The Fundraising Academy Workshop Series: Strategic Fundraising and Asking Styles

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The Fundraising Academy Workshop Series: Strategic Fundraising and Asking Styles: Building a Fundraising Plan That Works

Successful fundraising is not one-size-fits-all. Every nonprofit leader, Board member, volunteer, and donor approaches fundraising differently. Understanding your natural fundraising style can help you build confidence, strengthen donor relationships, and increase fundraising effectiveness.

In this interactive workshop, participants will discover their Asking Style and learn how different personality approaches influence fundraising conversations and donor engagement. The session also explores practical strategies for building a sustainable fundraising program through donor cultivation, friendraising, revenue diversification, and strategic planning.

Participants will leave with tools and templates to create a fundraising development plan, track donor engagement, and build a stronger pipeline of supporters.

Learning Objectives / Key Takeaways:

Identify their personal Asking Style and understand its strengths

Learn how different donor communication preferences influence fundraising success

Explore strategies for adapting fundraising approaches to different audiences.

Understand the role of friendraising and relationship-building in donor development

Learn how to diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on a single funding source

Develop a practical fundraising plan with measurable goals and accountability measures

Receive templates for development planning and monthly fundraising reporting.

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.

A resident of the Coachella Valley for more than 40 years, she is a proud mother to three adult children and a doting “Nana” to her two granddaughters.

The Fundraising Academy Workshop Seri...

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Date and Time

Wednesday Aug 12, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT

Workshop: 9:00 am until 12:00 pm

Location

PLEASE KEEP THIS REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION FOR LOGIN INFORMATION.

Fees/Admission

AcademyGO Members: $60.00
Not Yet A Member $75.00

Website

AcademyGO.com

Contact Information

Kimberly Hallmark (760) 559-8998
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