We have a wide array of educational sessions waiting for you at AFP ICON 2024. Whether you want to master leadership, relationship building, securing the gift, trends and innovation, or all of the above, AFP has the latest and greatest information to unlock your fundraising potential.
Getting Help: Engaging Volunteers to Grow Your Gift Planning Program
The most effective path to supercharge your gift planning program is help from volunteers! In this session you will learn how to effectively harness the power of volunteer leadership in your gift planning program, as well as, practical strategies to maximize their impact on fundraising success.
Carlo Laurore, CFRE, CFP® CHFC® CLU® RICP® AEP® CAP®
Sun, Apr 7, 2024
9:00am - 10:15am
Room 701A
The Downside of Donor Centric Fundraising
Donor centric fundraising states we should center donor interests, motivations, needs and values. In doing so, do we ignore the needs of the communities we serve? What is the downside of donor centric fundraising? Learn how to identify the problems of the improper application of donor centric fundraising.
2022 Stewardship Survey Results: Sharing Best Practices
After this session you will:
Understand the strategies used to ensure the success of donor stewardship programs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
You’ll also be aware of the challenges faced by stewardship programs and what hasn't worked.
And the most effective strategies and approaches by sector of activity.
Planned giving is not just for the big organizations with lots of resources. It's for every organization with a compelling mission. You will be able identify planned giving prospects and obtain over 30 different donor conversation starters. Receive practical strategies for securing the planned gift and increase annual gifts too!
Frustrated that your board isn't diverse like your community? Aware that this lack of diversity is directly impeding your fundraising? This session will tell you exactly what a fundraiser can do to make change happen!
Show Me the Money, Securing Lucrative Sponsorships
This session will help you identify what it takes to secure lucrative sponsorships through relationships and prospecting. Therefore, they can show you the money.
Learning To Speak about Love in Fundraising: New Research from 2023
At the core of the root of philanthropy is the notion of love. Yet, in fundraising we frequently default to the language of money or support. This session will explore how growing love can not only build the wellbeing of our supporters it can also double giving.
Building the House: Applying Project Management Principles to the Grant Proposal Process
From the foundation to the interior, building a house requires that certain steps be taken in the correct order. Learn how to "build the house" correctly and apply the principles of project management to submit an intentional, organized, cohesive multi-year, large-dollar, or Federal grant proposal.
Driving Impact: How to Supercharge Your Golf Tournament’s Fundraising Power (Presented by Golf Status)
Golf's capacity for fundraising is unmatched. To maximize your tournament’s fundraising potential, it’s crucial to understand how to appeal to golfers’ and sponsors’ generosity. This session will outline best practices and proven strategies for pricing teams and sponsorships, filling your tournament’s field, incorporating contests and games, and other revenue-generating components.
Making Sense of Fundraising: What’s Working in ’24 and More
There are dozens of different industry trend reports - how do we make sense of what's a bright shiny object and what really works? In this session we'll review all the trends, discuss what's working, and workshop a plan you can implement to make the most of fundraising research.
Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Leadership and Management
The Annual Global Review of Legal Developments & Court Decisions Impacting Fundraising and Philanthropy
I know. You’re wondering how this unique AFP-ICON annual session on recent global fundraising-related laws, rules, regulations, and court cases can be THE session not to miss. But it is. Changes in the law impact donors’ capacity to support our causes. You’ll leave with new ideas and creative fundraising strategies.
Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Influencing and Informing Your Organization’s Vision for Philanthropy (Presented by Advancement Resources)
Have your colleagues ever approached you with a shopping list of funding priorities and a directive to “go get the money”? Too often in healthcare philanthropy, our organizations understand only in part how to apply the power of philanthropy to achieve our goals. In this panel discussion, learn research-based best-practices for redirecting conversations with clinicians, executives, and others; building trust; and securing a seat at the table in hospital or system priority-setting discussions. Use data-driven strategies to help achieve lasting outcomes for your organization’s important work.
The Status of Canadian Fundraising Report: Current Trends, Examples and Advice to Drive Growth (Presented by Blackbaud)
Join Blackbaud to explore how fundraising is trending in Canada. Our annual Status of Canadian Fundraising Report shares insights from 500+ fundraising professionals on income, fundraising performance, digital transformation and more. In this session, we draw from these research findings to understand what's driving nonprofit organization's success, and provide real-world examples, actionable advice and tips on best practices to help your nonprofit organization achieve sustainable growth – even in a challenging economy.
How to Communicate your Cause using the 3 Vs of Communication
Communicating your organization’s story effectively is vital to meeting fundraising goals. Authentic communication can be challenging in person and in the virtual world. Be confident in your next Ask. Attendees will leave knowing how to communicate their cause using the 3Vs of communication.
Strategies for Indigenous Engagement in Fundraising: Lessons Learned and Shared (Sponsored by Veritus Group)
Learn how to collaborate effectively with Indigenous peoples, communities, and donors by exploring the largest fundraising campaign for First Nations Peoples in Canada. Discover strategies for aligning donor and indigenous objectives through building relationships based on trust, centering Indigenous voices, and mindful messaging to make a positive impact together.
Inspire and Influence Others to Act: Get Out of Your Head. Get Into Your Heart
Do you need someone to support your organization? Are you trying to get others excited about following your lead? Do you have an idea that you want others to get behind? In this session, we will teach you a framework to communicate more effectively to influence others, to refine your storytelling and access and leverage your secret weapon - your authentic voice.
Making the Ask- using neuroscience in your solicitation
Leave old-school moves management behind and use the latest thinking in neuroscience in your major donor fundraising.
Discover 20 science-based tools to engage your prospect while soliciting your next major gift. The session is almost entirely interactive under five broad headings- Passion, Proposal, Preparation, Persuasion, and Persistence.
When the Going Gets Tough, The Generous Get Going: How Market Shifts Affect Charitable Giving
Fundraisers are challenged in both bull and bear markets. In this session you will learn practical ways to engage donors during economic downturn and upturn, including the psychological and sociological factors that prompt transformational gifts to your organization.
Being a fundraiser doesn’t prepare you to be a leader. Often though, career advancement only comes from moving into a leadership role. Join an interactive workshop to identify the skills needed to advance, how to prepare for a leadership role, and what to do once you get there.
Empowering Communication Strategies Within The Disability Sector
People with disabilities constitute the nation's largest minority group, and the only group any of us can become a member of at any time. Learn perspective and communication techniques to be the best ally possible, and to enroll and inspire 10% of the world's population into your mission.
From Capitol Hill to Nonprofits: how understanding public policy makes you a better fundraiser
What can you do to be prepared to elevate your organization’s work and mission with lawmakers? Learn how federal policy affects nonprofits and their donors. This session will give fundraisers an approachable, easy-to-understand summary of how upcoming policy changes will impact their fundraising.
Sway the Doubters: Change the Narrative for Professional Fundraising
The Narrative has helped participants engage about our profession with board members, colleagues and yes, that relative at the dinner table. This session will arm you with the tools and information you need to help you better articulate the importance and relevance of your work to the public, the media, your boss, your board, to those pesky relatives who still haven't quite figured it out, and perhaps most importantly, your donors. Initiated by AFP Canada this session reflects learnings from prior trainings and current events.
The Journey from 2 to 10 Million: Capital Campaigns and Identity
The Perley Health Foundation undertook – in a timespan of 3 years – a rebrand, a new vision for the organization and launched a $10 Million dollar Capital Campaign that dwarfs their typical annual $2 Million goal. Attend to hear the seven leadership learnings from a leader and executive coach.
Hacking Human Wetware - The Art and Science of Neurophilanthropy
wet·ware (n): the brain, especially respecting computational capabilities and decision-making processes.
Eric and Eryn-Faye will leverage their combined 40 years of work, education, and hundreds of millions of dollars raised to help you explore the emerging field of neurophilanthropy, the confluence of neuroscience, psychology, and sociology within fundraising.
Blockbusters get all the press. But even in Hollywood, there’s a lot that happens before the opening curtain. Join us as we look behind the scenes of how philanthropic producers (AKA fundraisers) partner with leadership talent. Together we’ll discuss how cast and crew work together to build a giving culture.
Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Leadership and Management
Philanthropy is Black History: The Untold Stories of Black Philanthropists
Just as with American history, Black philanthropists have largely been forgotten throughout history.
Philanthropy is Black History: The Untold Stories of Black Philanthropists, this enlightening session explores the impact of Black donors, past and present, on society and inspires attendees to embrace a more inclusive approach to philanthropy.
Creating a Framework for Compassionate & Ethical Storying Telling
History has shown that stories are linked to what it means to be human. Organizations must institute a framework that gives the client a voice while protecting them from the unintended consequence of storytelling. Ethical & Compassionate storytelling should be a tool in each nonprofits tools box.
Preparing Before, During, and After for Stellar Engagement (Presented by Advancement Resources)
Engagement makes the world turn in healthcare philanthropy—but are you fully leveraging the opportunity that intentional, strategic communication and engagement strategy provides? In this session, panelists explore how they prepare for and execute thoughtful communications and follow-up with potential donors in order to ensure that each touch point is maximized for optimal effectiveness in increasing commitment and meeting your hospital’s goals.
Fundraising Intelligence: The New Standard in Modern Fundraising (Presented by Kindsight (iWave+ UCInnovation + NOS)
Giving is shifting, competition for funds is increasing, and retention is at an all-time low. Now more than ever, it is imperative for organizations to embrace personalization and individualized approaches to donor engagement. But how do you do this with limited resources and a wide range of diverse responsibilities?
Join us to dive into the new standard of modern fundraising; fundraising intelligence and the transformative power of big data, automation, and AI. Learn how to optimize efficiency, overcome resource constraints, and deliver a personalized engagement experience to every donor, thus empowering your organization to thrive in an ever-evolving nonprofit landscape.
From Click to Impact: Enhancing Your Online Donation Journey (Presented by Bloomerang)
Imagine if your nonprofit could retain just 10% more recurring givers than the industry average. Not only would this boost your fundraising efforts and help you reach your goals, but achieving this is as simple as focusing on online giving tools and best practices.
During this panel discussion, we will explore insights from Bloomerang’s Donor Experience Report. This report analyzed the online giving interactions of over 300 nonprofits, where we made $25 donations to various organizations across the U.S. and carefully monitored the outcomes. We will provide practical advice on enhancing your donation process, optimizing your landing page, crafting impactful receipt emails, perfecting your thank yous, and executing effective follow-up strategies.
Alice Ferris, ACFRE, CFRE, MBA, AFP Master Trainer
Sun, Apr 7, 2024
11:15am - 11:45am
Learning Lab 1
The Future of Fundraising Events: Raise More and Stress Less (Learning Lab) Presented by Bloomerang
Discover the future of fundraising events. Learn how Bloomerang + Qgiv can elevate your events, boost donations, and ease your event reporting. From dazzling auctions to dynamic peer-to-peer campaigns, we've got the tools you need to raise more and stress less.
Take a Deep Breath: Navigating the Nuances of AI Prompt Engineering for Breakthrough Innovation ( Learning Lab) Presented by AFPeeps
The ability to masterfully craft and refine AI prompts stands as a cornerstone of innovation and progress. Throughout this immersive session, attendees will embark on a journey through the foundational principles of prompt engineering, exploring its pivotal role in shaping AI's responses and behaviors. With a focus on practical application, participants will learn how to harness the power of precise, thoughtfully constructed prompts to unlock AI's full potential, transforming raw AI capabilities into tailored, effective solutions for complex challenges.
Smart Giving: Streamlining Nonprofit CRM with Wealth Data and Relationship Dynamics (Learning Lab) Presented by Altrata
In this session, we will explore 'Smart Giving': a strategy that revolutionizes nonprofit fundraising by integrating wealth insights and relationship dynamics into CRM systems. We'll uncover how this approach enables more targeted, efficient, and personalized donor engagement. By the end, you'll understand how to leverage these insights to maximize fundraising efforts and build stronger, more fruitful relationships with potential donors. Let's dive into how you can transform your organization's approach to giving.
AIn’t Data Fun? Using Generative AI in Fundraising Audits (Learning Lab) AFPeeps
OK well, maybe a database audit isn’t the most fun you’ve ever had, but the advent of Artificial Intelligence could potentially revolutionize the way we look at donor data. If you’ve ever struggled with queries or canned reports or exports or the staggering way to get a picture of how your fundraising is going, AI Data Analysis might change the way you look at it forever. Imagine being able to say in real language “Show me all my lapsed donors from last year” and getting a quick, accurate report that you could share with your leadership right away. In this quick dive we’ll take a look at using AI for data/results analysis, show you how it can work – and take a realistic look at the potential pitfalls and problems inherent in AI Data Analysis.
The Peeps Productivity Nerds Show 10 Ways AI Saves Them Time Every Week ( Learning Lab) Presented by AFPeeps
Join fundraising master trainers and self-proclaimed productivity nerds Alice Ferris and Chad Barger for a quick run down (and demo) of their favorite AI productivity tools to wrap up day one of AFPeeps PeepsU: AI edition.
Alice Ferris, ACFRE, CFRE, MBA, AFP Master Trainer
Sun, Apr 7, 2024
3:15pm - 4:30pm
Learning Lab 1
How to Become a Certified Fund Raising Executive (Learning Lab)
The CFRE Credential: Is it worth it? What are the benefits? Is the CFRE Exam difficult?
This interactive session to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential. We’ll answer your questions plus dive into the eligibility requirements, application tips, and all things related to the CFRE Exam.
Zero to Hero: Starting a Planned Giving Program (Learning Lab) Presented by Freewill
The historic shift of wealth from older to younger Americans has begun, with Baby Boomers poised to transfer up to $70 trillion in assets. Learn more about what The Great Wealth Transfer means for your nonprofit and get insights into key generational giving trends that you can use to cultivate more transformational gifts this year. You’ll also get a look at how 1,450+ nonprofits are using the FreeWill platform to grow non-cash gifts in support of their missions – and how you can too as you look to take advantage of The Great Wealth Transfer.
Taking Care of Your Workforce: Innovations in Mental Health Care
A key part of an organization’s success is the strong mental health and wellbeing of its workforce. This session will address the state of mental health and its connection with corporate prosperity. We will then examine innovations that can elevate menial health in the workplace.
Treat Stewardship as the Year-Long Celebration of the Gift- and Here's How to do it!
After working hard to secure a gift donors deserve more than just a thank you letter! We'll take a journey on how to stay in touch with donors, sharing the impact of their gift through powerful messaging and engaging others, all leading to stronger relationships, happier donors and bigger gifts.
Fill your Prospect Pipeline: Internal and External Methods to Finding Your Next Major Gift Donors
Internally, your next individual major gift donor is probably already connected to your organization. Understand how you can mine your database to develop your pipeline of major gift donors.
Externally, what happens if there is still a gap? Discover resources “out there” to identify viable major donors to your organization.
Faith, Fundraising, & Death - 3 traditions, unlimited questions
A trio of Jewish, Muslim and Christian fundraisers explain what you need to know about legacies giving plus customs about death and giving. Bring your questions, there are no dumb ones! A safe space to talk about death, faith and money is a gift we offer to the fundraising community.
Get Q’d In! Advance Your Mission by Engaging LGBTQIA+ Donors
1 in every 6 Gen Z-ers, 1 in every 10 Millennials identify as LGBTQIA+. As a professional gay fundraiser for LGBTQIA+ nonprofits on opposite coasts, Matt will guide participants through LGBTQIA+ cultural competency, queer donor motivations, and best practices to find, engage, and cultivate these donors in your community.
Fundraising Effectiveness Project 2023 Review - Sector Trends and What To Do About Them
This session will report on national donor retention statistics from the AFP's Fundraising Effectiveness Project now in its 18th year of donor retention analysis. Results from more than 27,000 nonprofits can be used as national benchmarks and realist guidelines for improving performance.
Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Current and Prospective Donor Research
Alice Ferris, ACFRE, CFRE, MBA, AFP Master Trainer
Sun, Apr 7, 2024
4:00pm - 5:15pm
Room 602 A/B
She Leads: Navigating Leadership in Nonprofit and Beyond (Presented by Donor Perfect)
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the critical elements of leadership in the nonprofit sector, with a specific focus on empowering women to take on key leadership roles. This session provides a comprehensive framework for women leaders to navigate the complexities of leadership, including understanding key statistics and trends that impact the sector, identifying and articulating core values, building a strong personal brand, setting ambitious yet achievable goals, seeking out valuable mentorship opportunities, and embracing diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. By honing these skills and capabilities, participants will be better equipped to unlock their full potential as leaders and drive meaningful change within their organizations and communities.
Matching the Ask to the Motivation (Presented by Blackbaud)
Giving feels good. When a donor’s own motivations, values, and needs are met and matched with an opportunity to give, that giving feels even better. In the session, you will meet donor models, and by working through the moves management process you’ll learn their motivations and learn how to shape approaches that will resonate with the donor’s personal vision and motivations.
The New AFP Code of Ethics-Understanding and Using it.
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the future of the AFP Code of Ethical Standards and Principles. The new Code will feature a renewed focus on inclusivity and today’s fundraising environment.
“The Code is subject to change and approval by the AFP Global Ethics Committee and AFP Global Board of Directors.”
Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Ethics, Accountability and Professionalism
Cognitive Impairment in Donors: Best Practices & Considerations
With 1 in 9 people aged 65+ years showing signs of cognitive impairment, encountering a donor with this issue is inevitable. We will teach the top signs of cognitive impairment, best practices to utilize in this situation, and pose questions about incorporating this in your culture, metrics, CRM, and stewardship.
How to Convert Fans to Donors - A Fundraisers Guide to Social Media
The increase in digital programming and social media use has changed the way nonprofits raise money, build communities, and advocate for their causes. In this session, we'll discuss how to take people from passive fans to passionate supporters and create social media content that actually converts.
Nearly a quarter of Canadians expect to access charitable services to meet essential needs (Ipsos, Oct 2024). The importance of a thriving, productive charitable sector in our country has never been more important. Members of AFP in Canada play a crucial role to ensure the relationship with the Federal Government is effective and enables fundraising to thrive. Join this session to understand the current landscape, key issues and how you can join AFP to advocate for the charitable sector in Canada.
Women’s Leadership Journeys: Success in the face of organizational design, diversity and imposed imposter syndrome
Using a storytelling style, join in the conversation of common leadership challenges as four women reflect on their journeys to executive C-suite roles, attaining success for their organization and their careers.
Eligible for 1.25 ACFRE credits in Leadership and Management
Earn More Customers (Yes, We Said Customers)- (Learning Lab) Presented by Fundraise Up
Discover how viewing donors through the lens of 'customer experience' can revolutionize your fundraising efforts. In this session, we'll compare e-commerce strategies to donor engagement, applying Fundraise Up's features to enhance satisfaction and retention. Embrace the paradigm shift: donors are discerning consumers who demand excellence. Elevate their journey, exceed expectations, and watch your support network grow.
How to engage with Latinx Community and thrive! (Sponsored by Veritus Group)
Latinos are projected to maintain the highest labor force participation rates among racial or ethnic groups, and by 2021, the Latino gross domestic product (GDP) will reach $1.7 trillion (a quarter of the U.S. GDP). Do you know how to engage with them? Join me!