and Shawna led a practical workshop-style session to address day-to-day communications with donor prospects that can sometimes feel uncomfortable, awkward, and intimidating for any fundraiser. Quickly dispelling these common fears, they shared a step-by-step plan for success. Perhaps most reassuring was the stories of folks who they'd reached out to many times via voicemail, text, and email and eventually connected with...in their experience, folks truly are busy and appreciate your persistence!

Blending the art and science of this work, they shared tips to prepare for calls, key things to listen for, as well as ways to engage/re-focus the conversation if needed. The cohort had plenty of time to practice with one another and start to fine-tune their own approaches. Participants really appreciated their sample lists of questions and templates.

Finally, they discussed disqualifying prospects. While it can be hard to do, there are different frameworks that can help you make this decision. And, just like there are lots of versions of "Yes," there are also different versions of "No." It's not always no--never.

Thanks to Anchor Center for Blind Children for hosting us! The cohort was able to tour their facility with Savannah Wippel and pose together in front of a very special mural. These beautiful wings were painted by Kelsey Montague, who has also been commissioned by Taylor Swift to add a pair of wings in Nashville. So, we're all a little more closely connected now, right?

Major Gifts | Course Highlights

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 18:31:15 GMT

Major Gifts

Led by Serena Bruzgo, President, Craig Hospital Foundation

Fundamentals ~ Joy of This Work
Know Thyself: Use your strengths and those of your team members.
Love your Donor: Be authentic in sharing your joy and appreciation. Honor your relationship.
Donor Ready Initiatives: Participants received thoughtful questions to ask themselves when considering readiness that can be tailored to each relationship. (i.e. Will this make good business sense to the donor? Will be donor be surprised by the amount, project, or timing?)
Give the Gift of your Time: Map out your time on your calendar and protect the time needed for planning, reporting, research, stewardship, and in-person meetings or events.
Invite with Dignity: Be sure that you and the donor are prepared for the invitation. Throughout your time together, you can identify lots of "little yeses" you've received along the way and leading you towards the invitation.

Practical Tips for Portfolio Management
A question we here often in this work and in ILD is, what size should a gift officer's portfolio be? Drawing upon her vast experience, Serena developed a process for determining portfolio size. She considers the weekly, monthly, and annual time she will need to spend with each donor and time required for other internal/external responsibilities from management, to staff meetings, to other types of fundraising and community involvement. Once you have this comprehensive understanding of your time, you will know how many donors you can work with at each engagement level.

Thanks to Craig Hospital Foundation for hosting us! This semester, each course will be hosted by a different nonprofit. Craig Hospital Foundation kicked us off. In the afternoon, we had a special visitor, Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis stopped by to visit with the cohort. She met each of us and shared ways to find hope and inspiration in the weeks ahead.

Fall Course Highlights | The Development Plan

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 22:19:53 GMT

The Development Plan & Motivating a Team

Led by Christy Clay (pictured top right), Strategic Planning & Organizational Effectiveness Facilitator, and Jen Darling (pictured bottom right), President & CEO, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. Jen is also one of the founders of ILD!

What makes a successful Development Plan?

Centers your vision/serves as your north star
Alignment with your organization's strategic plan
Buy-in from each team, department, manager as applicable
Simple and straight-forward approach where priorities are clear
Easy-to-use, living document: refresh your plan every year
Over planning can exhaust leaders and teams! A great plan can be a single page.

What if my office doesn't have a Development Plan?

You can make your own personal plan and work through it in the same way
This is a great way for you to track your accomplishments and demonstrate your understanding of your organization and your role on the team
An annual review of your job description (and those on your team) can provide a great way to stay on track and be sure that your description aligns with the organization's vision and key priorities

Working your plan & managing your schedule

What if something feels off?
Pause to care. Make decisions calmly. Listen to your gut.
Accept that some days things have to go from great to good--this is temporary
Block time on your calendar for the internal tasks and check-ins you'll need to meet your goals
Be transparent with your team
Be accountable to yourself and your team. Revisit the plan and your metrics during regular meetings.

Alumni & Volunteers on the Move + Celebrations Winter 2024

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 22:26:43 GMT

Celebrations

ILD friend and 2024 Graduation Speaker Lauren Y. Casteel received the National Philanthropy Day in Colorado Lifetime Acheivement Award, October 2024
ILD Faculty Member, Christy Clay, wrote a book! Find Grace in the Workplace on Amazon or contact her for details
Gaby Garayar, ILD '23 was selected to join the Mesa County Leadership Program this month
Brittny Wilson, ILD '16, presented "Hiring: The Hidden Costs of Staff Turnover and How to Hire Right the First Time" at Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Days this fall
Sue Samaniego, ILD '20 received the CASE Steward Standards Certification from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education

Alumni

Congratulations to you on your new positions!

Katy Anderson, ILD '18 was promoted to Deputy Executive Director at the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation
Asha Holsopple, ILD '19 is now Executive Director of Development - STEM at University of Denver
Sarah James, ILD '24 is now Director of Donor Funds & Gift Planning at Rose Community Foundation
Rebekah Mitchell, ILD '19, became CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter in May 2024
Lakeasha Smith, ILD '24 was promoted to Vice President, Marketing & Communications at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado in October

ILD Volunteer Community

Congratulations to you on your new positions!

MENTOR Tess Richey, CFRE is the new Chief Philanthropy Officer for Vote Solar
FACULTY MEMBER Erin Wenzel, CFRE is the new Senior Associate Director of Major Gifts at National Jewish Health

Fall Course Highlight | Data & Evaluation

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:23:38 GMT

Data and Program Evaluations for Nonprofit Fundraisers

Led by Paul Collier, Director, Corona Insights

Highlights

Ethics and data collection: historically, data collection has focused on the interests and questions of more powerful groups. Data has the power to advance good or perpetuate harm. It is rarely neutral.
A simple process for designing your data collection process: 1. Begin intentionally 2. Draft questions 3. Order questions 4. Test 5. Provide context
When crafting questions, avoid Yes/No answers. Ask for specific stories and examples. Please the most critical questions to the beginning or middle.
Visualizing your Data: There are many ways to do this but keep in mind that it doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes a simple text table is very effective.
Book recommendations: The Functional Art, by Alberto Cairo; Storytelling with Data, by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic; Envisioning Information, by Edward Tufte.

Fall Course Highlights | Community Centric Fundraising and Working with Donors of Color

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 21:13:39 GMT

Led by Andrea Pacheco, ILD '20, Chief Development Officer, Project Angel Heart

The Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) movement began with the work of Vu Le and his colleagues in the Northwest in 2015. Today, the movement has spread across with country with local chapters popping up, including one right here in Colorado. CCF is grounded in 10 principles with a central focus on race, equity, and social justice. Since the movement began, they've learned that when organizations continue to center these values, greater retention of BIPOC fundraisers follows.

Key Questions to Consider

1. Are you aware of the power dynamics and imbalances that exist within your organization and your community?

2. Donor-first language is pervasive. Do your communications encourage the "savior myth" that centers the donor as the superhero? How does this approach reinforce or impact power imbalances?

3. Do we value time equally as money?

4. How could your communications reflect that you equally value all members of your community?

If you're just getting started with these principles, remember that everyone has ability within themselves to start to make change. If you were able to make a 15% shift, what would that look like? It might include changing the images you use or way you offer tours to avoid poverty tourism, or shifting from "you" to "we" language, or publicly supporting social justice movements and denouncing acts of hatred.

Something to consider from class discussion: When using AI, are you considering implicit bias that may be present when looking for racial, cultural, or diverse content?

Engaging Donors of Color

Led by Renee Ferrufino, ILD '16, Vice President of Development, The Women's Foundation of Colorado

To engage with donors of color and build meaningful relationships, organizations must show a commitment to understanding different cultures and their unique values around giving. For example, many diverse donors give to houses of worship or religious groups that play an integral role in their lives and their communities. You may also learn that these donors value and give to organizations that focus specifically on their own race or ethnic group as well universities or educational programs providing opportunities to first-generation college students.

Build authentic relationships with your donors of color and create an inclusive culture among your board of directors to encourage these donors to take leadership roles. In its June 2021 report on board composition and practices, Board Source noted that 78% of board members in its survey sample were white. Similarly, a recent survey by the Center for Effective Philanthropy found that of 218 foundations that responded, more than half (57%) had fewer than 25% people of color representation on their board. Yet, research shows that organizations with more BIPOC leaders on their boards express a stronger commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion internally and to racial justice being incorporated as a programmatic priority externally.

What can you do? How do you "walk the talk"?

Let the community drive your program choices and seek donors who align with these needs and your mission.
Use tools like "Awake Awoke To Work" from the Kresge Foundation.
Allocate the time and resources needed to be successful.
Transition your leadership from the mindset that this work can be finished. This is forever work.
Create an organizational action plan.

Alumni on the Move/Celebrations Fall 2024

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:00:31 GMT

Congratulations to the following ILD alumni on their recent accomplishments:

Asha Holsopple, ‘19 joined more than 1,500 riders in Bike MS this summer
Tami Vinson, ‘13 is recognized for her outstanding service on the ILD Steering Committee including as Chair from 2022-2024
Kevin Mullin, MNM, CFRE, ‘13 recently became a Trustee at the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado
Hannah Yaritz, CSPG, ‘15 became a member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners Board of Directors. Hannah was also named Volunteer of the Year by Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable!
Liz Gardner, ‘13 was recognized as an Outstanding Woman in Business by the Denver Business Journal
Jessica Carbone, ILD '22, wrote a children's book! Philanthropy Means Love is available on Amazon.com. You can catch her interview on the podcast, The Development Debrief too.

Congratulations to all who received a promotion and/or accepted to a new position!

Emma McDevitt, ‘24 accepted a new job/promotion and is now Development Director at Sand Creek Regional Greenways Partnership
Lela Johnston, ‘21 promoted to Chief Strategy Officer at Denver Families for Public Schools
Andrew Castillo, ‘22 promoted to Director of Mission Advancement for the Archdiocese of Denver
Ian Jacobs, '18 recently joined Boys & Girls Clubs of Colorado as Director of Corporate Philanthropy

Leadership | Welcome New Steering Committee Members

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:25:26 GMT

The ILD Steering Committee is happy to welcome new members this fall! Each of these talented community leaders is also a graduate of program.

Kelly Hall '15, Alumni Relations Chair
Asha Holsopple '19, Selection Vice Chair
MaryBeth Lawson '16, At-Large
Monique McCoy '09, At-Large
Maggie St. Clair '23, Communications Vice Chair
Maggie Stoot '19, Capstone Project Vice Chair

View complete list of Steering Committee members

Alumni on the Move/Celebrations Spring 2024

Fri, 31 May 2024 17:25:12 GMT

Congratulations to the following ILD alumni on their recent accomplishments:

Did you know that 15 ILD alumni have their CFRE credential?
Can you spot the 5 alumni who serve on the AFP Colorado Chapter Board of Directors?
How about the 3 alumni who serve on the CPGR Board of Directors?

Congratulations to all who received a promotion and/or accepted to a new position!

Jordyn Jefferson, Class of 2024, accepted a new position as Director of Development at Reading Partners of Colorado
Elyse Lombardi, Class of 2024, accepted a new position as Director of Development at the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD)
Krista Mortensen, Class of 2024, accepted a new position as Director of Development at Thorne Nature Experience
Leila Regan - Porter, Class of 2024, was promoted to Director of Development at Bluff Lake Nature Center
Ustina Tawadros, Class of 2024, was promoted to Manager of Development Initiatives
Leslie Boersman, Class of 2023, was promoted to Director, Community Engagement + Events at Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Marsha (High) Schneider, MPA, Class of 2023, accepted a new position as Major Gift Officer - ADOD at University of Washington…she also got married this year! Best wishes, Marsha!
Angela King, Class of 2021, accepted a new role as Director of Philanthropy/Southwest at the Trust for Public Land
Blake Nauman, Class of 2021, was promoted to Director of Philanthropy at Denver Rescue Mission
Ian Jacobs, Class of 2018, returned to Denver (and the USA) and is now Corporate Philanthropy Manager at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
Miranda Graul, Class of 2017, accepted a new position and promotion to Vice President, Philanthropy at Conservation Colorado
Missy Hellmuth, Class of 2017, recently moved back to Colorado! Welcome back, Missy. She's joined the team at CASA of Jefferson/Gilpin Counties

Amy Daly, Class of 2014, accepted a new position as Senior Director of External Affairs, at DUG - Denver Urban Gardens
Sarah Hazel, Class of 2011, was promoted to President & CEO of Denver Public Schools Foundation

Office Hours | Q&A for Applicants, Supervisors, CEOs

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 23:53:03 GMT

We are hosting office hours on Monday during March. This is a great chance to ask a question or learn more about ILD. Advance sign up is requested. There are options for anyone to attend, supervisors & CEOs, as well as 1:1 time slots.

See dates and sign up here.

Application Open Now for ILD Class of 2024 - 2025

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:00:54 GMT

The Institute for Leaders in Development (ILD) is now accepting applications for its Class of 2025. This nine-month program includes monthly, full-day sessions with an in-depth curriculum, mentor program, and the chance to create a customized project addressing a need or opportunity in your own organization and/or career. We’re prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion and working to build a program where participants of all backgrounds feel welcomed and embraced for the unique and powerful perspectives and experiences they model for this program and for the future of the fundraising profession.

Click here to apply now!

Don’t let expenses hinder your professional growth! Apply for The Bob Mesko Scholarship and your program tuition ($600) could be covered. To learn more, click here.

Resource Reminders for Alumni

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 23:31:21 GMT

Staying engaged with ILD is a great way to build and maintain your network of skilled fundraising professionals, participate in ongoing learning opportunities, and support other fundraisers seeking to build their careers. Here are a few things to know and ways to engage with us.

ILD Alumni Resources

Alumni Directory
Take advantage of our alumni resources to reconnect with your fellow classmates or explore new connections within the ILD community. Click here to access the complete alumni directory!

Capstone Library
Don’t forget that alumni have access to the Capstone Library, an archive of past capstone projects contributed by ILDers like you! We invite you to peruse the great work of our community and hope you will find new sources of knowledge and inspiration from the work of your fellow fundraisers. If you are interested in submitting your Capstone for inclusion, please contact Sarah.

Curriculum News
As you already know, ILD has a reputation for its top-notch learning curriculum which focuses on teaching development and relationship-building skills within a leadership context. Stay connected to the classroom experience and learn about what the current class is studying in their monthly sessions (and other philanthropy news) here.

To access these links, you must sign-in using your ILD alumni profile credentials (click on the icon in the upper right corner of your screen). You'll be asked to enter your username and password. Your username is your email address (the one at which you receive ILD communications). Click "forgot password" to set up your preferred password.

Alumni on the Move/Celebrations, Winter 2023

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 22:38:41 GMT

Congratulations to the following ILD alumni on their recent accomplishments:

Tonya Kelly, MNM, MLS, ILD Class of 2015, earned her CAP Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation this summer
Rachel Hutchens, Class of 2022, received the Women’s Leadership Program certificate from Yale School of Management this fall
Hannah Yartiz, Class of 2015, Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising became a Certified Specialist in Gift Planning (CSPG), from California State University, Long Beach, January
Did you know that Kevin Mullin, Class of 2013, has been an Adjunct Professor of Nonprofit Leadership at University of Denver University College since 2021?

Congratulations to all who received a promotion and/or accepted to a new position!

Marsha High, MPA, Class of 2023, accepted a new position and promotion to Director of Development, University of Cincinnati, in January
Danielle Artis, MPA, Class of 2021, was just promoted to Development Philanthropy Manager, Partners in Conservation, at World Wildlife Fund (she is now based in Greater St. Louis, MO)
Ashley Barrow, Class of 2021, was promoted to Director of Individual Giving at the Arthritis National Research Foundation in April
Andrea Pacheco, Class of 2021, returned to Project Angel Heart this month as Chief Development Officer
Jaime Marston Cook, Class of 2020, accepted a new role as Philanthropy Officer at the Morgan Adams Foundation in April
Beau Kelly, Class of 2020, recently accepted a new position as Business Development Manager at Nunn Construction
Nate Mackenzie, Class of 2020, is now Director of Development at Youth on Record (June)
Tara Peterson, MNM, Class of 2018, accepted a new role as US Awareness Director for The Hope Effect this month
Kate McDonnell, Class of 2016, accepted a new role as Director of Advancement at Colorado Academy in May
Mary Eisenstein, Class of 2015, became Grant Writer, Cherry Creek School District, in June
Kelly Hall, Class of 2015, accepted a new role as Executive Director of Development, University of Denver- Sturm College of Law, in June
Jeslin Shahrezaei, Class of 2015, accepted a new role and promotion to Executive Director with Prodigy, Inc. in June
Amy Kusek, Class of 2014, accepted a new role as Development Leader at Western Union Foundation in August
Gloria Jara Price, Class of 2014, Executive Director of the Schlessman Family Foundation, is also serving as Deputy Director at Village Exchange Center (June)
Liz Gardner, Class of 2013, is now Executive Director of DaVita Foundation and Director of Village Giving (June)
Camille Howells, Class of 2012, was promoted to Managing Director, Development at Teach for America in June
Ann Marie Bliley-Ester, MSOL, CFRE, Class of 2010 became Assistant Vice President for Development at Bowling Green State University in Ohio this fall
Kellyn Smith, Class of 2010, was promoted to Director of Prospect Development, Intelligence & Analytics, at The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, DC

Do you have career news to share with our community? Please let us know!

Inspired Leadership

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 22:19:54 GMT

Alumni Profile

with Tami Vinson, ILD Steering Committee Chair

Current Job Title: Director of Development and Community Engagement
Organization: Mackintosh Academy (Littleton)

1. How did you begin your fundraising career?

After graduating with a business degree, I applied to join the Peace Corps. Back then, you were accepted but had to wait an entire year to get your assignment. So I moved to Colorado and worked in outside sales for a bit. During that time, I met my now-husband. When my assignment finally came and I had ten days to accept or decline, I decided that it wasn’t the right time for me.

It was at that same time that I decided that pursuing my master's in nonprofit management was the better path for me. I worked at an independent school in Atlanta while commuting to Athens to get my master’s at UGA in the evenings. It was my first development job and it taught me so much. We were in a multi-million dollar capital campaign to expand to a high school and I had the opportunity to be a part of each stage. I had no idea this work (specifically in campaigns and independent schools) would end up being so foundational to my career.

One of my proudest accomplishments at the school, though, didn’t have much to do with fundraising. For the capstone of my master’s program, I created a volunteer program at the school and an all-school volunteer day to get students interested in volunteerism early. The Head of School loved the idea and gave me the opportunity to present it to the Board. Afterwards, I was given the title of Director of Outreach Activities and the opportunity to bring my capstone to life by implementing the all-school service day in 2006. Every person at the school (800 students, teachers, administrators, families, board members) volunteered in the community. We called it Helping Hands Day and they still hold this event each year.

I moved back to Colorado in 2007 and held a few development positions before the Boys & Girls Clubs, where I was the Director of Annual Giving for 3.5 years. During that time, I had the opportunity to work on building a major gifts program where we partnered with Dini Spheris, a national consulting firm. A few years later I ended up accepting a job as a consultant with the firm and it ended up being the most important decision of my career. I stayed with the firm for seven and a half years and gained an incredible amount of experience and grew my toolbox and network.

I really enjoyed the work and the opportunity to work with so many different organizations. The variety and problem-solving kept the work so interesting, meaningful, and fulfilling. In no other job would I have had the chance to work with so many leaders and teams dedicated to such a variety of missions. Everything from the arts, healthcare, education, human services, animal welfare, early childhood and more. It was the smartest decision I could have made and no single decision has ever made quite the impact.

I started my current role at Mackintosh when I enrolled my daughter in Pre-K. I was ready for a change and less travel, and the school needed a development director. I had no idea it would end up being a home, but 4 years later, here I am. It’s incredibly meaningful work for me and I know my efforts have made a big impact on the school. Our fundraising efforts have increased significantly, and we’ve wrapped up two campus expansion projects. This position is an intersection of my personal and professional lives. As a needs-based school serving gifted and twice-exceptional learners, I know first-hand how much these children and their families need the school.

2. What's the best piece of advice you've been given about fundraising?

Be humble, hungry, and hardworking.

You don’t have to have all the answers. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t have the answer but that you will get it. Bring in the expert witness (the subject matter expert). Usually this is someone on the program staff.

Utilize your team and play to people’s strengths. Don’t be afraid to involve others for the greater good and greater gift. Give a voice to those in your organization who are on the front lines delivering your mission. Connect them with your donors. Don’t be threatened or insecure about bringing others in to help with your donor. It’s not a competition. Success breeds success. In the end, everyone is working towards the same goal.

If you’re only chasing participation gifts (or a %), you’ll miss out on meaningful giving and the opportunity to grow gifts beyond participatory gifts.

Listen. Ask thoughtful questions and really listen to the answers. All you need to know is in the conversations. Ask for money and you’ll get advice. Ask for advice or their thoughts, and eventually you will get the gift. Be patient.

3. If there were a session from ILD you could go back and take again, which would it be?

ILD founder and faculty member Jen Darling’s session on the development plan and the major gifts session. I still remember the panel of speakers and their donor stories really stuck with me. I still have the development plan packet that Jen handed out to the class. A wealth of knowledge! [Jen Roe Darling is President & CEO of Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation and recently taught the Development Plan session once again with colleague on co-leader Christy Clay, an independent consultant, coach, and facilitator.]

4. How has ILD supported you in your career development? or What do you value about ILD?

I went through ILD at a transition point in my career and it really helped me lean into my job with confidence. My ILD mentor was especially supportive and transformative. When I felt like an imposter for leaving my NPO and going to work for a big consulting firm, my mentor reassured me that the work I was doing was equally meaningful, impactful, and that I was still living my mission-driven career.

Through career journeys over the past 10 years, my ILD mentor has still been there as a sounding board and always one of my biggest cheerleaders. His confidence in me helped my confidence in myself grow.

I’d say the same for the incredible professionals I’ve met through ILD. Classmates from class 5 and fellow committee and steering committee members. It’s such an amazing group of professionals with so much passion and dedication to this program we all care so much about. I admire the devotion of time and energy from the volunteers. With only a very part-time staff person, it’s truly amazing how the program is fueled by volunteers. I’ve seen it and lived it as well.

I’m honored that an ILD alum and friend asked me to join the mentor committee a couple years after I graduated from the program. It gave me the opportunity to give back, pay it forward, for all that I got from the program. I was even more honored when I was asked by Gordon Smith and Ann Irving to serve as Vice Chair of the Steering Committee, because I was the first alum to serve in the role. Gordon was actually one of the people on my interview panel back in 2012!

I value the determination of the steering committee to deliver such an important program to the incredible cohort each year. These professionals are each remarkable on their own at the kickoff in September and seeing and hearing from them at graduation in May, truly restores my faith in the profession and I am always reinvigorated and hopeful at the change I know they will bring. It’s humbling and an honor to be a small part of that.

5. What are you most proud of accomplishing professionally?

I’ve worked on a ton of capital campaigns for various organizations. In many of them, I was the interim development director/ VP during some portion of that time. I really enjoyed the coaching aspect of the work. Sometimes it was the ED or Board members. But oftentimes it was the advancement staff. I enjoyed getting to share my expertise with them and use the capital campaign or feasibility study as a management tool for growth in the team.

I still have a stack full of thank you notes from former clients that mean the world to me and every once and awhile I go back and read them. We all need a pat on the back sometimes to lift us up. I enjoy the behind the scenes work that being a fundraising consultant afforded me. Knowing that on the ribbon cutting day of the multi- million dollar project, my client and their team were thanking me for my part in the effort was incredibly validating.

6. What is one fundraising skill that you are currently honing or working on?

Coaching my current boss, who is new in the role, how to approach development work and supporting her as she grows into it.

7. Is there a gift you are most proud of closing in your career? What makes it special to you?

My first six-figure gift will always be this special donor story to me. The family had been giving around $5,000 annually but we knew there was capacity and interest in giving more. After a few visits and learning about their love of art, my CEO and I pitched a $150,000 gift to fund the arts programs at the organization. They immediately agreed and my boss almost choked on his chicken salad at Piatti’s. When we got to my car, I had a $50 parking ticket for being over 18 inches from the curb. I was bummed but my boss was so excited for the gift and proud of me that he said, “don’t event worry about it, I’ve got it covered!”

One month later I mailed a newsletter to the family with a sticky note of thanks. They immediately called me and mentioned seeing the newsletter and asked if there was anything they could help with. I knew I had to act fast. I thanked them and said I’d call them right back. It had mentioned in the article that we had to cut back summer programming due to funding cuts. We had also cut back one week on the outdoor summer camp in the mountains because of funding cuts. So, I called back and presented two options. $50k for summer school programs or $50k for the mountain summer camp extra week. They said they wanted to help with both! Over the course of a year, this family had increased their giving to the organization from $5k to $250,000.

November Course Highlight | Coversations with Donors and the Art of DIscovery

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 23:27:11 GMT

Discovery Work with Donors

Led by Lauren Wise, ILD '19, (right, top) Philanthropic Advisor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Martine Hyland, ILD '13, (right, middle) Philanthropy Director, Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation; and Shawna English, ILD '21, (right, bottom) Philanthropy Director, Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation

This stellar team of three ILD alumni led a practical workshop-style session that brought together values from each of the previous three sessions to address the day-to-day communications with donor prospects that can be uncomfortable, awkward, and intimidating for any fundraiser. Quickly dispelling these common fears, they shared tremendously simple, but also critically important tips for success.
Perhaps most reassuring was the stories of folks who
they'd reached out to many times via voicemail, text, and email and eventually connected with...in their experience, folks truly are busy and appreciate your persistence!

November Course Highlight | Essential Shifts in Philanthropy

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 23:25:18 GMT

Essential Shifts in Philanthropy

Led by Scott Arthur, Vice Chancellor of Advancement, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Long-time ILD faculty member and fan favorite, Scott led the cohort through a fast-paced overview of the cultural shifts at CU Anschutz that have created a rewarding and people-centered environment for staff and donors. Underscoring the role of major gifts in nonprofit financial goals, participants are asked to consider their top 3 donors and create customized "Campaigns of One" for each relationship. While these donors are invited to come alongside you and invest in something where they have true alignment, the "yes" will come naturally as will their interest in future projects. Look at your calendar; these top donors will have a tailored plan with the time and attention needed for the relationship.

Internally, creating a culture where everyone on the team feels welcome and supported is central to success. Metrics reflect your commitments and focus on engagement rather than solely on dollars. Value collaboration rather than competition. A key question to ask when preparing for a meeting is, "Have we earned the right to have this conversation?" (i.e. the investment you're asking for shouldn't shock your benefactor). Keep authenticity as a core value and make it evident in the work you do.

Practice the joy of philanthropy: this work is full of meaning and purpose
What would it look like to be vision-based rather than needs-based?
Our work values listening far more than talking/selling
Transformational gift opportunities will come at the intersection of: benefactor's values and aspirations, the nonprofit's mission and vision, and the fundraiser's integrity and passion

October Highlight | Community-Centric Fundraising

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 22:19:50 GMT

Community-Centric Fundraising

Led by Andrea Pacheco, ILD '20, Development Director, Project Angel Heart and Amy Daly, ILD ' 14, Communications and Development Consultant

Key Questions to Consider
1. Are you aware of the power dynamics and imbalances that exist within your organization and your community?
2. Donor-first language is pervasive. Do your communications encourage the "savior myth" that centers the donor as the superhero? How does this approach reinforce or impact power imbalances?
3. How could your communications reflect that you equally value all members of your community?
4. Do we value time equally as money?

Ocotber Highlight | Engaging with Donors of Color

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:15:34 GMT

Engaging Donors of Color

Led by Renee Ferrufino, ILD '16, Vice President of Development, The Women's Foundation of Colorado

To engage with donors of color and build meaningful relationships, organizations must show a commitment to understanding different cultures and their unique values around giving. For example, many diverse donors give to houses of worship or religious groups that play an integral role in their lives and their communities. You may also learn that these donors value and give to organizations that focus specifically on their own race or ethnic group as well universities or educational programs providing opportunities to first-generation college students.

Build authentic relationships with your donors of color and create an inclusive culture among your board of directors to encourage these donors to take leadership roles. In its June 2021 report on board composition and practices, Board Source noted that 78% of board members in its survey sample were white. Similarly, a recent survey by the Center for Effective Philanthropy found that of 218 foundations that responded, more than half (57%) had fewer than 25% people of color representation on their board. Yet, research shows that organizations with more BIPOC leaders on their boards express a stronger commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion internally and to racial justice being incorporated as a programmatic priority externally.

What can you do? How do you "walk the talk"?

Let the community drive your program choices and seek donors who align with these needs and your mission.
Use tools like "Awake Awoke To Work" from the Kresge Foundation.
Allocate the time and resources needed to be successful.
Transition your leadership from the mindset that this work can be finished. This is forever work.
Create an organizational action plan.

Fall Retreat Highlight - Ethics Link Roundup

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 22:15:38 GMT

All the Resources!

These speakers shared numerous resources with the class. Add these links to your bookmarks--stat!

Fall Retreat Highlight ~ Ethics in Philanthropy

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:07:17 GMT

Ethics in Philanthropy - A Panel Discussion

Led by Erin Osborn (pictured left, right), Director, Prospect Research, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation;

Amy Stewart, (pictured middle, right) ILD '12, Senior Director, Philanthropic Development, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation;

Lindsey Hersey, (pictured right, bottom), Human Resources Director, Dumb Friends League

Key Takeaways

It's important to have conversations about ethics regularly and to update your policies to ensure that they are legally compliant, but also in keeping with your mission and values.
You will sometimes be put in a position where you are educating a donor, boss, or community member. Talk about the likelihood of this situation ahead of time so that you are prepared. Having strong policies and great resources at the ready will be helpful.
The key ethical concern in DEI data collection is that it must be self-identified/self-disclosed.

Fall Retreat Highlight ~ Leadership

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 22:05:26 GMT

Clifton Strengths & Strengths-Based Leadership

Dr. Ellen Winiarczyk, Director, Nonprofit Studies Program, University of Denver University College
[pictured right]

A strengths-based approach is really impactful for teams. A much-loved example is Lessons from Geese, including the importance of standing by each other when one is weak and when one is strong.
Operating in your "strengths zone," you may find improved: confidence, direction, hope, kindness, and a greater chance of good health outcomes in life.
Using this tool can increase employee and team satisfaction.
Effective leaders surround themselves with the right people and build on each person’s strengths
- Diversifying team members' strengths activates innovation, adaptation, and ability to deal with changes
- Broader groupings of a team’s strengths contribute to overall success

What's next? The cohort will receive a chart of everyone's strengths so that they're able to connect with and use one another as resources throughout the year.

Colorado's History - Meet Clara Brown

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:58:58 GMT

Meet one of Colorado's Early Philanthropists of the Mining Era

Clara Brown came west and became a successful business owner...she was also extraordinarily generous to others in Colorado. Learn more about her by visiting Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. Clara is also mentioned in several books about this chapter of Colorado history.

Fall Retreat Highlight ~ History of Philanthropy

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 21:54:12 GMT

History of Philanthropy in the US

Rebecca Arno, Chief Impact and Innovation Officer, Barton Institute for Community Action [pictured right], led the morning session, which provided an understanding of how the third sector came to be and how the history of charitable giving in the U.S. created the environment we have today.

The Role of Women Throughout History
The Smithsonian article, "The Storied History of Giving in America" includes diverse perspectives about the role of women in philanthropy. Interestingly, social activist Emily Bissel worried that women getting the vote would take away from their power in the charitable space.

A few decades later and thousands of miles away, a group of young activists in New York’s Chinatown also understood the connections between access to health care and equal citizenship." The group formed what would become the Charles B. Wang Community Health C enter that still exists today.

Consider the Role of the Government in Forming/Balancing the Nonprofit Sector

(1) Regulation of influence (laws allowing and prohibiting lobbying); (2) Taxation (early tax laws spurred the creation of major foundations); (3) Involvement in addressing social issues: Hoover’s “low-cost governance” vs. Roosevelt’s “New Deal"

Philanthropy isn’t just for the wealthy

Early examples of mass philanthropy include campaigns to support the Red Cross and other public health campaigns.
Narratives of philanthropy are diverse and inspiring, a few groups to know:

Black Resilience of Colorado | Latino Community Foundation of Colorado

Native Americans in Philanthropy

A Warm Welcome to the Class of 2024

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:33:22 GMT

Introducing the Newest ILD Class

The ILD community gathered on September 20, 2023 at University of Denver to officially welcome the Class of 2024. See the class list here.

The reception follows the Fall Retreat, which provides a broad foundation for the year ahead. ILD's newest class is full of energy, ready to confront challenging topics, and already fast friends.

Interesting Facts about the Newest ILD Cohort

They are the 16th ILD Class!
Average number of years in the field: about 7
Development staff size ranges from 1 - 35
Budget size ranges from $500k - More than $10 million

Retreat Reading and Pre-Work

Once again, participants took the Clifton Strengths assessment and read a portion of the book Strengths-Based Leadership. This prepared them for Dr. Ellen Winiarczyk's session (where we all experienced her woo!). Together, they explored what their profile meant to them and how it could inform their work. It was a challenging, motivating, and powerful start to the year. We introduced a new book this year, From Generosity to Justice: A New Gospel of Wealth. Ford Foundation CEO Darren Walker's book provided the groundwork for reflection and discussion that will continue throughout the year. Finally, the class read, "The Storied History of Giving in America" from Smithsonian Magazine's Amanda Moniz.

Celebrating the ILD Class of 2023

Thu, 18 May 2023 20:22:20 GMT

Congratulations on your Graduation!

The Class of 2023 graduated May 16th at University of

Denver. ILD was pleased to welcome Lorii Rabinowitz, Chief Executive Officer of Denver Scholarship Foundation as the keynote speaker. Lorii recognized ILD, including alumni who've worked on her team for their achievements and dedication to this important and fulfilling work. Jeremy Johnson spoke on behalf of his class perfectly summarizing the ILD experience from the excitement at the beginning, to the numerous opportunities to learn from one another throughout the year, to the Capstone project and presentations.

Alumni, volunteers, board members, faculty, sponsoring organizations and guests of our alumni enjoyed the evening reception. We are happy to welcome each of you to the ILD alumni community!

Graduates front row left to right: Sam Lincoln, Sarah Korn, Chrsti Meyer, Jenna Kamlet, Leslie LeFever, Jeremy Jones. Back row left to right: Gaby Garayar, Jenny Martin, Aimee Quadri-Chavez, Theresa Garcia, and Maggie St. Clair.

Not pictured: Marsha High III

March Course Highlight - Art & Science of Planned Giving

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 17:36:08 GMT

Led by Gordon Smith (below left), Associate Vice President, Planned Giving, National Jewish Health | Also featuring panelists Krista Boscoe (below center), Director of Development and Kevin Mullin NMN CFRE, ILD '13 (below right), President, Estes Park Health Foundation

Many of you have had the chance to learn from Gordon over the years. You likely remember one his donor stories--relationships built over many years in support to National Jewish. Once again, Gordon led the class through the basics of planned giving, with the goal of helping each participant become more confident in asking for planned gifts and also leveraging these gifts as part of a blended gift. Dispelling the persistent myth that planned giving is just too complicated, he makes the topic approachable as he shares his expertise.

Panelists Krista and Kevin both manage successful planned giving programs in smaller shops, with fewer resources and staff time to allocate. Class members learned how each decides which elements to outsource versus complete in-house to help save time. As we've heard throughout the year, carefully planning your time and managing your calendar is another important part of making time for planned giving.

Planned Giving Resource - PAPPA: A Framework for Donor Visits

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 17:12:06 GMT

Led by Jon Kraus, Executive Director, Gift Planning, University of Denver

Jon led the ILD through the process of identifying which of your donors may be interested and well positioned to make a planned gift. We're happy to highlight one resource he shared from TIAA Kaspick. Their acronym provides a summary below. Keeping this framework in mind will help you think about who your donor is, what they value and support, their assets, future plans, and financial planning/management. Learning about each aspect will help you steward your donor towards the gift that will make the greatest impact and honor their values.

People
Assets
Passions
Plans
Advisors

Curriculum Highlight - Comprehensive Campaigns

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 18:33:08 GMT

Comprehensive Campaigns

Led by Mary Feller (right), Executive Director, Craig Hospital Foundation and Jenny Hopkins (right), Past Board Chair, Craig Hospital Foundation
and Managing Director, Crescendo Capital Partners

Characteristics for a Successful Campaign

Organizational Leadership
Compelling Case Linked to Strategic Plan
Major Gifts Program
Organization has Positive Image
Strong Board of Directors

We love this summary! Some of us may find ourselves unable to check each of these boxes, so what do you do? Mary and Jenny shared their unique insight into leading a transformation campaign and overcoming inevitable challenges along the way. At Craig, their campaign provided a quantum leap for the Craig Foundation fundraising program including incredible growth in the number of donors supporting the foundation. The cohort began making connections between what they'd learned throughout the year and the framework provided by Mary and Jenny. To end the day, the class reviewed case studies and then offered their own insights and campaign advice.

Curriculum Highlight - Understanding Financials

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 18:31:46 GMT

Led by Kristin Calder, CPA (pictured right) and Ken Fichter, CPA (pictured below, right) from Kundinger, Corder & Montoya P.C. Denver

"The speakers were such great teachers and very patient with our questions! It made finances feels so much less intimidating."

A general understanding of financials is important for all fundraisers. Whether you're closely involved in management and budgeting, or relied upon to provide the right reports for a financially savvy donor, preparation is key. Kristin and Ken provided a fantastic overview and led great conversations around reporting, booking gifts, review audit reports, and understanding financial statements.

ILD Application is Open Now

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Apply by April 3, 2023

The Institute for Leaders in Development (ILD) is now accepting applications for its Class of 2024. This nine-month program includes monthly, full-day sessions with an in-depth curriculum, mentor program, and the chance to create a customized project addressing a need or opportunity in your own organization and/or career. We’re prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion and working to build a program where participants of all backgrounds feel welcomed and embraced for the unique and powerful perspectives and experiences they model for this program and for the future of the fundraising profession.

January Course Highlight - Donor Stewardship

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 16:48:59 GMT

Led by Brie Aguila (picture right, top), Assistant Vice Chancellor for External Relations, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Keri Kallaway (pictured right, below), Vice President, Donor and Volunteer Engagement, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation

Do you know your organization's donor retention rate?
A 2021 survey found that nationally, the average retention rate is 45%. It probably comes as no surprise that it's much more expensive to acquire new donors than it is to retain your current donors. Local experts Keri and Brie share ways they've worked to increase retention at their organizations along with best practices from the Association of Donor Relations Professionals (ADRP).

Highlights + no.

Replacing a donor can cost up to seven times the amount of keeping an existing one.
Retain your donors by following the Rule of Seven: create 7 opportunities or touch points with your donor before the next ask.
Penelope Burk's research found that a nonprofit will lose 77% of first-time donors if not thanked within 48 - 72 hours.

Planning for & Measuring Success

One easy way to track your donor's experience is to think about all of the experiences, opportunities, and communications you have with your donors: (1) core stewardship; (2) recognition; (3) regular stewardship; (4) events; (5) communications, etc. Then, use columns to track which touch points apply to each donor, level, or group.

January Course Highlight - Working with Donors of Color

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 16:45:33 GMT

Led by Renee Feruffino, ILD '16
Vice President of Development, Women's Foundation of Colorado

Each organization must undergo internal work and ask whether they are doing the work to be able to steward and connect with donors of color.

This could look like:

Direct investment in black entrepreneurship
Establishing giving circles that reflect common values and build community, shared impact
Highlight causes that are personal and hyper local

Representation and Participation on Board of Directors and Investment Committees Matters

Consider the Data
--Board Source: 78% of board member were white
--Center for Effective Philanthropy: Of 218 Foundations, more than half (57%) had fewer than 25% people of color representation on their board.
Building authentic relationships and inviting donors of color to serve in leadership roles in your organization demonstrate commitment and show your donors that you are walking the talk

December Course Highlight - Practical Tips for Portfolio Management

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:43:24 GMT

Led by Serena Bruzgo, President, Craig Hospital Foundation

A question we here often in this work and in ILD is, what size should a gift officer's portfolio be? Drawing upon her vast experience, Serena developed a process for determining portfolio size. She considers the weekly, monthly, and annual time she will need to spend with each donor and time required for other internal/external responsibilities from management, to staff meetings, to other types of fundraising and community involvement. Once you have this comprehensive understanding of your time, you will know how many donors you can work with at each engagement level.

December Course Highlight - Major Gifts

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:34:55 GMT

Led by Serena Bruzgo, President, Craig Hospital Foundation

  Fundamentals ~ Joy of This Work

Know Thyself:  Use your strengths and those of your team members.
 Love your Donor Be authentic in sharing your joy and appreciation. Honor your relationship.
 Donor Ready Initiatives : Participants received thoughtful questions to ask themselves when considering readiness that can be tailored to each relationship. (i.e. Will this make good business sense to the donor? Will be donor be surprised by the amount, project, or timing?)
 Give the Gift of your Time : Map out your time on your calendar and protect the time needed for planning, reporting, research, stewardship, and in-person meetings or events.
Invite with Dignity: Be sure that you and the donor are prepared for the invitation. Throughout your time together, you can identify lots of "little yeses" you've received along the way and leading you towards the invitation.

November Course Highlight - Discovery Visits

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:43:20 GMT

Led by Martine Hyland (ILD '13, pictured center), Philanthropy Director, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation & Lauren Wise (ILD ' 20), Philanthropic Advisor, CU Anschutz *

*Shawna English (ILD '21 pictured right), Philanthropy Director, Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation filled in for Lauren who wasn't able to join us this year but graciously shared her wonderful content.

Highlights

Remember that it’s okay to ask permission. If you're worried you're not calling at a good time, just ask. Often people are happy to have you call again at a better time.
Whether you're meeting in person or over the phone, keep this research based statistic in mind. The effectiveness of your communication comes
7% from the words that you say;
38% from the tone of your voice;
50% or more from your body language.
Over the phone, changing your body language could translate to having a more successful conversation even though the donor can't see you. Many find they have a better energy and tone when they're standing up or walking vs. seated.
Reaching donors over the phone can be tricky. Martine shared, "Be persistent, I’ve never been scolded for it." Your donors are busy, busy people. By being persistent, they have more chances to get back to you when they may have a pocket of time.
Martine and Shawna acknowledged that sometimes we're reaching out to donors who may have had a negative experience in the past, or just not have been contacted recently. These can still be successful conversations. They suggest saying "Thank you for your patience" vs. "I’m sorry." Another helpful phrase can be, "I’m so glad you shared this with me and I’ll make it right." These can be more powerful and more positive.

November Course Highlight - The Development Plan

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:25:32 GMT

Highlight - Final Thoughts

Manage/plan from where you are – even if you don’t have a development plan for your org or department, you can still make/manage your own plan

Hold yourself accountable – Find a measurement schedule that works well for you and go back and check in

Control your time – Am I talking with the people who matter the most? How am I aligning with stakeholders and my direct reports?

Am I meeting your expectations? Ask this question of your team

BIG VISION – Begin with the end in mind

Focus and Filter – Be discerning and don’t follow every idea that sounds good. Being grounded in your Yes will help you say No.

Jen and Christy shared the science behind simplifying your work and focusing on your priorities...including living a balanced life and setting boundaries that work for you.

October Course Highlight | Community-Centric Fundraising

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:14:02 GMT

Andrea Pacheco, ILD '20, Vice President of Development, Conservation Colorado, and Amy Daly, ILD '14, Director of Communications, NextFifty Initiative, led the afternoon exploration of Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) [Pictured right: Andrea (left) and Amy (right)]

If you are new to CCF, find the 10 principles here
CCF is based on belief that the communities we serve and benefit must be centered. The national movement is BIPOC-led and ever-evolving.
Key ideas include: equally valuing the importance of our donors, volunteers, staff, and board; donors are part of a larger community of support; and moving award from transactional language in communications and relationships with our donors.
On the foundation side, you'll see a move towards Trust-Based Philanthropy, which is a peer-to-peer funder initiative to address the inherent power imbalances between foundations and nonprofits. At its core, trust-based philanthropy is rooted in a set of values that help advance equity, shift power, and build mutually accountable relationships.

October Course Highlight | Essential Shifts in Philanthropy

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:10:14 GMT

Scott Arthur, Vice Chancellor of Advancement at CU Anschutz [pictured right], led the morning session this month. He inspired the cohort with his vision for transforming organizational culture, metrics, and donor relationships. Scott makes every second count and covers a tremendous amount in just a few hours' time.

The presentation is centered upon the ideas shared by Jim Hodge. Click here to watch his Ted Talk.
Start by shifting away from a focus on securing donations. Donors want to invest in community change. Bring them along on that journey. It allows you to focus on the joy of giving.
Culture matters. Create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Establish trust. Be authentic. Eliminate gossip.
Embrace benefactor-centric philanthropy – it’s about them, not us. Make your goal or project resonate. Will this be inspiring to the donor? This alignment helps to create a strong relationship.
Metrics of visits – it’s not the number of times you visit that matters, it’s how deeply you engage a benefactor. Next, establish metrics for gift conversations and opening conversations. Focus on your engagement rate. Metrics should not be all about closing gifts and dollar amounts.

Fall Retreat Feature | Clifton Strengths

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 15:41:21 GMT

Dr. Ellen Winiarczyk, Director, Nonprofit Studies Program,University of Denver University College [pictured above right]

The class is using the book Strengths-Based Leadership and took the Clifton-Strengths assessment prior to the retreat. Ellen led the class through individual and group activities to help them better understand their profiles and also explore their group profile.

We're happy to share highlights from the day:

A strengths-based approach is really impactful for teams. A much-loved example is Lessons from Geese, including the importance of standing by each other when one is weak and when one is strong.
Operating in your "strengths zone," you may find improved: confidence, direction, hope, kindness, and a greater chance of good health outcomes in life.
Using this tool can increase employee and team satisfaction.
Effective leaders surround themselves with the right people and build on each person’s strengths
Diversifying team members' strengths activates innovation, adaptation, and ability to deal with changes
Broader groupings of a team’s strengths contribute to overall success

Fall Retreat Feature | History of Philanthropy in the U.S.

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 16:55:31 GMT

Rebecca Arno, COO, Barton Institute for Community Action [pictured right] led the morning session, which provided an understanding of how the third sector came to be and how the history of charitable giving in the US created the environment we have today.

Consider the Role of the Government in Forming/Balancing the Nonprofit Sector
(1) Regulation of influence (laws allowing and prohibiting lobbying); (2) Taxation (early tax laws spurred the creation of major foundations); (3) Involvement in addressing social issues: Hoover’s “low-cost governance” vs. Roosevelt’s “New Deal"
Philanthropy isn’t just for the wealthy
Early examples of mass philanthropy include campaigns to support the Red Cross and other public health campaigns
Narratives of philanthropy are diverse and inspiring, a few groups to know:
Black Resilience of Colorado | Latino Community Foundation of Colorado
Native Americans in Philanthropy

Fall Retreat Feature | Awakening Conscious Leadership | THRIVE IMPACT

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 20:11:28 GMT

Led by Tucker Wannamaker, CEO, THRIVE IMPACT | Using the book Leading Well from Within by Daniel Friedland, MD, Tucker brings authenticity, research, experience, and humor to a sometimes difficult topic...how do we handle and manage stress as nonprofit philanthropic leaders?

Key Takeaways

"If we want to lead well in the world, the first place we need to lead well is inside ourselves." --Daniel Friedland MD
The Superpower of Our Generation: Unlocking Collective Wisdom. Uses a new model of leadership based in invitation and inquiry rather than command and control
People perform at their best and feel safety, belonging, and significance
Best to stay in a creative space where research shows high-performance leadership is achieved through strategic focus, authenticity, strong relational skills, concern for the community, and self-awareness
Practice mindfulness in a way that works and is impactful for you, ask positive/inquiry-based questions when you hit a roadblock or difficulty

THRIVE IMPACT also hosts a podcast designed for nonprofit leaders. Check it out here.

Ethics in Philanthropy | Resources from our Faculty

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 20:54:02 GMT

Resources to Share and Save | Ethics in Philanthropy

Last week, the Class of 2023 heard from local experts who shared best practices with the class and led them through case studies to practice their ethical decision making.

Thanks to our session leaders: Amy Stewart, Senior Director, Philanthropic Development, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation; Lindsey Hersey, Human Resources Director, Dumb Friends League; Josh Zmroczek, CFRE, Director of Development, University of Denver, Sturm College of Law; Erin Osborn, Director, Prospect Research, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation!

Key Takeaways

•It's important to have conversations about ethics regularly and to update your policies to ensure that they are legally compliant but also in keeping with your mission and values.

•You will sometimes be put in a position where you are educating a donor, boss, or community member. Talk about the likelihood of this situation ahead of time so that you are prepared. Having strong policies and great resources at the ready will be helpful.

•The key ethical concern in DEI data collection is that it must be self-identified/self-disclosed.

We are happy to share links for you to save and share.

AFP International
AFP Code of Ethical Standards | AFP Donor Bill of Rights

Colorado Nonprofit Association
Colorado Nonprofit Association's Principles & Practices in Nonprofit Excellence

ADRP - Association of Donor Relations Professionals
Ethics Statement

APRA - The American Prospect Research Association
APRA's DEI Data Guide | APRA DUE DILLIGENCE TOOLKIT | Apra Ethics and Compliance Toolkit

AHP - Association of Healthcare philanthropy
AHP Professional Standards of Conduct

AASP - Association of Advancement Services Professionals
Statement of Ethics

Case - Council for Advancement and support of education
Statement of ethics

Independent Sector
Principles for good governance

NCN - National Council OF Nonprofits
Ethics and accountability

Welcome, Class of 2023!

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 21:51:43 GMT

We're pleased to introduce the talented fundraisers who will join us on a leadership journey that begins this fall and ending in the spring of 2023.

Many thanks to our nominating committee for their outstanding work in identifying these community leaders and putting together a class that reflects the diversity of our state's nonprofit sector.

Interesting facts about this year's class:

Average years in the nonprofit development field: 6 years
Participants come from across the state: 70% Denver metro, 5% Western Slope, 5% Southwest Colorado, 11% Boulder, 5% Northern Colorado
Class represents a range of size in fundraising shops: 11% large (11+ employees), 47% medium (6-10 employees), 41% small (1-5 employees)
Diversity: 24% of participants represent historically marginalized groups or populations

Class Members

Tia (Arnold) Hynes
she/her/hers
Partnership Fulfillment & Events Project Leader
Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver

Gabriela (Gaby) Garayar
she/her/ella
Development Manager, Western Slope
Food Bank of the Rockies, Fruita

Theresa Garcia
she/her/hers
Director of Development
Florence Crittenton Services, Denver

Marsha High III
she/her/hers
Associate Director of Development
University of Colorado, Boulder Leeds School of Business, Boulder

Jeremy Jones
he/him/his
Associate Director of Development
University of Colorado, Boulder

Jenna Kamlet
Associate Director of Development
Make-A-Wish Colorado, Centennial

Sarah Korn
she/her/hers
Development Director
Cobalt, Denver

Leslie (Boersma) LeFever
she/her/hers
Senior Manager, Special Events
Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation, Aurora

Samantha (Sam) Lincoln
she/her/hers
Senior Associate Director, Major Gifts
Colorado School of Mines Foundation, Golden

Jenny Martin
she/her/hers
Development Officer
Denver Public Schools Foundation, Denver

Cristi Meyer
she/her/hers
Corporate Engagement Manager
United Way of Larimer County, Fort Collins

Aimee Quadri-Chavez
she/her/hers
Development Specialist
Hilltop Community Resources, Ridgway

Nina Roumell
she/her/hers
Director of Development
The GrowHaus, Denver

Maggie St.Clair
she/her/hers
Major Gifts Manager
Energy Outreach Colorado, Denver

Celebrating the Class of 2022

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 22:00:37 GMT

What a gift it was to be together this May to celebrate the ILD Class of 2022. The fifteen graduates are extremely talented, motivated, and dedicated to their work. It was a joy to watch them grow together over the past year. In spite of ongoing uncertainty in the world, and the many personal and professional twists and turns that a year can bring, they found space to thrive. Well done, graduates!

Faculty, mentors, steering committee members, community partners, friends, and supervisors or CEOs of participants, we are truly grateful to all of you. Each of you contributed in meaningful ways to our success this year.

We are so happy to share highlights from graduation with you below. It was an honor to welcome back Sonya Garcia-Ullibari as our featured speaker. Sonya, a powerful example of leadership in our field, is a long-time friend of this community. She has previously served as a mentor and class guest speaker. Her words of wisdom, hope, and determination left us feeling energized, refreshed, and encouraged. Thank you, Sonya!

(left to right) Top Row: Julia McConnaughey, Kelly Hercher, Garrett Royer, Candice Jones, Sarah Jeno, Leah Bobbey, Jessica Carbone, Dawn Rocky. Front Row: Andrea Tagtow, Julia Liao. Rachel Hutchens, and Andrew Castillo. Not pictured: Astrid Monar, Grace Howard, Sydney Weiss.

We are happy to share words of encouragement and inspiration from Sonya Garcia-Ulibarri, President & CEO, Girls Inc.

"I love fundraisers. You are miracle makers."

Sonya is a champion of grassroots organizations and reminds us of the value and significance of each gift. "Remember, most funds are given by people just like you and I. We have to see everyone’s contributions."

"While our work may be unrecognized, do not be discouraged. Take care of yourself. Stay centered by using a strengths-based approach to your work."

"[Philanthropy is] a core component of building the world as we hope to see it now and in future generations."

Classroom Spotlight: A Fresh Start for the Class of 2022

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 22:19:57 GMT

The ILD Class of 2022 is back to learning in person, and they kicked off the year in a brand new way, with a two-day retreat that provided students with a background and foundation for integrating community-centered values, diversity, and ethics into their work as development professionals. During the retreat, students examined the historical relationship between tax law, the political climate, and the role or charity and nonprofits in society.

Students were reminded that as we strive for inclusion and equity, a helpful exercise is to look around or review a project and ask yourself, "Who is not included?" or "What perspective is missing from this?"

Empowered with information from the CliftonStrengths platform, students were encouraged to consider their own leadership strengths and the strengths of their teams through the lens of equity, inclusion, and access.

Recommended Viewing: TED TALK- The Danger of a Single Story

Here are a few comments from this year’s class about the retreat:

"I thought [History of Philanthropy] was a GREAT session. I really appreciated that the discussion included some of the uglier and less inclusive parts of the history. This is something we don't talk about much in the field but is really important for our work going forward."
"I thought [Clifton Strengths] brought a lot of extra value to the reading/assessment we took beforehand. The group discussions were helpful to really contextualize why the Clifton Strengths assessment is important."
"[Regarding Leading in Development with an Equity Lens] The power of storytelling through the lens of experience was beneficial."
"I thought the [Leading in Development with an Equity Lens] session was a great way to explore the real meanings of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I felt like we really dove in past using DEI as a buzzword."

This first-ever retreat was a labor of love, sweat, and tears for Quill Phillips, ILD’s diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting partner; Curriculum Committee members DeAnn Acosta, Allison Krebs ’13, and Gloria Jara Price ’14; and our guest faculty members, Lynette Adams, Rebecca Arno, Martha Bahamón, and Dr. Ellen Winiarczyk (University of Denver), Allison Krebs (University of Colorado Anschutz), and Kelly Purdy (Boys & Girls Clubs of America).

Based on the class comments, it looks like this will be a new ILD tradition!

DON’T FORGET! As an ILD alum you are welcome to audit current classes with ILD participants. Click here to view upcoming classes and contact Sarah Stockton to reserve your spot.

How We "Pivoted" - Reflections on COVID-19 from ILD Alumni

Mon, 03 May 2021 18:25:39 GMT

What has been the most significant change to the way you raise funds since the COVID-19 pandemic begun?

We found ourselves pausing initially on fundraising while focusing at first (March-May) on government programs like the PPP loan and some performing arts-specific support. Then, we began to shift as our donors got more comfortable with their own lives and what the new reality was starting to look like. At that point we began having conversations that were fully authentic and based on our new reality which was that 1) we had a lot of folks wanting to move, dance and create who could no longer afford classes and 2) we needed more technical equipment to be able to stream and produce content online. In July we launched the first of three matching campaigns, each actually exceeding our initial goals, which taught us that many folks still had money and wanted to support. All those donor meetings were held over zoom, and that will probably be something we offer going forward since now we understand we can build a connection and make an ask over those platforms. - Hillary Harding, Development Director, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

The fundamentals have stayed the same - focus on our mission, lean on and continue to foster relationships with donors, sharing honestly. The way in which we work has changed, though - video calls/chats, no events, no volunteer assistance or involvement. In some ways those things make the work easier, but in some ways it makes it less personal, so I find we have to work that much harder to make sure we're connecting with supporters. - Shannon Boltz, Chief Development Officer, SafeHouse Denver

The most significant change to fundraising since the start of the COVID-19 has been the transition to virtual fundraising events. Traditionally, we would host an 800-person breakfast and 800-person gala each year and both of those shifted to virtual programming. We also implemented the use of student and donor self-recorded videos as part of the events and on social media. - Michelle Maldonado, Director of Development, Denver Kids, Inc.

What has been your biggest development-related learning or “ah-ha” moment during the pandemic?

Whenever something major happens, either as a society or just to an individual person, it’s an amazing reminder that we’re all human. I primarily work with corporate donors, grantmaking foundations, and private family foundations - so mostly, I haven’t been in people’s houses. Until now, when it happened virtually and all at once! I met people’s kids (and even more often they met mine), watched them move houses, and navigate the crazy uncertainty that COVID created. If anything, it strengthened the relationships that we already had and made us even more focused about the importance of the mission we’re all here to advance. – Anonymous ILD Alum

It sounds silly, but it is that people WANT TO GIVE to support the folks we serve. Even when their own lives are chaotic, when they are facing financial uncertainty, or when they aren't able to get something in return (like an event) - people still want to support our mission. It is something I think I've lost sight of during the last few years, and it is nice to be reminded of that. - Shannon Boltz, Chief Development Officer, SafeHouse Denver

We have been in the middle of all of this and most important, we have stayed donor focused sending notes, gifts, tons of phone calls and voice mails making sure donors know we care about them and continuing to be a presence in their world. It has created incredible fundraising results. We know money won't solve everything, but it can help with a lot. And for me, after almost eight years at the College Fund, three long-nurtured relationships came to fruition with multiple seven-figure gifts. Another silver lining is I haven't had to get on a plane in over 12 months and the time at home has been a welcome rest from the hustle and bustle of airports. – Kimberly Urish, Sr. Major Gifts Officer, American Indian College Fund

Again, just as we saw in response to the financial crisis in 2008-2009, individuals have stepped up in big ways to support our work. We have been able to share in real time through social media, newsletters, phone calls and appeals with our community how our work is responding to pressing community needs. The pandemic has provided us space to just check in with our donors on a human level to ask how they are in all of this uncertainty. We have strengthened our relationships and the foundation of that was through increased communication with our supporters. – Jeslin Shahrezaei, Director, Development & Communications, Mile High Youth Corps

This biggest "ah-ha" during the pandemic was that in-person meetings really aren't that necessary. While they are sometimes more productive or enjoyable, a virtual meeting will do just fine in many cases. - Michelle Maldonado, Director of Development, Denver Kids, Inc.

Have you made any COVID-19 shifts in your work that you intend to carry forward even after we return to a more “normal” state? What new habits or practices do you think are here to stay?

I think the shift to more flexible work schedules/locations has been positive. There is very little "need" to actually be onsite for my team, so having that option will definitely carry forward. And I hope that video chats become fewer, but still an option, as they can be very helpful. - Shannon Boltz, Chief Development Officer, SafeHouse Denver

I do think some of the virtual meetings are here to stay, which isn’t all bad. I also hope this gives us opportunities to check in more frequently with donors who we may only see once a year in person! – Anonymous ILD Alum

Have there been any career-related “silver linings” related to the coronavirus? If so, please describe one.

The pandemic reminded me that I can do hard things. As a member of a small directors team and also a small development team I had to move fast and be creative last year. We accomplished a lot of great work, things that we didn't know how to do (running virtual large scale events!) and managed to come out on the other side. COVID-19 reminded me that I am able to meet new challenges in this work and provided me the space and grace to be inspired by the resiliency of our staff and the young people we serve in what was definitely the most challenging year in our history. – Jeslin Shahrezaei, Director, Development & Communications, Mile High Youth Corps

Not related to the coronavirus, the other big movement of 2020 was around equity. The protests that rang out across the country in response to the murder of George Floyd (and others) created more momentum around these social justice issues than we'd seen in a long time. For us, as a Black dance/social justice organization, we heard from many donors who only supported us on the fringes that that was an "ah-ha" moment for them. A wakeup call that they could be and should be doing more. As a result, we saw the number of new or lapsed donors increase dramatically in 2020. - Hillary Harding, Development Director, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

The American Indian College Fund had a very interesting year and a half. At the start of the pandemic, many said this pandemic would "decimate" Indian Country and send progress in these communities back generations. But soon, I remembered why I got into fundraising, as I had a front row seat to the most amazing generosity. Foundations and individuals reached out in record numbers to give to our emergency relief fund. We were well positioned as a national organization with hundreds of partners across Indian country and we have raised and disbursed $7.6M. As COVID continued, the word got out about how this pandemic disproportionately devastated Native communities, with Native people dying at twice the rate of white Americans.

At the same time, last summer, people started talking about race like I have never seen before. We were in the middle of all of these pressure points. A donor commented that the Navajo Nation had the need for an international aid organization because the US government wasn't doing enough to help during crisis, and the donor gave us $10k to alleviate his anger. I had donors tell me that their donation was not a gift but a "reparations payment." Donors acknowledged their privilege and the wealth that came from it and gave back. Donors also couldn't spend money as they had in the past and were rapidly remembering how they cannot take it with them. Money that would have been spent on expensive vacations, dinners, concerts/theatre, etc., was given to charity. And many who didn't need stimulus payments donated them. As a result, in FY 2019/2020, we raised $47M on a $32M budget. This FY 2020/2021 looks like it will be the same. – Kimberly Urish, Sr. Major Gifts Officer, American Indian College Fund

Meet the ILD Class of 2021!

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 19:36:37 GMT

We'd like to extend a huge welcome to the Class of 2021! Class members include:

Danielle Artis
Development Officer
World Wildlife Fund
Denver
www.worldwildlife.org

Ashley Barrow
Development Director
The Fund for a Healthier Colorado
Denver
http://healthiercoloradofund.org/

Alecia Blattler
Manager, Major Gifts
Mile High United Way
Denver
www.unitedwaydenver.org

Shawna English
Director of Development
Colorado Horse Rescue
Longmont
www.chr.org

Tracey Flower
Director of Development
Access Opportunity
Boulder
https://www.accessopportunity.org/

Nathan Harlan
Director of Development
Mile High Early Learning
Denver

Lela Johnston
Manager of Development & Community Partnerships
Rocky Mountain Prep (RMP)
Denver
www.rockymountainprep.org

Angela King
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement
Red Rocks Community College
www.rrcc.edu/foundation

Lauren Knudsen
Community Development Director
Home Builders Foundation
Centennial
www.hbfdenver.org

Laura Mack
Development Director
Friends of Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Evergreen
friendsofcaic.org

Blake Nauman
Major Gift Officer
Denver Rescue Mission
Denver
https://denverrescuemission.org/

Andrea Pacheco
Individual Giving Officer
Project Angel Heart
Denver
www.projectangelheart.org

Ruth Seiler
Associate Director of Development
Leeds School of Business, CU Boulder
www.colorado.edu/business/

Kristina (Kacie) Thomas
Corporate Partnerships Manager
Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation
Aurora
www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org

Michael Tortoro
Assistant Director of Development
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora
cuanschutz.edu

Covid-19 Resources

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 21:34:25 GMT

Covid-19 Resources

Deadline update from ILD: Applications for the Class of 2021 are due April 3, 2020. If you need an extension, we are happy to work with you. Please email us

to get started.

The University of Denver shares campus and community news for the community here. Follow on Twitter.

Colorado Nonprofit Association offer resources for you and your organization as you navigate this challenging environment. Learn more. Facebook Group LinkedIn Group

AFP Colorado Chapter shares resources and webinars here.

Through the links above, you can access articles, online resources, webinars, and social media groups to help you stay connected and informed during this time. ILD will share any deadline and schedule changes with our community as available.

10 Steps to Stronger Donor Engagement

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 17:10:06 GMT

The ILD Class of 2020 kicked off the new year with a January 31 session on major gifts, led by Matt Wasserman, principal and founder of MPW Strategies, and Patrick Gaines, chief development officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. The day ended with a bonus session on donor relations and stewardship led by Keri Kallaway, senior director, donor relations and gift services, at Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation.

From the major gifts session, here are Wasserman's ten steps to stronger donor engagement:

1. Prospect efficiently. Work with donors who will make major gifts!

2. Utilize a consistent, effective process. Don't handle each donor opportunity differently. Do what has the highest probability of producing high close rates

3. Use fundraising strategy that is compatible with how people behave. Your primary function is not to persuade and convince prospects. Don't use manipulative persuasion tactics.

4. Gain conditional commitment to do business at the beginning of the fundraising process. Don't waste time with prospects that have no commitment to give.

5. Determine the giving intentions of your prospects, including their capacity, the timing that works for them, and their decision-making process.

6. Earn your donors' trust and respect. Be your most authentic self.

7. Determine what your prospect wants and why. Move away from a sales presentation.

8. Start closing at the beginning of the engagement process. Gain the conditional commitment outright.

9. Try to eliminate the necessity to overcome objections. Have a thorough process that won't bring about objections.

10. Strive for constant improvement in process. Look to always make changes to improve the process.

Recharging by Sharing Discovery Visit Wisdom with ILD Students

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 20:47:12 GMT

ILD alumna Martine Hyland (2013) recently led a session on discovery visits for the ILD Class of 2020. Martine is a philanthropy director at Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation where she is responsible for managing relationships with approximately 150 major donors and prospects.

"As someone who stumbles through awkward voicemails and drives away from donor meetings saying, “I can’t believe I didn’t ask about…,” I felt uneasy about leading an ILD session on discovery calls.

That was before I understood that I wasn’t supposed to be an expert. I was just supposed to share one gift officer’s experience on the phone and in the field. Lucky me! I got to spend 2 hours with a group of amazingly talented development professionals and learn from them about what they say on the phone and during visits to build rapport with their donors, uncover their passions, and set next steps.

It was a great opportunity to reflect on my personal successes and failures, learn from my colleagues, and a great reminder of how fun it is to get to know a new prospect and help shape their relationship with my organization. Just the inspiration I needed to pick up the phone and start building a new relationship – thank you, ILD!"

Martine's favorite thing about discovery visits

I love hearing other people’s stories and hearing them talk about why they support Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Her key takeways or tips from current ILD students

Some shops are putting definitions around how many times to try reaching someone before moving on. For example: you reach out 3 times over the course of 3 months and if there’s no response you move on to the next prospect. I struggle with moving through my discovery prospects, so I found this interesting.
One student uses this acronym to help guide the topics/questions he covers in discovery visits: PBPF (personal, business, philanthropy, follow-up).
Another student looks for opportunities tied to a giving level as a way of assessing capacity. For example, she might talk about a special initiative or event that appeals to alumni but has an ask tied to it.
Example: “We have an upcoming lecture for alumni who are part of our President’s Circle featuring this well-known Nobel Prize winner. Would you be interested in learning more about how to be a part of our President’s Circle?”

The One Thing -- A Q&A with Fundraiser DeAnn Acosta

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 20:13:23 GMT

Meet DeAnn Acosta, CFRE, executive director of the AFP Colorado Chapter and a member of the ILD Steering Committee. DeAnn has more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, including direct response, planned giving, capital campaigns, grant writing, special events, and donor database management. Prior to her role at AFP, she spent 10 years with the Denver Rescue Mission and managed their robust direct mail program.

What is single best piece of advice you can give to a fundraiser?

You need to feel passionately about the mission of your workplace. If you are not behind the organization, your donors will sense that from you, and they won’t get engaged either. It is also important to contribute financially to your organization. If you are not passionate, you should look for another organization that is meaningful to you.

What’s the one book (it can be about fundraising or not!) and the one fundraising blog/periodical that you recommend to fundraisers? And why?

I first discovered “Achieving Excellence in Fundraising” when I studied for my Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Exam. It’s on to a 4th edition today and is filled with excellent content from a variety of fundraising experts. It’s a great resource to read and have on your bookshelf.

I read “Chronicle of Philanthropy” on a regular basis, I find it to be an in-depth look at our sector.

What’s your favorite donor story?

Years ago, I remember working on December 31 when a donor called to make her end-of-the year credit card donation just before 5 pm. She called back five minutes later to say that the other charity she called was already closed, so she made a second gift to my charity. On-line giving has changed this dynamic completely, but it’s still good to be available to donors as much as you can!

What inspires you most as a fundraiser?

I am most inspired when I make a genuine philanthropic connection with someone, they are thrilled to support the cause and I feel proud that I made the connection.

What have you found to be most effective to stay energized in your work and to avoid burn-out?

In order to stay energized, I always make an effort to prioritize my professional development. I am a lifelong learner so I crave that sense of finding a cutting-edge strategy that might work. I work to become a better and more efficient fundraiser and I love to hear how others are being successful.

Meet the ILD Class of 2020!

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 21:39:51 GMT

We are pleased to welcome the Institute for Leaders in Development Class of 2020! This cohort represents the program's 12th class. Class members will meet one day per month between September 2019 and May 2020.

Anna Bishop
Development Manager
Colorado Outward Bound School, Denver

Anna is responsible for the annual fundraising gala, stewarding major and annual donors, grant writing and reporting, and managing corporate relationships and in-kind gifts at COBS. She is passionate about expanding access to transformational experiences in the outdoors for all students, regardless of ability to pay, to develop their leadership, confidence and compassion. Originally from Michigan, Anna graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and minor in Nonprofit Administration, and has made Denver her home for the past four years.

Jazmin Brooks
Associate Director of Development
University of Colorado Boulder

Jazmin has worked at University of Colorado Boulder for four years, beginning as a development assistant, then successfully transitioning to a major gift officer role as an assistant director of development. Currently, she is responsible for securing gifts of $25,000 and above, primarily for the College of Arts and Sciences at CU Boulder. Prior to joining CU, Jazmin worked in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the Clark County School District’s School-Community Partnership Program. She lives in Arvada with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.

Kendra Burrell
Executive Director
National Kidney Foundation serving Colorado and New Mexico

Kendra has been with the foundation since 2013 and has had the opportunity to serve in many different roles. She took on the role executive director in January 2019. Kendra believes that forming strong relationships is the foundation for success for everything she does both professionally and personally. Outside of work Kendra enjoys spending time with her family (2 daughters, husband and dog), exercising, and listening to a good podcast!

Katie DePoy
Development Director
Voices for Children CASA, Boulder

Katie leads fundraising efforts, manages donor relations, and plans fundraising events and campaigns for Voices for Children CASA in Boulder. Katie recently graduated from the Boulder County Leadership Fellows, a leadership group focused on educating a diverse and inclusive cohort of local leaders. She also serves on the board of A Child's Song, a small non-profit music school focused on the benefits of early childhood education in childhood development. She holds a MA in public administration and nonprofit management from University of Colorado Denver and a BA in choral & general music education from Arizona State University.

Mary-Kate Doyle
Director of Development and Communications
Karis Community in Denver

Mary-Kate Doyle comes to ILD with five years of experience in the health and human services areas. Originally from New Jersey, she worked at a homeless shelter for families in Cleveland, Ohio, before moving to Denver in August 2018 and beginning her time at Karis Community, a therapeutic program for adults living with serious and persistent mental illness. She has experience in many areas of development and enjoys juggling different types of tasks, which has proven to be a must at the nonprofits she has worked for.

Megan Fevurly
Associate Director, Individual Philanthropy
Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Megan has spent the majority of her development career fundraising for the performing arts. Currently, her chief focus is on entry and mid-level gifts raised in support of theatre education, the resident theatre company and general operating, as well as overseeing an endowment fund for women playwrights and directors. Megan is currently on the board of directors for id Theater, a new play development theater company working chiefly in McCall, Idaho, and New York City, and has served on the advisory board for the Denver-based theatre company Athena Project Arts.

Ben Fiscus
Donor Relations Manager
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver

Ben has built his career in the social sector focusing his efforts on supporting Boys & Girls Clubs. In 2010, after completing his capstone thesis on positive outcomes of Boys & Girls Clubs, he began working for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley as an assistant site director. He then joined AmeriCorps, moved to Denver, and began his work with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver as a volunteer coordinator. After his year of service, he continued to work for BGCMD as an athletics director, and for the past three years has been a donor relations manager focusing on individual giving. When Ben is not serving Boys & Girls Clubs, you can find him and his wife, Adria, walking their dog, riding bicycles, or hiking.
Sarah Grosh
Development Manager
Make-A-Wish Colorado in Denver

At Make-A-Wish, Sarah’s main responsibilities include managing a student-led fundraising program, Kids For Wish Kids. She is extremely proud of this program and encouraged daily by the students she works with. To date, Make-A-Wish Colorado has the most successful kid's program across all other chapters’ nationwide, raising over $1.2 million in FY19 and working with about 175 schools across the state. Prior to this position, she worked in Lansing, Michigan, as the membership director for the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI, Sarah obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University, and moved to Colorado in 2015.

Beau Kelly
Associate Director of Development
University Colorado Colorado Springs

Beau Kelly is a director of development at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. He started at UCCS in 2015, primarily doing major gifts fundraising for the athletic programs. Over time, he has spearheaded fundraising for community scholarships in addition to athletics support. Beau led the capital campaigns to build the new baseball and indoor track facilities that opened in 2018. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he played baseball while majoring in business administration and history. He recently received his MBA from UCCS. Prior to UCCS, Beau worked for two years at El Pomar Foundation as a program associate in the Fellowship Program.

Nathan Mackenzie
Director of Development
The GrowHaus in Denver

Nathan leads The GrowHaus' development and communications efforts. He is a proud, born-and-raised Denverite, went to East High School, and graduated from Wesleyan University with honors in government. After graduation, he moved to Nairobi, Kenya, where he spent a year-and-half working with Shining Hope for Communities, a nonprofit that addresses gender inequality and extreme poverty in urban slums. There he learned the power of local communities to develop dynamic, locally-based solutions to community challenges. After coming back home to Colorado, in 2014 he was selected to join El Pomar Foundation's two- year leadership and professional development fellowship program in Colorado Springs. He started at The GrowHaus in the fall of 2016. When he's not at The GrowHaus you can find him enjoying the mountains, cooking, or reading.

Jaime Marston Cook
Development Director
NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado

Jaime moved to Denver from Minneapolis in 2004, and started fundraising for progressive causes around Colorado and throughout the United States during a critical election year. One of those organizations was Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM), where she raised $20,000 to send a busload of advocates from Denver to Washington, D.C., for the March for Women’s Lives. Shortly after, Jaime started working for PPRM, first in the health centers, then managing the affiliate’s internship and volunteer program, and ultimately joining the development team. Following a few years of working in personal finance in the private sector, she came back to the nonprofit community, joining Colorado Health Network as the development manager, and then joining NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado as development director. Jaime also serves as vice president of the board of directors for PFLAG Denver in support of the LGBTQ+ community. She is an avid reader, a gardener, and an intuitive cook.

Rachel Newnam
Corporate Partnerships Manager
Project Angel Heart in Denver

Rachel Newnam has been the corporate partnerships manager at Project Angel Heart since June 2017. She has over seven years' of professional fundraising experience with past positions including Community Engagement Manager, Annual Fund Manager, and Senior Development Associate at ForKids, Inc. in Norfolk, Virginia. Rachel is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Colorado Chapter and former board member and education chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter. She holds her bachelor of arts in global affairs with a concentration in social inequalities and responses and a business minor from George Mason University. Outside of the office, you can find Rachel hiking, snowshoeing, or sifting for new vinyls.

Jennifer Reed
Regional Philanthropy Director
Mercy Housing

Jennifer Reed serves as the philanthropy director for the Mountain Plains region of Mercy Housing, which includes Arizona, Colorado, and Nebraska. Jennifer has been in this role since 2015 and previously worked as manager of corporate and foundation relations for the national fundraising team at Mercy Housing. Jennifer has over 13 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She holds a BS in international studies and sociology from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver. She lives in Denver with her husband, Jay, school-age sons Dylan and Alex, and dog Charlie.

Susan “Sue” Samaniego
Foundation Director
Colorado Northwestern Community College Foundation, Rangely

Sue began her career as a speech-language pathologist. After 22 years, her search for new challenges led her to communications and public relations work for Otero Junior College. When the foundation director left, she absorbed these duties and found her new career. The drive to focus on development led Sue to complete a certificate in nonprofit management through the University of Illinois-Chicago in February 2018 and to accept the foundation director position at CNCC in November 2017. Sue serves on the board for Rangely Resource Pantry (secretary), the Tank Center for Sonic Arts, and the Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, and snowshoeing as well as painting, writing and gardening.

Anne “Annie” Slothower
Director of Development
Havern School, Littleton

Since receiving her undergraduate degree from Regis University in communication and business administration, Annie has honed her professional skills in the areas of marketing and communications, development and fundraising, and event planning. When she became a mother in 2006,she chose to step away from the professional sector to be at home with her growing family. Once her youngest son started kindergarten, she pursued a path within the nonprofit arena in hopes of using her skills to positively impact others. Annie has been working in the nonprofit fund development field for four years, and has been the director of development for Havern School for the past eight months. Havern School is a small, independent school that serves students with learning disabilities from along the Front Range.

Lauren Wise
Assistant Director of Development
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

With a personal passion for making a difference in the world, Lauren enjoys seeing the way philanthropy transforms our world, especially in higher education and health care. Originally from Ohio, Lauren attended The Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in strategic communications in 2012. After graduation, she worked in various roles in the university's communications and advancement offices, where she discovered development work as a career path. In 2016, Lauren moved into a role at Cleveland Clinic in the philanthropy department overseeing annual giving initiatives. During her time there, she proposed a transformational change to Cleveland Clinic's annual fund to focus on pipeline development and stewardship. Lauren started her current role at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in June 2018. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys reading, running, CrossFit, being in the mountains, cooking new recipes, and spending time with her husband and rescue dog.

Abby Yeagle
Director
High Plains Library District Foundation, Greeley

Abby is passionate about empowering communities to create change. Her primary interests lie in the arts, however she believes in increasing philanthropy sector-wide and connecting individuals with the causes they care about. Abby’s support of nonprofits began while volunteering in high school. She continued this path in college, majoring in Nonprofit Management. After receiving her degree, I dedicated a year of service to AmeriCorps VISTA at the High Plains Library District. While working with the District’s Foundation over the next four years, she moved from a VISTA to a Development Associate to a Director and drastically grew her skills as a fundraiser. Abby is excited for the opportunity to have the support and guidance of a mentor in tackling these exciting new career challenges.

60-second Inspiration -- A Q&A with Fundraiser Cheryl Haggstrom

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 15:52:26 GMT

Meet Cheryl Haggstrom, chair of the Institute for Leaders in Development's steering committee. Cheryl serves as executive vice president for Community First Foundation, where she has been since 2007. Her prior experience is in the area of quality improvement and risk management at Lutheran Medical Center, where she was employed for 15 years.

What is single best piece of advice you can give to a fundraiser?

Follow up! I’m not talking about general stewardship or your annual check-in. I’m talking about promises to get back to someone about a question, a vow that you will call or any other mechanical commitment one makes during a casual conversation. If you meet with a prospect or donor and you promise to do something, do it! If you don’t, you will lose a person’s trust and confidence in you. If you do it, they will feel valued and connected. Once this happens, your donor will open up to you and they will follow up with you. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to learn this lesson. Use whatever works for you to remember to follow up!

What’s the one book (it can be about fundraising or not!) and the one fundraising blog/periodical that you recommend to fundraisers? And why?

The one book that always comes to mind is The Cathedral Within by Bill Shore. This book feeds the soul, inspires and requires you to be introspective. I think you need to understand yourself and your own values before you can truly connect with others about theirs. Books like this one are not technical. You won’t learn how to execute on a CRUT or a CRAT, but you will learn what stirs your emotions. Maybe, after reading this book, you will learn to connect with your donor on an emotional level. Maya Angelou said: “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

The blog I check the most is The Non Profit Times. Check it out.

What’s your favorite donor story?

My favorite donor story is the one where you answer the phone and the caller says they would like to make a gift. You frantically put down your coffee to find a pencil and clear your throat while you introduce yourself. Then the donor tells you what they want to give and how. You wait for the money to arrive and when it does, you tell your colleagues about the major donor gift you just closed. How’s that for a story?

What inspires you most as a fundraiser?

Connecting donors with causes they care about is what inspires me. Don’t shy away from tooting your horn. Tell stories about your amazing work and when donors connect you will have them for life. If you don’t know your donor; listen and learn. Ask them about their life, their journey, their joys and their sorrows. You will discover what turns them on. Making that connection is what inspires me.

What have you found to be most effective to stay energized in your work and to avoid burn-out?

Accomplishments! Setting goals big and small. I like annual goals. I like daily goals. Making a to-do list and checking things off! Have you ever had that dream where you are forever trying to get somewhere and you just never get there? Well, I have, and I wake up feeling terrible! I like to make a reasonable list of things to do every day and stick to it. Check them off. It feels great! Sometimes I take the worst job on my list and find a day or an hour and commit to getting it done. It may be the only thing I absolutely commit to that day. When I get that one thing done I feel so accomplished, and then everything else I do that day is like icing on the cake. And then I say, it was a good day. Today my goal was to send you the answers to these questions!

60-Second Inspiration: Gordon Smith, National Jewish Health

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 23:27:20 GMT

What is the single best piece of advice you can give to a fundraiser?

I think one of the hardest things for fundraisers is prioritizing their time. The most important thing is to stay focused on your donors and doing what is necessary and sometimes not necessary, to cultivate the donor and the gift. It is so common to get pulled into numerous projects and meetings and asked to prepare reports few of which have a positive impact on moving your donors forward in the cultivation process. Stay focused!

What’s the one book you would recommend to a fundraiser and why?

For anyone interested in learning about gift planning or in just having a reference book on the subject, I strongly recommend “The Complete Guide to Planned Giving” by Debra Ashton

What’s the one fundraising blog or periodical you recommend fundraisers subscribing to?

I find it really important to stay up with tax law and legislative changes. I follow several sources and frankly don’t feel that any are great. “Planned Giving Today” sure tries however.

What’s your favorite donor story?

I have been fortunate over my career to have many wonderful donors and could tell several stories. The one I would like to share now is of a woman from very modest means who suffered most of her life with asthma. She gave small gifts to National Jewish but they were consistently given year after year. We learned that she had included National Jewish in her estate plan through a mailing and I tried to contact her to thank her and set a visit. She was happy to speak with me by phone but not comfortable having me visit. I said I would keep in touch and did.

Over the course of several calls I learned she was leaving her home to National Jewish. When she moved into a nursing home we received her home, which was worth about $110,000. I came to learn that her estate was only about $150,000. She was giving us almost all of her modest estate even though she had family. After she moved into the nursing home she was willing to have me visit. I learned that the reason she didn’t want me to come to her home was that she was uncomfortable being alone in her home with a man. It was a perspective that I hadn’t heard and was glad to become sensitive to.

We became very close over the following 2-3 years before she died and I visited her whenever I could. We prepared a testimonial article highlighting her gift and she was so proud. While the gift wasn’t huge in many of our eyes, it was huge to her and I was especially pleased to honor her for her wonderful gift.

60-Second Inspiration: Bonnie Downing, Independent Fundraising Professional

Wed, 17 May 2017 22:08:23 GMT

What is single best advice you can give to a fundraiser?

Listen to your donors. Get really good at recognizing donor needs and motivation. So often we feel we need to “sell” our organizations and projects and talk too much. We should be listening intently to what our donors are telling us. Better listening leads to philanthropy which rewards the donor as much as the organization.

What’s the one book you would recommend to a fundraiser and why? (It can be about fundraising or not!)

Some of my favorite authors are Kay Sprinkel Grace and Penelope Burk. They write a lot about donor-centered fundraising. I found learning about marketing was very relevant to development work. Marketing focuses on studying target markets, packaging products, and the use of a variety of communication vehicles. Similarly, as fundraisers ascend to leadership in organizations, learning about finance and strategic planning become important.

What’s the one fundraising blog or periodical you recommend fundraisers subscribing to?

I was a faithful reader of Chronicle of Philanthropy for a quarter of a century. I clipped it, wrote all over it, circulated it to staff with notes, and prodded when back issues piled up on someone’s desk.

What’s your favorite donor story?

“The Unexpected Second Gift” -- The Marsico family was an early and generous investor in the “Space Odyssey” exhibit at the Museum of Nature & Science. Wanting to be good donor stewards, we arranged for Cindy Schulz, program officer for the Marsico Foundation, to come for a site visit. We wanted her to see the theater area we created with the family’s grant. After our tour and profuse thanks for their gift, Cindy announced that the Marsicos wanted to make a second gift of $500,000. We were speechless!

Institute for Leaders in Development at University of Denver ILD Blog

December Session: The Development Plan

Resources From This Session

Highlights from October & November

Community-Centric Fundraising

Data and Program Evaluations for Nonprofit FundraisersLed by Paul Collier, Director, Corona Insights

November Course Highlights

Fall Retreat Highlights Day Two

Ethics in Philanthropy - A Panel Discussion

Career Navigation & Leadership

Fall Retreat Highlights Day One

Research & Data for Fundraising 2025

Recent Research - Nonprofit philanthropy

Independent sector | Public trust is the currency of the nonprofit sector.

The 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy

CCS Fundraising 2025 Philanthropy Landscape, 14th Edition

Alumni Career News & Celebrations

Celebrations

Welcome our ILD Alumni who’ve recently joined the ILD Steering Committee

Congratulations RMPI and Committee Members and Speakers on a Fantastic Conference!

Congratulations AFP Colorado Chapter Board Members

Celebrations Cont.

ALUMNI ON THE MOVE + PROMOTIONS

Highlights from October & November

Community-Centric Fundraising

Data and Program Evaluations for Nonprofit Fundraisers

November Course Highlights

Highlights from October & November

Community-Centric Fundraising

Data and Program Evaluations for Nonprofit Fundraisers

November Course Highlights

Alumni Career News & Celebrations

Alumni on the move

Celebrations

Celebrating our Graduates & Giving Thanks!

Did you miss the celebration?Click here to see more photos, quotes from ILD mentors, and the event program.

Did you miss the celebration?Click here to see more photos, quotes from ILD mentors, and the event program.

Alumni Career News | Alumni on the move

Career News

ILD Volunteer Community

Curriculum Highlights - Essential Shifts in Philanthropy

Essential Shifts in Philanthropy

Community Resources

Community Resources | Civic Engagement, Policy & Nonprofits

Community-Centric Fundraising + New Research

Read the Report: Adopting Community Centric Fundraising

Hightlights

More Resources

association of Fundraising Professionals Colorado Chapter

Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable

Equity in the Center

National Council for Nonprofits

Colorado Health Foundation

The Denver Foundation

Colorado Nonprofit Association

Women's Foundation of Colorado

The Urban Institute

Independent Sector

Alumni Celebrations | Jan - March 2025

Discovery Work | Course Highlights

Major Gifts | Course Highlights

Major Gifts

Fall Course Highlights | The Development Plan

The Development Plan & Motivating a Team

What makes a successful Development Plan?

What if my office doesn't have a Development Plan?

Working your plan & managing your schedule

Alumni & Volunteers on the Move + Celebrations Winter 2024

Celebrations

Alumni

ILD Volunteer Community

Fall Course Highlight | Data & Evaluation

Data and Program Evaluations for Nonprofit Fundraisers

Highlights

Fall Course Highlights | Community Centric Fundraising and Working with Donors of Color

Engaging Donors of Color

Alumni on the Move/Celebrations Fall 2024

Congratulations to the following ILD alumni on their recent accomplishments:

Congratulations to all who received a promotion and/or accepted to a new position!

Leadership | Welcome New Steering Committee Members

Data and Program Evaluations for Nonprofit Fundraisers
Led by Paul Collier, Director, Corona Insights

Did you miss the celebration?
Click here to see more photos, quotes from ILD mentors, and the event program.

Did you miss the celebration?
Click here to see more photos, quotes from ILD mentors, and the event program.

  Fundamentals ~ Joy of This Work