Join the conference faculty for this opening panel session as they’ll introduce themselves, and share background and experiences working on transformational gifts. We will also begin exploring the topics further by defining what “transformational gifts” are and aren’t. We’ll also talk about the current state of transformational giving to education, future trends, and common misconceptions about such gifts. Lastly the faculty will offer you their advice on how you can get the most out of this conference.

Preparing your campus to not only be in a position to accept Transformation Gifts but to deliver on a donor’s vision and intent does not just happen by chance. In this session, we will explore the mindsets and models that help cultivate meaningful relationships and shape compelling giving opportunities. We will discuss how to shape organizational readiness, identify donor pools and potential, and access tested and emerging gift instruments to secure and steward gifts.

This case study will share best practices in how to work with campus partners and leadership to raise sights, cultivate and ultimately solicit a transformational gift. It will also feature how good stewardship can lead to unlocking additional transformational gifts and ultimate investors to your organization.

This case study explores the challenges faced by a large, multi-campus community college navigating competitive donor relationships with two major healthcare systems during a transformational $90 million capital campaign. While the case is related specifically to corporate partnerships, it highlights decisions and challenges regarding donor benefits, exclusivity, recognition, gift valuation, and post-gift implications.

In this facilitated interactive strategy lab, we will outline the characteristics and parameters of transformational gifts through a scenario. Participants will outline in small teams specific strategies to shape the following: a gift concept, complex gift structure and options, and an internal stakeholder engagement plan.

Mega gifts are best realized when they are inspired by bold vision and ambitious ideas. This session will focus on the necessary conditions that enable effective shaping of transformational gift opportunities and strategies. We will explore how priorities emerging from university leaders and faculty can be organized to achieve the highest gift potential. The anatomy of successful fundraising initiatives and plans will be outlined and explored together.

This session will focus on best practice for identifying campus leaders and partners that need to be involved in transformational gift discussions, and strategies for supporting their optimal engagement. We will also explore mechanisms for managing potential risks and benefits of accommodating donor restrictions and requirements and managing questions of donor control and influence.

The list of global high net worth individuals and family offices is vast and complex. Equally fruitful is an institution's constituency and the networks that can be accessed through relationships. This session will focus on innovative approaches to identify prospects through creative sourcing and prospect research strategies.

As donors hold more of their wealth in assets other than cash, gift planning has become an increasingly important component of transformational giving conversations. This session explores how gift planning can help unlock transformational gifts and support the funding models needed to advance big ideas. Participants will examine how institutions can integrate gift planning strategy into transformational gift work to better align donor passions and financial goals with institutional priorities in ways that ignite transformational philanthropy.

This case study shares the story of a complex blended gift that brought together land conservation, donor vision, and institutional partnership. Participants will explore how relationship-building, collaboration, and creative gift structuring helped navigate challenges and ultimately bring a transformational gift to life.