Pre Conference Institute

"Fundraising for Supervised Visitation Programs"

Wednesday, May 24, 2023
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $100

SVN has partnered with the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University to develop this special 3-hour workshop on fundraising with an emphasis on supervised visitation programs. The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy plays a leading role in moving philanthropy forward across the country and around the world because of the vision and generosity of the founders and leaders who foresaw the need to study, understand, and teach about this integral component of life and society.

Your organization is doing exceptional work. You are passionate about your mission. The potential is great if only more funding were available. Effective fundraising practices can be adapted to meet the unique realities of smaller SV programs. Efficiently use your time and existing resources – including board members and other volunteers – to achieve your fundraising goals.

Course Objectives:
1. Learn primary principles and techniques of fundraising
2. Apply fundraising techniques to the context of a smaller-budget SV Program
3. Develop recruitment strategies to grow your fundraising team
4. Devise an action plan to effectively fundraise for your SV organization

You’ll learn how to

Build a convincing case for financial support
Select the donors and markets best suited to your nonprofit
Choose the right fundraising vehicles for your organization
Inspire the leadership potential of volunteers
Create a fundraising process that works, but is attainable with limited resources

What you’ll receive

A comprehensive, easy-to-use study guide with models for future reference
A chance to network with other professionals dealing with similar challenges
Hands-on experience in planning special events
Interactive training on how to ask for support

Melissa S. Brown is an independent consultant, who helps charities turn knowledge into action. Consulting services range from literature reviews to survey design and analysis. Melissa is also a highly rated speaker and instructor for The Fund Raising School. Among her projects, Melissa manages the Nonprofit Research Collaborative, a twice-annual survey to assess what works in fundraising. She is a consultant to more than a dozen ongoing clients.

As part of her practice, she analyzes data from the Philanthropy Panel Study, a segment of the University of Michigan’s Panel Study of Income Dynamics, and surveys donors and non-donors about how they help others. Melissa volunteers on the AFP Research Council and currently chairs the Association of Philanthropic Counsel. Before founding Melissa S. Brown & Associates in 2011, she worked at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, editing Giving USA (2001-2010) and researching charitable giving by individuals, corporations, and foundations. Prior to moving to research, she raised funds for Folger Shakespeare Library, the Arthritis Foundation, the Homeless Initiative Program, and Indiana University. Melissa has also worked as a financial analyst for a municipal bond firm in Philadelphia and in multiple roles in a law firm in Portland, Oregon. Melissa studied at Reed College (B.A. in political science) and the University of Pennsylvania (Master of Governmental Administration). Melissa enjoys gardening, bird watching, and traveling.