2026 Virginia Fund Raising Institute: Full Schedule

3:15pm EDT

Where Strategic Planning and Fundraising Meet

Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT

Are you tired of the “spray and pray” approach to fundraising? (Aka: throw it all out there and hope something sticks method)

Is your organization ready to raise substantial funds to grow your programs or operating capacity?

Funding for Good’s experts will outline WHY every organization needs a well-crafted strategic plan and HOW to use it to leverage both dollars and donors. This workshop breaks down the top ways a strategic plan contributes to fundraising success and what donors are looking for in your written plan. Finally, walk away with actionable tips and tools to cover the cost of your next planning process

Speakers

Marie Palacios

Lead Consultant, Funding For Good

Marie Palacios, Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, is an expert educator, consultant, and facilitator who helps leaders achieve their goals.

She combines evidence-based facilitation methods and two decades of professional experience to facilitate dynamic and productive meetings... Read More →

Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session I

Audience Mid Career
Area Development Operations

4:30pm EDT

Leading Through Transition: Building a Future Ready Succession Plan in a Changing Fundraising Landscape

Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

TBA

Succession planning is no longer a back burner task — it is a strategic imperative for nonprofits navigating leadership transitions, shifting donor expectations, and an increasingly competitive funding environment. This 60–90 minute workshop equips board members and executives with a practical, proactive framework for emergency, departure defined, and long term leadership planning. Participants explore real world examples, best practices, and tools that strengthen organizational resilience and reduce risk. The session emphasizes shared leadership, strategic alignment, and the operational readiness needed to sustain mission critical work during transitions. Attendees leave with clarity, confidence, and actionable next steps to build a leader full organization.

Speakers

Amy Nisenson

Principal Consultant, Nisenson Consulting LLC

Amy is a respected, sought-after community leader with over 40 years of strategic management and leadership experience in the philanthropic, corporate, and government sectors. She is Principal and Founder of Nisenson Consulting LLC since 2009, serving the nonprofit sector and specializing... Read More →

Wednesday July 22, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session II

Audience All
Area Development Operations

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

10:30am EDT

Designing Donor-Centered Events That Last: A 25-Year Fundraising Success Story

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

TBA

Workshop attendees will go behind the scenes of ForKids’ 25th anniversary fundraiser to learn how intentional design, board engagement, and donor-centered strategy fueled record-breaking success. The session highlights practical approaches to committee structure, table hosting, storytelling, sponsorship, and immersive event experiences that deepen donor relationships and drive revenue. Participants will also learn how data, consistency, and year-round planning can turn a single event into a sustainable fundraising cornerstone. Attendees will leave with adaptable strategies they can apply to events of any size to increase impact, engagement, and generosity.

Speakers

Mary Crosby

Senior Director of Development, ForKids

Mary Crosby serves as Senior Director of Development at ForKids, where she leads the strategic direction of the organization’s $5 million annual fund. In this role, she oversees comprehensive fundraising initiatives that deepen donor engagement, strengthen partnerships, and expand... Read More →

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

Workshop, Workshop Session IV

Audience Mid Career
Area Development Operations

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

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

3:45pm EDT

Cut Through the Noise: A Scientist's Guide to What Actually Works

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Fundraisers today face an overwhelming volume of conflicting advice from donor communication, generational giving, digital platforms, and more. This often leads to analysis paralysis, defaulting to familiar strategies, or cycling through tactics without clear evidence they’re working. This workshop introduces a practical, research-grounded framework that helps development professionals evaluate recommendations and test assumptions before committing significant time and resources. Attendees will leave with a method for getting real answers, not just more opinions.

Speakers

Shannon Williams

Managing Partner, Armstrong McGuire

Shannon Williams serves as Managing Partner at Armstrong McGuire where she helps the team of advisors create winning strategies for their nonprofit partners.

Before joining Armstrong McGuire, she focused on both annual and capital development working with independent schools and human service organizations, including the YMCA of the Triangle—one of the top 5 YMCA’s in the country in terms of revenue. Throughout her career Shannon has... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session VII

Area Development Operations

11:00am EDT

The Retention Games: May the Donors Be Ever in Your Favor Donor Retention: A Data-Driven Approach

Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

TBA

How Personalization, Timing, and Human Touch Drive Giving
In a world where every click, stream, and scroll is personalized, donors expect more than a generic thank-you and a quarterly newsletter. They want to be seen, heard, and valued. But many nonprofits are unintentionally ghosting their own supporters.
This session reveals the surprising data behind donor retention—and what the top-performing organizations are doing differently. Spoiler: It’s not about flashy appeals or perfectly designed emails. It’s about treating donors like humans.
You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how to retain more donors by improving your welcome experience, writing like a person (not a brand), and sending the right message at the right time—all based on real-world data from 91 organizations.
This isn’t theory. It’s a wake-up call to do the small things that actually make a big difference.

Speakers

Erik Tomalis

CRO, Avid

Erik has over two decades of professional fundraising experience, having successfully
conducted more than 5,000 face-to-face donor solicitations, raising millions for various
non-profit organizations across sectors, including healthcare, education, human services,
athletics, and you... Read More →

Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

Workshop, Workshop Session VIII

Audience All
Area Development Operations

3:15pm EDT

4:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

10:30am EDT

1:00pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

11:00am EDT

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