The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) IL Quad Cities Chapter is bringing back its Success in Fundraising conference on Thursday, May 1.
“From Seed to Success: Growing Connections in Fundraising” is open to AFP members and others fundraising and development professionals. The conference will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport. A networking social follows.
The event’s keynote speaker will be Courtney Thomas, president and CEO of Newhouse, Kansas City’s first domestic violence shelter, and founder and CEO of Thrive 360.
Ms. Thomas is one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Missouri. She is a visionary, complex problem solver, captivating public speaker, and dynamic people motivator. Her entrepreneurial approach has transformed the customer-staff experience, delivered award-winning marketing campaigns, and unlocked new revenue opportunities for various industries.
The half-day conference will close with Ms. Thomas’ keynote. It’s entitled “Every Connection Matters: Identifying and Leveraging the Strengths of the Team to Connect More Deeply with Donors and the Community.”
The AFP conference is sponsored by Moline Regional Community Foundation, Regional Development Authority, and Wastyn & Associates.
In the nonprofit world, mission is everything – but mission alone doesn’t fund programs, build partnerships, or drive innovation, organizers said. People do. And at the center of it all are fundraising professionals. They are the storytellers, strategists, and bridge-builders who connect passion to purpose and vision to action.
The conference offers tracks tailored for every stage of a fundraising career from newcomers to seasoned leaders. Organized by a small committee of AFP members, the event aims to provide a day of learning, networking, and growing for development professionals across the Quad Cities region.
Schedule of Events
The schedule includes:
- Newcomer Track – Develop vital skills through sessions such as “Cultivating & Stewarding Supporters” and “The Art & Science of Asking.” Featured speakers include: Nancy Renkes, Sue Rector, Jennifer VonKaenel and Anne Calder
- Mid-Career Track – Enhance your influence with sessions on “Collaborative Partnerships” and “Empowering Ambassadors.” Featured speakers are: Mauricio Diaz, Becky Alpen, Marcie Ordaz, Hannah Howard, Ms. Thomas and Linda Wastyn.
- Seasoned Track – Delve into advanced strategies like “Managing Burnout,” “The Psychology of Giving,” and “AI & Tech Tools” with featured speakers Ms. Wastyn, Ms. Thomas and Amber Wood.
To register, visit here.
