The Fund Raising School

Congratulations to our Developing Annual Sustainability class! 🎉

Another group of fundraising professionals leaves The Fund Raising School with new ideas, practical strategies, and tools to build sustainable annual giving programs and stronger donor relationships.

We’re excited to see where you take your learning next!

🔗 Explore upcoming courses- https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/professional-development/courses-seminars/index.html

The Fund Raising School

On , we celebrate the young people who are shaping stronger communities today and creating a brighter future for tomorrow.

Last month, we had the privilege of welcoming the Boys & Girls Clubs of America back to The Fund Raising School for the 6th Philanthropy Leadership Institute. One of the most inspiring parts of the experience was meeting leaders who were once Club kids themselves and have now come full circle—serving the very organization that helped shape their lives.

Their journey is a powerful reminder that investing in young people creates a ripple effect that lasts for generations. When we empower youth with opportunities, mentorship, and purpose, we don't just shape future leaders—we strengthen the future of our communities.

Happy International Youth Day to the next generation of changemakers. Your passion, resilience, and commitment to serving others inspire us all.

We're excited to be a Breakout Session Partner at the Ronald McDonald House Midwest Summit, where people from across the region will come together to connect, collaborate, and discover new ways to better serve families.

Join Bill Stanczykiewicz, Director of The Fund Raising School, for his session:

Engage, Retain, Grow: Practical Strategies for Donor Stewardship

📅 Tuesday, August 11
🕑 2:15–3:15 PM

We look forward to joining the conversation and connecting with nonprofit professionals dedicated to making an even greater impact for the families they serve.

We're pleased to share that Bill Stanczykiewicz, Director of The Fund Raising School, will be joining an outstanding panel of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders at the 2026 Nonprofit Impact Summit.

The State of Our Nonprofit panel will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping today's nonprofit sector—from funding and workforce trends to innovation, collaboration, and the future of philanthropy. Bill will join fellow leaders in sharing practical insights to help organizations navigate change and strengthen their impact.

📅 August 6–7, 2026
📍 UCF Downtown Campus

If you're a nonprofit executive, board member, fundraiser, or sector leader, we encourage you to attend this timely discussion and be part of the conversation shaping the future of our sector.

Great fundraising campaigns don't just raise funds—they build momentum, strengthen relationships, and advance mission.

We're proud to share this testimonial from Orianna Cruz, who completed Fundraising Campaigns course at The Fund Raising School.

Ready to plan your next campaign with confidence? Join The Fund Raising School in New York for Fundraising Campaigns: From Capital to Comprehensive and gain practical strategies for leading successful capital and comprehensive campaigns—from planning and feasibility to donor engagement and implementation -

📍 New York, NY
📅 August 17–19, 2026

Whether you're preparing for your first campaign or looking to elevate your fundraising strategy, this course will provide the tools and insights to help your organization succeed.

🔗 Register today and secure your spot! - https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/professional-development/courses-seminars/the-fund-raising-school/fundraising-campaigns.html

Have you reserved your spot yet?

Traditional funding sources are important—but they're not the only option. Impact investing and blended financing are opening new opportunities for nonprofits to strengthen their financial sustainability while advancing their mission.

Join Neelam Makhijani for an engaging webinar on Blended Financing: Impact Investing for Nonprofits and learn how your organization can attract investments that create both financial and social returns.

📅 August 13, 2026
⏰ 12–1 PM ET
💲 $19.74

Whether you're exploring new funding strategies or looking to diversify your revenue streams, this webinar will provide practical insights to help you get started.

🎟️ Register today: https://lnkd.in/gpzV9Q-G

Why Every Nonprofit Needs a Planned Giving Strategy

Some of the most meaningful gifts aren't made today—they're planned for tomorrow.

Across the Atlanta region, donors often cite personal connections, community responsibility, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy as reasons for including charities in their estate plans.

Is your organization ready to have those conversations?

Join us for Planned Giving: Getting the Proper Start and learn how to build a sustainable planned giving strategy, engage legacy donors, and strengthen your organization's future.

📍 Atlanta

📅 August 17–19, 2026

Learn more:

https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/professional-development/courses-seminars/the-fund-raising-school/planned-giving.html

Strong donor relationships are the foundation of successful fundraising.

Congratulations to our Indianapolis cohort of Developing Major Gifts at The Fund Raising School! We're excited to see how you'll cultivate meaningful donor partnerships and advance your fundraising goals.

Learn more- https://bit.ly/3RbFj7Z

Happy Nelson Mandela International Day.

For those of us who work in philanthropy, fundraising, and the nonprofit sector, Nelson Mandela's life is a powerful reminder that lasting change begins with a commitment to serve others. Through his leadership, advocacy, and dedication to justice, equality, and human dignity, Mandela showed the world how one person can inspire millions. Today, the Nelson Mandela Foundation continues his legacy by promoting community engagement, and the power of collective action.

This day encourages individuals globally to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to community service, reflecting Mandela's 67 years of public service. It is a reminder that meaningful impact does not always require grand gestures, small acts of service can create lasting change.

This Mandela Day, let us honor his legacy by turning compassion into action.