Sharpe In-Person Seminars

Gift Planning Essentials

Washington, DC • May 11-12, 2023
Register(* Early Bird Rate available through April 10)
Chicago, IL • June 8-9, 2023
Register(* Early Bird Rate available through May 8)
Washington, DC • September 20-21, 2023
Register(* Early Bird Rate available through Aug. 20)
Chicago, IL • October 3-4, 2023
Register(* Early Bird Rate available through Sep. 2)

* Early Bird Rate:

  • $895 for the first registrant from an organization. (Available through Dec. 9 for Jan. 9-10; through May 8 for June 8-9; through Sep. 2 for Oct. 3-4.)
  • $745 for the additional team members from the same organization. Use code “MULTDISC2023” when checking out.

Standard Rate:

  • $995 for the first registrant from an organization.
  • $845 for the additional team members from the same organization. Use code “MULTDISC2023” when checking out.

Hotel and Travel Information
View the Agenda

Overview

Who are prospects for larger gifts now and in the future? Why, what and when do donors give? How will the gift be arranged? An understanding of planned and major gifts is essential in today’s changing world of philanthropy, and this introductory seminar covers the basics every fundraiser needs to know. These two days provide a great overview of how carefully planned special gifts are becoming increasingly important for every charitable organization that counts on gift revenue to carry out its mission.

Who Should Attend

This seminar is designed for professionals who are seeking to gain a basic understanding of how to approach donors throughout their life cycle and how proper gift planning can lead to larger gifts now and in the future. Whether you are brand new to fundraising or are looking for a basic overview refresher, you will benefit from the discussion of the essential elements of fundraising. Board members and senior management would also benefit from this content.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll discover the keys to effective communication with donors; learn how to effectively serve those 65+, who are the key to success in fundraising over the next 20 years; and learn ways to relay the benefits of planned and blended gifts through broad-based communication efforts, individualized correspondence in various mediums and through the all-important personal visit.

This seminar is approved for 11 CFRE Continuing Education points.

3-Day Comprehensive Planned Giving

There are currently no additional dates planned for 2023. Please check back for new dates.

Overview

This comprehensive three-day seminar features some of the most respected experts in the field and delivers the groundwork for those who are new to gift planning while offering a “refresher” for more experienced fundraisers. The seminar will explore the basics of gift and estate planning, the tax considerations of giving, the advantages of cash and noncash gifts, a wholistic view of gift planning fundraising strategies and more.

Who Should Attend

This seminar is designed for professionals who are seeking to gain a basic understanding of planned giving and how proper gift planning can lead to larger gifts now and in the future. Whether you are brand new to fundraising or are looking for a basic overview, you will benefit from this introduction to gift planning. Board members and senior management may also benefit from this seminar.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll discover the keys to effective communications with prospective planned givers; learn how to effectively serve those 65+ who are the key to success in fundraising over the next 20 years; and learn ways to communicate the benefits of planned gifts through broad-based communication efforts, individualized correspondence, telephone calls and personal visits.


Advanced Gift Planning: Major and Special Gifts

Chicago, IL • April 3-4, 2023
Register(* Early Bird Rate available through March 10)
Washington, DC • July 11-12, 2023
Register(* Early Bird Rate available through June 10)
Chicago, IL • November 15-16, 2023
Register(* Early Bird Rate available through Oct. 15)

* Early Bird Rate:

  • $895 for the first registrant from an organization.
  • $745 for additional team members from the same organization. Use code “MULTDISC2023” when checking out.

Standard Rate:

  • $995 for the first registrant from an organization.
  • $845 for the additional team members from the same organization. Use code “MULTDISC2023” when checking out.

Hotel and Travel Information
View the Agenda

Overview

There is increased competition for gifts among a smaller universe of givers. Increasing success depends upon larger gifts now and in the future. This seminar takes a deep dive into the importance of larger special gifts and how they can combine to meet the donor’s needs. Some studies indicate that around 85% of gifts come from contributions over $1,000, yet many bequests and other large gifts are made by people who were not donors or did not have a significant donor history. The Silent Generation and Greatest Generation have been surpassed by the Baby Boomers. There are signs the Great Wealth Transfer has begun, so it is essential to understand how this “event” will play out over the next several decades. This seminar will help you understand the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Who Should Attend

This seminar is designed for professionals who are responsible for an organization’s development and fundraising strategy and for those who are a “one-person department,” having responsibility for raising both major and planned gifts. Chief development officers, senior management leaders, board members and those tasked with raising planned gifts, major gifts or both will also benefit.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn practical ways to assist donors in making gifts that are most appropriate in light of their age, wealth and other factors, along with tactics to interpret a donor’s needs to determine which giving option is the best fit for a major gift or a planned gift. This seminar explains how carefully structured combinations of current and deferred gifts can help your organization reap benefits both now and in the future. Note that proposed and/or current tax law changes will be incorporated throughout the presentation.

This seminar is approved for 11 CFRE Continuing Education points.