2026 Virginia Fund Raising Institute: Full Schedule

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9:00am EDT

Building Board Champions: Where Power Skills Become Daily Practice

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Many nonprofit boards are made up of deeply committed people—but commitment alone doesn’t produce traction. Boards often struggle with inconsistent engagement, unclear expectations, “rubber-stamp” decision-making, board/ED tension, and fundraising that stays stuck as a wish instead of a shared responsibility. This session addresses the real gap: the difference between boards that support the mission in theory and boards that activate the mission in practice.

Speakers

Wendy Adams

Strategic Leadership Coach, Cultivate for Good

Wendy F. Adams is the Founder and Strategic Leadership Coach of Cultivate for Good—a coaching and consulting agency for leaders who are done dragging the mission up the hill by themselves. She equips executive leaders with practical, culture-shifting tools to lead healthy, effective... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session III

Audience All
Area Board Relations/Engagement

9:00am EDT

Donor Relations & Retention to Support Sustainability

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

As nonprofits engage in conversations and focus on increasing the levels of giving to their cause, they often leave out an essential part of fundraising… building relationships that result in retention and sustainability. Relationships, steps from meet to ask, follow-ups, thanking donors, maintaining relationships, and retention are elements of quality donor relations. Join us to discuss building donor relations that have a solid foundation, keep donors engaged, create interest, cause action on the part of a donor and ultimately result in donor retention. Get a look at donor relations through the eyes of your donor and take home nuggets that you can implement right away to create more robust development departments and happier donors.

Speakers

Mandy Pearce

Owner, Funding For Good

With almost 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, organizational development, and small business growth, Mandy Pearce delivers more than just expertise—she delivers results. Renowned for her no-nonsense approach and laser-sharp insights, Mandy has trained and coached... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session III

Audience All
Area Individual Giving

9:00am EDT

From the Frontlines: A Development Director's AI Framework for Fundraising Operations

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

This practical, results-focused session demonstrates how AI can revolutionize development operations by handling time-consuming research, writing, and analysis tasks that keep fundraisers from building donor relationships. Participants will see real-world examples of AI applications across donor research, grant writing, appeal personalization, and campaign strategy—with concrete time savings and ROI metrics. The workshop addresses both the “how” and the “why,” including ethical considerations and best practices for responsible AI use. Attendees will leave with a clear implementation roadmap and immediately actionable strategies they can apply to their own development operations. This is not theoretical—it’s a proven methodology already delivering measurable results for nonprofits across the sector.

Speakers

Reagan Leatherman

Director of Development, The Byrd Theatre Foundation

Reagan Leatherman is a nonprofit development strategist with more than 15 years of experience turning institutional mission into donor investment. Currently serving as Director of Development at The Byrd Theatre Foundation in Richmond, Virginia, she leads Frame by Frame: Restoring... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session III

Audience All
Area Development Operations

9:00am EDT

Leading Like a Hero: Discovering Your Fundraising Strengths

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

Explore a practical, role-based framework designed to strengthen fundraising leadership and team effectiveness. In this interactive session, participants will identify their primary leadership role and examine how different strengths contribute to collaboration, balance, and performance. Through guided reflection and real-world nonprofit scenarios, attendees will gain tools to enhance communication, recognize areas of growth, and improve team dynamics. This session is designed to be accessible and valuable for professionals at all career stages, including those leading as a team of one.

Speakers

Brittany Claybourne

Associate Director, The Haven Shelter & Services, Inc.

As Associate Director at The Haven Shelter & Services Inc., Brittany Clayborne brings 10 years of experience supporting survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence in a small rural nonprofit. She leads strategic development, fundraising, and volunteer engagement while... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session III

Audience All
Area Career Growth/HR

9:00am EDT

Strengthening Your Institutional Fundraising Strategy to Meet the Moment

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

TBA

Despite significant cuts to public funding, nonprofits continue to mobilize and provide critical community services. There are mission-aligned funding strategies for organizations to pursue, even in difficult times; particularly building meaningful partnerships with values-aligned corporations and foundations. Join this special session with VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment and CIMA Consulting to learn how to diversify your funding sources in ways that are right for your mission, capacity, and the moment.

Speakers

Rebecca Ellison

Director of Advancement, VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment

As the Director of Advancement at VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment, Rebecca Ellison leads efforts to secure resources to further the organization’s mission. Her team’s recent successes include completing a $5.5M capital campaign and increasing institutional fundraising by 10x... Read More →

Marlo Rowland

Senior Consultant, CIMA Consulting

Marlo Rowland, MSW has a decade of experience working with or in-house at 501(c)3 organizations across a diverse range of missions. They have previously worked as a Grant Writer & Manager, and are currently a Senior Development Consultant at CIMA Consulting where they support three... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session III

Audience All
Area Fdns/Corp/Grants

10:30am EDT

From First Gift to Lasting Impact: Strengthening Donor Relationships in a Data-Informed Landscape

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

TBA

As we move deeper into a decade shaped by rapid change, adaptability is no longer optional—it’s foundational. Fundraising continues to rely on the timeless cycle of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, but success today requires greater agility, personalization, and discernment. Data and emerging technologies, including AI, can support this work, but they do not replace human connection at the heart of strong donor relationships.
In this environment, strong donor relationships are built by thoughtfully cultivating relationships before the ask and stewarding them well after it. Strong stewardship must be embedded at every level of the donor pyramid, transforming data into lasting connection.
This practical, interactive presentation explores how today’s fundraising leaders can blend human connection with data-informed insights, using tools like wealth screening and AI as lenses to sharpen focus, prioritize effort and ask better questions. Drawing on real-world examples, the session will show how intentional actions before and after the ask can significantly strengthen trust, engagement, and long-term donor loyalty. Participants will also explore how to thoughtfully integrate virtual and in-person strategies to meet donors where they are.

Speakers

Keith Curtis

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, The Curtis Group

Keith Curtis has almost 40 years of experience working on behalf of philanthropic organizations throughout the country. Over that time, Keith has become recognized as an expert in all aspects of fundraising and nonprofit management. He is also a sought-after advisor and speaker. He... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session IV

Audience All
Area Individual Giving

10:30am EDT

The Evolution of Making the Ask

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

TBA

Many fundraisers need to Make the Ask in person, on the phone, online and in writing – to major donors, to corporations, to foundations and even to Board members. When you’re making that ask you need to manage your nerves and ensure that you are shaping your Ask to have maximum chance of success. Old fashioned Moves Management is too crude an approach, as asks for becoming much more customized, more organic, and even more casual.
This session shares five key stages for any successful ask
•Passion- creating the most powerful emotional state for yourself and your prospect that addresses their concerns and motivations.
•Proposition- shaping your Case for Support to make it easy for the prospect to understand and see how they can help.
•Preparation- getting ready to meet an individual by designing a well-formed outcome and anticipating the challenges.
•Persuasion- building fast comfortable rapport and adjusting to your prospect’s communications and decision preferences.
•Persistence- handling challenges and objections effectively and where appropriate analysing what led to repeatable success.
The session is based on the Amazon best-seller Making the Ask – by Bernard Ross and Clare Segal.

Speakers

Alan Hutson

Chief Administrative Officer, Gateway

For over 25 years, Alan Hutson has helped nonprofit leaders tap into their fundraising potential. He serves as Chief Administrative Officer of Gateway, a mental health services agency offering life-changing outcomes to over 500 individuals annually. He is also a Senior Partner... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session IV

Audience All
Area Individual Giving

10:30am EDT

Transform Sponsors into Partners: A Guide to Achieving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Goals

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

TBA

Major employers and corporations look to nonprofit partners to live out their values and engagement goals, and they want to do this with meaning and depth. While featuring national trends and changes in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sponsorship relations, presenting leaders from SHARE Greater Lynchburg and their national platform partner Share Good will illuminate examples across their network of communities where corporate engagement and long-lasting partnerships have been maximized. Whether through assisting with volunteer time off (VTO) benefits or providing recognition and engagement at key events and with aligned programs – nonprofit development leaders can leverage their unique position of community enrichment with like-passioned institutions. Examples will illuminate how a convening partner like a SHARE community organizer can assist with connections to corporate leaders. Attendees will glean great lessons from the experiences such organizers have carried out and witnessed for CSR success.

Speakers

Megan Huffman

Director of Community Outreach & SHARE Greater Lynchburg, Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session IV

Audience All
Area Fdns/Corp/Grants

10:30am EDT

Values at Work: Lead from Your Center

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

TBA

Participants will be engaged in an interactive workshop to define their personal values and explore how it relates to their team, the university, and beyond. Exercises will navigate how to lead with your values in identifying personal goals, making decisions, and engaging with colleagues in the workplace.

Speakers

Mary Riddick

Senior Director of Development, Medical Philanthropy, VCU

Mary Riddick is a Senior Director of Medical Philanthropy for VCU and VCU Health Systems with over 16 years of advancement experience in nonprofit and higher education. Her career has focused on fostering philanthropic support, and she is passionate about empowering others to achieve... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session IV

Audience All
Area DEI/JEDI

1:00pm EDT

Authentic Leadership

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

In this transformative intensive, participants will dive deep into the principles of authentic leadership as inspired by Brené Brown’s groundbreaking research on vulnerability, courage, and human connection. This workshop is designed to challenge traditional leadership paradigms and empower participants to lead with genuine emotion, empathy, and personal integrity.

Speakers

Karen Owen

Executive and Life Coach, Karen Price Owen Coaching

With more than three decades of experience in marketing, leadership, and organizational management, Karen Price Owen brings a rare combination of corporate expertise and certified coaching practice to the professionals and organizations she works with.

A trained executive coach grounded in Martha Beck's evidence-based methodologies, Karen specializes in helping leaders navigate pivotal transitions — whether redefining their professional identity, stepping into expanded roles, or realigning their work with deeper purpose. Her approach... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session V

Audience All
Area Career Growth/HR

1:00pm EDT

Enhancing Your Event Through Intentional Engagement

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

During this session you will building confidence in your committees, relationships and event execution. You will learn how to recruit and drive your committees to a common goal. You will understand how to take your event to the next level with intentional asset opportunities that deepen your partnership with your sponsors. You will leave inspired to cultivate beyond your sponsorship benefits to expand your fundraising impact in the room.

Speakers

Rachael Schrinel

President & CEO, Make A Wish Greater Virginia

Rachael Schrinel is President and CEO of Make‑A‑Wish® Greater Virginia, where she leads the organization’s mission to bring hope, strength, and joy to children with critical illnesses and their families across the Commonwealth. A respected nonprofit executive, Rachael is known... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session V

Audience All
Area Individual Giving

1:00pm EDT

From Oz to Outcomes: Behind the Curtain of Why Donors Give

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Mapping psychological barriers—fear of failure, reputational risk and public scrutiny, trust issues, and family and generational concerns—to actionable engagement strategies. What truly motivates donors to give—and what holds them back? Have you ever asked donors this question directly? With a combined 45 years of fundraising experience, Carrie and Martha will guide you through overcoming both external and internal barriers to meaningful conversations.

Speakers

Martha Quinn

Chief Development Officer, Science Museum of Virginia Foundation

Martha Quinn joined the Science Museum of Virginia in July 2024 as the Chief Development Officer to build support for the Science Museum’s mission. Martha was previously at Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, and was instrumental in bringing a transformational... Read More →

Carrie Miller

Director of Philanthropy, Heritage Wealth Advisors

Carrie Mills Miller, CFRE, is Director of Philanthropy, where she works with individuals and families to align their resources with their values through thoughtful, purpose‑driven giving strategies.

With 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and philanthropic development, Carrie has led transformational fundraising initiatives at VCU Health and the University of Florida, securing some of the largest gifts in institutional history. Her expertise includes complex and planned... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session V

Audience All
Area Individual Giving

1:00pm EDT

From Plan to Impact: How Communications Can Drive Fundraising

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Over the past four years, we have implemented a comprehensive communications schedule designed to engage all stakeholders and align strategies across channels. This workshop will explore how monthly reviews keep teams proactive on upcoming tasks and deadlines, while annual evaluations ensure adaptability by adding or removing initiatives, such as incorporating Giving Day and digital communications committees. We’ll highlight opportunities for personalization and segmentation across direct mail, digital platforms, social media, email, and personal outreach. Participants will learn how leveraging stories through multiple channels can maximize efficiency and amplify impact, showcasing the full continuum of care.

Speakers

Tricia Ambler

Director of Organizational Giving, Sheltering Arms Foundation

Tricia Ambler serves as Director of Organizational Giving at Sheltering Arms Foundation. In this role, she leads efforts to secure philanthropic support from foundation and corporate funders, working closely with program staff to align funding opportunities with strategic priorities... Read More →

Lisa Resch

Director of Development, Sheltering Arms Foundation

Lisa Resch serves as Director of Development for Sheltering Arms Foundation, where she has dedicated over 12 years to advancing the organization’s mission. Sheltering Arms is a 137-year-old nonprofit that provides advanced physical rehabilitation to inpatient, outpatient, and community-based... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session V

Audience All
Area Development Operations

1:00pm EDT

Spark, Strengthen, Sustain: Corporate & Donor Partnerships

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

This session explores how nonprofits can engage varying donor levels and corporations in mission-driven philanthropy through meaningful donor experiences and corporate gifts. Participants will learn to connect their mission to corporate CSR priorities, center the experiences of those they serve, and clearly articulate ROI. By leveraging donor circles, councils, events, volunteerism, and authentic storytelling, attendees will discover strategies to foster deeper, purpose-driven partnerships that go beyond transactions to co-create real change. Walk away with practical tools to strengthen relationships and position your organization as a compelling business and social value proposition for both corporate and individual partners.

Speakers

Jill Queen

Director of Women United, United Way of South Hampton Roads

For the past three years, Jill Queen has served with United Way of South Hampton Roads as the Joan P. Brock Endowed Director of Women United. She collaborates with donors across all levels to support women’s philanthropy initiatives, including local mobility-mentoring programs that... Read More →

Sierrah Chavis

Director, Strategic Initiatives, United Way South Hampton Roads

Sierrah Chavis is an accomplished educator, advocate, and strategic leader with a passion for empowering communities and elevating underrepresented voices. She holds an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Administration and Leadership from Old Dominion University and a... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session V

Audience All
Area Fdns/Corp/Grants

2:15pm EDT

Getting The Word Out: Working With The Media

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

TBA

How do you get the word out and earn media attention? Emmy Award-winning journalist and public relations professional Amy Lacey will lead this session to give you the tools and knowledge you need to connect with media to get the word out about your work. Amy will cover how to build relationships with the media, how to craft a compelling and relevant pitch, what to do when you get the call, and more.

Speakers

Amy Lacey

Director of Local Programming & Host, WTVR-TV

Amy Lacey is an Emmy award–winning journalist with nearly three decades of experience in television, digital media, radio, and public relations LinkedIn. She is currently the Director of Local Programming at WTVR-TV CBS6 in Richmond, Virginia, where she co-hosts the local lifestyle... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session VI

Audience All
Area Development Operations

2:15pm EDT

How to Create a Social Media Strategy for Small Shops

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

TBA

In a world where social media trends come and go in the blink of an eye, it’s crucial for nonprofits to 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.
With practical tips and case studies, Julia will demonstrate how to effectively use social media to craft effective calls-to-action that convert fans and followers to donors and long-term supporters. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, inspiration, and real-world examples of ways that even small nonprofits can market their mission and services on social media.

Speakers

Julia Campbell

Author and Speaker, J Campbell Social Marketing, LLC

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 2025, is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to designing social media and storytelling strategies that help nonprofits share their mission... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session VI

Audience All
Area Development Operations

2:15pm EDT

The other nonprofit cultures: Culture of Curiosity, Culture of Experimentation and a Culture of Innovation

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

TBA

How do we create a culture of curiosity where asking questions, discussing new ideas, encouraging different perspectives, learning from mistakes is encouraged. Where curiosity leads to a culture of experimentation where ideas, expectations shape how donor research is done and where creativity, new ideas are embedded in our daily operations with our various stakeholders.

Speakers

Jack Alotto

Trainer, Fundraising Academy, National University

Jack is a graduate of Glassboro State College and the State University of New York at Oswego, both degrees are in Psychology. Throughout his career, Jack has served in a variety of fundraising positions in hospital, social service and the arts as executive director, development director... Read More →

Bree Muehlbauer

Associate Vice President, Philanthropy Activation, Digital Health Strategies

Bree Muehlbauer, CFRE, MPA, AFP Certified Trainer, is building the future of philanthropy. As AVP of Philanthropy Activation at Digital Health Strategies, she brings deep cross-sector expertise to nonprofit health systems, equipping them with data intelligence, AI-powered fundraising... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session VI

Audience All
Area Development Operations

2:15pm EDT

The Virginia Grants Landscape: A Field Guide for Right Now

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

TBA

The grants landscape looks nothing like it did two years ago. Federal funding has contracted dramatically. State priorities are shifting. And private foundations are fielding a wave of new applicants from organizations that never needed them before. If your grants strategy hasn’t changed. It’s already behind.
This session maps the full grants landscape in Virginia — federal, state, local, private, and corporate — so development officers can see the whole board. We’ll walk through what’s happening at each level: where funding is growing, where it’s shrinking, who the new competitors are, and where the overlooked opportunities sit.
We’ll pay particular attention to the ripple effects. When thousands of formerly federal-dependent organizations pivot to private philanthropy, it changes the competitive dynamics for everyone. Foundations are adjusting. Corporate funders are rethinking. And that means different things for everyone.

Speakers

Matt Leighty

Chief Strategy Officer, GrantFlow

Matt is a Virginia native with over a decade of experience securing grants that span tiny nonprofits to big universities and corporations. Matt developed a winning methodology that has secured nearly $200 million in grants for his firm’s clients.

Amy Bradshaw

Senior Grants Manager, GrantFlow

Amy Bradshaw, MSW is a Senior Grants Manager with 15+ years of experience in grant writing and nonprofit funding strategy. With a background spanning behavioral health, healthcare access, and youth services, she specializes in helping nonprofits build sustainable, competitive funding... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session VI

Audience All
Area Fdns/Corp/Grants

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