Workshops & Events 2014

Adjunct Assistant Professor
Prospect Research 
George H. Heyman Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising
New York University School of Professional Studies
New York, NY
Tuesdays, September 23, 2014 – October 14, 2014
6:30 – 8:30pm

To help your organization flourish, you need to know how to locate and use tools that identify and evaluate prospects and track donors. Explore topics such as prospecting for new donors, including using cost-effective research tools, accessing free information, and evaluating a prospect’s ability and inclination to give, as well as storing, retrieving, and disseminating information. Also, discuss confidentiality and other ethical and legal issues.

Research Track Co-Chair
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fund Raising Day in New York
The Marriott Marquis, New York, NY
Friday, June 27, 2014 
8:30am – 5:00pm

Fundraising Day New York is the premier east coast conference on philanthropy. This one-day event takes over the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, NYC, bringing together the best and brightest nonprofit professionals from around the world to share their thoughts and advice.

Research Track:

“Innovative Ideas: LinkedIn Uses for Fundraising”
Did you know that LinkedIn includes a section for prospects to list their ‘causes’? Have you sent targeted communications via LinkedIn for your year-end appeal? Join this session for advanced strategies that will improve your organization’s proactive use of this crucial channel. Session will include discussion of best practices for using LinkedIn as a research tool.

You’ll Learn:
-Best Practices for building and utilizing your organization’s following
-Strategies for researching, prospecting and networking
-How to find skilled volunteers and identify new board members

Speakers: Sally Boucher, CFRE, Director of Research, Wealth Engine; Qaya Thompson, Development prospect Research Analyst, Yale-New Haven Hospital; Jeremy Woolf, New Media and Corporate Communications Director, CCS

“Visual Analytics: Empower Your Organization through Interactive Data”
In the era of “big data” and fast-paced decision making, data visualization provides a way of communication information in accessible ways. We can learn from pioneers who leveraged visualization to organize and present information in a new way. Data visualization encourages the reader to engage and learn, turning data into multidimensional analysis. We’ll discuss visual analytic trends, opportunities and approaches.

You’ll Learn:
-How to bridge the data divide between analysts and fundraisers
-Strategies for how to integrate data visualization into your organization
-How to empower your colleagues to interact with and ‘see’ their data

Speakers: Heather Campbell, Associate Director, Development Research Analytics, Princeton University Office of Development; Suzanne Franzino, Director of Development Research, Princeton University Office of Development; Alison Sommers-Sayre, Executive Director of Development Information Strategy, Princeton University Office of Development

“New York Board Giving: Adding Facts to Anecdotes”
This spring, Marts & Lundy releases its second research project involving top nonprofits in New York. The results reveal characteristics of effective fundraising boards. To ground this research in practicality, a development officer working in a medium sized nonprofit will discuss what is working in building their fundraising board.

You’ll Learn:
-The four characteristics associated with higher board giving
-How nonprofits of different sizes and starting points approach board development and expectations
-How to set internal expectations as to how board development unfolds through time

Moderator: Patrick O’Connell, Principal Gifts Officer, Weill Cornell Medical College 
Speakers: Lauren Marzo, Chief Development Officer, The Viscardi Center; Nancy Raybin, Senior Consultant and Principal, Marts & Lundy; Sarah Williams, Lead Analyst and Consultant, Marts & Lundy

Joint with Major Gifts Track

“What Are the Wealthy Thinking Now?”
In this age of mega-gifts, venture philanthropy and personal philanthropic branding, you need to hear directly from the donors. Find out how the changing landscape is influencing decisions, what giving habits persist and what new trends are developing.

You’ll Learn:
-Current observations built on conversations with philanthropists living in our region
-National trends followed by The Chronicle of Philanthropy
-How to consider this information in your fundraising

Moderator: Stacy Palmer, Editor, The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Speakers: Robert Frank, Reporter and Editor, CNBC, Glen MacDonald, President, Wealth & Giving Forum

Joint with Advanced Fundraising, Major Gifts, Small Shop Organizations

Click here for FRDNY conference handouts

Committee Member 
New York University Philanthropy Summit 2014 #WOMENIMPACT 
New York University Kimmel Center
New York, NY
Monday, April 28, 2014
8:00am – 5:00pm

Women have a long history of deep and passionate involvement in fundraising, philanthropy and social activism. Since 9/11, women have been expanding their roles as leaders, catalysts, and innovators in the social sector and are using new strategies to raise awareness of women and girls issues globally.

#WOMENIMPACT begins a new, multi-generational conversation to identify emerging leadership challenges and promote improved cross-sector collaboration for women and girls.

Adjunct Assistant Professor
Prospect Research 
George H. Heyman Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising
New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies
New York, NY
Thursdays, February 27 – April 3 2014
3:30 – 6:10pm

This course teaches students the practical research skills needed for fundraising. It introduces students to assorted research tools, websites, and databases and teaches them to develop targeted research strategies. Within an ethical context, they learn how to obtain information on donors and other funding sources. The course also covers how to summarize research findings and create cultivation and solicitation plans. During this course you will learn how to evaluate a prospect’s ability and inclination to give and the basics of data mining, database screening and moves management. Basic understanding of fundraising concepts and practice, skills in internet research, MS Word, and an excellent command of written English required.

This course is also applicable towards an M.S. in Fundraising and Grantmaking.

Co-Presenter
Art of the Ask: A Critical Component of Effective Fundraising New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies
George H. Heyman Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising
New York, NY
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
9:00am – 5:00pm

Asking for a gift is both an art and a science. Without an understanding of the most effective methods of asking for financial support, no fundraiser responsible for soliciting gifts from individuals, corporations, or foundations can succeed. In this course, successful fundraisers discuss their approaches and a philanthropist reports on their reaction to different asks.