Educational Series

Giving USA will release its annual report on philanthropy in early summer, offering in-depth research on the who, what, and where of giving in 2024. Let's learn more about the trends togeher!

Got a fundraising question you’ve been dying to ask but weren’t sure where to turn? Now’s your chance!

Join us for an engaging morning exploring charitable giving strategies! Learn, share, and grow with other local fundraising professionals at our March education session. 

Join us for an engaging morning of roundtable presentations! Learn, share, and grow with other local fundraising professionals at our February education session. 

Join us for an engaging morning of roundtable presentations! Learn, share, and grow with other local fundraising professionals at our January education session. 

Grants, events, major gifts, direct mail appeals, oh my!

Join us for an engaging workshop where we explore how to create a development plan that prioritizes your time and energy while also improving ROI and meeting big goals.

Join us for an engaging professional development workshop on the transformative potential of AI. This session will provide an introduction to AI, explore its ethical implications and risks, and highlight innovative uses and possibilities within the fundraising sector. Participants will have the opportunity to brainstorm and converse on how AI can be integrated into their practices, and receive valuable resources to further their learning. Don't miss this chance to enhance your knowledge and skills in a rapidly evolving field!

Giving USA will release its annual report on philanthropy (Giving USA 2024: A Forum on Philanthropy), publishing in-depth research on the who, what, and where of giving in 2023! 

Campbell & Company, in partnership with AFP Southeastern Wisconsin, will be presenting a local conversation about the report. Together, we will discuss the biggest headlines of 2023, the current environment, explore what past trends can—and cannot—tell us, and forecast what’s next for our sector.

The partnership between Board Members and the Development team is crucial to your team’s fundraising success. How can you empower your board members as active participants and passionate supporters in your organization's fundraising?

Join us for this highly interactive and participant-driven workshop!

Burnout: it is a hot topic among fundraising professionals. What is it? And more importantly - what can we do about it?

Facilitated by Claire Becker, a leadership coach with 15 years of experience as a coach, educator, professional development partner, in this session we will discuss how we can begin to make changes in our daily practice and sphere of influence to work through the causes of burnout. Participants will share perspectives and actively participate in small-group coaching sessions, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and resilience. This workshop is intended to empower you with effective strategies you can begin to use within your workplace!

Strong and effective communication skills are essential for successful fundraisers to build awareness, motivate donors, create connections, and stay top of mind. Join Cavendish Vernal for an introductory session on Relationship Talking, a development experience focused on presentation and meeting management strategies.

Your donor data plays a pivotal role in shaping your fundraising strategy. Your organization’s database can help you improve efficiency; personalize donor communications; and report on your fundraising success. Alternatively, a poorly managed or disorganized database can do the opposite: halting progress and harming donor relationships.

AI isn't just for sci-fi movies anymore; it's real, and it is here. If you can't decide whether AI is a cool futuristic tool or a robot plotting to take your job, take a breath. AI has potential, especially when it comes to grant writing and fundraising. Whether you're dipping your toes into the AI pool for the first time or a seasoned enthusiast, this session's got you covered. We'll dive into best practices, tips and tricks, and hands-on applications. It doesn’t matter if you are part of a big team or a solo fundraiser, AI's ready to be the coworker you never knew you needed. This session will spark curiosity and boost your confidence in utilizing AI for fundraising and grant writing.

Giving USA released its annual report on philanthropy in June, publishing in-depth research on the who, what, and where of giving in 2022. To mark the release, Campbell & Company, in partnership with AFP Southeastern Wisconsin, is hosting Giving USA 2023 Southeastern Wisconsin. Together, we will discuss the biggest headlines of 2022, and the current environment, explore what past trends can—and cannot—tell us, and forecast what’s next for our sector.

Please join us on Wednesday, July 26 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a special AFP-SEWI education session hosted at Wellpoint Care Network Training Center. 
 
Topic: Conversational Approach Training – Navigating Sticky Conversations

Unconscious Bias is a learned stereotype that is automatic, unintentional, deeply ingrained, universal, and able to influence behavior. Unconscious bias seeps into decisions that affect recruitment, retention, hiring, access to healthcare, housing, education, criminal justice, providing services, interpersonal interactions, and outcomes in ways that can disadvantage both individuals and groups of people. We all have some form of unconscious bias, and the key is to recognize that we have it and employ techniques to mitigate it.

Join us for our annual AFP business meeting followed by our popular and engaging round table discussions on timely fundraising topics such as Events, Stewarding Donors, Major Gifts, Grant Research Resources, Mid-level Giving, Planned Giving, CFRE, and volunteering with AFPSEWI.

Spring is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf.  Join AFPSEWI for this free session for members and prospective members to network, learn about AFP, watch a webinar together and launch our 2023 Mentor-Mentee Program! 

Spend time with Stefanie Ahrens, Director of Corporate Engagement at Children's Wisconsin and Ann Stadler, Chief Marketing Officer at the University Wisconsin -Whitewater, as they share the ins and outs of producing winning sponsorships for your next event or program.  With more than 45 years of experience in developing, securing and funding sponsorships, these two will share the dos and don'ts of successful sponsorship.

Many organizations have strong programs and initiatives. The challenge most organizations face is demonstrating the value to their programs as well as their impact. This session will walk every organization through the 4 key steps every organization should take to start capturing and sharing the impact of their organization.

Ready to kickstart your fundraising efforts and/or career in 2023? Join us for these roundtable table discussions led by industry professionals to help you move forward in the new year.

Wherever you’re at with your CFRE journey, join us to learn more about what the CFRE signifies, why it matters to your work, and what you can do to achieve this honor.

The Wisconsin Philanthropy Network (WPN) is a professional membership association for Grantmakers from across the state.  Wisconsin’s premier resource in philanthropy committed to promoting effective philanthropy by providing networking opportunities, professional development, and customized research opportunities. Serving over 650 philanthropic professions representing 120 organizations the WPN mission is to support and promote effective philanthropy in Wisconsin through education, best practices, enhanced partnerships, and leadership.
 

This presentation will explore ways for your nonprofit to document complex gifts through gift agreements. Topics to be discussed include the basic elements of any gift agreement, planned gift agreements, agreements concerning naming recognition, and gift agreements for the donation of real and tangible property.

Join us at this session to learn how to best plan for your year-end appeal. First, Jayne Pfeifer with Thysse will give a ‘state of’ direct mail including considerations such as supply shortages and timelines, suggestions to save costs due to price increases overall, and postal promos and changes. Then Taylor Schult, Managing Director of Annual Giving and Advancement Services at Marquette University, will give an overview of MU’s year-end strategy focusing on a multichannel approach with direct mail supplemented by targeted e-mail, digital, text and phone outreach. 

A monthly giving program can give your nonprofit a reliable income stream from dedicated donors. Do you want to start up a monthly giving program or have you already tried and it just hasn’t gone anywhere? Join us for a panel discussion where panelists share the details on their program – best practices, what does/doesn’t work, what resources they use, and how they ‘sell’ the program to their donors. There will be opportunities for questions, so be sure to bring some! 

Campbell & Company is hosting Giving USA 2022: A Virtual Forum on Philanthropy, an online conversation that focuses on the nonprofit sector's current environment.

Logic Models are tools to help you explain complex systems in simplified terms. They are visual representations of the relationships between resources, activities and outcomes. Sound interesting? Helpful? Fun? (Not that grant proposals need to be more fun...!) 

Development plans – ugh, am I right? The prospect is daunting and who has the time? Join us for Tamara Pacada’s “Demystifying the Development Plan” to discuss the value of having a plan to help you focus your work and increase gift revenue success. Besides, it could save your job as you complete the tasks that you and your superiors (staff, board) agreed to whether or not the hoped-for outcome was accomplished. Tamara will provide a roadmap of the necessary components and real world examples. Bring your questions!

David Malone, President of McDonald Schaefer and Kim Koch, Sr. Consultant will present on the topic of capital campaigns. Their fast-paced and insightful presentation will provide a well rounded understanding of capital campaigns.

The last two years have been unusual to say the least and have created an uncertain philanthropic environment. While many donors have risen to the challenge, while we may think we know our donors, do we really? How are they feeling about their giving plan for 2022?

Join us for a panel discussion with three expert advisors to learn how they are advising their clients and what their clients are thinking.

 As the COVID-19 crisis continues to affect the nonprofit world, it’s necessary to revisit principles and best practices. Please join us Dec. 9 for roundtable sessions covering a myriad of topics in light of our current fundraising environment.  You will be able to choose from three sessions.

Many small non-profit organizations are led by well-intended, dedicated and thoughtful Boards of Directors. Those generous volunteer leaders also often have little experience with or knowledge of the practical realities faced by professional executive staff. In this session, led by a small shop veteran, we will discuss how to successfully navigate and manage a Board of Directors, including understanding the different types of Boards of Directors, developing foundational documents, and creating systems that set realistic expectations for volunteers and staff alike.

Professional development doesn’t end with a training session. As you continue to pursue new ideas and invest in your mission, join your colleagues for some chatter and beverages. We will join together in-person to relax, recharge, and celebrate the steps forward we have taken. 

As fundraisers everywhere grapple with how to incorporate, challenge and move forward with IDEA principles, we invite you to hear from two women on the forefront of this work. Liz LeClair is the current Chair for AFP Women’s Initiative and uses her platform and voice to call to action. Birgit Burton will be the first African American woman to serve as AFP Global’s Board Chair and is the founder of the AADO (African American Development Officers). Birgit brings her personal fundraising story to the conversation. Both women are on a mission to shift the profession’s culture to one where it is truly a place open to all.

How we diversify our fundraising to welcome donors from every background. As fundraisers we talk about our internal culture of philanthropy and then we often talk about the culture of philanthropy that is present in our community. Join this discussion to hear from panelists who have philanthropic experiences from different regions and cultures of the world. They will share the similarities and differences to their cultures and give fundraisers an idea of how to respectfully talk about philanthropy with individuals who identify with a variety of cultures. 

Diversifying fundraising strategies helps us meet goals despite the most unexpected conditions. Planned giving has the power to transform organizations and sustain their success for years to come. In this session, dive into the nitty gritty and learn practical steps you can take (even if you are a one-person shop!) to overcome common misconceptions and build a planned giving program that appeals to a variety of donors of all age groups.

Topics covered include why it is so important to do holiday campaigns, when to do them and how to effectively use the last six weeks of the year for your nonprofits success. We will also discuss and learn about effective direct mail, online solicitations, and end of year solicitations during the November/December period.

With her infectious energy and diverse leadership experience, Terri shares everyday strategies to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and/or non-profit board. Participants will leave with the skills needed to lead and inspire a team of people who want to ignite change in their organizations or communities.

 Join our local discussion on the data and trends from Giving USA 2021: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2021 which was released as a national webinar on June 21.  National Webinar Viewing not required for local session participation.

Join our local discussion on the data and trends from Giving USA 2021: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2020 which will be released as a national webinar on June 15.  National Webinar Viewing not required for local session participation

Campbell & Company is hosting Giving USA 2021: A Virtual Forum on Philanthropy, an online conversation that focuses on the nonprofit sector's current environment.

There is a big misconception that soliciting for a legacy gift is the same as asking for a major gift. Nothing could be further from the truth. While there are some similarities, the approach and lead up is completely different.

This webinar will present the similarities and differences between a legacy and a major gift ask, what research tells us how donors make decisions and how you can harness all this information to craft a deeply personal and successful legacy ask.

Metrics on any level are important. At a basic level, they help track progress towards goals. More importantly, they give you both the data to make informed decisions, help you build off your successes, and identify opportunities for improvement. Metrics can also show donors the tangible impact their dollars are helping to bring to their communities. Join us as we cover a variety of metrics topics during the following 30-minute ‘roundtable’ discussions.

In an increasingly more competitive nonprofit landscape, donors want to invest in organizations that know where they’re going. Join Barbara O’Reilly, CFRE, Principal of Windmill Hill Consulting, as she breaks down setting a bold strategic plan in the webinar, followed by a 30-minute discussion with local experts.

January Educational Luncheon: This presentation will offer an overview of what makes this generation tick and how they make buying decisions in general.

February Educational Luncheon: Technology is changing our world at an exponential rate, disrupting companies on a daily basis. And the reality is, no industry is immune – including nonprofit organizations. New technologies, new business models, and new outcomes will drive innovative ways to attract and retain new donors...

March Educational Luncheon: Join Greater Milwaukee Foundation leadership for an engaging conversation exploring the Foundation's latest Vital Signs report measuring the strength, vitality, and challenges of our region.

April Educational Luncheon: “Charity returns donation”…“Arrest of non-profit executive casts shadow”…” Audit cites group for ‘shameful’ misspending”… “Former museum worker charged in theft”…“Cancer charity admits bogus claims”. Ever read headlines like these and think “thank goodness that isn’t my organization?”...

May Educational Luncheon: We all want donors who are excited, engaged, and want to come back again, and again. It’s about more than just retaining, but creating loyal donors who feel passionate about your cause and help share your story. Abila’s Donor Loyalty Study digs deeper into donor preferences and behavior, specifically around what drives donor loyalty.

September Educational Luncheon: Special Tuesday Edition! Capital Campaigns are perhaps the most effective and efficient nonprofit strategy for raising major gifts, often in the millions and tens-of-millions of dollars.

October Educational Luncheon: For development operations of all sizes, one of the ever-present challenges to senior leadership is making the case for philanthropic investment. Although we all face the pressures of ensuring responsible use of our organization’s dollars, under-investment in fundraising is as much, if not more of, a problem as over-investment. Join us for discussion focused on making the case for philanthropic investment.

2016 Annual Meeting and Educational Luncheon: In today’s crowded nonprofit sector, is your organization aware of area nonprofits’ expectations for philanthropy? Are the expectations of area nonprofits in line with the financial capacity of area foundations and corporations? What might give your organization an edge in competing for funding in the coming year?

January Educational Luncheon: Prospect research empowers fundraisers with the information they need to ask for the right gift from the right donor at the right time to fund the right initiative. 

February Educational Breakfast: Grantmakers and grantseekers have often expressed the desire to share information on the nonprofit sector. In this speed dating style breakfast, attendees will have an opportunity to meet with representatives from foundations and corporate giving programs to exchange information about topics of importance to both.

February Educational Breakfast: Grantmakers and grantseekers have often expressed the desire to share information on the nonprofit sector. In this speed dating style breakfast, attendees will have an opportunity to meet with representatives from foundations and corporate giving programs to exchange information about topics of importance to both.

March Educational Luncheon: Your boldest ideas and your biggest gifts almost always depend on the leadership of your board, so how can you make the most of your board members' passion and capabilities?

April Educational Luncheon: Women in Philanthropy -- MarthaTaylor will share new ways to better engage women in giving, as well as insights into developing women leaders in the nonprofit arena, in order to shape the future for the better.

May Educational Luncheon: Real estate is often overlooked as a planned giving opportunity. Many nonprofit organizations, large and small, consider real estate too complicated and are worried about liability and risk. Join our panel of experts who will address your valid concerns. We will learn how donors can benefit the causes they love by making the largest gifts of their lifetime.

June Educational Luncheon: With 37 years in the fund development world, I have seen the evolution of fundraising databases from index cards, spreadsheets, DOS to Windows and to present-day data visualization tools paired with a data warehouse for BIG data.

September Educational Luncheon: The work of non-profits is reflected in art because life’s successes and challenges are reflected in art. Draw the connection for your donors and prospects with strategic community partnerships.

October Educational Luncheon: A panel discussion on the topic of Managing 360 in generationally diverse and dynamic fundraising environments. Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and everyone in between.

December Educational Luncheon and Annual Meeting: The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s On the Table events in October started many conversations and brought thousands of people together with a common goal of improving our community. Join us for the Fundraiser version.

January Educational Luncheon: Has your organization utilized consultants for their fundraising activity? Is it an avenue that your considering for future projects? Come learn from a panel of experts who can share their direct experience with selecting and working with consultants, consultants who have supported agencies of various sizes and how funding might be available to help you find the right professional support option.

February Educational Luncheon: The new tax bill could have great impact on charitable giving. Join us for a session to breakdown what we know about the Tax Reform and Jobs Act of 2017; what our donors expect us to know and how to minimize and maximize the details of the tax law that can impact philanthropy.

March Educational Luncheon: Join Katie Pritchard, for a lively discussion on what Collective Impact is and how area funders and organizations are embracing this dynamic approach to solve complex social issues. Discover how you and your organization can move beyond reporting “the numbers” to becoming meaningful partners in addressing our community’s toughest challenges.

April Educational Luncheon: Want to build more personal (and persuasive) relationships with your donors? Then consider: Emotional Intelligence is twice as significant as IQ and Technical/Functional Skills combined as a predictor of success.

May Educational Luncheon: No doubt about it, the new tax law is bound to reduce taxpayers’ motivation to itemize their deductions, and this will surely affect their charitable giving.

June Educational Luncheon: The Funder Community - A New Perspective, featuring Tony Shields, President and CEO of Wisconsin Philanthropy Network

September Educational Luncheon: Join us to hear “The Artful Asker”, Marcy Heim. Marcy is a nationally-known speaker who is a proud resident of the Badger State. She will share her expertise on “Asking for Anything – Artfully”.

October Educational Luncheon: Michael McNeely, CFRE, President and CEO of The Abbey Group, Ltd. will be presenting on the topic of Donor-Centric Messaging.

December Annual Meeting and Educational Luncheon: Ask a Seasoned Veteran! Pick 3 – there is sure to be something for everyone! Topics will range from: Small Shops – How to do it all; Mentorship; Donor Advised Funds; Corporate Event Sponsorships; Working with Boards; How to Capture the Right Data – and more! Bring your questions, ideas and more to learn from your peers. Each topic will have a Seasoned Veteran of the Field to facilitate the discussion!

December Educational Virtual Breakfast and Vote -  Wisconsin Philanthropy Network will share findings on their bi-annual report. An opportunity to learn about opinion and changing perspective from the funding community around Wisconsin. PLUS, the AFPSEWI membership will vote for the 2021 board slate. Attendees will all receive a PDF copy of WPN's 2020 report "Philanthropy Rising: Responding to Pressing Challenges and Reimagining Futures."

September Educational Virtual Breakfast - Teams that promote and foster a growth mindset tend to be more collaborative, empowered and committed--all factors we need in an effective development program. Join us for this AFP Webinar presented by Alice Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE.

January Educational Luncheon: Become a change agent by positioning yourself around a PURPOSEFUL existence, while using your talents, skills, and resources to HUSTLE for something greater than yourself. Become a change agent by positioning yourself around a PURPOSEFUL existence, while using your talents, skills, and resources to HUSTLE for something greater than yourself.

February Educational Luncheon: What are the trends and thoughts of grantmakers across Wisconsin? How and where are they increasing their grantmaking? What issues matter to corporate funders, community foundations, and philanthropic families across the state?

March Educational Breakfast: Join us for this Powerhouse Duo! Two of Southeastern Wisconsin’s foremost Campaign Experts are teaming up to share their experiences in utilizing comprehensive campaign strategies to transform their organizations! Join us for this Powerhouse Duo! Two of Southeastern Wisconsin’s foremost Campaign Experts are teaming up to share their experiences in utilizing comprehensive campaign strategies to transform their organizations!

May Educational Luncheon: Join us for the annual joint educational meeting with the Planned Giving Council of Eastern Wisconsin.

June Educational Breakfast: A successful, sustainable career doesn't happen by accident. Enjoying your work, and continuing to be inspired through the twists and turns a career and life bring can be challenging. What are the keys to both having a sustainable career and helping your employees enjoy the same?

May Educational Session: Join us for an online panel discussion to hear members of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation team demystify Donor Advised Funds.

September Educational Luncheon: Strategies for Mutually Beneficial Corporate Partnerships: You are tasked with growing the corporate donations and sponsorships sector for your organization. How do you grow beyond the same 5-10 companies that you count on year-in and year-out? Be inspired to think beyond traditional corporate sponsorship and donor giving opportunities, benefits packages, and recognition. And, learn how to set your organizations up as such a valued partner, that companies will come to you year after year.

October Educational Breakfast: "Evaluation," "Impact," "Inclusion," many of us have heard how important it is to ensure we are telling of the impact of our organization's program and ultimately, our mission. Have you wondered ... where do we start? How do we ensure the quality of our programs? What are different types of data and how do we use them to properly demonstrate impact to our donors and the community?

December Educational Breakfast and Annual Meeting: Again this year AFPSEWI will hold a Pick 3 Roundtable Talks after our annual meeting. Bring your questions, ideas, and more to learn from your peers.

February Educational Breakfast: Our expert panel has lived and thrived in their small shops. Come and learn their tips and tricks to be effective, efficient, and energized.

January Educational Luncheon: Join us for this lively panel discussion with some of southeastern Wisconsin’s most adept nonprofit marketing professionals, who will reveal the secrets of how smart planning, effective segmentation, rigorous prioritization, creative repurposing, savvy resourcing – and just plain spunk -- can help fully leverage your shoestring budget and bandwidth. Master the minimal-but-memorable marketing moves that make mission mighty! Did we mention there is free valet parking?