Education Luncheon: Annual Giving Panel Discussion

Let’s talk annual giving.

Annual giving is the base source of unrestricted donations to support an organization’s operational and programmatic needs. It is also the most important method for acquiring new donors and stewarding existing donors with the potential to become major- and planned giving donors.

Join us at the Westport Library to talk “all things annual giving” with a moderated panel of area development professionals. Topics will include creating compelling messaging, encouraging recurring giving, stewardship, managing staff and internal resources—and more.

As always, we welcome your participation—to hear and respond to your thoughts, challenges, and suggestions.

Our Presenters:

Hilary Shapiro – Panelist, Fundraising Consultant

With more than 30 years of experience working with nonprofits, Hilary has designed and implemented annual and capital campaigns for academic, health care, and social service institutions across the country, including a number of recovery and behavioral health entities. From conducting pre-campaign and donor assessment studies to creating messaging and directing communications strategy, she understands how all aspects of fundraising must connect seamlessly.

 

Samantha Conetta Flynn – Panelist, Chief Development Officer at The Center for Empowerment and Education

Samantha Conetta Flynn is the Chief Development Officer at The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE), formerly the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury where she oversees all of the fundraising efforts. She holds a B.A. from Western Connecticut State University, a certificate in Fundraising from New York University, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration through Marist College. Samantha has worked on various development teams, including other local nonprofits as well as national organizations based out of NYC, helping to grow their fundraising programs. She’s passionate about working for CEE because she knows her contributions to the organization are benefiting her neighbors since she lives within CEE’s 11-town catchment area.

Samantha and her husband Rob are raising their two boys, William (Will age 10) and Mackenzie (Mac age 5) in New Fairfield, CT. You will rarely find Samantha without her security cup – a big cup of coffee!

Colleen Thomas – Panelist, Director of Development at MoCA/CT

Colleen Thomas manages MoCA Westport’s overall fundraising strategy, including capital campaigns, the major gifts program, the annual fund drive, foundational and government grants, planned giving, program sponsorship and special events.

Originally joining MoCA in 2020 to expand The Academy, the Museum’s award-winning education department, Thomas helped design enrichment programs to meet the evolving needs of the community during the pandemic, including serving as a co-creator of the museum’s summer camp program, Camp MoCA.

Since September 2021, Thomas served as the Head of Education Development at MoCA Westport, leading the Museum’s grant initiatives as well as stewarding fundraising for the education department. In this capacity, she was a co-creator of the MoCA Gives Back initiative, which continues to foster equitable access to arts experiences for all.

Susan Chudwick, CFRE – Panelist, Director of Development at Bridgeport Hospital Foundation

Susan Chudwick, the Director of Development of the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation in Bridgeport, CT, is a proven executive fundraising professional with over 35 years of demonstrated success in securing resources for the nonprofit sector, primarily for hospitals and healthcare.

Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, Susan served as administrative director for the Greater Bridgeport Adolescent Pregnancy Program, securing major federal and state grants to support community programs. From 1992-96, as the executive director of AIDS Project New Haven and was a founding member of the New Haven/Fairfield County HIV/AIDS Planning Council, which brought millions of programmatic dollars to the region for the care of people with HIV/AIDS.

Susan has earned the Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) credential and is a member of several volunteer and professional organizations, including AFP and NEAHP. Susan is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Bridgeport, CT, and serves on the advisory board of Darien-based Tiny Miracles Foundation.

Our Moderator:

Nils Morgan, Senior Account Manager, MSP Cultivate

Nils’ career in fundraising communications spans nearly 30 years. With a background in high-volume commercial printing and direct mail, Nils’ focus quickly broadened to include data analytics, predictive modeling, and fundraising strategy for academic and healthcare institutions and a variety of nonprofits. developing and executing annual giving programs for healthcare organizations, education, and a variety of nonprofits. Morgan works with MSP Cultivate to provide creative solutions while improving program ROI. MSP Cultivate is based in New Canaan, CT and Hudson, MA.

 

REGISTER HERE

 

Thank You to Our Sponsor

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Details

Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
11:30 AM Registration and Networking
12:00-1:30 PM Lunch and Program
Location: Komansky Room, The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880

Luncheon Fee

AFP MEMBERS – $30
FUTURE MEMBERS & GUESTS of AFP Member– $35

 

REGISTER HERE