Fundraising and Development Virtual Training Series – September 2026
When & Where
- Tuesdays in September
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Zoom
- 8-hour course is $80
- Facilitator – Denise Clark
Across Colorado and the broader nonprofit sector, organizations that our communities depend on — from human services and education to arts, environment, and beyond — are facing challenging times. Shifts in government funding, including cuts to contracts and programs, are creating significant budget shortfalls. Now more than ever, diversifying revenue and building meaningful relationships with donors is essential to organizational sustainability.
This four-session virtual training series has been designed specifically for Southwest Community Foundation grantees. Whether your organization is building a development program for the first time or looking to sharpen an existing one, participants will walk away with a clear understanding of fundraising fundamentals, steps to implement immediately, and practical tools to guide your efforts throughout the year.
Training Series Goals
1. Build foundational knowledge of fundraising and development best practices
2. Help grantees articulate their organization’s “why” to inspire donor support
3. Introduce strategies for donor cultivation, retention, and growth — including leveling up small donors and engaging planned giving prospects
4. Equip organizations to capitalize on Colorado Gives Day and year-end giving opportunities
5. Provide each grantee with concrete tools and templates, including a 12-month fundraising calendar tailored to their organization
Session Summaries
Session 1: September 8, Finding Your ‘Why’ and Building a Development Mindset
Every successful fundraising program begins with a compelling answer to one simple question: Why does your organization exist? In this opening session, grantees will explore storytelling as a fundraising tool, learn how to articulate their unique why, and learn components of a healthy development program. We will also examine the role of the board in fundraising — one of the most underutilized assets in fundraising and development.
Session 2: September 15, Cultivating Donors: From the First Gift to Loyal Supporter
Acquiring a new donor is only the beginning. The real work of development is building relationships that turn a one-time gift into a long-term partnership and sometimes, an estate gift. In this session, grantees will learn strategies for moving donors up the giving ladder, with a focus on cultivating small and mid-level donors who have the potential to give more. We will also introduce the basics of planned giving: what it is, how to talk about it, and why even small organizations can and should have a legacy giving program.
Session 3: September 22, Seizing the Moment: Colorado Gives Day and Year-End Giving
For Colorado nonprofits, the last two months of the calendar year make up a critical fundraising window. Colorado Gives Day and the year-end giving surge provide an opportunity to acquire
new donors, re-engage lapsed ones, and deepen relationships with loyal supporters. In this session, grantees will learn how to build a campaign strategy that maximizes Colorado Gives day and year-end fundraising, leveraging digital fundraising tools, storytelling, and community momentum. Grantees will also receive a homework assignment: building a customized 12-month fundraising calendar to present for peer feedback in Session 4
Session 4: September 29, Putting It All Together
The final session of the series is built around the homework: a 12-month fundraising calendar assigned in Session 3. In breakout groups, grantees will share their calendars, surface questions and challenges, offer peer feedback, and identify. A large group debrief will allow grantees to share key insights and identify next steps. We will close the training series with a summary of key learnings and an activity encouraging grantees to proactively utilize their new fundraising skills and tools
