As part of Philanthropy Massachusetts' commitment to building up and refining the essentials skills needed for a successful fund development program, Philanthropy MA offers a number of Meet-the-Donors and Workshops throughout the year on various topics and for different experience levels.
One of Philanthropy MA’s most popular program series is Meet-The-Donors. This format brings together a panel of the leading philanthropic voices for our region around a topic area or geographic focus. A moderated panel discussion is followed by an open Q&A with the audience. Through these programs, nonprofit staff members learn about:
- Insider knowledge and understanding about foundations
- Trends in philanthropy
- Common questions from other nonprofit staff
- Successful relationship building with foundation staff
- Networking with nonprofit fundraisers
- Increased visibility and awareness from foundations
The Meet-The-Donors Program happens quarterly, and if you have the Partnership Add-on you get one free admittance to each of the sessions during your Partnership. Here are upcoming topics for sessions:
| Topic/Geographic Focus | Timeframe |
|
Cape & Islands |
First Quarter Third Quarter |
Don't take our word that these programs are valuable. Take it from participants:
“Philanthropy MA's Meet-The-Donor Programs are valuable professional events. They help me do my job better by hearing directly from funders." - Lutheran Social Service of New England
“Meet-The-Donors Programs are always on my must-attend list. Even if we don’t do work specifically around the topic area, I leave with something I can implement right away. They give me insight into how funders are thinking and what I can do better as a fundraiser.” - Adaptive Sports New England
Philanthropy MA Partners receive a discount on all Nonprofit Partners programs and workshops.
Skillbuilding Workshops
For new staff, new fundraisers, or those looking to refresh their skills
Introduction to Grants Research
Overview of the general types of fundraising that organizations utilize to build up support for their organization, as well as providing the basic skills needed to effectively research and prospect for potential grant making institutions.
One-Off Workshops
Cover topics not covered in core or breakthrough fund development courses. Examples of past One-Off Workshops include Building a Donor Base, Creating an Elevator Pitch, Communicating Your Organization's Story, and Federal Grant Writing, to name a few.
Core Workshops
For new or early career fundraisers, or those looking to build a strong foundation of fundraising skills.
Introduction to Grant Writing
Covers the basic structure and format of grant proposals, including both full proposals and letters of intent. This includes guidelines for grant research, elements of a successful proposal, tips & best practices, and some resources to get you started on the process.
Introduction to Individual Donor Cultivation
Covers the basics of cultivating and stewarding individual donors. This includes prospecting potential donors, determining motivation and interests for giving, tips for building a successful philanthropic partnerships, and best practices & resources for success.
Introduction to Outcomes Measurement
Covers the basics of developing and implementing outcomes measurements processes within your organization. This includes distinguishing outcomes versus outputs, determining reliable indicators of success, tips for effective outcome collection, linking outcomes to every day work, and best practices & resources for continued success.
Introduction to Logic Models
Covers the five components of a logic model (participants, inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes). This includes discussion of criteria for a quality logic model and illustrations how a logic model will help you make improvements to your program design and daily program practices.
Breakthrough Workshops
For experienced or intermediate fundraisers, those with demostrated fundraising success, or those looking to take the next step in advancing their fundraising acumen
Advanced Grant Seeking
This workshop will explore opportunities to deepen the support from grant making institutions, and allows for in-depth discussion with other successful grant writers, including opportunities for practical skill building.
Advanced Donor Cultivation
This workshop will explore opportunities to learn from other successful individual fundraisers, including lots of practical and hands-on opportunities to test out strategies.
Advanced Outcomes Measurement
The workshop will review two additional concepts and methods that help nonprofit organizations gather and curate data to tell a story about how they are making a difference. The workshop is designed to help organizations move from away from a culture of evaluation for accountability and compliance toward a culture that uses evaluation for learning and empowerment.