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FF101 - Fundraising Fundamentals 2026

February 18, 2026

Description


Fundraising Fundamentals 101
SEIU, 1800 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
8:30 am - 5:00 pm | Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Register today!

Whether you're just beginning your fundraising career or looking to solidify your foundation in direct response strategy, Fundraising Fundamentals 101 is your launchpad for success. This one-day training brings together industry leaders/faculty and rising professionals for a deep dive into the essential building blocks of direct response fundraising.

Through engaging presentations, case studies, interactive discussions, and real-time Q&A, attendees will explore how to acquire new donors, retain and cultivate supporters, and inspire upgraded giving through data-driven strategy. You’ll hear directly from top industry experts/faculty who have helped shape some of the most successful fundraising programs in the nonprofit sector. From the anatomy of a successful sustainer program to the donor journey and campaign performance metrics, this program is designed to give you a well-rounded understanding of how direct response fits within a broader strategy.

The day also includes lunch with faculty, roundtable discussions, and plenty of opportunities to network and collaborate. You’ll walk away not only with actionable tools and strategies but also with connections that can support your growth throughout your career.

Fundraising Fundamentals 101 is more than a training – it’s a professional milestone. You'll gain valuable insights that will empower your day-to-day work, build confidence in your approach, and help you see the bigger picture of donor engagement. Perhaps even more important, you’ll connect with like-minded professionals who share your passion for fundraising. These are the colleagues, mentors, and friends you’ll turn to time and again as your career progresses.

Who Should Attend

This event is ideal for fundraising and marketing professionals working in or supporting nonprofit fundraising programs. Whether you're a creative mastermind, list broker, development associate, membership manager, retention focus, marketing and communications staffer, agency partner, or data/operations specialist – Fundraising Fundamentals 101 is for you.

If you’re responsible for donor engagement, launching or managing a direct response program, or simply want to better understand the strategy and mechanics behind monthly giving, donor retention, or mid-level upgrades, this event will deliver the insights and community you need to grow.

AGENDA
(subject to change)

8:30 -  9:00 amRegistration & Continental Breakfast


9:00 - 9:10 amWelcome & Opening Remarks


9:10 - 10:00 amOverview of Direct Response
What is the role of direct response fundraising in a development program? How to get attention!



10:00 - 11:30 amDirect Response Acquisition: Getting the First Gift
Refresh & Connect Break 10:45 - 11:00 am
  • How does direct mail acquisition work in the mail?
  • How does online acquisition work?
  • Where do the prospected come from?
  • How to develop winning acquisition creative?
  • How do we measure success?
  • Integration of channels panel.


11:30 am - 12:15 pmLunch with Faculty


12:15 - 1:35 pmDonor Retention: Keeping Your Donors Engaged
  • What are elements of a winning acknowledgement program?
  • How do we get the second gift... and the third... and the fourth?
  • What does a successful donor journey look like?
  • What are winning cultivation strategies across channels?
  • How do we use the data to drive strategy?


1:35 - 1:45 pmRefresh & Network with Faculty


1:45 - 2:00 pmRoundtable discussion with Faculty


2:00 - 3:00 pmDonor Upgrades: Inspiring your Donors to Give More!
  • What are different ways to upgrade an existing donor?
  • What is the anatomy of a successful sustainer program?
  • What are successful mid-level and major donor strategies?
  • What is the goal of planned giving marketing to your direct response donors?


3:00 - 3:15 pmRefresh & Network with Faculty


3:15 - 3:30 pmRoundtable Discussion with Faculty


3:30 - 4:15 pmWhere do we go from here?
  • How can you continue your own educational journey?
  • What trends do we see on the horizon?


4:15 - 4:25 pmClosing Remarks


Interested in partnering with DMAW on Fundraising Fundamentals 101?
Click here to learn more and let us know!


Corporate Member - $150
Nonprofit Member - $125
Corporate Nonmember - $175
Nonprofit Nonmember - $150
Corporate Member Group - $132
Nonprofit Member Group - $110
Nonprofit Nonmember Group - $132
Special Rate - $125

Full participation in this program is applicable for up to 6.75 continuing education points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Please note: CFRE credit hours are pending approval by CFRE International.





CONSENT TO USE IMAGES AND RECORDINGS

Media Release: By registering, you grant the Direct Marketing Association of Washington permission to photograph, video/audio record, and use your image and likeness in DMAW publications, promotions, and other media. You understand that DMAW has exclusive rights to these visual and audio recordings.

Photographs, videos, and recordings may be taken at the event for use on the DMAW website, print collateral, press, future marketing materials, and social media. By attending this event, you consent to DMAW photographing, taking video, and using your image and likeness.

If you prefer not to have your information shared, please opt out by submitting a written request to programs@dmaw.org.

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Contact Information

Direct Marketing Association of Washington (DMAW)
Name: DMAW
Phone: (703) 689-3629
Details: For Details please contact DMAW Education Programs at programs@dmaw.org.
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