Session Descriptions

With so little industry standard data, it can be challenging for nonprofits to gauge the true effectiveness of their fundraising efforts. In this data-rich workshop, participants will gain invaluable insights into conducting deep comparator analysis and utilizing performance evaluation tools to unlock their organization's fundraising potential.

Through interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and practical examples, this workshop will equip nonprofit professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the intricacies of market analysis tailored specifically to the unique needs of nonprofits.

Join us for this empowering workshop and gain the expertise needed to unlock your organization's fundraising potential through advanced comparator analysis and performance evaluation. Seize this opportunity to revolutionize your approach to fundraising and drive sustainable growth for your nonprofit.

Speaker Bio

Abigayle Tobia

With the advent of flexible work, many managers, and particularly fundraising managers, need to develop new skills and tools to manage their teams effectively with results in mind. This workshop will help managers to develop an approach to increasing communication and efficiency with their direct reports, contributing to greater job satisfaction and feelings of belonging. I completed my doctorate in Spring 2023 and my research focused on how providing training and support to supervisors can increase belonging and job satisfaction both for them and their staff. We will use the insights gleaned from surveys, focus groups, and a pilot launched by my team (University Advancement) to help you develop new skills and tools that can improve your team's morale and results.

Speaker Bio

Dr. Carey Scheide Miller

Want to find quality planned giving prospects without breaking the bank? Here are some projects you can do in your own shop, regardless of size.

Speaker Bio

Matthew Clark

Donors look to fundraisers to be the representative leader of their organization. A skilled fundraiser knows how to accept this role and meet donor leadership expectations. In this session, fundraisers will develop a framework for effective leadership practices that impress donors and learn skills that can be used to lead throughout the giving process.

Speaker Bio

Andrew Winner

5 years ago PACE acted on our growing concern over the lack of significant improvement in the health, vitality and well-being of the vulnerable communities throughout our region by commissioning data scientist Pete York of BCT Partners to examine the links between nonprofit effectiveness and the health of the communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The results of this Non-Profit Effectiveness Study were eye-opening and have far reaching implications for non-profit leaders, policy makers, potential non-profit start-ups, funders, and fundraisers.

How does funding inequity affect communities of color? How "effective" is the non-profit for whom you are fundraising? What can a fundraising professional do to assist their non-profit in building capacity? This session is designed to shed light on the issues of non-profit effectiveness resulting from a lack of capacity building, inequitable foundation & government funding trends, and the overall impact on communities of color.

Presenters will describe the Non-Profit Effectiveness Study, its implications for development/fundraising professionals, and demo the Equitable Impact Platform (EquIP) - a Mapping Tool illustrating Regional Indicators of Community and Non-profit Well-being.

Speaker Bios

Daniel Jackson, Juliette Smith & Kristin Walker- PACE

Unfortunately, this session has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

There is no question that we're distracted. In fact, the average person sees and/or receives 4,000-10,000 marketing messages a day. And to make it worse, we're inundated with email and spam calls, we have countless streaming channels to choose from and are bouncing from app to app on our mobile devices. These are the same distractions that make it hard for us to connect with our donors, volunteers and other constituents. Despite our best efforts, many of these people just aren't getting our messages in a sea of information and in some cases, misinformation. Organizations that communicate effectively focus on making personal connections and building trust with their constituents. This session will focus on how to create personalized experiences through effective storytelling, education and content, and share the latest relevant communications trends. Best practices in traditional and digital marketing to convey your messages to your audiences will also be discussed. This session is geared toward individuals with marketing and/or fundraising roles.

Speaker Bio

Amy Wong

Most, if not all nonprofit organizations use the postal mail to communicate, solicit or cultivate their donors, constituents, and/or volunteers. It makes sense, considering postage for eligible nonprofit organizations is steeply discounted. Given the expenses of preparing, printing, and mail prep, making the best use of mailed communication is vital.

The topics of this session are the initial building blocks of a mail campaign: building, maintaining, and segmenting your database.

It is estimated that 3-4% of Americans move each month, so just reaching them at the right address can be a challenge.

This session will offer best practices for building or maintaining data, ways to segment your audiences, information about renting data for acquisition and other resources available.

Speakers Bio

Darci Saunders and Tim Richart

Planned topics include current issues in philanthropy such as the democratization of philanthropy, trends post-COVID-19, racial and social justice issues, diversity in the field for both staff and donors, the job market, etc.

Speaker Bios

Jamie McMahon, Bill Generett Jr., Tony Macklin, and Michelle McMurray

Attorney and PPGC Government Affairs Chair Jack Owen will review the IRA Charitable Rollover (QCD), the Secure Act 2.0 planned giving opportunities, and other updates to recent laws affecting charities in our region.

Speaker Bio

Jack Owen

The world of fundraising has changed significantly in recent years with the rise of digital technology. Organizations must adapt to these changes in order to effectively reach and engage their audiences. In this breakout session, we will explore various digital fundraising strategies and tactics, including leveraging AI-powered tools, social media campaigns, email marketing, and online events. We will also discuss best practices for integrating these tactics into a comprehensive digital fundraising plan that aligns with your organization's goals and values. Whether you are just starting to explore digital fundraising or looking to optimize your existing strategies, this session will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you succeed in today's digital fundraising landscape.

Speaker Bio

Aleya Crable Jennings