NC Philanthropy Conference – Lessons Learned

Last month, eight of us drove from Asheville to represent the AFP WNC chapter at the NC Philanthropy Conference in Winston-Salem. Hosted by the AFP Triad chapter, upwards of 400 attendees from across the state gathered to connect, network, and learn.

One session I attended focused on community-centered leadership and asset mapping – focusing on what you already have instead of what you lack. By leaning into possibilities instead of needs, you can find synergy in creating forward movement that is actually driven by the community you seek to serve. To paraphrase the movie Field of Dreams, with community-centered leadership, it’s no longer “if you build it, they will come.” It’s “when we build it together, they’re already there.”

I asked a few of my fellow conference attendees to share something they learned from the sessions:

“For me, it was good to be able to connect with other fundraisers in WNC, so that was a highlight. I attended a session on leadership development with some good insights – specifically, to “do your important work at high energy times.” Don’t wait to send important correspondence or donor communications at the end of the day when you may be tired, etc.” – Jason Lewkowicz, Givens Communities

“In a session with Josh Jacobson, I learned that trends in corporate philanthropy are moving away from traditional “sponsorships,” i.e. give to a charity and get your logo slapped on a t-shirt. Instead, nonprofits should start positioning themselves as vendors in a corporation’s social impact strategy, sharing metrics, and ensuring long-term partnership.” – Jess McLean, Read to Succeed Co-Executive Director

“I learned the exact parameters and guidance that AI needs for its prompts to give an effective output.” – Michaela Kelley, Western Carolina Associate Director of Development

“A theme that rose to the top in all the sessions I attended was the importance of being donor-centric in our approaches to fund raising, especially in the context of evolving economic and political seasons. The for-profit world is teaching people to be transactional in their spending, and as non-profits we must invite individuals along with us on our mission journey and make each donor feel like a hero.” – Jessica Frantz, BirdNote Director of Development

“The conference presenters reinforced one of the most important tenets of our work: the greatest gift you can give is your presence – to be fully present. This is essential for building authentic and meaningful relationships with our donors.” – Jennifer Soster, Givens Communities Philanthropy Director

“Involvement + engagement = investment. Spend more time building authentic relationships, connecting with donor interests, and making your donors feel like insiders.” – Lorissa Vines, Hart Square Foundation Development Director

I hope you all can join us for the rest of our programs this year, where we can continue to connect, network, and learn from each other!

Best,