Past Events

Logic Models are tools to help you explain complex systems in simplified terms. They are visual representations of the relationships between resources, activities and outcomes. Sound interesting? Helpful? Fun? (Not that grant proposals need to be more fun...!)   

Development plans – ugh, am I right? The prospect is daunting and who has the time? Join us for Tamara Pacada’s “Demystifying the Development Plan” to discuss the value of having a plan to help you focus your work and increase gift revenue success. Besides, it could save your job as you complete the tasks that you and your superiors (staff, board) agreed to whether or not the hoped-for outcome was accomplished. Tamara will provide a roadmap of…

David Malone, President of McDonald Schaefer and Kim Koch, Sr. Consultant will present on the topic of capital campaigns. Their fast-paced and insightful presentation will provide a well rounded understanding of capital campaigns.

The last two years have been unusual to say the least and have created an uncertain philanthropic environment. While many donors have risen to the challenge, while we may think we know our donors, do we really? How are they feeling about their giving plan for 2022? Join us for a panel discussion with three expert advisors to learn how they are advising their clients and what their clients are thinking.

 As the COVID-19 crisis continues to affect the nonprofit world, it’s necessary to revisit principles and best practices. Please join us Dec. 9 for roundtable sessions covering a myriad of topics in light of our current fundraising environment.  You will be able to choose from three sessions.

Many small non-profit organizations are led by well-intended, dedicated and thoughtful Boards of Directors. Those generous volunteer leaders also often have little experience with or knowledge of the practical realities faced by professional executive staff. In this session, led by a small shop veteran, we will discuss how to successfully navigate and manage a Board of Directors, including understanding the different types of Boards of Directors…

Professional development doesn’t end with a training session. As you continue to pursue new ideas and invest in your mission, join your colleagues for some chatter and beverages. We will join together in-person to relax, recharge, and celebrate the steps forward we have taken. 

As fundraisers everywhere grapple with how to incorporate, challenge and move forward with IDEA principles, we invite you to hear from two women on the forefront of this work. Liz LeClair is the current Chair for AFP Women’s Initiative and uses her platform and voice to call to action. Birgit Burton will be the first African American woman to serve as AFP Global’s Board Chair and is the founder of the AADO (African American Development Officers…

How we diversify our fundraising to welcome donors from every background. As fundraisers we talk about our internal culture of philanthropy and then we often talk about the culture of philanthropy that is present in our community. Join this discussion to hear from panelists who have philanthropic experiences from different regions and cultures of the world. They will share the similarities and differences to their cultures and give fundraisers…

Diversifying fundraising strategies helps us meet goals despite the most unexpected conditions. Planned giving has the power to transform organizations and sustain their success for years to come. In this session, dive into the nitty gritty and learn practical steps you can take (even if you are a one-person shop!) to overcome common misconceptions and build a planned giving program that appeals to a variety of donors of all age groups.

Topics covered include why it is so important to do holiday campaigns, when to do them and how to effectively use the last six weeks of the year for your nonprofits success. We will also discuss and learn about effective direct mail, online solicitations, and end of year solicitations during the November/December period.

With her infectious energy and diverse leadership experience, Terri shares everyday strategies to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and/or non-profit board. Participants will leave with the skills needed to lead and inspire a team of people who want to ignite change in their organizations or communities.

Join our local discussion on the data and trends from Giving USA 2021: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2020 which will be released as a national webinar on June 15.  National Webinar Viewing not required for local session participation

Campbell & Company is hosting Giving USA 2021: A Virtual Forum on Philanthropy, an online conversation that focuses on the nonprofit sector's current environment.

There is a big misconception that soliciting for a legacy gift is the same as asking for a major gift. Nothing could be further from the truth. While there are some similarities, the approach and lead up is completely different. This webinar will present the similarities and differences between a legacy and a major gift ask, what research tells us how donors make decisions and how you can harness all this information to craft a deeply personal…

Metrics on any level are important. At a basic level, they help track progress towards goals. More importantly, they give you both the data to make informed decisions, help you build off your successes, and identify opportunities for improvement. Metrics can also show donors the tangible impact their dollars are helping to bring to their communities. Join us as we cover a variety of metrics topics during the following 30-minute ‘roundtable’…

In an increasingly more competitive nonprofit landscape, donors want to invest in organizations that know where they’re going. Join Barbara O’Reilly, CFRE, Principal of Windmill Hill Consulting, as she breaks down setting a bold strategic plan in the webinar, followed by a 30-minute discussion with local experts.

December Educational Virtual Breakfast and Vote -  Wisconsin Philanthropy Network will share findings on their bi-annual report. An opportunity to learn about opinion and changing perspective from the funding community around Wisconsin. PLUS, the AFPSEWI membership will vote for the 2021 board slate. Attendees will all receive a PDF copy of WPN's 2020 report "Philanthropy Rising: Responding to Pressing Challenges and Reimagining Futures."

September Educational Virtual Breakfast - Teams that promote and foster a growth mindset tend to be more collaborative, empowered and committed--all factors we need in an effective development program. Join us for this AFP Webinar presented by Alice Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE.

May Educational Session: Join us for an online panel discussion to hear members of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation team demystify Donor Advised Funds.

February Educational Breakfast: Our expert panel has lived and thrived in their small shops. Come and learn their tips and tricks to be effective, efficient, and energized.

January Educational Luncheon: Join us for this lively panel discussion with some of southeastern Wisconsin’s most adept nonprofit marketing professionals, who will reveal the secrets of how smart planning, effective segmentation, rigorous prioritization, creative repurposing, savvy resourcing – and just plain spunk -- can help fully leverage your shoestring budget and bandwidth. Master the minimal-but-memorable marketing moves that make mission…

December Educational Breakfast and Annual Meeting: Again this year AFPSEWI will hold a Pick 3 Roundtable Talks after our annual meeting. Bring your questions, ideas, and more to learn from your peers.

October Educational Breakfast: "Evaluation," "Impact," "Inclusion," many of us have heard how important it is to ensure we are telling of the impact of our organization's program and ultimately, our mission. Have you wondered ... where do we start? How do we ensure the quality of our programs? What are different types of data and how do we use them to properly demonstrate impact to our donors and the community?

September Educational Luncheon: Strategies for Mutually Beneficial Corporate Partnerships: You are tasked with growing the corporate donations and sponsorships sector for your organization. How do you grow beyond the same 5-10 companies that you count on year-in and year-out? Be inspired to think beyond traditional corporate sponsorship and donor giving opportunities, benefits packages, and recognition. And, learn how to set your organizations…