FDF Team Leads Training for Nonprofits in 2026 Giving Challenge

Editor's Note: While the Community Foundation's next Giving Challenge won't take place until April 2026, the time for nonprofits to begin planning their campaign strategies is now. Registration for the Giving Challenge is open and will close at noon on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Note: This deadline is significantly earlier than for past Giving Challenges. If your registration is not complete by the deadline, you will not be eligible to participate in the 2026 Giving Challenge. Additionally, to participate, any updates to your Giving Partner profile must be completed by Wednesday, December 31, 2025.


The Patterson Foundation's Fueling Dynamic Fundraising (FDF) team brings extensive experience to provide training to the nonprofit organizations participating in the 2026 Giving Challenge.  

Why FDF Was Selected
The FDF team was chosen to lead the training for this year's participating nonprofits because of our extensive experience in fundraising. Our team brings a blend of strategic insight, hands-on experience, and a passion for nonprofit growth that aligns perfectly with the mission of the Giving Challenge.

We view this role not just as a service, but as a partnership: preparing organizations to shine during the Giving Challenge and to sustain their momentum afterward.

What is the Giving Challenge?
The Giving Challenge is a high-impact, 24-hour online giving event designed to spark connection between donors and nonprofits across the region. Since its inception, this event has mobilized significant unrestricted funding to support local missions, strengthen community ties, and raise awareness for a wide spectrum of causes. In 2026, the Giving Challenge will again provide a unique opportunity for nonprofits to engage supporters, broaden their reach, and increase impact.

The Patterson Foundation believes anyone can be a philanthropist, and the Giving Challenge provides opportunities for donors at all levels to strengthen nonprofit futures. In celebration of the 10th iteration of the Giving Challenge, TPF will strengthen giving during the 2026 Giving Challenge with a 1:1 match on all unique donations between $25 and $100 per donor, per nonprofit organization — with no cap on the number of individual matches from unique donors a nonprofit organization can receive.

What the Training Will Include
Over the upcoming months, FDF will deliver a multi‐phase training program tailored to help nonprofits succeed in the Giving Challenge. Key components will include:

• Set Your Organization Up for Giving Challenge Success – October 28, presented by Josephine Eisenberg and Sara Leonard
  
  
• Giving Challenge Campaign Communication Planning – January 21, presented by Jennifer Abbott and Sara Leonard
  
  
• Countdown to Impact – February 4, presented by Victoria Finley and Sara Leonard

Each session will be recorded and available to anyone unable to join live. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County will provide additional training focused on the technical aspects of Giving Challenge participation. Nonprofits interested in participating in the Giving Challenge can find more information here.

Looking Ahead
We consider this opportunity more than a "training gig"—it's a chance to fuel collective impact. The nonprofits we train will not only raise money more effectively in the 2026 Giving Challenge, but they'll emerge stronger, more strategic, and more resilient in their fundraising efforts long after the 24-hour day concludes.