Advancement Institute | History

2025

Sheraton Charlotte – Charlotte, NC
Attendees: 25
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Speakers: Jennifer Devon, Nana Oppong, John Sammis, Bob Weston

Sessions: Fundraising in the Age of AI

  • What’s Trending Now: Philanthropy & Independent Schools
  • Fundamentals of Effective Fundraising in the Digital Age
  • Strategies for Smaller Shops
  • Revitalizing Annual Fund Appeals
  • Enhancing Donor Prospecting & Research
  • Modernizing Moves Management
  • Case Studies: Practical Approaches and Lessons Learned
  • Everyday Tools Workshop Part I
  • Everyday Tools Workshop Part II
  • The Human Element: Nurturing Donor Relationships in an AI-Enhanced Environment

Sponsor: CCS Fundraising

2024

Emory Conference Center Hotel – Atlanta, GA
Attendees: 34
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Speakers: Kurt McKinley, Nana Oppong, Allyson Randolph, Bob Weston

Sessions:

  • Independent School Fundraising Trends
  • Small Shop, Big Ambitions
  • Value Proposition: How to Craft Your Case for Support (Workshop)
  • Donor Acquisition & Retention Strategies
  • How to Transition Donors From Annual Fund to Major Gifts
  • From Data to Action: How to Build Your Donor Pipeline
  • The Head’s Role in Fundraising
  • Best Practices in Gift Request Strategies
  • Making the Ask (Role Play)
  • Tackling Challenges

Sponsor: CCS Fundraising

2023

Franklin Marriott Cool Springs – Franklin, TN
Attendees: 29
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Speakers: Jim Bush & Jessica Browning

Sessions:

  • What is a Capital Campaign?
  • The Campaign Study
  • Campaign Planning Phase
  • Phases of a Campaign
  • Donor Recognition and Preparing for Your Next Campaign

Sponsor: Winkler Group

2022

Sheraton Charlotte  – Charlotte, NC
Attendees: 34
Photos

Speakers: Jim Bush & Jessica Browning

Sessions:

  • What is a Capital Campaign?
  • The Campaign Study
  • Campaign Planning Phase
  • Phases of a Campaign
  • Donor Recognition and Preparing for Your Next Campaign

Sponsor: Winkler Group