2026 Symposium on Fundraising

Save the Date: 2026 Symposium: Major Gifts: Strategy, Confidence, and the Courage to Ask

June 11, 9.30 am – 3.30 pm

Ventura College (Thank you, Ventura College Foundation!)

4667 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93003

Register Now!

Major Gifts: Strategy, Confidence, and the Courage to Ask

Major gifts are the engine of transformational growth—and they require precision, preparation, and purposeful asks. This symposium focuses on strengthening major gift strategy, from identifying and qualifying prospects to crafting and delivering compelling solicitations. Participants will gain practical tools, experiences, and renewed confidence to ask boldly, close effectively, and elevate the financial future of their organizations. The symposium also includes a distinguished panel of local major donors to share their perspectives. 

Who Should Attend:

Fundraising professionals, senior nonprofit leadership, board members, volunteers, donors, consultants, and others interested in a career in the nonprofit sector are warmly welcome.

Meet our AFP Symposium Keynote Speaker: Mary Peterson | www.heyfundraiser.com 

About Speaker: Mary Petersen has spent over 25 years in the major gift trenches, helping nonprofits raise millions while teaching fundraisers how to find the words, the confidence, and the courage to ask. She is the founder of Hey Fundraiser, and the author of What to Say: 12 Scripts for Asking for a Major Gift. Mary’s work has guided organizations from hospitals to universities to community-based nonprofits, and she is known for her fresh, joyful approach to the most intimidating part of fundraising: the ask itself. She has trained and coached thousands of fundraisers across the country, equipping them to overcome fear, build authentic donor relationships, and close transformational gifts.

Keynote Session:

What to Say: Practical Words for Confident, Effective Gift Asks is an interactive experience designed to help fundraisers get past the fear that so often shows up around asking for gifts. Fear of saying the wrong thing. Fear of being too direct. Fear of hearing an objection and not knowing what to say next. This session is all about replacing that anxiety with practical language, real practice, and greater confidence.

Afternoon Session

Small Table, Big Philanthropy

Big gifts come from small tables, real conversations, and genuine connection. In this hands-on session, author and major gift strategist Mary Petersen will walk you through her proven three-step system for launching or revitalizing a major gift program: The Dinner, The Match, and The Upgrade. You'll leave with a concrete 90-day action plan you can put into motion the Monday after the Symposium.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Design an intimate, mission-focused event
2. Identify the right host, the right guests, and the right conversation to inspire five- and six-figure gifts
3. Structure a match campaign that turns leadership gifts into a movement of new donors
4. Apply the 3-Year Rule to upgrade loyal donors to major gifts
5. Leave with a 90-day action plan