Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (program runs 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.)
Venue: Center for Enriched Living, 280 Saunders Road , Riverwoods, IL 60015
Program Description: Are you ready to take the mystery out of major donor fundraising? This session is your starting point for understanding how to find, research, meet, and build lasting relationships with major donor prospects. Designed specifically for fundraisers and executive directors new to major giving—or those looking to refine their strategy—this actionable 5-step framework will demystify the process and equip you with practical tools, templates, and guidance.
You'll learn how to:
Identify and prioritize the right donor prospects.
Conduct meaningful research that goes beyond the basics.
Build authentic connections and align donor interests with your mission.
Strategically engage and steward donors for long-term partnerships.
Leave this session with a clear roadmap to jumpstart your major gifts program and the confidence to approach individual giving with purpose and success. Major gifts don’t have to feel overwhelming—join us to gain the tools and strategies to engage your natural partners more effectively.
Speaker Bios: Renee Davis, MNM, CFRE has 18 years of nonprofit fundraising experience. She has extensive knowledge of campaign strategy and planning, board and staff development, and major gifts. Renee believes partnership and relationship-building is the key to all successful fundraising programs, and she approaches client work with an entrepreneurial mindset to maximize resources and efficiencies. Renee has experience raising funds for large and small institutions, and her passion for the social sector and deep knowledge of fundraising drive measurable results for organizations of all sizes.
Renee holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Miami University of Ohio and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from DePaul University. She is a member of AFP Chicago and currently serves on the Continuous Learning Council as the Faculty Lead for AFP Fundamentals Chicago and is also a member of the West Suburban Philanthropic Network. She lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, three children, and 75-lb boxer.
Membership: Only $50 /year for 10 programs plus other PIDN benefits.
Drop-In: $20 per program ($15 for professionals new to the field)