Fundraising Fundamentals 101

Fundraising Fundamentals 101
Temple University, 1515 Market Street, Room 222, Philadelphia, PA
8:30 am - 4:30 pm | Wednesday, October 28, 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)

Faculty

Victoria D. Heckler, Vice President, Mal Warwick Donordigital
Theresa Kirby, Managing Director of Communications, American Friends Service Committee
Caroline Lipinski, Associate Vice President, Shultz & Williams
Amy Sukol, Principal, Lautman Maska Neill & Company
Teresa Weaver, Vice President of Client Strategy, O'Brien Garrett
Amanda Zaid, Director of Digital Philanthropy, Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

Registration Rates

Corporate Member - $150
Nonprofit Member - $0
Corporate Nonmember - $175
Nonprofit Nonmember - $150
Corporate Member Group - $132
Nonprofit Member Group - $0
Nonprofit Nonmember Group - $132

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.