The Executive Fundraising Leadership Forum

Elevating Leadership. Strengthening Fundraising. Inspiring change. Join us for The Executive Fundraising Leadership Forum, a full-day of professional development experience. The Executive Fundraising Leadership Forum is designed for nonprofit professionals at every stage of their career - from those new to the sector to experienced executives and organizational leaders. This full-day conference will empower attendees to see themselves as emerging leaders, regardless of their position or title, while providing practical tools and insights to help them succeed in their roles and make a meaningful impact in their organizations and communities. Whether you are a CEO, Executive Director, manager, fundraiser, or front-line staff member, this forum offers an opportunity to learn, grow, connect, and strengthen your leadership capacity. Through engaging sessions, practical tools, and conversations with experienced non-profit leaders, you’ll explore ethical fundraising and the use of AI, strategic and integrated nonprofit planning, leadership growth, conflict literacy, innovation, and leadership journeys. CFRE Continuing Education: This event qualifies for 6 CFRE Continuing Education Points. What You'll Explore Title: The Ethical Nonprofit and the Use of AI: Strategies, Tools, Checklists, and a Workbook Presented by: Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE Click to view Abstract Overview Navigating the ethical landscape in nonprofit fundraising requires more than good intentions. It requires a thoughtful, consistent approach that is woven through every stage of the fundraising cycle—from identifying prospective donors to cultivating relationships, making solicitations, and stewarding long-term support. Each phase raises important ethical questions. Prospect research must balance useful information-gathering with respect for privacy and confidentiality. Cultivation should avoid undue influence or misrepresentation of organizational impact. Solicitation requires transparency about intentions, needs, and impact. Stewardship demands accountability, honesty, and respect for donor intent. When ethical considerations are embedded into daily practice, organizations protect their reputations, strengthen donor trust, and advance their missions with credibility. The most successful fundraiser’s view ethics not as an add-on, but as the foundation of mission-driven work. Please note: The workbook will be provided digitally in advance of the event. Participants are required to print the workbook and bring it with them to the session, as it will be used throughout the day. Title: The Nonprofit Planning Process: Creating Strategic, Fundraising, and Marketing/Communications Plans Presented by: Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE Click to view Abstract Overview Effective nonprofit organizations achieve greater mission impact through integrated planning. This workshop demonstrates how the Strategic Plan serves as the foundation for the Fundraising Plan, which in turn informs the Marketing and Communications Plan. Participants will learn a practical planning process and using a workbook with templates, worksheets, and planning tools. Please note: The workbook will be provided digitally in advance of the event. Participants are required to print the workbook and bring it with them to the session, as it will be used throughout the day. 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, major gift and legacy giving manager, and foundation and corporate relations manager. Jack is a California CFRE Ambassador. At the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy (SIP) at JFK University, Jack was an instructor at the Fundraising Academy. In 2019, Jack joined as Senior Trainer the Fundraising Academy at National University. Title: Leadership Growth and Conflict Literacy – How to Paddle Your Own Boat Presented by: Cristine Saxon, MA, PCC, CLC Click to view Abstract Overview Fundraising is high-stakes, deeply human work – built on relationships, trust, reputation and commitment, and inevitably involving tension, complexity and conflict. As an executive leadership coach who has coached fundraising leaders from Saskatchewan, I’ve seen that success is often less about what you do than how you lead: how you navigate tension, nurture trusting relationships with donors and team members, approach important conversations and manage competing interests when stakes and emotions are high. Leading with conflict literacy and agility involves navigating conflict skillfully and intentionally to create better outcomes between people and for people. The concept of harnessing the energy in conflict is a powerful reframe for those of us who avoid or fear conflict, as it reminds us that conflicts arise when people care deeply about things. Cristine Saxon is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and ICF-certified PCC executive leadership coach from Vancouver Island, Canada. She previously lived for 12 years in Regina, enjoying cross country skiing, biking and paddling in the rivers and valleys of Saskatchewan while working for Farm Credit Canada and teaching leadership classes for the University of Regina. Today, she works with clients worldwide, coaching executive leaders and their teams and helping people who are moving through career and life decisions and standing at thresholds to make authentic, reflective, and informed choices that empower next steps, both big and small. Her book, Paddle Your Own Boat, filled with strategies and stories from real people paddling intentionally through their lives and careers, is available on Amazon markets worldwide and selected retailers. Cristine is known for her trust and inquiry-based approach that invites people to dive deep, to understand themselves, make decisions, and shift to healthier habits. She also helps corporate clients create intentional cultures by design and enhance their leadership teams. To learn more or get a sense of her approach, check out testimonials at www.cristinesaxon.ca or enjoy her short videos at PADDLE - for growth, your way - YouTube Earn 6 CFRE Continuing Education Points The Executive Fundraising Leadership Forum qualifies for 6 CFRE Continuing Education Points, supporting your ongoing professional development and CFRE credential requirements.