Raise

Grow Your Impact

#FearlessFundraisers

Nashville, TN

September 9-10, 2024

Raise

Grow Your Impact

#FearlessFundraisers

Nashville, TN

September 9-10, 2024

Raise

Grow Your Impact

#FearlessFundraisers

Nashville, TN

September 9-10, 2024

Conference Highlights

“The Raise conference was not only informative, it was inspiring. Being around peers with the same ‘why we do what we do’ was super motivating, and I was ready to come back to work and hit the ground running.”

BERKLEY HALL SCHOOL

Top Reasons to Attend

  • Learn from fundraising experts
  • Interact with amazing speakers
  • All-star networking
  • Receive CFRE Credits

Session Tracks

Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement

Event, Peer-to-Peer, and Auction Fundraising

Storytelling, Brand, and Marketing

Leadership, Operations, and DEI

2024 Keynotes

Day 1: Brett Culp

Award Winning Nonprofit Filmmaker
Brett Culp Films

Brett’s work inspires audiences to embrace change, empower others, and spark innovation. During his keynote, he will help you discover the possibilities in yourself and others while empowering you on a path to everyday leadership.

Day 2: Deborah Barge

Chief Development Officer
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Deborah brings an authentic perspective to solve complex problems through mission-based endeavors. She will delve into the impact fundraising can have on your mental health, with strategies to not only survive but thrive.

Industry-Leading 2024 Speakers

Diana Farias Heinrich

Diana Farias Heinrich

Habrá Marketing, CEO

Geng Wang

Geng Wang

Civic Champs, CEO & Co-founder

Sabrina Walker Hernandez

Sabrina Walker Hernandez

Supporting World Hope, President & CEO

Mike Wilkinson

Mike Wilkinson

Human Rights Campaign, Deputy Director of Events

Close Bio

Diana Farias Heinrich

CEO

Diana Farias Heinrich (she/her) is an entrepreneur, speaker, and marketer. As the CEO of Habrá Marketing, Diana helps nonprofits use ethical communication strategies and marketing to raise more money. She is certified as an Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence and for DEI in the Workplace. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Literature/Writing and Latin American Studies. Her proudest accomplishments are being a mom and wife, and helping women in Ghana start a sustainable, clean water business.

Sessions

  • Activity
  • Event, Peer-to-Peer, & Auction Fundraising
  • Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement
  • General Sessions
  • Leadership, Operations, & DEI
  • Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing

September 9
1:45 PM

How to Engage Donors Using Community-Centered Practices

55 minutes | 1:45 PM - 2:40 PM | Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement |

Fundraising models should respect donors and build strong relationships with them. They must also be centered on the communities who know firsthand what is needed for meaningful change. This session will introduce ways to engage donors differently by fostering a sense of belonging and engaging them in transformative (not transactional) work. Drawing on examples from capital campaigns to donor engagement, Frank Velasquez Jr. & Diana Farias Heinrich will demonstrate how a simple reframing can create powerful collaborations between your organization, your donors, and your community.

Key Takeaways:

  • Recognize the role of nonprofits in engaging donors effectively, emphasizing the shift from donor-centric to community-centric models.
  • Develop strategies for building transformative, not transactional, donor relationships that foster a sense of belonging and partnership.
  • Master asset-based language that focuses on the strengths and contributions of community members.

September 10
9:35 AM

Crafting with Conscience: Ethical Storytelling in the Social Good Sector

55 minutes | 9:35 AM - 10:30 AM | Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing |

Join us for an enlightening panel on ethical storytelling in the nonprofit sector. Ethical storytelling is crucial in nonprofit fundraising, fostering trust and credibility among donors, and ensuring authenticity, honesty, and respect for the individuals or communities involved. This panel will help attendees examine their practices, provide tips to ensure clients understand their rights, and share how to set up policies and procedures that encourage respect and dignity while showing organizational impact.

Close Bio

Geng Wang

CEO & Co-founder

As CEO of Civic Champs, Geng leads a team of passionate change leaders to deliver the most intuitive and impactful volunteer management software for nonprofits and their champions. Prior to Civic Champs, Geng co-founded and sold two companies, RentJungle.com (an apartment search engine), and Community Elf (a social media management firm). Geng is also a former McKinsey & Company consultant and is a graduate of Michigan State University and Harvard Business School.

Sessions

  • Activity
  • Event, Peer-to-Peer, & Auction Fundraising
  • Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement
  • General Sessions
  • Leadership, Operations, & DEI
  • Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing

September 9
8:30 AM

How to Recruit the Next Generation of Volunteers & Donors

55 minutes | 8:30 AM - 9:25 AM | Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement |

We’ve got great news: data is showing that volunteering levels are higher than even pre-pandemic! However, you still have to employ the right tactics to recruit these volunteers and we’re here to teach you how. In this session, Geng Wang will show you how you can recruit volunteers from different generations and how event-based volunteering is one of the most efficient ways to build both your volunteer and donor pipelines. Through hands-on exercises, you will learn to reimagine your marketing and communication tactics to best engage these new generations!

Key Takeaways:

  • What the latest volunteer trends are, including how volunteering levels are higher than ever.
  • The distinctive characteristics of Gen Z volunteers and how they differ from previous generations.
  • How you can unlock the language that speaks to and inspires different generations to volunteer or donate.
  • How to leverage event-based volunteering to foster recurring volunteers and build a new donor pipeline.
Close Bio

Sabrina Walker Hernandez

President & CEO

Sabrina, a consultant and coach, excels in empowering mission-driven businesses, associations, and nonprofits, catalyzing revenue growth through impactful relationships. Utilizing the B.U.I.L.D. framework, she specializes in strategic planning, leadership development, board education, and resource optimization, consistently achieving a remarkable 30% revenue increase.

With over 25 years of experience, Sabrina offers dynamic keynote presentations on Transformational Leadership, Effective Communication, and more, delivering actionable strategies for organizational success. As a bestselling author and certified Harvard Business School Nonprofit Management professional, she has a proven track record, including elevating operational revenue from $750K to $2.5M and completing a $12M capital campaign in the third poorest county in the United States. Sabrina’s workshops have benefited countless nonprofit and business professionals, reflecting her commitment to driving positive change and excellence.

Sessions

  • Activity
  • Event, Peer-to-Peer, & Auction Fundraising
  • Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement
  • General Sessions
  • Leadership, Operations, & DEI
  • Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing

September 9
4:05 PM

Ahead of the Curve: Navigating Future Fundraising Trends

55 minutes | 4:05 PM - 5:00 PM | Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement |

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the essential fundraising trends that every nonprofit should be aware of to ensure future success. Our expert panelists will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to help you navigate the evolving landscape of fundraising to stay ahead of the curve and maximize your nonprofit’s impact.

September 10
2:25 PM

Empowering ERGs: Driving Board Accountability for Inclusive Excellence

55 minutes | 2:25 PM - 3:20 PM | Leadership, Operations, & DEI |

This transformative workshop is designed for organizational leaders, ERG members, and DEI advocates. Discover actionable strategies to strengthen Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and enhance board accountability, driving a culture of inclusivity and excellence within your organization. Gain insights into aligning ERG initiatives with organizational goals, measuring their impact effectively, and fostering robust collaboration between ERGs and the board.

Walk away equipped with practical tools to initiate sustainable change, cultivate a more inclusive workplace, and build a roadmap for continued growth. Through group discussions and facilitated networking sessions, participants will actively engage with peers, share experiences, and collaboratively explore solutions tailored to their organizational challenges, ensuring an enriching and impactful learning experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn to align ERG efforts with the broader organizational strategy, ensuring initiatives contribute to the company’s goals.
  • Gain tools to measure the impact of ERG initiatives, enabling evidence-based decisions and accountability.
  • Develop strategies for fostering effective collaboration between ERGs and the board, promoting shared visions and actions for inclusivity and diversity.
Close Bio

Mike Wilkinson

Deputy Director of Events

Mike Wilkinson is currently the Deputy Director of Events at the Human Rights Campaign where he works with a team of event fundraising professionals to produce 30 signature fundraising dinners nationwide. He previously worked for health-related non-profit organizations including the National Kidney Foundation and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Mike has worked extensively on creating innovations for on-site fundraising, ticket sales and registration, live and silent auctions and on-stage appeals. Mike and his colleagues at HRC have perfected the live appeal as well as overall event design to maximize the attendee experience in a way that drives revenue results. When he’s not traveling the country for events, Mike is a fitness enthusiast that teaches five workout classes per week.

Sessions

  • Activity
  • Event, Peer-to-Peer, & Auction Fundraising
  • Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement
  • General Sessions
  • Leadership, Operations, & DEI
  • Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing

September 12
3:45 PM

Fearless Fundraisers Panel

45 minutes | 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM | General Sessions |

Join us as we wrap #Raise2023. Experience the energy and excitement of our closing session. Our final panel explores what it truly means to be #Fearless as a fundraiser, leader, and organization.

Hear real-life Fearless Fundraisers share stories and wisdom on how to reimagine generosity and what it takes to thrive in the future of fundraising. You won’t want to miss what they have to share!

Julia Campbell

Julia Campbell

J Campbell Social Marketing, Founder & Principal

Derria Ford

Derria Ford

Martha O' Bryan Center, Chief Development Officer

T. Clay Buck

T. Clay Buck

TCB Fundraising, Founder & Principal

Mariana Keller

Mariana Keller

The Bear Creek School, VP of Philanthropy

Close Bio

Julia Campbell

Founder & Principal

Named as a top thought leader and one to follow by Forbes and LinkedIn for Nonprofits, and one of the 30 Nonprofit IT Influencers to Follow in 2023, Julia Campbell is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to designing social media and storytelling strategies that help nonprofits share their mission across the digital landscape. An international keynote speaker and host of the acclaimed Nonprofit Nation podcast, she’s written two books for nonprofits on social media and storytelling, and her online courses, webinars, and talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking.

Sessions

  • Activity
  • Event, Peer-to-Peer, & Auction Fundraising
  • Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement
  • General Sessions
  • Leadership, Operations, & DEI
  • Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing

September 9
2:50 PM

How to Create a Long-Term Social Media Strategy in a Short-Term World

55 minutes | 2:50 PM - 3:45 PM | Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing |

In a world where social media trends come and go in the blink of an eye, nonprofits must adopt a long-term strategy to thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape. However, the third sector faces unique challenges in maintaining a long-term social media strategy that drives sustainable impact.

In this session, Julia Campbell and Josh Hirsch will address the specific needs of nonprofits and provide practical insights on developing a social media strategy that aligns with long-term goals. They’ll explore strategies, techniques, and best practices that empower nonprofits to navigate short-term trends while fostering meaningful connections with donors and supporters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of a long-term social media strategy in the nonprofit sector.
  • Learn to identify and prioritize long-term goals, ensuring sustainability in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
  • Acquire practical insights and techniques to navigate short-term social media trends effectively.
  • Learn best practices tailored to the unique challenges faced by nonprofits in maintaining a sustainable social media strategy.
Close Bio

Derria Ford

Chief Development Officer

Derria L. Ford, MBA. Ed. D, is the Chief Advancement Officer for Martha O’Bryan Center, an anti-poverty community-based organization. She has over 16 years of nonprofit experience. Her expertise spans program expansion, grant administration, executive leadership, and fund development. Derria’s career has been marked by her exceptional ability to lead and motivate teams, her strategic thinking skills, and her ability to build relationships with organizational stakeholders.

Derria’s previous position was at the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee, where she served as the Deputy Director of Development and Community Engagement. Over the past five years, she has made significant strides in increasing revenue, boosting individual giving, diversifying grants, establishing a signature fundraising event, and simplifying complex legal concepts to benefit vulnerable communities through educational documents, videos, and media. In addition to her professional achievements, Derria holds a Doctorate from Trevecca Nazarene University, where she specialized in Leadership and Professional Practice, as well as a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science from Middle Tennessee State University.

Beyond her impressive professional and academic accomplishments, Derria is a dynamic individual who loves sharing stories about her vibrant eight-year-old daughter, Gabrielle. With her extensive experience and passion for positive change, Derria Ford is a purpose-driven leader that believes deeply in the power of nonprofits.

Sessions

  • Activity
  • Event, Peer-to-Peer, & Auction Fundraising
  • Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement
  • General Sessions
  • Leadership, Operations, & DEI
  • Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing

September 10
9:35 AM

Crafting with Conscience: Ethical Storytelling in the Social Good Sector

55 minutes | 9:35 AM - 10:30 AM | Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing |

Join us for an enlightening panel on ethical storytelling in the nonprofit sector. Ethical storytelling is crucial in nonprofit fundraising, fostering trust and credibility among donors, and ensuring authenticity, honesty, and respect for the individuals or communities involved. This panel will help attendees examine their practices, provide tips to ensure clients understand their rights, and share how to set up policies and procedures that encourage respect and dignity while showing organizational impact.

Close Bio

T. Clay Buck

Founder & Principal

T. Clay Buck, CFRE, is the Founder & Principal of TCB Fundraising, an individual giving and communications consultancy that focuses on strategy, systems, and storytelling. Clay (the “T” is silent) has been in leadership fundraising roles at nonprofits across the country and has served as a senior consultant at prominent, international fundraising consulting firm. He teaches fundraising and strategic planning at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and is the co-host of the #1 ranked fundraising podcast, Fundraising Is Funny. He and his family make their home in Las Vegas, NV, with two poorly trained golden retrievers who are experts in the ask at dinner time.

Sessions

  • Activity
  • Event, Peer-to-Peer, & Auction Fundraising
  • Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement
  • General Sessions
  • Leadership, Operations, & DEI
  • Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing
Close Bio

Mariana Keller

VP of Philanthropy

Mariana is enthusiastic about education and has a rich background in empowering others to make a positive impact. She started her journey in philanthropy more than ten years ago at Puget Sound region nonprofits by leading a board development committee and serving as auction and annual fund chair. Eager to work with a development team that would truly honor donors and find the best ways to align their passions and philanthropic priorities with the school’s strategic plan, in 2019 she joined The Bear Creek School’s Office of Philanthropy and Community Engagement. At Bear Creek, she creates meaningful opportunities for families to connect with and invest in the school’s mission.

Previously, Mariana founded and led a successful strategic marketing consulting company, working with corporations like PepsiCo, Adidas, Bayer, Quaker, and Unilever to drive social responsibility and innovation.

Mariana’s passion for philanthropy and inspiring others has left a lasting impact. She and her family share a deep sense of gratitude and joy, and they believe that giving back is the best way to help transform lives.

Sessions

  • Activity
  • Event, Peer-to-Peer, & Auction Fundraising
  • Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement
  • General Sessions
  • Leadership, Operations, & DEI
  • Storytelling, Brand, & Marketing

September 10
3:35 PM

Building a Culture of Philanthropy with AI

55 minutes | 3:35 PM - 4:30 PM | Leadership, Operations, & DEI |

Creating and sustaining a culture of philanthropy within independent schools is essential for financial stability and fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose. This session aims to explore strategies, best practices, and real-world examples of how independent schools and nonprofits can use AI to cultivate a culture of philanthropy that engages all stakeholders and contributes to long-term success. During the session, Mariana Keller will use generative AI to demonstrate practical applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to use AI to support your fundraising efforts.
  • How to create a positive culture of philanthropy.
  • How to develop your team to use AÍ wisely.

Venue Location

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203

Back for an encore performance!

Learn More

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Code: JULY200

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$699
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