National Philanthropy Day

National Philanthropy Day 2024 banner

Thank you for joining us for the 2024 National Philanthropy Day Conference & Awards in Philanthropy Celebration!

The event featured an engaging line up of speakers covering important topics to help strengthen your toolbox for effective fundraising — plus allowed attendees to earn 4 CFRE credits!

AFP SD was honored to celebrate the impact of the 2024 Awards in Philanthropy recipients on Thursday, November 14 beginning at 5 p.m. Click here to view the 2024 award recipients; click here to view past award recipients.

The two-day conference included educational sessions, table talk discussions, and opportunities to network with fundraising professionals from across the region. Session topics include: Fundraising and Stewardship, Building a Strong Team, Self-Care, Board Development, Corporate Giving, Special Events, Gift Planning, Partnerships and Collaboration, Prospect Research, Project Management and more. 

Here is the full schedule:

Thursday, November 14

2:00 p.m.    Welcome NPD Conference

2:30-3:30 p.m.    Professional Development Breakout Sessions

-     Intentional Inclusion
Facilitator: Taneeza Islam, SD Voices for Peace
This session will introduce the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in philanthropy, focusing on how intentional practices can create inclusive donor engagement and foster organizational growth. Attendees will learn strategies to implement DEI principles in fundraising initiatives and understand the role inclusivity plays in building stronger philanthropic relationships.

-       Small Team, Big Impact
Facilitators: Virginia Wishard-Lambert, Abbott House; Christy Vastenhout, McCrossan Boys Ranch; Tammy Beintema, American Heart Association; Jennifer Hoesing, Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons
In this session, you will hear from a panel of leaders from various nonprofit organizations across the state and dive into effective fundraising with a small team. Attendees will explore strategies for maximizing impact despite limited time and resources, emphasizing collaboration and efficiency. Participants will leave with practical tools and insights to enhance their fundraising efforts, ensuring that every initiative is well-executed and aligned with their organizational goals.

-       Cultivating Generosity: Newcomers to Fundraising 
Facilitators: Dzenan Berberovic, Avera, and Emma Shears, Innovative NonProfit
This session is tailored for those new to the field of fundraising, providing an overview of essential fundraising practices, terminology, and trends. Attendees will receive guidance on building a strong foundation in donor cultivation, stewardship, and ethical fundraising principles.

3:30-4:00 p.m.    Break

4:00-5:00 p.m.    Professional Development Breakout Sessions

-       Navigating Corporate Giving: What Funders Look For
Panelists: Cindy Peterson, Maximizing Excellence; Karlie Solum, Marsh McLennan Agency; Paige Pearson-Meyer, Midco; Olivia Essig, Sanford Health; Lindsey Meyers, Avera
Join us for an engaging session with some of the region’s experts in corporate giving, from Marsh McLennan Agency, Sanford Health, Avera Health, Midco, and Maximizing Excellence. This dynamic group will discuss tips for successfully engaging with philanthropic businesses, digging into an organization’s strategic giving priorities, and effectively navigating funding windows and application processes. Participants will leave with practical tools and insights to enhance their fundraising efforts and ensure that sponsorships, grants, and other corporate giving requests align with what funders look for. 

-       Simple Self-Care in a Complex World
Facilitator: Amber Reints, Avel eCare
In this session, participants will explore self-care techniques that allow nonprofit professionals to maintain their well-being while managing the demands of fundraising. The session will provide tools for balancing professional responsibilities with personal health and longevity.

-       When Will My Board Grow Up? The Predictable Stages of Board Development
Facilitator: Brian Bonde, Advanced Certified Fundraising, LLC
This session will highlight the importance of building a strong and engaged board of directors to support fundraising efforts. Attendees will learn strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining board members who are actively involved in fundraising.

5:00 p.m.   Awards in Philanthropy Celebration

            5:00 p.m.    Social

            5:30 p.m.    Welcome with AFP-SD President Kellyna Warnke

            6:00 p.m.    Awards Presentation & Keynote Panel

Keynote Panel
Featuring: Our 2024 Award Recipients
The event will feature panel discussion with our National Philanthropy Day award recipients. Participants will gain diverse insights from the difference-makers in our state.

7:00 p.m.    Closing

7:00 p.m.    After Hours Social


Friday, November 15

7:30 a.m.    Sunrise Yoga and Simple Self-Care in a Complex World

Facilitator: Braden Bradfield, Revolution Yoga & Cycle
This session will provide a relaxing and rejuvenating start to the day with yoga, followed by a discussion on maintaining mental and physical wellness in the nonprofit sector. Participants will learn self-care strategies to stay balanced while managing the pressures of fundraising.

 

9:00 a.m.    Welcome & Breakfast

9:30 a.m.    Professional Development Breakout Sessions

-       From Balance Sheets to Benefactor Engagement: A Collaborative Approach to Success
Panelists: Dzenan Berberovic and Julie Lautt, Avera
This session will examine the relationship between nonprofit financial health and donor engagement. Participants will learn how to interpret balance sheets, communicate financial transparency to donors, and integrate financial data into donor engagement strategies.

-       Crafting Compelling Narratives: Storytelling Techniques to Inspire Giving
Facilitator: Amy Pokela, AmPo
This session will teach participants how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with donors and inspire giving. Attendees will learn how to connect organizational impact with donor values through storytelling techniques that evoke emotion and action.

-       Craft a Legacy: Using Trusts and Retirement Planning to Make a Positive Impact
Facilitators: Cameo Anders and Gary Popkes, Plains Commerce Bank
This session will explore how fundraisers can guide donors in legacy giving through trusts and retirement plans. Attendees will learn how to initiate conversations around planned giving and the legal tools available for donors to leave a lasting legacy.

10:30 a.m.    Break

11:00 a.m.    Professional Development Breakout Sessions

-       Smart Stewardship: Telling Your Story and Strengthening Donor Relationships with Everyday Tools
Facilitator: Jennifer Hoesing, Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons
In this session, you'll learn how to work smarter, not just harder, by using simple tools—like social media, personalized communication, and data tracking—to tell your organization’s stories and connect with donors. Bring your own examples to share as we explore strategies to showcase your impact and deepen donor relationships.

-       Corporate Fundraising Events: A Modern Approach to Galas, Charity Walks and More
Facilitator: Elijah Bonde, Avera
This session will provide insights into planning and executing special events that attract corporate sponsors and donors. Attendees will learn how to design events that align with corporate giving priorities and create meaningful opportunities for sponsor engagement.

-       Power of the Purse: Women in Philanthropy
Facilitators – Emma Shears, Innovative NonProfit, Jona Schmidt, Bethel Lutheran Home, Virginia Wishard Lambert, Abbott House
This session will explore the growing role of women in philanthropy, focusing on their influence as donors and decision-makers. Attendees will learn how to engage and cultivate female donors by understanding their unique motivations and philanthropic priorities.

Noon    Lunch  


Full participation in AFP SD’s 2024 National Philanthropy Day Conference was applicable for 4 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

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