2025 Schedule

Get checked in early and pick up your badge.

Come meet our sponsors and hear about who’s blazing a trail in the fundraising industry.

Enjoy a light breakfast for your day of learning!

Since big donors love big ideas, nonprofits need to cast vision and innovate to devise the major opportunities that captivate major gift donors. An easy-to-use framework for identifying a compelling vision, a six-step innovation process, and a paper clip will strengthen your ability to craft big ideas for big donors.

Key Takeaways:

Speakers

Bill Stanczykiewicz,

Sr. Assistant Dean for External Relations, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

Did you know that auction donors give $529 on average? And that 64% said they were likely to become monthly donors?

The 2025 State of Nonprofit Auctions Report is the sector’s first comprehensive analysis of live and silent auctions that includes feedback from auction attendees, nonprofit professionals, and auction data from the field. In this session, we’ll share key trends, actionable insights, and best practices to help you enhance engagement, drive revenue, and build lasting relationships with your auction donors.

We’ll also highlight essential elements that contribute to a successful auction, from choosing the right items to leveraging digital tools for a frictionless experience. Whether you’re a seasoned auction planner or new to nonprofit fundraising, you’ll leave with the knowledge and tools to boost your next auction’s success.

Key takeaways:

• Learn about effective auction items and strategies for increasing bidder participation.
• Understand how technology is shaping the future of nonprofit auctions.
• Obtain actionable tips to engage donors and ensure long-term loyalty.

Speakers

Sarah Sebastian,

Director, Corporate Communications, OneCause

Karrie Wozniak,

Chief Marketing Officer, OneCause

DAF gifts have often been left out of peer-to-peer and event fundraising—not because donors didn’t want to give, but because the process was too complicated. Without technology to capture DAF gifts in real time or navigate the legal nuances of when these gifts are allowed, nonprofits have missed out on a critical revenue stream in some of the most dynamic fundraising formats.

That’s all changing. New DAF giving technology makes it easy for nonprofits to seamlessly integrate DAF gifts into their peer-to-peer and event strategies, opening the door to a powerful, untapped donor segment. This session will explore how this innovation not only expands fundraising potential but also harnesses the unique strengths of DAFs—larger gift sizes, donor loyalty, and tax-efficient giving—within the peer-to-peer and event landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to maximize the impact of DAFs in peer-to-peer and event fundraising.
• Explore real-world examples of organizations successfully incorporating DAFs into peer-to-peer and event fundraising.
• Discover how DAF donors differ from other supporters.

Speakers

Mitch Stein,

Head of Strategy,
Chariot

It’s time to use effective communication to ensure eligible supporters are fully aware and engaged with their employee matching gift programs.

With 78% of eligible donors unaware of their eligibility, the responsibility falls upon nonprofits to effectively educate their donors and encourage participation.

This session will use real world examples to outline the best practices for such communications, ranging from appeal emails to social posts. Effective language practices, strategic timing of communications, and engaging content creation will be covered. Whether attendees are looking to refresh their current strategy, or start completely new, attendees will leave feeling confident in their ability to boost corporate support for their institution and raise more.

Key Takeaways:

Speakers

Colleen Carroll,

Community & Events Lead, Double the Donation

This session dives into key insights and trends gathered from nonprofit organizations across the sector, offering data-driven perspectives on fundraising performance, donor behavior, and growth opportunities. Carly and Gabe will unpack the most critical findings, helping attendees understand how their organization’s metrics compare to industry standards and what steps they can take to improve.

With a focus on actionable strategies, the session will explore areas like donor retention, giving patterns, and the impact of responsive fundraising practices. Attendees will leave with practical tips for leveraging the report’s insights to drive smarter decisions, grow generosity, and maximize their organization’s impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to compare your organization’s metrics with industry standards using data-driven insights to identify key areas for improvement to drive better fundraising performance.
• Gain insights into donor giving patterns and retention strategies, and understand how these trends can inform more effective, responsive fundraising practices.
• Discover practical tips and strategies to leverage the report’s findings, enabling you to make smarter decisions that boost donor engagement, grow generosity, and maximize your organization’s impact.

Speakers

Carly Berna,

VP of Marketing,
Virtuous

Gabe Cooper,

CEO,
Virtuous

Galas and event-based fundraisers are proven revenue generators, but are you fully leveraging the power of peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising to maximize impact? Many organizations struggle to bridge the gap between traditional event fundraising and peer-driven giving, missing opportunities to expand donor networks, increase engagement, and drive higher revenue. This session will provide a step-by-step guide to seamlessly integrating P2P fundraising into your event strategy-turning attendees, honorees, and volunteers into powerful fundraising ambassadors.

Through a mix of expert insights, real-world case studies, and interactive exercises, you’ll discover how to create a fundraising ecosystem where every guest is also a champion for your mission. We’ll explore how to equip supporters with the right messaging, tools, and incentives to confidently raise funds within their networks, ensuring that the momentum of your gala or event extends far beyond a single night.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insight into how to activate attendees, board members, and committees as fundraising ambassadors before, during, and after your event.
• Discover how to craft compelling messaging that motivates supporters to fundraise on your behalf.
• Learn from nonprofits that have supercharged event revenue through P2P integration.

Speakers

Kristen Bowles,

Sr. Director, Leadership Events, The National MS Society

Alyssa Mallow,

Director of Development, Breast Cancer Resource Center

A great event is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a brand experience, a relationship builder, and a powerful moment to move people to action. In this fast-paced and idea-packed session, we’ll explore how to turn your event into a storytelling engine, a community connector, and a donor engagement magnet.

From creating an unforgettable atmosphere to crafting a marketing strategy that spans email, direct mail, websites, and more, you’ll learn how to build an event that aligns with your organizational brand, inspires attendees, and strengthens long-term support. Whether your event is a gala, a walk, a breakfast, or something entirely new, you’ll leave with practical ideas and tools to elevate every stage of the event experience—from the first save-the-date to the final thank-you video.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to use multi-channel marketing to promote your event.
• Gain practical strategies to elevate your event at every stage.
• Walk away with ideas to attract and engage donors through event marketing.

Speakers

Kiersten Hill,

Director of Nonprofit Solutions, Firespring

Grab a snack and a drink, network, or stop by the sponsor pavilion and visit our partners!

Ready, set, here we go! Join us for the Day 1 General Session as we kick off Raise 2025, live from San Antonio! Get pumped up with a welcome from OneCause CEO, Steve Johns.

Keynote speaker announcement coming soon!

Speakers

Steve Johns,

CEO,
OneCause

Reggie Rivers,

President & Emcee,
The Gala Team

Shanna Adamic,

Executive Director & Emcee, Oracle Health Foundation

Lunch break to recharge our #FearlessFundraisers!

The OneCause Fundraising Platform helps nonprofits raise more and reach more with innovative software. Hear from members of the OneCause Product Leadership Team for a live demo and a look into what’s next in fundraising.

Join this session to see how you can:

• Elevate your mission with intuitive software for your events, auctions, donations, raffles, and more.
• Fundraise year-round and empower supporters to connect with your mission anytime, anywhere.
• Meet the expectations of today’s donors with a solution that supports any event, in-person, virtual, or hybrid.

Speakers

Joe Duca,

VP of
Product Strategy, OneCause

Stephanie Ragozzino,

Chief Product Officer,
OneCause

Who doesn’t love a good silent auction? They’re a great way to raise money while providing value to our event attendees and the brands and companies that provide the items. And a good bidding battle can get everybody excited. But how often do those auction donors turn into annual fund advocates? Imagine how powerful that energy could be when harnessed into supporting the day-to-day, long-term mission of the organization.

In this session, we’ll look at techniques to engage auction purchasers, and any event attendee, into true believers in the mission who support your work not just with their purchases but also with their identity-driven generosity. We’ll cover methodology, messaging, and measurements that engage donors and develop true believers and advocates in your cause. And that just might get them back to next year’s auction, too.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify what motivates auction purchasers and event attendees.
• Formulate strategies to convert auction purchasers and attendees into long-term donors.
• Create an engagement and cultivation plan for purchasers and attendees specific to their engagement.

Speakers

T. Clay Buck,

Founder and Principal, Next River Fundraising Strategies

Is your organization stumped about how to build and maintain mid-level donor relationships? Is your community responding less to emails & letter appeals? Do you have new donor levels or events you’d like to beta test? Do you want to say thank you for recent gifts, and also open the door for the community member to make their next donation?

All of this is possible with… phone calls! (Yes, in 2025!)

In this session, you’ll learn how your organization can immediately improve your mid-level fundraising cadence through specific, targeted phone conversations. You’ll also have an introduction to Kel’s signature, 5-Minute Fundraising Ask training in which you’ll learn to engage in short, genuine conversations with mid-level donors (& also make an Ask!). Whether you’re a fundraising team of one or eleven, making outbound phone calls to specific mid-level donors will strengthen your organization’s relationship to its community while surpassing your fundraising goals!

Key Takeaways:

• Implement the “4 Tentpoles” necessary to make authentic, confident, successful fundraising phone calls.
• Identify why phone calls may feel “icky” or uncomfortable—and how to shift that mindset through practices that feel more genuine.
• Explore numerous ways phone calls can be used in development.

Speakers

Kel Haney,

President & Founder, Kel Haney Consulting

Louis and Marty, a father-son auctioneer duo, bring their unique perspectives and dynamic rapport to this engaging and interactive session on live auction strategies that increase profits. They’ll introduce exciting new ways to boost engagement, with an emphasis on live auction games to score more profits.

They’ll cover strategies such as creating a successful playing field, how to secure top hitter live auction items and get them donated, and ways to go beyond a base hit by doubling and tripling sales of live auction items. The session will also explore how to create memorable home run giving moments and increase fan participation.

To help you achieve these goals, Louis and Marty will introduce several innovative games to elevate your live auction. Games like Live Surprise, NEW variations on Heads or Tails, and Paddle Sweep are all designed to increase excitement, drive engagement, and boost profits. They’ll also show how bid paddles can help you hit a home run by showcasing sponsors, marketing your live auction, and playing games, all while keeping the event organized and fun.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the mock auction during the seminar and play these games using bid paddles.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to plan and execute a more profitable live auction.
• Understand how to create more profitable giving moments.
• Incorporate new games and activities to increase profits and encourage more guest participation.

Speakers

Louis Murad,

President & Lead Auctioneer, Murad Auctions

Marty Murad,

New Business Development Director, Murad Auctions

In an era defined by exponential technological growth, artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we live, work, and connect. But as AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it presents an urgent question: How can we remain deeply human in a world dominated by bits and bots?

In this talk, Nathan Chappell explores the transformative potential of AI while challenging us to prioritize humanity over utility. Drawing on real-world examples and insights from global leaders, Nathan will illustrate how organizations and individuals can navigate this shift by focusing on people, purpose, and principles. With humor, heart, and practical guidance, this session is a call to action for leaders to embrace AI as a co-creator, not a competitor, while fostering cultures of innovation, ethical decision-making, and human connection.

The future of AI isn’t just about better technology; it’s about better thinking. This talk will equip you with the tools to thrive in the age of AI by transforming the way you work, think, and lead-because the organizations that win won’t just adopt AI; they’ll adapt their mindsets and values to make it a force for good.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover how to leverage AI as a co-creator to unlock creativity, productivity, and human potential within your organization.
• Learn actionable strategies to foster a culture of ethical AI use, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and respect for human dignity.
• Explore practical approaches to upskill teams and transform workflows to thrive in an AI-driven future.

Speakers

Nathan Chappell,

Founder,
Fundraising.AI

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring nonprofit pros, event planners, and auctioneers. Explore the current state of event affairs and gain invaluable insights into what’s shaping event fundraising. This panel is designed to help you explore the latest trends and overcome common challenges faced by nonprofits in planning and executing fundraising events. From leveraging technology to adapting to changing donor preferences, discover how your organization can stay agile and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the event fundraising landscape. 

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insights into the evolving landscape of nonprofit fundraising events and emerging trends. 
• Learn strategies for fostering effective collaboration with event professionals. 
• Explore practical tips for navigating challenges and taking advantage of opportunities to maximize fundraising success. 

Speakers

Daniel Morford,

Director of Marketing & Community, The Pando Initiative

TiWanna Kenney,

Founder & Principal, Astounding Auctions

Darren Port,

CEO & Founder, Powered by Professionals

Emily Newberry,

VP
Strategic Accounts, OneCause

Fundraising during a crisis is challenging, but it’s not impossible. In fact, moments of uncertainty can also be moments of great generosity—if nonprofits know how to respond. As a former disaster fundraiser, Barbara O’Reilly, knows first-hand how to fundraise during crises—both external and internal ones.

Join Barbara for a session on Fundraising Through the Storm: Strategies for Nonprofits in Tough Times where we’ll cover how to craft clear, transparent, and compelling messaging that builds trust and inspires action, even in uncertain times. You’ll discover proven crisis fundraising strategies, including digital campaigns, emergency appeals, and leveraging major donors. Plus, we’ll discuss how to rally your board and staff, strengthen internal systems, and prepare for future challenges so your organization can remain financially strong.

Through real-world examples and practical takeaways, you’ll leave this session with a clear plan to engage donors, sustain revenue, and navigate crises with confidence. Whether you’re facing financial uncertainty now or want to future-proof your fundraising, this session will equip you with the tools to not just survive, but thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify how crises impact donor behavior and giving trends.
• Implement crisis-specific action plans and fundraising strategies to stabilize and grow revenue.
• Develop effective messaging and communication strategies to engage donors in challenging times.

Speakers

Barbara O’Reilly,

Founder and Principal, Windmill Hill Consulting

After three decades in the event industry, one thing remains clear: building a solid run of show is still one of the most essential elements of any successful fundraising event.

My team and I collaborate closely with clients to build runs of show that not only keep the event on track but also maximize engagement and fundraising potential. Through our experience, we’ve identified five key components that have consistently proven essential to success.

This session will cover those five proven tips, including the strategic timing for the “ASK” that can make or break your fundraising efforts.

Key Takeaways:

• Revamp or create a run of show that works for your event.
• Examine your run of show with a fresh perspective.
• Discover the right moment for the “ASK.”

Speakers

Chereese Jervis-Hill,

CEO & Founder, Events To Remember + PR To Remember

Volunteer leaders have the power to dramatically shift an organization’s revenue trajectory. Whether it’s board members, committee chairs/co-chairs, top-level peer-to-peer fundraisers, or key connectors, how your organization partners with these leaders can make all the difference between blowing past your goals and wondering why more isn’t happening.

In this session, Kate will guide you through key steps to quickly build trust with your volunteer leaders, accelerate relationship-building so you can hit the ground running, and hone in on their unique skills and capabilities to maximize their impact on your mission.

If you believe in the power of one person to create life-changing impact, this session is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify the volunteer leader(s) whose impact could change your organization’s trajectory.
• Implement a process to accelerate trust-building and deepen overall relationships with key volunteers.
• Walk away with a step-by-step framework to help key volunteers reach their full potential for your mission.

Speakers

Kate McGinn,

CEO,
The Bold Stripe

Grab a snack and a drink, network, or stop by the sponsor pavilion and visit our partners!

Successful Fund-a-Need (FAN) or paddle raise efforts often appear spontaneous but are carefully planned. In this session, we’ll cover three key opportunities that nonprofits often overlook when launching or growing their FAN campaigns. We’ll focus on the importance of pre-solicitations, hiring a professional auctioneer or emcee, and promoting the cause both publicly and through person-to-person outreach. These strategies, when paired with the right planning, will help ensure your FAN campaign’s success and alleviate the stress of public fundraising efforts.

We’ll use a real-life case study to demonstrate how OneCause tools (live scoreboard, mobile pledges, messaging) can enhance these strategies. Participants will also have a chance to develop their own pre-event “heartstrings” language and learn how to use ChatGPT to improve messaging.

Key Takeaways:

• Overcome the fear of asking for pre-solicitations.
• Understand why investing in a professional emcee/auctioneer is worth the money.
• Learn how using all of the tools at your disposal can increase on-site donations.

Speakers

Chris O’Shea,

Co-Owner and Co-Founder, C2Auctions

Livia Christensen,

CSO, C2 Auctions

In today’s digital-first world, securing six-figure grants requires more than just a compelling written proposal. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram offer unparalleled opportunities to elevate your nonprofit’s visibility, showcase your mission, and build meaningful relationships with funders.

In this engaging and practical workshop, Christina Jones, a seasoned fundraiser and social media strategist, will reveal how to craft a social media strategy that complements your grant-seeking efforts. Drawing from her extensive experience raising funds for national organizations and leading successful social impact campaigns, Christina will demonstrate how nonprofits can harness LinkedIn and Instagram to attract, engage, and inspire funders—leading to five and six-figure grant wins.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to align your LinkedIn and Instagram presence with your organization’s grant-seeking goals.
• Discover how to create compelling content that highlights your nonprofit’s success stories, mission-driven work, and community impact.
• Master networking strategies to engage funders, donors, and partners through social media platforms.

Speakers

Christina Jones,

Chief Executive of External Relations, BWJP

Discover proven strategies to build trust, break down silos, and ignite purpose-driven collaboration—even when leadership is absent. Join this impactful session led by a CEO who transformed crisis into triumph through unstoppable teamwork.

Meet your presenter: a transformational nonprofit expert who doesn’t just teach team building—she’s lived it through one of life’s toughest challenges. As someone who built a team so resilient it thrived even during her absence while battling two rare forms of cancer, Sabrina brings an unparalleled perspective to team development.

Key Takeaways:

• Overcome the #1 team killer: poor communication.
• Learn practical strategies to break down departmental silos and foster genuine collaboration.
• Gain insight to proven techniques to build unshakeable trust within your team, leading to increased innovation and productivity.

Speakers

Sabrina Walker Hernandez,

President & CEO, Building Better Boards

Dive into the world of donor behavior and discover the key drivers that influence why donors choose to give—and why they sometimes stop. This engaging session will explore donors’ nuanced motivations and preferences, offering you a deeper understanding of what makes your supporters tick. Learn from real-world examples of organizations that have mastered the art of donor retention and boast impressive retention rates.

To help you close the retention gap, we surveyed 380+ fundraisers and 1,000+ donors in November 2024. Join us for a deep dive into some of the report’s findings to unlock the potential of donor loyalty and propel your mission to new heights.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn why donors give and why they stop.
• Discover key insights around generational donation preferences.
• Gain exclusive insights into successful strategies and tactics to boost donor retention rates.

Speakers

Joshua Meyer,

VP, Market Engagement, Bloomerang

Calling all #FearlessFundraisers – join us as we let loose in San Antonio! Come ready to celebrate and have a blast at a party that’s just for you – it promises to be the best one yet! Food, drinks, and entertainment at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

Enjoy a light breakfast for your day of learning!

Come meet our sponsors and hear about who’s blazing a trail in the fundraising industry.

The rise of Gen Z is reshaping the philanthropic landscape. As the most digitally native generation, they’re not only redefining how we communicate but also how we inspire action. This session dives into key insights from a recent white paper on Gen Z and fundraising, focusing on the transformative role of mobile technology. Attendees will learn how to design campaigns that resonate with Gen Z’s values, utilize social media platforms effectively, and leverage mobile tools to create seamless giving experiences. By the end of this talk, participants will be equipped with actionable strategies to mobilize Gen Z donors and amplify their fundraising efforts.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand Gen Z’s unique motivations & behaviors when it comes to philanthropy and how to craft values-aligned campaigns.
• Explore mobile-first strategies to drive engagement & simplify the giving process, and discover best practices to integrate technology.
• Gain insights into leveraging social media and micro-influencers for fundraising success.

Speakers

Kathy Kempff,

CEO & Founder,
Nuclavis

Nonprofits often chase new donors, launch expensive campaigns, and create big events—only to end up exhausted with little return. The irony? The funding you need is already right under your nose! Your best donors are the ones you already have, and with the right stewardship strategies, you can turn them into your most loyal and generous supporters.

In this energetic and practical session, we’ll help you stop spinning your wheels and start maximizing what’s already in your database. You’ll walk away with simple, proven strategies to deepen donor relationships, inspire larger gifts, and create a more sustainable stewardship plan for your individual donors—all without adding extra stress to your plate.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to identify and nurture donors with individualized care—without constantly chasing new ones. They’re right under your nose!
• Apply simple, effective stewardship strategies to defined segments that lead to more frequent, larger gifts from current donors.
• Obtain an actionable framework scaled to your organization & team, deepening donor engagement while realizing increased funding.

Speakers

Erica Soto,

Chief Cause Catalyst, The Cause Catalyst Co

Veronica Kim,

Fundraising Consultant, The Cause Catalyst Co

Amie Echeverria,

Fundraising Consultant, The Cause Catalyst Co

As nonprofit organizations navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2025, economic uncertainty calls for a strategic approach to funding. Whether adjusting budgets or exploring new sources of support, organizations must find innovative ways to secure additional resources. This training will equip you with proven fundraising strategies to identify potential major donors who are already engaged with your organization—unlocking untapped opportunities for growth.

Embrace unapologetic, fearless fundraising through interactive exercises, real-time research, and actionable strategies designed to help you identify and add major donors to your portfolio with confidence and discretion.

Key Takeaways:

Speakers

Susan Kramer,

Founder/CEO, Susan Kramer Consulting

As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs face increasing scrutiny and political challenges, nonprofit leaders and fundraisers must adapt to ensure that culturally competent fundraising remains both effective and sustainable. This session explores how to navigate the evolving political landscape while maintaining authentic donor engagement and inclusive fundraising strategies. Participants will explore how cultural alignment strengthens donor trust, engagement, and long-term giving—even in an era of heightened criticism around race- and gender-explicit strategies.

We’ll provide guidance on integrating DEI principles into board recruitment, leadership development, and organizational decision-making to build inclusive and resilient nonprofit structures. On the fundraising front, we’ll use best practice case studies to examine effective ways of connecting with diverse donor bases through culturally specific messaging, events, engagement tactics, and stewardship practices—while ensuring these efforts remain inclusive of ALL donors.

Key Takeaways:

Speakers

Tanya Frey,

CEO/Founder, Terra Firma Consulting

Tiffany Graham,

Founder & Principal Consultant, Mission360 Strategies

In this session, you’ll gain valuable guidance and direction for building a powerful fundraising plan of action for your event. Rather than setting goals arbitrarily, Dan will walk you through how to strategically build the revenue streams necessary to reach your fundraising target. While this session focuses on gala-style events, the principles shared will be applicable to any type of fundraising event.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how many fundraising elements your should have for your event.
• Discover what a realistic breakdown of revenues looks like for each fundraising element.
• Gain insight into how to effectively address gaps in revenue streams and correct them.

Speakers

Daniel Campbell,

Founder and President, Raising Paddles

In today’s competitive funding environment, successful grant acquisition requires more than writing a strong proposal-it demands comprehensive organizational readiness and ongoing management strategies. Join this insightful training session, led by grant experts Dr. Arlene Siller and Daniela Paz from Ascend Nonprofit & Business Solutions, designed to equip fundraisers and nonprofit leaders with essential knowledge to master the grant lifecycle.

This session covers best practices for pre-award preparation, effective proposal development, and maintaining compliance throughout the grant period. You’ll gain actionable tools and insights to streamline your grant fundraising, strengthen organizational capacity, and enhance post-award success. Whether you’re new to grants or looking to refine your strategy, this session will empower you to secure funding, ensure long-term compliance, and drive sustainable impact within your community.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn best practices to ensure their organization is fully prepared to pursue grant opportunities
• Gain insights into maintaining compliance, tracking performance, and managing reporting requirements to meet funder expectations and sustain long-term grant success.
• Understand how to integrate grant strategies into broader organizational goals, leveraging funding to maximize community impact and build long-term sustainability.

Speakers

Arlene Siller,

Founder & CEO, Ascend Nonprofit & Business Solutions

Daniela Paz,

COO, Ascend Nonprofit & Business Solutions

Grab a snack and a drink, network, or stop by the sponsor pavilion and visit our partners!

Join us as we kick off Raise 2025 Day 2!

Day 2 keynote announcement coming soon. 

Speakers

Reggie Rivers,

President & Emcee,
The Gala Team

Shanna Adamic,

Executive Director & Emcee, Oracle Health Foundation

Lunch break to recharge our #FearlessFundraisers!

The OneCause Fundraising Platform helps nonprofits raise more and reach more with innovative software. Hear from members of the OneCause Product Leadership Team for a live demo and a look into what’s next in fundraising.

Join this session to see how you can:

• Elevate your mission with intuitive software for your events, auctions, donations, raffles, and more.
• Fundraise year-round and empower supporters to connect with your mission anytime, anywhere.
• Meet the expectations of today’s donors with a solution that supports any event, in-person, virtual, or hybrid.

Speakers

Joe Duca,

VP of
Product Strategy, OneCause

Stephanie Ragozzino,

Chief Product Officer,
OneCause

The cycle of donor dependency is holding too many nonprofits back, keeping them in a constant scramble for funding instead of scaling their impact. And in today’s uncertain economy, relying on a handful of major donors is riskier than ever.

It’s time to rethink how we fund our missions. In this session, we’ll break down how to transform donations from a lifeline into a launchpad—fueling innovation and long-term sustainability. You’ll learn how to turn your programs into revenue-generating powerhouses, build a self-sustaining model, and create real, lasting impact without relying on the next big gift.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn strategies to leverage donor contributions as a means to scale, rather than just sustain, your organization.
• Explore ways to turn existing programs and services into profit centers that support your mission while increasing financial stability.
• Discover proven approaches to diversify revenue streams, reduce reliance on traditional fundraising, and create lasting sustainability.

Speakers

Suzanne Stone,

President & CEO,
Livestrong

In a world of endless scroll and inbox fatigue, you’ve got just 8 seconds to make a donor care—or lose them forever. This session dives into the science of attention and emotion, revealing how to be TOP of a donor’s mind and why personalized video is one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in a nonprofit’s communication strategy. You’ll walk away with a proven approach to capturing hearts and minds in a crowded digital world—one name, one face, one story at a time.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the brain science behind why personalization works — and what happens when it’s missing.
• Learn how nonprofits are using short-form video to increase open rates, click-throughs, and donor retention.
• Get a framework for scaling personalized donor experiences without overwhelming your team.

Speakers

Nicholas Kristock,

Founder and Executive Director, Fleece & Thank You/ KindKatch

This session is a case study in the future of fundraising events using the OneCause Platform. We will examine two events and provide the strategy, the logistics and the execution to make a multiple city event possible. For statewide and nationwide organizations this is a low cost simple way to engage multiple audiences in your fundraising event and help to expand your reach out of the room. We will share the story of each event and provide you a how-to easily do the same for your event.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand when hybrid events are a good strategy and how to design for maximum impact and engagement.
• Learn about technology tools for hybrid events and how to apply them.
• See how to execute a hybrid event from the stage.

Speakers

Samantha Swaim,

Fundraising Event Consultant, Swaim Strategies

Dale Johannes,

Auctioneer,
DC Auctions

Mary Elizabeth,

Fundraising Event Consultant, Swaim Strategies

Fundraisers often focus heavily on storytelling for events like galas and campaigns to achieve short-term financial goals. However, true success in storytelling requires cultivating a culture rooted in long-term trust, ethical practices, and authentic engagement with both clients and donors. This session will explore how organizations can develop workflows that prioritize ethical fundraising practices and foster a culture of authentic, impactful storytelling.

Creating an ethical fundraising culture involves using stories that honor the dignity of those served, fostering inclusive donor engagement, and avoiding tactics that manipulate emotions through urgency or pity. By adopting these practices, organizations not only build stronger storytelling practices but also enhance their reputation and ensure credibility with their clients. Ethical fundraising requires consistent communication, genuine expressions of gratitude, and intentional efforts to nurture trust over time.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the principles of ethical storytelling.
• Develop workflows for ethical fundraising practices.
• Learn how to strengthen organizational credibility and trust.

Speakers

Derria Ford,

Chief Development Officer, Martha O' Bryan Center

From starting in a community-facing marketing, engagement and events role, to achieving a CFRE, let’s discuss the value of connection and learn habits that build staying power for a lifetime career in philanthropy.

Whether you find yourself as a partnership coordinator at a small nonprofit or working in major gifts in higher education or health system related to a Big 10 university, you’ve likely heard the consistent message: role turnover continues at an alarming rate across the nonprofit industry. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Join this lively and authentic conversation as we discuss and consider four powerful calls-to-action: including evaluating personal motivations, strengthening connection around mission, discovering shared values, and setting a tone for team psychological safety. Let’s build a network to ensure those who come behind find a career in philanthropy and fundraising both rewarding and scalable.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify their core values aligned with their work in the nonprofit industry.
• Identify a potential personal board of directors for both accountability and encouragement.
• Share their story regarding personal and professional mission alignment.

Speakers

Frances Brooks,

Executive Director, Development, Indiana University Foundation

Are your gala attendees glued to their phones… but not in a good way? In today’s digital world, attention spans are shrinking, and traditional fundraising events need a boost.

We’ve unlocked the strategy to use VIDEO to get attention, HOLD attention and create deeper connections.

Learn how we use a celebration video, a strategic fund a need video, video elements DURING the fund a need, live auction videos, and the entire social strategy leading up to your event.

The best part? Some of this can even be created on your iPhone!

Key Takeaways:

• Create a list of videos for your upcoming gala.
• Identify key employees and ambassadors that you will highlight during the gala.
• Put together a timeline and strategy for creating all the video content for your next event.

Speakers

Erin Kienzle,

Founder & Auctioneer, Giving4Good Fundraising Auctions

As the fundraising sector faces new challenges—from economic uncertainty to evolving donor expectations—nonprofits must adapt to stay ahead. This panel will explore the current state of the industry, highlight emerging trends, and discuss how organizations can innovate to thrive in a rapidly shifting environment. Experts will share insights on how to engage donors, improve fundraising strategies, and effectively harness technology to maximize impact. Whether you’re navigating budget constraints or trying to reach new donor segments, this discussion will provide the strategies you need to succeed in the new fundraising landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how current economic and societal trends are shaping donor behavior and fundraising expectations.
• Explore innovative strategies for adapting fundraising efforts to meet evolving donor preferences.
• Learn how to leverage technology to enhance donor engagement and streamline fundraising operations.

Panelist announcements coming soon!

Speakers

Erik Tomalis,

Chief Evangelist,
Avid AI

Grab a snack and a drink, network, or stop by the sponsor pavilion and visit our partners!

Nonprofits rely on fundraising events to fuel their missions, but what happens when disaster strikes? From natural disasters to economic downturns, leadership crises to global pandemics, unexpected disruptions can derail even the best-planned events. Without a solid contingency plan, organizations risk losing critical revenue, donor trust, and community engagement.

In this session, we’ll explore the essential steps to disaster-proofing your fundraising events, ensuring your organization can pivot quickly and effectively in times of crisis. You’ll learn how to create a risk management framework, develop flexible event structures, and implement communication strategies that keep stakeholders engaged, no matter the circumstances. Through real-world case studies and actionable takeaways, you’ll leave with the tools to safeguard your events and keep your mission moving forward—rain or shine.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to identify potential risks, create contingency plans, and design flexible event structures that allow for quick pivots in response to unexpected disruptions.
• Understand how to craft clear, transparent messaging for donors, sponsors, and attendees to maintain trust and engagement during times of crisis.
• Explore strategies for mitigating financial losses, leveraging alternative fundraising methods, and keeping supporters invested in your mission when events face cancellation or significant changes.

Speakers

AJ Steinberg,

Principal,
Queen Bee Fundraising

Want to hear how one nonprofit drove nearly 1,000 additional ticket sales using digital marketing?

In this co-presented session, Richard Reams of Palmetto Community Care will share how he promotes his biggest annual fundraiser—and how he levels it up each year through new digital tactics. From geofencing and CRM retargeting to behavior-based emails and peer-to-peer outreach, Richard has perfected the playbook for getting fundraising events in front of the right people and maximizing turnout.

We’ll dive into what works, what doesn’t, and strategies that drive measurable results—so you can make a stronger case to leadership and your board for investing in digital.

Key Takeaways:

• Make the case for increasing budget on digital tools and outreach strategies.
• Leverage awareness ads to reach new, high-intent audiences.
• Track event marketing success with accuracy and build on your results year after year.

Speakers

Richard Reams,

Director of Marketing, Palmetto Community Care

Bradley Martin,

VP of Growth Marketing, Feathr

In the ever-evolving world of nonprofit fundraising, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how organizations engage supporters, optimize campaigns, and maximize their impact. This session will demystify AI for nonprofit marketers and fundraisers, focusing on practical, real-world applications that can streamline workflows, personalize donor outreach, and enhance fundraising efforts.

Attendees will walk away with actionable skills, including AI-driven content creation, donor segmentation, automation tools, and predictive analytics. Through real case studies and hands-on examples, we’ll explore how AI can help nonprofits save time, stretch resources further, and build stronger donor relationships-all while staying mission-focused.

Whether you’re just starting with AI or looking to take your digital strategy to the next level, this session will provide tangible, easy-to-implement insights to help your organization raise more funds and further its mission.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover AI-powered tools that can streamline nonprofit marketing and fundraising efforts.
• Understand how AI can personalize donor engagement to increase retention and giving.
• Learn time-saving strategies to automate content creation, campaign management & data analysis.

Speakers

Chris Strom,

Chief Marketing Officer, Sunrise Association

Join Emcee Reggie Rivers and OneCause CEO, Steve Johns, for a fun, heartwarming, and one-of-a-kind Raise 2025 conference close out.

We’ll also announce the live Raise Raffle, where lucky winners take home fabulous prizes. Winners must be present!

Speakers

Reggie Rivers,

President & Emcee,
The Gala Team

Steve Johns,

CEO,
OneCause