WEYERS CAVE, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, in partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, will host a one-day conference entitled Fundraising in a Shifting Landscape from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Blue Ridge Community College’s Plecker Center on September 23.

Designed for nonprofit leaders, development professionals, board members and volunteers, the conference’s aim is to equip nonprofit organizations during an economic climate marked by ambiguity.

“Our community depends on nonprofit organizations to address some of its most important needs, and those organizations need the ability to build strong and sustainable sources of support,” Community Foundation CEO Dan Layman said. “Helping nonprofits become more effective fundraisers strengthens not only individual organizations, but their capacity to serve our community well for years to come.”

The conference will explore practical strategies for sustainable fundraising, major gifts and donor relationships, digital and social media fundraising, and engaging local supporters. The conference will offer useful tools and fresh ideas to help nonprofits achieve fundraising success.

“Nonprofit professionals and board members are navigating a fundraising environment that continues to change, bringing both new challenges and new opportunities,” said Lora Hamp, director of nonprofit relations and legal counsel at the Community Foundation. “This conference is designed to bring people together to learn, exchange ideas, and explore practical strategies that can help their organizations adapt and continue building strong, sustainable support for their missions.

“We hope the day provides an opportunity to step away from the demands of day-to-day fundraising, learn from experts and one another, and think strategically about how their organizations can continue to engage donors and build support in a changing landscape.”

Fundraising experts from around the region are scheduled to speak.

James Goalder, partnerships manager at Bloomerang, will lead a morning session on digital fundraising and social media strategies. Kristen Kuhns and Aly Menunuti, senior vice presidents at CCS Fundraising, will present on community-based fundraising with a focus on engaging local supporters beyond traditional donors.

Augusta Health Foundation philanthropy and community relations interim director Peggy Caister will lead the first afternoon session on major gifts and donor relationships: Kelly Snow, fundraising consultant and coach of the Snow Leadership Group, will lead the final afternoon session with a talk on building a sustainable fundraising strategy for small nonprofits.

“We planned the conference to equip nonprofit leaders with practical, actionable strategies for building sustainable fundraising programs,” said Brian Ullman, senior manager of learning and impact at CNE. “Regardless of your organization’s size, age, or development stage, this full-day event provides relevant tools, insights and confidence needed to navigate today’s complex

fundraising environment and build a program that works for your organization’s unique capacity and mission.”

Registration for the conference closes on September 18.