Greater Giving Blog

Seminar: Skyrocket Your Fundraising with the Six Figure Fundraiser
2024-02-27 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Saratoga Foothill Club, 20399 Park Pl, Saratoga, CA, 95070, United States
Skyrocket Your Fundraising with The Six Figure Fundraiser
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Join us for a seminar featuring Dee Dee Kiesow, the Six Figure Fundraiser! We look forward to an afternoon of networking and learning together, and making sure you can skyrocket your fundraising this year.
Date: Tuesday | February 27, 2024
Time: 11am – 1pm (lunch included)
Location: Saratoga Foothill Club | 20399 Park Pl, Saratoga, CA 95070

2024 is underway…In person event fundraising is back and is breaking records left and right.

Will you bring in Six or multiple Six Figures with a single event this year?
Do you know how to start?
Who are your power partners?
What about venue, caterer, auction items, donors, graphic design, printing, software, rentals and theme?
How do you address ROI and ROE? (Return on investment and experience)
Finally, how will you ask in the right way to get the MOST money, so you can Monetize Your Minutes® ?
What if you could solve all these in a two hour seminar?

Dee Dee Kiesow is sharing her best partners and the three things you must do to raise the most money this year and beyond. We are opening up the treasure chest to you with our best kept secrets for your most winning year ever.

YOU WILL:

Get the THREE things you must do to raise money in our new world
1. Strategic Partners and the Irresistible Yes
2. The Six Figure Fundraising ® Framework for success
3. The three things you MUST address in order to ASK for and GET the most money
Meet Dee Dee’s power partners for everything Gala
Earn Benevent Bucks to play in the raffle and Live Auction
PRIZES and AUCTION ITEMS: Trip to Africa, Cruise Vacation for 2 to Mexico, Bahamas or the Western Caribbean, Trip for two to Mexico, Branded Step and Repeat Pull-Up for your next event, discounts on services from our partners and much more.
You may leave with your entire event booked and ready to go.

What people are saying:
“I can’t wait to do this event again, we had so much fun the last time.” RL
“I am so excited for this event, I heard so much about the last one.” SM
“DeeDee understands what it takes to raise money since she has spent years as a development director and walking in our shoes.Now she does it from the other side and we always win.” TM
“Me? Learn something new from DeeDee? Every time! ” SG

Raising Paddles: All Things Gala Seminar – Kansas City, KS
2024-06-04 09:00 - 15:00 | Maggiano’s Little Italy – Overland Park, 7025 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS, 66223, United States
Raising Paddles offers a unique approach to providing educational sessions on fundraising strategies
for your next gala or golf outing. This event is run just like a gala, starting with a cocktail hour with
morning mimosas, a silent auction and entertainment, a delicious sit-down lunch, and then a mock
fundraising program so you can see best practices in motion to replicate at YOUR next event. Along
the way we will provide valuable sessions on topics such as donor development strategies, making the
ask, and enhancing the guest experience, etc.
We will demonstrate a live auction and a paddle raise, along with other innovative revenue enhancing
strategies that will help keep your event fresh each and every year.
The silent and live auction, along with raffles will be stocked with valuable prizes you can win by using
“play money” we hand out to you to make it fun and engaging. Many attendees will take prizes as
valuable as $5,000 home to use at their next gala! Please see a list of our sponsors in
a separate section, who will provide these prizes for you to win!
Come Join Us! A fun day of learning, a chance to win some amazing prizes, and a chance to network
with other similar organizations as you strive to maximize fundraising at your next event!
Please check out the Agenda Page for more details on the schedule for the day.

Raising Paddles: All Things Gala Seminar – Schaumburg, IL
2024-08-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Schaumburg – Maggiano’s Little Italy, 1901 Woodfield Rd, Schaumburg, IL, 60173, United States

Raising Paddles: All Things Gala Seminar - Tulsa, OK
2024-09-17 08:30 - 15:00 | Tulsa Club Hotel – Sky Terrace, 115 East 5th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74103, United States

Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute 2024
2024-09-20 | UCAR Center Green Campus, 3090 Center Green Dr, Boulder, CO, 80301, United States
We are proud to once again be part of the Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute. (RMPI) is AFP Colorado’s annual conference dedicated to bringing Colorado nonprofit leaders and learners together to grow, network, and impact change.
This year’s theme is “A.I. Doing This Right?” and will explore the opportunities and challenges of incorporating artificial intelligence into nonprofit work.

Ethical considerations for using A.I. technologies
Leveraging A.I. for fundraising, marketing, and operations
Case studies of nonprofits successfully implementing A.I.

Don’t miss this chance to learn how to harness the power of A.I. responsibly to drive impact for your organization.
Registration Cost: $149 (AFP members), $169 (nonmembers)
Early Bird Registration Deadline: August 9th ($139 members, $149 nonmembers)
Stop by the Greater Giving table and visit with Grant. Enter our drawing for $100 to be donated to your nonprofit and win a copy of our 26 Revenue Enhancers book.

The Nonprofit Events Mini-Con
2025-01-29 08:30 - 13:00 | Block 41, 115 Bell St., Seattle, WA, 98121, United States
POWER UP YOUR FUNDRAISING EVENT AT THE
NONPROFIT EVENTS MINI-CON
Co-created by a super team of local event companies, the Nonprofit Events Mini-CON is proud to present Seattle’s first-ever half-day conference designed just for nonprofit fundraising event planners.
Whether you’re a seasoned planner or new to the field, whether you are on a board or on staff at a nonprofit, YOU belong at the Nonprofit Events Mini-CON! This conference will provide the tools and inspiration needed to elevate your events and achieve your organization’s goals. This is an exceptional opportunity to network, share insights, build best practices, and walk away with actionable strategies for success.

Nonprofit Workshop: How to Speak So Donors Listen
2025-05-28 09:00 - 14:00 | Courtyard Chicago Schaumburg/Woodfield Mall, 1311 American Ln, Schaumburg, IL, 60173, United States
Keynote & Workshop Hosted By: Brian Miller, Human Connection Specialist
Workshops Insights:

Understanding Psychological Barriers
Proven Frameworks for Making the Ask
5-step Approach to Message Design
Donor Motivation Through Messaging

Seminar: Crack the Code: Insider Tips & Essentials for Event Fundraising Success
2025-11-05 10:30 - 13:30 | Arrowhead Golf Club, 26W151 Butterfield Rd, Wheaton, IL, 60189, United States
Date & Time: November 5, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM (Lunch included)
Location: Arrowhead Golf Course, Wheaton, IL
Presented by: Greater Giving, Bid Raise Bid & Serenity Nonprofit Consulting Group
Join us for an engaging seminar designed to unlock the secrets of successful event fundraising! Whether you’re planning your first gala or looking to elevate your fundraising impact, this session will equip you with practical strategies and insider tips.
What You’ll Learn:

How to prepare effectively before the event to ensure success
Strategies to maximize every seat and engage your audience throughout the event
Best practices for post-event engagement to sustain donor relationships

Seminar Highlights:

Expert guidance on event essentials including décor, photography, AV, and consignment
Interactive sessions led by fundraising specialist Bridget Hannon and award-winning auctioneer Chris Hensley
Opportunity to ask questions and network with fellow nonprofit professionals

Ticket Includes:

Full lunch
Exciting giveaways and raffle prizes, including:

Drawing for an HGA Trip (Value $2,000)
$1,000 off Chris Hensley’s auctioneer services
$500 off night-of support from Serenity Nonprofit Consulting Group

Ticket Price: $52
Secure your spot now and crack the code to fundraising success!
*Full participation in Crack the Code: Insider Tips & Essentials for Event Fundraising Success is applicable for 3 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Maximizing Mission Impact: Smarter Fundraising for Arizona Nonprofits
2026-01-21 10:00 - 13:30 | JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Resort, 5402 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, 85253, United States
Join us for an engaging and practical seminar designed to empower Arizona nonprofits with smarter, more effective fundraising techniques. This event covers everything from understanding the latest Arizona giving landscape to mastering live auction strategies and donor retention in today’s competitive environment. Whether you’re new to fundraising or looking to refine your skills, this seminar offers valuable insights and hands-on tactics to maximize your organization’s mission impact.

Seminar: The Whole Package: Behind the Bid
2026-06-02 - 2026-06-04 | TX
A half-day, CFRE-accredited masterclass focused on the strategy, structure, and moments that define high-performing fundraising events.

From stage strategy to revenue-driving moments… from unforgettable experiences to the technology that powers it all – this half-day program is designed to elevate how your events perform.
Join an all-star lineup of fundraising experts alongside nonprofit peers in your community for a morning packed with insight, energy, and connection.
Three convenient DMV locations. Limited seating available. This event series will sell out.
June 2, 2026 | MD – 12505 Park Potomac Avenue, Potomac, MD 20854
June 3, 2026 | VA – 1904 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston, VA 20190
June 4, 2026 | D.C. – 3000 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

Seminar: The Chicago Gala Playbook Live: How to Take Your Event to the Next Level and Raise More Money
2026-06-09 09:30 - 14:00 | Venue West, 221 N Paula St, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
A practical, no‑fluff workshop focused on real strategies that drive real fundraising results. Limited Capacity Event – Attendance is capped to ensure a high‑value, interactive experience.
Bonus Value for Attendees:

Full participation in The Chicago Gala Playbook Live: How to Take Your Event to the Next Level and Raise More Money is applicable for 3.5 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.
Enter to win a Tuscany trip giveaway!
Receive free professional headshots onsite

Tuesday, June 9, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Doors open at 9:30 AM)
Venue West: 221 N Paulina St Chicago, IL 60612
The Chicago Gala Playbook Live is a high-impact, half-day workshop designed for nonprofit leaders, gala chairs, and development professionals who want to elevate their events and raise more money. This practical, no-fluff session will walk attendees through every stage of a successful fundraising event, from early planning and sponsorship strategy to live auction execution, paddle raise success, and post-event stewardship. Featuring expert panels and real-world insights from top event partners, attendees will leave with actionable strategies they can immediately implement.
Learning Objectives:
• Develop a strategic timeline and plan for executing a successful fundraising event
• Identify and implement revenue-driving strategies for live and silent auctions
• Understand best practices for maximizing paddle raise/fund-a-need performance
• Learn how to engage sponsors, table hosts, and attendees to increase giving
• Apply post-event data and stewardship strategies to grow future event revenue

Eventful Impact Fundraising Seminar | Sonoma
2026-08-18 09:00 - 13:00 | Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa Street, Sonoma, CA, 95476, United States
Join Greater Giving, alongside fundraising professionals and Nonprofit Supporting Businesses for an interactive seminar designed to help nonprofits in Sonoma elevate their fundraising events.
How do you spend your time to make sure your event is red carpet ready and finishes in the black? This seminar will focus on the key strategies you’ll need to implement to increase your fundraising, turbo-charge your live auction, and maximize your special appeal.
At this seminar, you will learn best practices for:

What fundraising areas deliver the most money
Tips for drastically increasing your live auction revenue
How to craft your best special appeal strategy
How to tell your story to maximize impact
Tools to get you on track and ahead of the curve

Eventful Impact Fundraising Seminar | Sacramento
2026-08-20 09:00 - 13:00 | Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, United States
Join Greater Giving, alongside fundraising professionals and Nonprofit Supporting Businesses for an interactive seminar designed to help nonprofits in Sacramento elevate their fundraising events.
How do you spend your time to make sure your event is red carpet ready and finishes in the black? This seminar will focus on the key strategies you’ll need to implement to increase your fundraising, turbo-charge your live auction, and maximize your special appeal.
At this seminar, you will learn best practices for:

What fundraising areas deliver the most money
Tips for drastically increasing your live auction revenue
How to craft your best special appeal strategy
How to tell your story to maximize impact
Tools to get you on track and ahead of the curve

Eventful Impact Fundraising Seminar | Bakersfield
2026-08-25 08:00 - 12:00 | Valley Strong Credit Union, 11500 Bolthouse Dr, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, United States
Join Greater Giving, alongside fundraising professionals and Nonprofit Supporting Businesses for an interactive seminar designed to help nonprofits in Bakersfield elevate their fundraising events.
Whether you’re planning a gala, luncheon, or community fundraiser, this session will walk you through how to design an unforgettable event experience that drives real results.
You’ll learn how to:

Build compelling auction packages that inspire competitive bidding
Maximize revenue through Fund-a-Need and paddle raise moments
Engage donors before, during, and after your event
Incorporate revenue enhancers like raffles, sponsorships, and experiences

Eventful Impact Fundraising Seminar | Fresno
2026-08-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Ronald McDonald House of the Central Valley, 9161 Randall Way, Madera, CA, 93636, United States
Join Greater Giving, alongside fundraising professionals and Nonprofit Supporting Businesses for an interactive seminar designed to help nonprofits in Bakersfield elevate their fundraising events.
Whether you’re planning a gala, luncheon, or community fundraiser, this session will walk you through how to design an unforgettable event experience that drives real results.
You’ll learn how to:

Build compelling auction packages that inspire competitive bidding
Maximize revenue through Fund-a-Need and paddle raise moments
Engage donors before, during, and after your event
Incorporate revenue enhancers like raffles, sponsorships, and experiences
Leverage tools and partnerships to streamline impact and boost fundraising outcomes
