Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute 2023 Program

On behalf of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Colorado Chapter, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2023 Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute! We are thrilled to have you join us this year as we explore our theme, “Things We Don’t Say Out Loud: The Nonprofit Workplace Unmasked.”

RMPI has become a hallmark event in our region, bringing together a diverse and accomplished group of professionals who are committed to creating positive and lasting change in the communities we serve. We are also passionate about supporting each other, addressing inequities in our sector, and working together for meaningful growth.

In addition to the enlightening sessions from Dr. Ryan Ross, Peggy Morrison Outon, Lynne Wester, T. Clay Buck and others, RMPI offers an exceptional opportunity to network and connect with fellow professionals who work daily to make a difference. We encourage you to engage in important conversations, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships that will undoubtedly contribute to your personal and professional growth.

We are incredibly grateful to the RMPI planning committee for creating this amazing day: Chelley, DeAnn, Cheryl, Lauren, Becca, Annie, Richard, Raffael, Heather, Iris, Michelle, Meghan, Faustine and Caitlyn as well as the sponsors and speakers. Thank you.

Once again, welcome to the Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute! Your presence adds tremendous value to this gathering, and we are confident that the connections you make and the knowledge you gain will have a lasting impact on your fundraising endeavors.

Thank you for being a part of this transformative event. We look forward to engaging with you and celebrating the power of philanthropy!

Warm regards,

Carson Maczuzak AFP Colorado Chapter President

RMPI 2023 SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

AFP Colorado Chapter

Past Presidents

EXHIBITORS

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

8:00 am RMPI Opens and Continental Breakfast Available

9:00 am Welcome and Mindfulness Moment

9:15 am Opening Welcome Speaker — Emancipation of Yesterday’s Philanthropic Mindset: From Patriarchy to Partnership.

10:00 am Workshop Session I

Session A: Creating Employee Retention Through a Culture of Compassion and Accountability (ROOM 3)

Session B: Nonprofit and Corporate Partnerships: What’s in it for Both Sides? (ROOM 1)

Session C: Things We Don’t Say About Board Engagement in Fundraising (ROOM 2)

11:30 am Break, Visit Vendors, Self-Care, Networking, and Grab Lunch

12:00 pm Luncheon Plenary Speaker — Unpacking the 74%: Pay Equity in the Social Sector

1:30 pm Partner Up: Outdoor Walk and Talk

2:30 pm Workshop Session II

Session A: Being a Good Fundraising Ancestor: Radical IDEAs on Re-Thinking Fundraising (ROOM 1)

Session B: Balancing Act- Recognizing Donors Through a DEI Lens (ROOM 2)

3:30 pm Break, Visit Vendors, Self-Care, Networking

4:00 pm Closing Keynote — “Fundraising is Life” How to Reenergize Yourself and Your Fundraising

5:00 pm Happy Hour at The Golden Mill

* Schedule is subject to change.

**The sessions noted above in blue must be pre-selected. If you haven’t yet made your selections, reach out to DeAnn ASAP at deann@afpcc.org

RMPI 2023 Emcee

Chelley Canales (she/her/hers)

Benefit Auctioneer and Lead Gala Consultant, The Gala Team

Chelley Canales is a Benefit Auctioneer and Lead Gala Consultant for The Gala Team and a proud Board Member of AFP Colorado Chapter. She has a background in fundraising, having previously worked for organizations such as Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and Publicolor in NYC. Chelley is the host of the podcast Lighthouse Conversations with Chelley Canales, is a TEDx speaker, and has been seen on stage in Denver and across the country as an emcee and performing artist

SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

8:00 am - Conference Opens

9:15 am - Opening Welcome Speaker

Ryan Ross, Ph.D., Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado

Please see speaker photos and bios later in the program

Emancipation of Yesterday’s Philanthropic Mindset: From Patriarchy to Partnership NPO leaders seem to be stuck in a cycle of sacrificing their ability to serve effectively due to limitations and a lack of creativity in current funding and direct service models. How do our colleagues really feel and what can we do about it? Join Dr. Ross in a timely conversation centered on courageous trust, keeping it real, and imagining how communities might thrive if those serving on the frontline were released from their service shackles!

10:00 am - Workshop Session I

Creating Employee Retention Through a Culture of Compassion and Accountability

Lauren McClanahan and Annie Tutt, CFRE, Brent’s Place

Are you looking to enhance your team culture? Want to drive real employee retention results? Join Lauren and Annie to hear about Brent’s Place culture and employee experience journey. You’ll learn how areas such as hiring, onboarding, compensation, and celebrations can help you create a culture where team members thrive and stay. You’ll leave equipped with how to bring these techniques to your organization and how to dig into the conversations that drive clear expectations, accountability, and coaching to all levels of the organization.

Nonprofit and Corporate Partnerships: What’s in it for Both Sides?

Carolyn Stevens-Wood, Young Americans Center for Financial Education

Jennifer Forman, Splunk

How can nonprofit organizations and corporations partner to benefit each party? We will discuss different approaches to corporate partnerships, how nonprofits can benefit, and how organizations can fulfill Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments through strategic collaborations. We will also explore the TRUE needs of both entities and how these can be attained from insider viewpoints from the nonprofit and corporate worlds.

Things We Don’t Say About Board Engagement in Fundraising

Jessica Weaver, Weaver Strategies

Fundraising success depends on organization-wide efforts from the leadership of the board to the dedication of the front-line staff. This course focuses on the role the board plays in fundraising and how to inspire and motivate board members to join you in raising funds to support your mission.

12:00 Luncheon Plenary Speaker

Peggy Morrison Outon

74%: Unpacking Pay Equity in the Social Sector

Let’s talk about compensation and fairness in the social sector. Whether you’re newly in the field or a seasoned veteran, this session will challenge your thinking about how salaries are set, boards as employers, and possibilities for greater equity for those serving and those served. Peggy Morrison Outon of Excelsior Consulting conducted a three-year research effort to better understand women’s leadership, career advancement, and issues of compensation in the nonprofit sector and she is eager to share these findings and make them relevant to your work today.

2:30 pm - Workshop Session II

Being a Good Fundraising Ancestor: Radical IDEAs on Re-Thinking Fundraising

T. Clay Buck, CFRE

Fundraising is pretty straightforward – identify, cultivate, ask, steward. Yet we still find ourselves in the midst of a Generosity Crisis with fewer households giving to charities, plummeting donor retention rates, and high stress and turnover in the profession. When we have to be so focused on the bottom line of money in/money out, how do we even begin to plan to include Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access let alone next year’s dollars and fundraising goals? In this workshop and open discussion, we’ll dig deep into how to look at our work long-term, create a truly inclusive generosity ecosystem, and actually solve problems vs. short-term quick fixes that just keep us on the hamster wheel of fundraising.

Balancing Act - Recognizing Donors Through a DEI Lens

Matthew S. Helmer

Donors want to feel special. We want to recognize them. What happens when recognizing the elite among our donors is in direct contradiction to our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? How can we say we’re committed to inclusivity when we have giving societies that are based solely on a donor’s capacity to give large amounts of money? What do giving and recognition societies look like in light of our commitment to DEI as an organization? Join us for the rethinking of donor recognition. How do we balance the need to recognize our donors while understanding innately that the way we currently do this alienates others? In this session, we’ll take a hard look at ourselves and our donors and find out what to do in these situations.

4:00 pm — Closing Keynote Session

T. Clay Buck, CFRE

“Fundraising is Life” How to Reenergize Yourself and Your Fundraising

“Please put on your oxygen mask before helping others.” We’ve all heard this before, well, this session IS your oxygen mask. Join Clay to explore how the human side of fundraising has changed in recent years and how to respond to these upheavals. We have faced more than a pandemic; we have faced racial and social injustice, the great resignation, civil conflict, working from our living rooms, and much more. Regardless of how we perform the tasks and execute strategies, fundraising is a relationship-based profession. WHY we choose our profession and that we choose ourselves as much as we choose to serve others is essential. Using the framework of Recognize, Reveal, and Reframe we will build a model for attendees to follow and build upon. This interactive session, complete with a workbook, allows the attendee and the speakers to connect over common experiences and will help guide positive future outcomes.

5:00 pm – Happy Hour at The Golden Mill

MORE ABOUT AFP COLORADO CHAPTER

Need CFRE hours? Our programs and audio webinars are approved providers. Be sure to check the email you received for the CE tracker for RMPI 2023 hours.

Have you ever attended an AFP Coffee Chat? We have returned in person to DIRT Coffee. Coffee Chat is on the second Thursday of each month and is free for everyone. Details at Coffee Chat - AFP Colorado Chapter (afpglobal.org)

Are you an AFP member but not quite sure how everything works? Do you have questions about scholarships? AFP Colorado Chapter offers scholarships toward AFP membership, monthly program attendance, and RMPI registrations. Email Anne at amodlertmc@gmail. com with questions.

Are you looking for a new position? Be sure to check out the job postings on the AFP website. Chapter Job CenterAFP Colorado Chapter (afpglobal.org)

Are you or is someone on your staff 30 or younger? AFP has a Young Professional membership category to save on membership dues.

Would you like to attend the AFP International Conference on scholarship? If you have never attended before, you qualify to apply for our Chamberlain Scholarship. Watch the Thursday Thoughts email or details.

Do you have some great ideas to share? AFP Colorado Chapter welcomes committee members in all areas. Learn more at https://community.afpglobal.org/afpcocol- oradochapter/aboutus23/new-item2

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

T. Clay Buck, CFRE, Master Trainer

Clay is an experienced fundraiser with over 30 years of working in leadership roles in nonprofits and as a senior consultant. He is the founder and lead consultant for TCB Fundraising, a nonprofit fundraising and communications consultancy that focuses on strategy, systems, and storytelling that engage communities and drive longterm results. He is an AFP Master Trainer and holds a Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology. The co-host of the #1 ranked nonprofit podcast Fundraising is Funny and the Lead Fundraising Coach for iWave, Clay makes his home in Las Vegas, Nevada where teaches fundraising and strategic planning at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

OPENING WELCOME SPEAKER

Dr. Ryan Ross, Ph.D.

A Colorado native, Ryan grew up in Denver’s Eastside and Five Point areas. Ryan’s passion for community, leadership, and education is directly related to his experiences growing up and his desire to pay it forward to the community that afforded him many opportunities. Ryan’s innovative work can be witnessed through his leadership in programs such as the Kappa League Leadership Development program, the creation of the Urban Male Initiative at the Community College of Denver, the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, and in collaboration with many community partners such as Denver Public Schools, the Ethnic College Counseling Center, Gilliam Youth Services, Jack and Jill of America Denver Chapter, Colorado Beautillion Inc., and the Center for Multicultural Excellence at the University of Denver.

Professionally, Dr. Ross serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Equity, and Inclusion for the Colorado Community College System, the President of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, and is the founder and owner of Ryan Ross Speaks Ltd. Dr. Ross is a proud father of two.

LUNCHEON PLENARY SPEAKER

Peggy Morrison Outon

Peggy Morrison Outon is the Principal at Excelsior Consulting, a new fullservice consulting firm dedicated to challenging the thinking of nonprofit leaders and supporting them as they deliver their most effective work. Until June 2023, Peggy served as the founding Executive Director of the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Peggy has four decades of experience in the nonprofit sector. As a consultant, she has served more than 1500 clients as they improved their strategy, governance, fundraising and made executive transitions. With the help of many volunteer leaders, she has led successful fundraising campaigns that have resulted in $50 million new dollars for arts, management support, and other nonprofit organizations. She has served on thirty-five nonprofit boards – eight as President. She led the national merger that resulted in the Alliance for Nonprofit Management.

She is long married to Paul Outon, a contractor and property manager. They live on the Northside of Pittsburgh in an old Victorian built in 1874 that Paul has in constant repair!

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

Jennifer Forman ESG Program Lead, Splunk

Jennifer is the ESG Program Lead and a member of the Global Impact team at Splunk, a global technology company. She has been developing social impact and equity initiatives for nearly two decades as a consultant and senior leader at global corporations and national nonprofit organizations.

Jennifer teaches the Certificate in ESG Strategy offered by the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility at the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business. She holds professional certifications in Corporate Social Responsibility (University of Colorado) and GRI Standards for Sustainability Reporting (GRI Academy).

Jennifer is an avid proponent of corporate purpose, workplace diversity, equity and inclusion, and integrating environmental and social sustainability practices into all facets of business. Recently, Jennifer served as the Director of Corporate Citizenship at PopSockets where she developed an award-winning, global social impact initiative and managed a multi-million-dollar philanthropy budget. Earlier in her career, Jennifer was Vice President of Marketing & Development for two national nonprofit organizations

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

Matthew S. Helmer Consultant & Strategist, Donor Relations Group

Matthew S. Helmer is committed to elevating the way donors experience mission-driven organizations. With decades of experience as an experience designer, donor relations practitioner and organizational leader, Matthew brings a unique perspective to his clients – ever ready to challenge the status quo and inspire teams to strive for excellence in every pursuit. His philosophy is driven by a belief that our most successful donor relations efforts are rooted in a meaningful, well-articulated purpose and that our work can – and should –be guided by data-informed strategy.

A Louisiana native, Matthew is a proud alumnus of the University of Arkansas and remains an avid Razorbacks fan. Matthew and his family live in Colorado, where he served as a longtime member of the Colorado State University team, most recently as Assistant Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for University Advancement.

Lauren McClanahan Vice President of Operations and Culture, Brent’s Place

Lauren joined Brent’s Place in 2021 to lead and nurture a strong, diverse, inclusive, and people-focused culture through the leadership of People Operations, Family Support team, and Facility Operations. Prior to joining Brent’s Place, Lauren was the COO at Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) and provided oversight of Information Technology, People Operations, Admin, and Finance. Lauren also put her people-focused management skills to work with Denver Public Schools Family and Community Engagement (FACE) building organizational capacity, overseeing staff, professional development, and engaging community partners. Lauren has worked and managed in various capacities in the fields of education, non-profit fundraising, human services, and technology. Lauren holds a BA in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and an MA degree in Communications from the University of Denver.

Carolyn Stevens-Wood Director of Development, Young Americans Center for Financial Education

Carolyn focuses on nonprofit and corporate partnerships at the Young Americans Center for Financial Education. She has over 10 years of experience at nonprofit organizations in multiple markets in addition to experience in the corporate sector with brands including Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola. She studied psychology at McGill University and Griffith University and recently completed a Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG Strategy at the University of Colorado.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

Carolyn is an enthusiastic social impact professional and advocate for corporate philanthropy and volunteer engagement to help tackle pressing community issues. She serves on the Board of the Colorado Chapter of AFP, the Associate Board of Girls on the Run of the Rockies, and co-chairs the Professional Development CSR Alum Group for UC Boulder.

Annie

Tutt, MPH, CFRE Philanthropy Director, Brent’s Place

Annie Tutt is a Certified Fund Raising Executive with nearly 20 years of experience. Annie attended the University of Florida and began her fundraising career at Shands Children’s Hospital at UF. Following her time in healthcare fundraising, Annie served the northeast Florida community through fund development roles at Ronald McDonald House, Jacksonville University, and United Way of Northeast Florida. In Jacksonville, Annie was also an avid volunteer and member of the Women’s Giving Alliance. She has also served as a nonprofit consultant since August 2021.

Following her family’s move to Colorado, Annie joined the Brent’s Place team in December 2022 to support major gift fundraising in the role of Philanthropy Director.

Jessica Weaver Principal Consultant, Weaver Philanthropic Strategies

Jessica is an accomplished philanthropic strategy consultant for corporations and nonprofit organizations in Austin, TX. For more than 25 years, Jessica has been serving regional, national, and global organizations with proven leadership in strategic planning, fundraising assessment and strategy, executive leadership development, and corporate social impact strategy.

Jessica has a personal and significant commitment to civic engagement. Jessica is currently a member of several philanthropic leadership organizations in Central Texas. Jessica serves in board leadership of the community foundation, a regional theatre, and a premier civic leadership program where she most recently served as the chair of the board. In addition, Jessica served as a volunteer capital campaign chair, overseeing the successful completion of a $20 million campaign.

Jessica received her Masters of Philanthropic Studies at the Lilly FamilySchool of Philanthropy at Indiana University which followed a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of San Diego. Jessica has also received post-graduate credentials from BoardSource and The Fund Raising School.

RMPI SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

We are thrilled that we have 8 scholarship attendees at RMPI. Thanks to our sponsors –Past Presidents of AFP Colorado Chapter and Institutes of Leaders in Development – for making this experience possible.

Jaime Marston Cook, Morgan Adams Foundation

Jenna Hardy, Make-a-Wish Colorado

Kacie Merrick, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation

Lindsey Palmer, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains

Elisabeth Peterson, Temple Grandin School

Ava Petrucci, Brent’s Place

Katy Rubino, Third Way Center

Natasha Sherrod, Girls on the Run of the Rockies

AFP Colorado Chapter Past Presidents

Join

September 21 - “Email Marketing for the Busy Nonprofit Professional” with Susan Fleming, Digital Engagement Strategist

Join us on November 9 for a celebration for the National Philanthropy Day in Colorado 2023.

AFP is a membership organization committed to advancing philanthropy. We offer resources and create opportunities to help fundraising professionals be the best they can be. We bring fundraisers together to network, grow professionally, and advance our field. Learn more about the value of being an AFP member online at afpcc.org Home

Thanks to our 2023 RMPI Committee

RMPI Chair

Chelley Canales, The Gala Team Committee

Iris Abraham, Denver Rescue Mission

DeAnn Acosta, CFRE, AFP Colorado Chapter

Becca Blomquist, Access DMC

Faustine Curry, VOA Colorado

Cheryl Dotson, The Meeting Edge

Richard Eveleigh, The Nonprofit Strategy Group

Caitlyn Fantl, American Water Works Association

Michelle Hektor, American Water Works Association

Raffael Hoffmann, CFRE, Laradon

Carson Maczuzak, CFRE, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Heather Orr, WellPower

Lauren Pietrek, Girls on the Run of the Rockies

Annie Tutt, CFRE, Brent’s Place

Meghan Vargas, CFRE, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

AFP Chapter Office

PO Box 24745 | Denver, CO 80224 | 303.394.6388

info@afpcc.org | www.afpcc.org