On March 11th, 2020, Laurentian University issued a statement that announced it would be suspending its classes immediately “as a precaution” related to the spread of COVID-19. On March 12th, Laurentian's advancement team started working remotely. Being the 1st advancement team in the country to make the move to remote work came with its share of challenges. Hear some examples around how the team grappled, adapted, and thrived in these exceptional circumstances. Learn about how the team continues to re-assess fundraising priorities and processes while continuing to support each other and set the stage for future success.

Learning Objectives

• See ya paper! Hello Zoom! - laying foundations of a remote fundraising program
• Shift, Slide, Move - agility as key to fundraising success
• Ready, Set, Wow! - responding to and planning for the unknowns

Too many organizations believe that transformational philanthropy is out of reach or only for the benefit larger organizations. But not all organizations should define transformational philanthropy in the same way. The best organizations, regardless of size, understand the core of what they want to change in Society and attract a philanthropic following which can help make that change happen. For many of these organizations, this philanthropic following includes people who have or could make transformational commitments. For many other organizations, this can feel out of reach or unattainable. This interactive session will review "best practices" and "common practices" which any sized organization can employ to build capacity for attracting a big gift commitment. The kind of commitment which can accelerate or transform your organization's ability to deliver change in society.

Learning Objectives

• How 'transformational' giving can work for both large and small shops
• Steps you can take to develop capacity for large gift commitments
• Core elements of a successful 'transformational giving' culture

As fundraisers, we are not trained in financial analysis – yet we work with financial data every day. You will hear from two professional fundraisers about how to have the conversation about numbers, while respecting your limited knowledge of finance. We will talk about ways of giving, our ethical obligations and our professional accountability. We will share examples of fundraising measurements as well as planned giving illustrations.

Learning Objectives

• Become aware of our need to have a financial discussion with our donors, though we are not “financial experts”.
• Share best practices.
• Factors to consider when looking at the Return on Investment (ROI) and using your Code of Ethics.