Fueling Dynamic Fundraising

OCTOBER 2021-PRESENT

Fueling Dynamic Fundraising

The Purpose

Developing and executing a strong fundraising program is essential for a thriving nonprofit organization of any type. But successful fundraising does not happen in isolation or through the work of a single person. It takes all key stakeholders working together through a shared vision and well-developed strategy. When a nonprofit has its CEO/executive director, key staff, and board members all involved in creating and executing its fundraising plan, the likelihood of sustained success increases dramatically.

Strengthening the Impact

The Patterson Foundation’s Fueling Dynamic Fundraising pilot program has been created in response to feedback gathered through multiple listening sessions with local nonprofit leaders. In each session, the desire for training and development around sustainable fundraising strategies and board involvement rose to the top. As a result, The Patterson Foundation created Fueling Dynamic Fundraising to explore the power of the partnership between a nonprofit’s board, staff, and CEO within the context of fundraising. Through an orientation webinar and a six-week virtual course custom designed in partnership with The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Fueling Dynamic Fundraising will uncover the significance of and possibilities resulting from a strong and vibrant board/staff/CEO partnership dynamic and how it can inform a successful fundraising program. To help participating nonprofits implement their learnings and explore new possibilities, The Patterson Foundation will provide 1:1 consulting support between course sessions and for one year following the conclusion of the course.

FAQ's

Click on frequently asked questions below to learn more about this initiative...

Why does The Patterson Foundation support this opportunity?

The Patterson Foundation believes in the power of strengthening the efforts of people, organizations, and communities through philanthropy. With the Fueling Dynamic Fundraising pilot program, The Patterson Foundation is creating opportunities for local nonprofits to strengthen the partnership that exists between their board, staff, and CEO by learning together in a synchronous format. Additional consulting support will help these organizations explore possibilities to create new realities within their fundraising program, which will increase their thrivability in meaningful, lasting ways.

What organizations are participating in the pilot program?

There are six organizations currently enrolled in Fueling Dynamic Fundraising. Each represents a different county in our region and has successfully participated in an endeavor within The Patterson Foundation’s Nonprofit Thrivability initiative. Each organization will improve future iterations of Fueling Dynamic Fundraising, with their CEOs and representatives from the board and key staff leading the integration of their newly gained knowledge and tools into their fundraising strategy and organizational culture.

Pilot Cohort #1 Course: October 2021–December 2021

Pilot Cohort #2: January 2022–March 2022

Is there a fee to participate?

As a gift to our region's nonprofits, The Patterson Foundation covers all expenses associated with Fueling Dynamic Fundraising's webinar, course sessions, and consulting services.

Will there be future opportunities to participate?

There will be additional offerings of Fueling Dynamic Fundraising. Dates and eligibility requirements will be announced in the fall of 2022.

Why Partner with The Fund Raising School?

The Fund Raising School is the preeminent professional fundraising training and educational program. Combining research and practice together, its unique curriculum helps individuals and organizations become well-versed, dynamic fundraisers. Additionally, partnering with The Fund Raising School expands The Patterson Foundation’s relationship with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, which continues to evolve while leveraging the school’s diverse pool of talent, programs, and resources.