What happens when nearly 800 passionate nonprofit professionals come together to tackle the future of philanthropy? New ideas and strategies to transform communities are born.
The 2024 San Diego Fundraising Conference was nothing short of inspiring. Voices from across the nonprofit world exploring both the challenges and opportunities ahead, staying true to this year’s theme: Navigating the Future of Philanthropy.
With advice from a diverse range of fundraising experts, there was no shortage of lessons to learn. Let’s dive into 10 of our favorites.
10 Conference Takeaways
1. Return to your roots.
Are you making people happy, financially secure or physically safe? Or are you a treadmill maintaining an institution that has lost sight of the entire point?
In her inspiring keynote, Kim Klein, Principal at Klein & Roth Consulting, emphasized the power of grassroots fundraising and movement building – reminding us to return to the heart of our mission. Think beyond data and set bold, visionary goals –while inviting people with lived experience to join in.
2. Tap into your strengths.
How do you grow your career? You lean into what you do best.
Miguel Lopez, SDF Senior Manager of Development, and Danny Kim, SDF Senior Director of People, Culture & Diversity, discussed how personal growth starts with understanding your strengths. Building self-awareness, coupled with a strong mentor, can be the foundation for achieving career success.
3. Storytelling sticks with people.
When was the last time you remembered a dozen data points about a cause you care about? Maybe never. But a well-told story? That sticks with you.
Kirsten Farrell, Director at The Goodman Center, illustrated how storytelling taps into the human brain’s natural decision-making process. Rather than relying on statistics alone, compelling narratives create emotional connections, making people more likely to engage and support your cause.
By themselves, numbers numb. By weaving stories into your communication strategy, you’re doing more than sharing information. You’re creating relationships that inspire lasting action.
4. Strategic thinking is a superpower.
How do you navigate a world that’s constantly changing? Recognize strategic thinking as your superpower. That’s according to the insightful and inspiring Karen E. Osborne, author and Senior Strategist at The Osborne Group.
By investing in your ability to think strategically, you enhance your adaptability, improve your decision-making skills, and become a more effective leader – all while honing your sense of direction. It’s not just a skill; it’s a superpower that can transform your impact within your organization.
5. AI is an ally.
What would it mean to have a few extra minutes given back to you during your workday?
Karen Boyd, Economist and Director of Research at the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center, and John Valencia, Founder of Good for Others Foundation, showed how AI can lighten your workload and streamline your fundraising efforts when used properly and ethically.
While AI can’t do everything, it can certainly help ease the burden, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: building meaningful connections for your shared vision.
6. Sometimes, ‘no’ has nothing to do with you.
Ever worked up the courage to make a big ask, only to be hit with a ‘no’? It’s easy to feel defeated at that point, but Kim Klein reminded us that people say no for many different reasons.
Perhaps they already have too much else going on in their minds, they need more time to think or they have already given to somebody else. The key is to stay persistent and remember that every ‘no’ brings you closer to the next ‘yes’.
7. Data can unlock new opportunities.
Are you tapping into all the data available to help identify your next big donor?
Our friends at Campbell & Company, Cassie Carter, Adriana Lopez, and Katie Effland, shined a light on the world of prospect research by explaining how to gather and track the right data to pinpoint high-potential supporters, spotlight trends and build lasting donor relationships.
8. Relationships matter.
How often do you talk to your donors? Are you building an authentic relationship with them?
Several sessions covered a common theme throughout the conference: the importance of developing and sustaining relationships. In her session, Rachel Stroud Hunsinger, Managing Senior Executive Director of Development at the University of California San Diego, stressed the gravity of consistently engaging and listening to donors – understanding their motivations, passions and goals.
9. Commit to yourself.
How do you keep your balance while juggling multiple responsibilities? Can you truly support your mission if you’re not taking care of yourself first?
Karen E. Osborne empowered participants to protect their time for high-impact activities and prioritize personal well-being, sharing practical strategies to maintain balance and ward off burnout. Her message: Your own well-being is key to achieving sustained success.
10. Philanthropy is changing.
Are you ready for the biggest shift in philanthropy we’ve seen in decades?
Stephan Coleman, Market Managing Director, Institutional Asset Management at PNC Bank, the conference’s presenting sponsor, highlighted the massive $16 trillion wealth transfer poised to transform giving.
With new generations inheriting wealth, he says it’s time to refresh donor strategies, get comfortable with non-cash assets like real estate and strengthen planned giving programs to build meaningful relationships with the next wave of philanthropists.
Navigating the Future
The San Diego Fundraising Conference made one thing clear: the future of philanthropy is all about fostering relationships, telling stories and exploring innovation. By staying connected, embracing change and staying human-centered in your work, you can create a lasting impact in our region.
