Fundraising Essentials with Mikhael Bornstein

Dates: June 20, 27 and July 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023; 1-2:30 PM ET

This seminar series is ideal for new fundraisers, part-time fundraisers, and those who work in small fundraising shops.

Over six weeks, we will focus on the essentials of fundraising. We will explore the fundamental principles of effective fundraising, review the most common forms of fundraising, and learn how to grow your fundraising results.

Session 1: Fundamental Concepts

This week is about learning the foundations of effective fundraising practice. You will learn the fundamentals of fundraising ethics. You will explore case studies and real-world examples that introduce the essential concepts that drive effective fundraising. You will receive a 90-minute interactive webinar and a resource manual containing checklists, templates, and step-by-step guides.

Session 2: Major Gift Fundraising

This week will introduce the essential practices of effective major gift fundraising.  You will learn how to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects. You will learn the essentials of making face-to-face asks and how to deal with rejection. Whether your organization defines a major gift as $500 or $25,000 by the end of this session you will understand how successfully ask for major gifts and grow your fundraising program. You will receive a 90-minute interactive webinar and a resource manual containing checklists, templates, and step-by-step guides.

 
‍Session 3: Direct Response Fundraising

This week will introduce the essential practices of effective direct response fundraising.  You will learn about the most common forms of direct response fundraising, including direct mail, email, and telemarketing. You will learn how to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward direct response prospects.  You will learn how to write effective appeal and stewardship letters.  Finally, you will learn when and how to work with external direct response vendors. You will receive a 90-minute interactive webinar and a resource manual containing checklists, templates, and step-by-step guides.

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Session 4: Grant Writing

This week will introduce the essential practices of effective grant wiring. You will learn how to research and identify philanthropic foundations. You will learn how to cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation funders. You will learn how to organize your grant writing program. Finally, you will learn how to write effective letters of inquiry and grant proposals.  You will receive a 90-minute interactive webinar and a resource manual containing checklists, templates, and step-by-step guides.

Session 5: Special Events and Online Giving

This week is about rounding out your portfolio of fundraising tools. You will learn the essentials of cost-effective special events. You will learn how to organize fundraising events that raise revenue without burning-out staff and volunteers. You will also learn about the evolving world of online fundraising, including crowdfunding, social media, and virtual events. You will receive a 90-minute interactive webinar and a resource manual containing checklists, templates, and step-by-step guides.

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Session 6: Putting It All Together

This week shifts the focus from fundraising techniques to the essential of fundraising planning.  You will learn how to identify the unique fundraising needs of your organization. You will learn how to combine fundraising techniques into effective fundraising programs that grow revenue, awareness, and participation. You will learn how to craft fundraising plans that your board will approve and support. Finally, you will learn how to measure and report fundraising results. Participants will receive a 90-minute interactive webinar and a resource manual containing checklists, templates, and step-by-step guides.