This interactive panel session invites you to explore the ways in which you can be a change-maker. How do we move from saying the right things to doing the right things? What role can you play, no matter what your job is or whether you are an officer or a manager or a leader? We will also explore why approaching our work with an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion lens is the right thing to do AND the key to our success in effectively advancing our institutions. We will do our best to answer any question you have with openness and honesty.

In this session, Emily and Liesl will take the mystery out of major gift fundraising. We’ll look at the theory and practice behind major gifts: who are these elusive major donors, why do they part with large sums of money, and most importantly how do we secure these gifts for our institutions? Participants will come away with an understanding of the basics of major gifts work and some practical ideas to take back to their institutions.

Legacies are a hugely emotive subject and talking about money and death can be difficult. This session debunks that thinking and will leave you knowing that this is a normal and vital conversation to have with your donors (and perhaps one you should have at home too!). You will learn tips and techniques for talking about this most taboo of subjects and discover the tools and rules for helping a donor achieve incredible things with their legacy.

Campaigns have become increasingly familiar in the fundraising world over the last decade, with many establishing monetary goals that quite simply boggle the mind. This session will help you understand how and why fundraising campaigns to achieve clear desired outcomes for society can play such a critical role in the advancement strategies of educational institutions. Liz and Liesl will share their thoughts and first-hand experiences on campaigns and will invite delegates to explore the pros and cons of a campaign approach to fundraising as well as the building blocks to ensure success, many of which will draw from sessions earlier in the week.

Ethics are fundamental to human endeavours, enabling personal and professional growth. An ethical compass provides individuals with purpose and authenticity. An ethical practice also ensures professionalism in the field of fundraising and promotes philanthropy by increasing trust and public confidence. This session will help us reflect on the significance of purpose and authenticity in fundraising, and how ethics shapes the fundraising profession. We will also examine various scenarios where taking an ethical stance is necessary to uphold institutional purpose and authenticity.