The Fundraising Academy Workshop Series: Donor Development and Retention

• Understand why donor retention is often more valuable than constant donor acquisition

• Learn the "Fundraising from the Inside Out" framework for identifying fundraising opportunities

• Identify and prioritize prospective donors using the ABC model: Access, Belief, and Capacity

• Understand why relationships—not wealth—are the most important factor in fundraising success

Speaker: Connie Golds, Connie Golds Consulting

Connie Golds has dedicated her life to uplifting and empowering the Coachella Valley community, guided by her belief in making the world “a little better than she found it.”

As the founder of Desert Best Friend’s Closet (DBFC), Connie led the only nonprofit in the region that provides free interview training and professional wardrobe services to help community members secure employment. During her 14-year tenure as CEO, DBFC transformed the lives of more than 8,000 individuals, equipping them with the confidence, skills and attire to succeed in their careers and beyond.

Connie’s expertise and passion for community service make her a sought-after voice on nonprofit governance. She has served in leadership roles for numerous organizations, including the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council, where she continues her lifelong commitment to scouting after 13 years as a Girl Scout leader. She also now provides nonprofits and their leaders with coaching services through her consultancy, Connie Golds Consulting. She is the author of the weekly blog, “Hey Nonprofit Leader” available for free on Substack.

In addition to her nonprofit work, Connie is a Black Belt in Shito-Ryu Karate-Do and a dedicated instructor, teaching Karate and Kobudo to both neurodivergent and neurotypical students. Her journey in martial arts, which began over a decade ago, has given her new avenues to mentor and inspire others.