2011 Philanthropy Forum

The second annual Philanthropy Forum had more than 110 people participate in workshops – with over 75 organizations represented. The evening session brought community members together from both the business and non-profit sectors to learn about and celebrate the amazing philanthropy that is happening in Peterborough. It was exciting!

Session presentations are available below.

 

Workshop 1

A: Fundraising 101: the art and science of getting to a joyful YES!
Does the idea of asking for money make you cringe? This workshop will help participants understand basic fundraising strategies and principles.  You will learn how to promote your organization’s value to prospective donors along with helpful tips to be used throughout the solicitation process. Facilitator: Julie Davis, Vice-President External Relations and Advancement, Trent University

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B: A board divided
Whether small or complex, a non-profit organization must engage, build, and sustain an effective Board of Directors. But, Boards don’t always operate as you expect. How do you know if your Board is dysfunctional? How do you know if your Board needs to make changes? We will examine ways to facilitate difficult board situations, what community resources are available to a Board in turmoil, and dispute mechanisms with an aim to assist Executive Directors and Board Members to develop your own organizational best practices. Facilitator: Lisa Smith, Director, Organizational & Community Development, United Way of Peterborough & District

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Roundtable Discussions

Workshop 2

A: How online activities are changing the philanthropic sector
This workshop will provide both large and small non-profits with the key information, skills and confidence they require to successfully develop or enhance their organization’s online presence. Our facilitator will review current trends and practices, the impact of online activity within the philanthropic sector, and provide examples of effective online strategies and the various resources available to non-profits within this important and flourishing area. Facilitator: Sheetal Persaud, Fundraising Innovation Consultant, Hewitt and Johnston Consultants

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B: There's gold in them hills: leveraging prospect research and identification
What's the role of philanthropic research in supporting your donor cycle and pipeline activity? Explore some of the tools, practices and approaches that can help you meaningfully and effectively reach out to your donors and prospects, whether you're a small shop or a larger organization. Facilitator: Marcia Steeves, Research & Stewardship Officer, Fleming College Advancement & Alumni Relations and Richard Morgan, Director, Portfolio Operations & Philanthropic Research, Trent University

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Workshop 3

A: Putting your whole brain to work
In this session we will explore ways to improve team performance within and across the functions of a team using thinking preferences as defined by Herrmann Whole Brain Thinking® as a model for improvement. We will look at the thinking preference model and how it can help you to understand the strengths within and across functions on a team, including a better understanding of potential conflict zones and why they exist and how to overcome them. Facilitator: Sheila Norris, Intersections Coaching and Consulting

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B-i: A bit of organizational paranoia is not a bad thing!
What could possibly go wrong? Risk management in the non-profit organization is both a governance and management discipline. We will discuss how to carry out risk assessments and develop responsive contingency plans. Examples and comparative experiences from participants will guide the workshop. Attendance could be a first step in a risk management plan! Facilitator: Bill Lockington, Partner, LLF Lawyers

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B-ii: Succession planning and building your team: starting the conversation
Succession Planning is a topic that many non-profits avoid. To address this often sensitive topic, this session will explore: the value of succession planning in non-profits of all sizes, key barriers, the roles of the Board and staff, and how to start the succession planning conversation…Facilitator: Deborah Legrove, President, Crawford Connect

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Workshop 4

A: Tap into the power of fundraising events
Learn first-hand what it takes to break free from the 'same old - same old' fundraising events and ensure that the value goes well beyond the funds raised on the day/night. This session will discuss the key elements and critical factors of strategic fundraising events including: saving your precious time, good and bad events, and maximizing return on investment by using events to build awareness of your organization and cultivate new donors and volunteers. Facilitator: Graham Hill, Senior Coordinator, Annual Gifts, Direct Mail and Family Campaign, Trillium Health Centre Foundation

B: Great expectations: public perception vs. reality of running effective non-profit organizations
Tired of being asked why your organization spends money on operations? Rich with examples, this workshop covers such critical issues as: operating costs in the non-profit sector, the cost of fundraising, and managing donor and public expectations. This workshop will provide you with valuable tools for developing and improving your communications strategies both internally and externally. Facilitator: Moderated panel discussion by Richard Morgan, Director, Portfolio Operations & Philanthropic Research, Trent University