The Art and Science of Closing Major Gifts

Wednesday, November 6, 2013, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hosted by North Park University, Chicago, IL

Full-Day Workshop: $160; lunch provided

6 CEUs

Registration is Closed for this Workshop.

About this Session: Designed for leaders seeking to raise sights, friends, and dollars for their institutions, this all-day seminar will explore the key elements necessary to achieve transformational gifts from individual donors. What attributes are evident in donors who make significant gifts? Who are these donors and how do you adapt your approach to win their hearts and, ultimately, their investment? What characteristics are present in organizations that achieve such gifts? How do these align with each other? What are some of the tried-and-true and new techniques in soliciting and stewarding donors to bring about mega gifts? In this interactive seminar you will also learn to formulate philanthropic value propositions and develop skills to help you be successful in engaging prospects and making BIG asks. A donor will also be present to share his/her perspective and motivation for making major gifts.

Who Should Attend: Executive Directors, Development Staff, Board Members

Content Level: Advanced

About the Presenter: Brenda Asare is the senior vice president and Midwest division manager of The Alford Group. She has extensive experience helping national and international organizations increase their fundraising capacity, strengthen their boards, and develop meaningful donor relationships to better serve their communities. Before joining The Alford Group team, Asare worked for the American Red Cross in St. Louis, Detroit, and Chicago, where she was chief development officer. She successfully completed the Chicago chapter’s three-year campaign to construct a $13 million Disaster Operations Center. It was here that she also raised $25 million for families affected by 9/11. Brenda was awarded the Dean’s Service Award from Washington University Olin School of Business in recognition of leadership efforts in building a bridge between the business school students and the not-for-profit community in St. Louis. She is a member of Women in Development and the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has served on the boards of The Children’s Place, Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic, and the South Shore Drill Team in Chicago. Asare holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina and a master’s in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis.