D1: Meeting the Moment: Fundraising Strategies for Today

Area of Focus: Executive Leadership, Leadership and Organizational Development
Content Level: Doer

In an era where philanthropy is evolving rapidly, executives must equip themselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of engaging high net-worth individuals (HNWIs), wealth managers/family offices, family foundations, and impact investors. This workshop aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the modern fundraising landscape, emphasizing innovative strategies that resonate with today’s philanthropists. It will discuss:

  1. Understanding the Philanthropic Landscape
    • Philanthropy in 2025: Learn about the current state of the philanthropic sector and trends in philanthropy
    • Motivations of HNWIs: Gain insights into what drives wealthy individuals to give, including personal values, family legacy, and the desire to create social change
    • Family Foundations: Explore the dynamics of family foundations, including governance structures, decision-making processes, and the importance of aligning philanthropic efforts with family values
    • Incentives: How tax laws are changing impact investing and other forms of giving
  2. Building Effective Relationships:
    • Personalized Engagement: Learn strategies for crafting tailored communication plans with compelling narratives that align with HNWIs’ philanthropic goals and interests
    • Long-Term Relationship Cultivation: Discuss techniques for nurturing relationships over time, focusing on ongoing engagement rather than one-time donations
  3. Impact Investing:
    • Understanding Impact Investing: Defining impact investing and its relevance in today’s fundraising efforts; how these investments prioritize social or environmental impact alongside financial returns
    • Strategies for Engaging Impact Investors: Identify ways to present opportunities to potential impact investors, including project alignment with their values and clearly defined metrics for success
  4. Other Innovative Fundraising Strategies:
    • Leveraging Technology: Explore the role of digital tools and platforms in reaching HNWIs and family foundations; discuss how data can inform fundraising strategies and enhance donor engagement
    • Creating Unique Experiences: Develop ideas for experiential fundraising initiatives that connect donors with the mission in meaningful ways, including policy events, site visits to projects, or tailored volunteer opportunities

In this interactive workshop, participants will analyze successful fundraising campaigns that have effectively engaged HNWIs and family foundations. Discussions will highlight best practices and lessons learned. Participants also will have the opportunity to develop a message for a campaign to practice the skills.

Learning Objectives

  • New models/new applications of existing models of philanthropic giving
  • Techniques for researching and cultivating high-net worth individuals
  • How to work with wealth managers and family offices
  • Digital fundraising campaigns

Presenters

Sarah Beth Lardie
Chief Development Officer
Social Current

Back to event