Focused Fundraising: Donor Cultivation for Busy Executive Directors - IN PERSON

Focused Fundraising: Donor Cultivation for Busy Executive Directors

Executive Directors play a critical role in major donor cultivation — yet most are busy with operations, staffing, board management, and strategic planning. As a result, donor relationships are often reactive rather than intentional.

This interactive training session equips nonprofit Executive Directors with a practical, time-efficient framework for cultivating donors without adding overwhelm. Participants will leave with ideas for a cultivation plan, a calendar time-blocking strategy, and a structured approach to identifying and prioritizing high-capacity prospects.

Expected Outcomes
With this two-hour investment a seek organizations can expect:

• Increased major donor engagement
• More intentional leadership presence in fundraising
• Stronger donor retention
• Growth in average gift size
• Clear accountability structures for the Executive Director

Your Trainer

Dr. Jenny Mann, Executive Director, joined the Alabama Ballet in November of 2024. Before joining AB, she served as President and Executive Director of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Executive Director of Tuscaloosa Symphony, and enjoyed a 15-year career with The University of Alabama as Associate Professor of Bassoon, Chamber Music, and Arts Administration. A passionate educator and administrator, Jenny has over 30 years of experience in teaching and developing education/outreach programs. She specializes in fundraising, organizational capacity building, and collaborative engagement. In addition to her career in leadership, Jenny also published the text, "Teaching Woodwinds: Bassoon" with Mountain Peak Music and three recordings with the renowned Cavell Trio. Jenny holds a BMA from Baylor with a PK-12 Teaching Certification, MM and DMA degrees from The University of Texas at Austin. 

By the end of this session, participants will:

1. Reengage with the Executive Director’s unique role in major gift cultivation.
2. Understand how to identify their organization’s most likely high-capacity donors.
3. Envision a calendar-based time-blocking system for consistent donor engagement.
4. Envision a structured touchpoint plan for top-tier prospects.
5. Feel empowered to create a sustainable, relationship-driven cultivation rhythm.
6. Leave with ideas for a 90-day donor engagement action plan.

Participants will receive:
• Top 20 Donor Identification Worksheet
• 90-Day Cultivation Planning Template
• Weekly Time-Blocking Guide
• Touchpoint Tracker
• Sample donor email and meeting templates
• Major Donor Meeting Agenda Outline