Raising money is about more than asking for donations—it’s about building authentic relationships, sharing your story, and inviting people to join your cause. Yet for many nonprofit leaders, fundraising brings feelings of overwhelm, fear, or uncertainty. This workshop series is designed to change that. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence you need to expand the community by supporting your mission—with both funding and other vital resources.
“How to Raise Money” unpacks fundraising through three chapters: Know, Plan, and Invite:
Session 1: Know & Plan
In the first session, we’ll reflect on attitudes about money and fundraising values that contribute to fundraising success. We’ll explore funding sources, the fundraising cycle, and why people give. From there, we’ll begin to plan. You’ll draft a case for support that explains why your organization deserves support and craft a practical fundraising plan tailored to your mission, resources, and community.
Session 2: Invite
In the second session, we’ll focus on the many ways you can invite people to deepen their connection to your organization. Through strategies such as site visits, events, grant writing, communication, and board engagement, you’ll learn how to turn plans into meaningful action. You’ll leave with concrete ideas for engaging supporters as partners in your mission.
By the end of this two-part workshop, you will be able to:
- Describe how your relationship with money shapes your approach to fundraising.
- Recognize the variety of ways organizations are resourced and supported.
- Communicate clearly and confidently about why your organization matters.
- Create a plan that guides your fundraising efforts with purpose and direction.
- Identify the best approaches for your organization to invite people into deeper connection with your mission.
This series is designed for nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers who want to strengthen their ability to raise resources for their mission. Whether you are new to fundraising or looking to refresh your approach, you’ll find practical insights you can put to use right away. Each session will be highly interactive, with time to reflect, practice, and learn from others, so you leave feeling more confident and prepared.
Participants will receive the “How to Raise Money” workbook, a practical resource they can bring back into their organization to guide planning, spark conversations, and put new ideas into action.
Nancy Bacon is a nonprofit educator with nearly 30 years of experience raising money from individuals, foundations, and government agencies. She has served as the lead fund development person in small to mid-size organizations, managing relationships and funds to ensure the mission was served. Since 2010, Nancy has been teaching nonprofit staff and volunteers how to raise money. Nancy also co-directs the Nonprofit Learning Center and co-hosts the Nonprofit Radio Show, a podcast with tips and tools for small nonprofits.
Session Dates and Times: Thursday, February 5, 2026, and Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Cost: The registration cost is $75 for WNN Member organizations and $125 for Not-Yet-Member organizations. One individual registers on behalf of the organization and will receive the Zoom link in the confirmation email. This link may be shared with additional staff, board members, or volunteers within the same organization at no additional cost.
A recording of each live session will be provided to registered participants following the workshops.
