Tuesday 13 January 2026

1. Integrated Advancement and the Village of Fundraising: Why It Matters and Who Makes It Possible

Fundraising is essential to an institution’s long-term growth, reputation, and ability to deliver on its mission. But fundraising can only succeed when it is understood as part of a broader, integrated advancement approach—one that aligns communications, alumni relations, advancement services, and internal partners to create a seamless and compelling donor experience. This session will unpack why fundraising is strategically vital, explore how each advancement function shapes the donor journey, and emphasise the collaborative “village” required to secure and sustain philanthropic support. Participants will learn to view their work through the eyes of the donor and understand how thoughtful coordination—across people, teams, and touchpoints—builds trust, strengthens relationships, and inspires giving.

• Analyse the strategic importance of fundraising and its role in advancing their institution’s long-term mission and sustainability.
• Identify how the integrated advancement functions—fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and advancement services—collectively shape the donor experience.
• Identify the key internal and external stakeholders (“the village”) who influence fundraising success and donor engagement.
• Apply collaborative and donor-centred strategies to strengthen relationships and support each stage of the donor journey.

2. Major Giving and Annual Giving

Major and annual giving may differ in scale, but both are about inspiring generosity. This session examines how each fit within the donor journey—from broad-based appeals to deeply personal relationships. Participants will explore how strategies converge around understanding donor motivations, aligning values with impact, and creating pathways for continued involvement.

• Differentiate between major and annual giving strategies while recognising their shared principles in inspiring generosity.
• Explain how both approaches fit within the broader donor journey and can complement each other in nurturing long-term support.
• Identify tactics to personalise donor engagement across giving levels while maintaining mission alignment.

3. Prospect Research and Sourcing

The journey of fundraising begins with an understanding of who shares your mission. This session demystifies the art and science of prospect research and sourcing—discovering potential supporters, interpreting signals of affinity and capacity, and using data and insight to make informed, donor-centred engagement decisions. Participants will learn practical methods to turn information into meaningful connection.

• Apply basic techniques in prospect identification, research, and qualification to uncover potential supporters.

• Identify strategies to evaluate and prioritise strategically to strengthen donor pipeline.

   

4. Donor Cultivation

Cultivation is where curiosity becomes connection. This session explores how to build authentic, trust-based relationships that help donors see themselves in your mission. Participants will learn approaches to meaningful engagement, conversation, and storytelling that deepen interest and set the stage for giving—whether through events, communications, or shared experiences. By aligning donor motivations with institutional goals, participants will discover how to lay the foundation for meaningful asks and lasting philanthropic partnerships.

• Design a cultivation plan that builds authentic relationships and aligns donor motivations with institutional priorities.
• Apply strategies (such as storytelling, personal engagement, and communication tools) for building authentic and trust-based relationships with prospective donors.
• Recognise key moments and signals that indicate readiness to move from cultivation to solicitation.

Wednesday 14 January 2026

5. Making the Ask

Asking for support and stewarding a gift are inseparable parts of an effective donor journey. This session brings both together, demonstrating how a strong solicitation is reinforced – and often made possible—by thoughtful stewardship. Participants will learn practical techniques for preparing and delivering a donor-centred ask, as well as strategies for sustaining trust, demonstrating impact, and nurturing long-term relationships after the gift is made. Through scenarios and guided practice, the session highlights how authentic conversations, meaningful follow-up, and sincere appreciation work hand in hand to inspire confidence, deepen engagement, and encourage future giving.

• Apply donor-centred techniques to prepare and deliver an effective and authentic solicitation.
• Analyse how stewardship practices – including recognition, impact reporting, and follow-up – shape donor trust, satisfaction, and long-term commitment.
• Design a cohesive approach that links asking and stewardship, strengthening donor relationships and supporting sustained philanthropic engagement.

6. Stakeholder Engagement Hacks - How to Win Hearts 

Effective fundraising and advancement depend on the ability to engage people—colleagues, leaders, partners, and the broader community—in ways that build trust, alignment, and shared purpose. This session explores how to identify key stakeholders, cultivate productive working relationships, and foster a philanthropic mindset across the institution. Participants will learn practical strategies for influencing without authority, navigating differing priorities, and strengthening internal collaboration, all while safeguarding institutional reputation and ensuring consistency in how the institution presents itself to donors and the public. Ultimately, the session focuses on how to “win hearts” by creating authentic connections that enable a more unified, mission-driven approach to advancement. 

Develop stewardship plans that reinforce donor satisfaction, trust, and loyalty after a gift is made.

• Identify key internal and external stakeholders essential to advancing fundraising and institutional goals.
• Analyse how collaborative behaviours, cross-departmental alignment, and communication strategies contribute to effective stakeholder engagement and philanthropic culture.
• Apply approaches to influence stakeholders, strengthen relationships, and support a consistent and positive institutional reputation.

7. Ethics and Governance in Giving

Ethics and governance are central to responsible fundraising, shaping how institutions build trust and safeguard their reputation. This session will examine the ethical considerations involved in philanthropy Participants will discuss real-world scenarios and best practices to ensure transparency, accountability, and respect in donor relationships—core values that sustain confidence and credibility in Advancement. Participants will also explore governance processes that ensure accountability and transparency, while reflecting on how ethical decision-making underpins authentic relationships and strengthens long-term donor confidence.

• Identify key ethical considerations and governance frameworks in fundraising guiding responsible fundraising and donor relations.
• Evaluate case studies involving potential conflicts of interest, donor intent, and institutional reputation.
• Apply ethical decision-making processes to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in giving.

8. Trends in philanthropy and giving in HK / Asia

Philanthropy in Asia is evolving rapidly, shaped by cultural values, emerging wealth, and new approaches to giving. This session will highlight key trends influencing donor behaviour across the region, from the rise of family philanthropy and corporate social responsibility to digital giving and cross-border collaboration. Participants will gain insights into how these shifts are reshaping the landscape and learn how to leverage them to inform strategy, strengthen engagement, and position their institutions for success.

• Describe emerging trends, motivations, and cultural nuances shaping philanthropy in Hong Kong and the broader Asia region.
• Analyse how these developments influence donor expectations and institutional engagement strategies.
• Apply insights from regional giving patterns to enhance culturally responsive fundraising practices.