San Diego Gives is an eight-month capacity-building program designed to strengthen and support nonprofits across San Diego County through timely education, shared learning, and practical tools. Registration will open in mid-January, and we encourage organizations to check back regularly—this site will be updated with details on the workshops and learning opportunities currently in development.
In addition, we are actively seeking sponsors to help make San Diego Gives accessible and impactful for nonprofits of all sizes. If you or your organization are interested in supporting this eight-month capacity-building program and investing in a stronger nonprofit sector, please contact me directly at jim@ncphilanthropy.org.
San Diego Gives 2026 - Workshop Series
March 10, noon – 1:30 p.m. - Introduction to San Diego Gives 2026
Jim Davis, Executive Director, North County Philanthropy Council
Now in its sixth year, San Diego Gives builds the capacity of participating nonprofits through webinars and individualized coaching. Learn the ins and outs of this year’s program with Jim Davis, the executive director of the North County Philanthropy Council.
Register for this Free workshop HERE
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March 20, noon – 1:30 p.m. - Organizational Culture, Staff Well-Being & Burnout Prevention
Neville Billimoria, Sr. VP Membership & Chief Advocacy Officer, Mission Fed Credit Union
Nonprofit professionals are driven by purpose, but sustained impact requires healthy, supported teams. This interactive workshop will explore how organizational culture influences staff well-being, retention, and effectiveness. Participants will learn practical strategies to prevent burnout, foster psychological safety, and build workplaces where employees feel valued and resilient. Topics include setting realistic expectations, supporting work-life balance, recognizing signs of compassion fatigue, and embedding wellness practices into daily operations. Designed for nonprofit leaders and managers, this session will provide actionable tools to strengthen team morale and create a sustainable culture that enables organizations to serve their communities more effectively.
Register for this Free workshop HERE(This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants
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March 24, noon – 1:30 p.m. - Collaborative Fundraising Workshop
Marianne Boules | Founder, CEO of Boules Consulting
In this workshop, Marianne Boules explores the power of collaborative fundraising and how nonprofits can move beyond competition to build partnerships that amplify impact. Participants will learn practical strategies for working with peer organizations, engaging shared audiences, and aligning fundraising efforts in ways that strengthen relationships and increase visibility during San Diego Gives and beyond.
Through real-world examples and actionable insights, this session highlights how collaboration can lead to more sustainable fundraising outcomes, stronger community connections, and a more resilient nonprofit ecosystem.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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April 7, noon – 1:30 p.m. - The Psychology of Giving: Influence, Motivate, and Move Donors to Action
Sharyn Goodson | Senior Vice President, Philanthropy, Jewish Community Foundation
While philanthropy can be highly rewarding, donors often encounter unexpected challenges when making thoughtful and practical giving decisions. In this interactive session, we’ll examine how donors think about giving and the psychological, social, and emotional factors that influence their choices. From peer influence and emotional triggers to incentives and commitment strategies, you’ll gain valuable insights into what truly motivates donor behavior. You'll leave with practical, evidence-based techniques you can implement immediately to enhance your fundraising efforts and maximize impact.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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April 14, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Financial Management, Budgeting & Forecasting
Shannon Ayala| Partner, Davis Farr LLP.
Strong financial management is essential for nonprofit sustainability—especially in times of uncertainty. In this practical workshop, Shannon Ayala will guide nonprofit leaders through the fundamentals of effective financial management, budgeting, and forecasting. Participants will learn how to build realistic budgets, understand and anticipate cash flow, and use financial forecasts as decision-making tools rather than static documents. Designed for nonprofit staff and leaders at all levels, this session will provide clear, actionable insights to help organizations strengthen financial health, plan with confidence, and better position themselves for long-term impact.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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April 23, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Marketing, Communications & Storytelling
Ron Marcus| Chief Brand & Marketing Advisor, Purpose-Powered Marketing
In today’s crowded nonprofit landscape, a clear and compelling story is essential to inspire action and build lasting relationships. In this dynamic workshop, Ron Marcus, Chief Brand & Marketing Advisor at Purpose-Powered Marketing, will guide nonprofit leaders through the fundamentals of effective marketing, communications, and storytelling that amplify mission and impact.
Participants will learn how to clarify their brand message, craft stories that resonate with donors and stakeholders, and align marketing efforts across channels for greater consistency and reach. With practical insights and real-world examples, this session will equip nonprofits with tools to communicate with authenticity, strengthen visibility, and engage their communities in meaningful ways.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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May 5, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Leadership Development & Succession Planning
Jim Ristuccia| Chair, Vistage
Strong organizations are built on strong leaders, today and tomorrow. In this engaging workshop, Jim Ristuccia will guide nonprofit leaders through the essential principles of leadership development and succession planning. Drawing on his experience working with executives across industries, Jim will share practical strategies for identifying and developing emerging leaders, strengthening leadership teams, and creating thoughtful succession plans that ensure continuity and long-term impact. Participants will leave with actionable insights to help their organizations build leadership capacity, reduce risk during transitions, and position themselves for sustained success.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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May 14, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Stronger Together: Building Smart Partnerships and Sustainable Mergers
Lane Macy Kiefaber | Founder & CEO, Red to Black Consulting Group
Wesley Burt | Founder, A.R.C
In a shifting funding landscape, courageous leadership means knowing when to collaborate, consolidate, or reimagine what’s possible. This workshop guides nonprofit leaders through the process of assessing partnerships and mergers that advance mission, reinforce organizational health, and support long-term financial sustainability – without losing sight of people or purpose.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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May 21, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Making the Ask
Jeanne Schmelzer, CFRE| Retired Fund Development Professional
Asking for support can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. This practical and empowering workshop is designed to help nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers build the confidence and skills needed to make effective fundraising asks.
Participants will learn how to prepare for an ask, craft a compelling message that connects donors to impact, and navigate the conversation with clarity and authenticity. We’ll cover how to identify the right prospects, determine appropriate ask amounts, handle common objections, and follow up in ways that strengthen long-term relationships. Whether you’re new to fundraising or looking to sharpen your approach, this session will provide simple frameworks, real-world examples, and role-play practice to help you move from hesitation to action.
By the end of the workshop, attendees will walk away with a clear plan and greater confidence to invite others to invest in their mission, because fundraising is not about pressure, it’s about partnership.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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May 28, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Earned Income Strategies & Social Enterprise Development
Del Lewis | President/CEO, TriClare Business Holdings
As nonprofits look to diversify funding and build long-term sustainability, program income and social enterprise models offer powerful opportunities to align mission with financial strength. In this San Diego Gives workshop, Del Lewis, President and CEO of TriClare Business Holdings, will explore practical program income strategies and social enterprise approaches that nonprofits can realistically pursue.
Drawing on real-world experience, Del will help participants understand how to assess organizational readiness, identify mission-aligned opportunities, and avoid common pitfalls. This session is designed for nonprofit leaders who want to think beyond traditional fundraising and develop funding strategies that support resilience, innovation, and lasting impact.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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June 11, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Building Your Nonprofit career for Success
Trevor Blair | CEO, Blair Search Partners
Navigating a successful career in the nonprofit sector requires intention, clarity, and a strong understanding of your professional value. In this San Diego Gives workshop, Trevor Blair, CEO of Blair Search Partners will share insights and guidance to help nonprofit professionals build meaningful, sustainable careers.
Participants will explore career planning, leadership readiness, and strategies for professional growth within the nonprofit landscape. Drawing on his experience in executive search and talent development, Trevor will offer practical advice on positioning yourself for advancement, strengthening your leadership profile, and aligning career goals with organizational impact.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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June 16, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Sponsorship, Part 1- Securing Sponsors
A.J. Steinberg | Founder, Queen Bee Fundraising
Corporate and small business sponsorships can be powerful revenue streams for nonprofits, but successful partnerships go far beyond simply asking for money. This interactive SD Gives workshop will walk participants through how to identify the right sponsor prospects, craft compelling sponsorship packages, and build long-term relationships that benefit both the nonprofit and the business community.
Attendees will learn how to align their mission with a company’s goals, confidently communicate value beyond logo placement, and create sponsorship opportunities that feel authentic and mutually beneficial. We’ll also cover how to approach potential sponsors, structure sponsorship tiers, steward relationships after the event, and turn one-time sponsors into ongoing partners.
Whether you’re new to sponsorship fundraising or looking to strengthen your current strategy, this session will provide practical tools, real-world examples, and confidence to help you secure sponsors who believe in your mission and want to grow alongside your organization.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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June 25, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Sponsorship, Part 2- Crowdfunding
A.J. Steinberg | Founder, Queen Bee Fundraising
Crowdfunding has become a powerful way for nonprofits to engage new supporters, energize existing networks, and quickly raise funds for specific programs or urgent needs. This workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of successful crowdfunding campaigns, from choosing the right platform and setting realistic goals to crafting compelling stories that inspire people to give and share.
Participants will learn how to leverage social media, email, and peer-to-peer outreach to expand their reach beyond traditional donor circles. We’ll also cover best practices for campaign timelines, visual storytelling, donor stewardship, and keeping momentum strong from launch through follow-up. Real-world examples and practical tips will help organizations of all sizes feel confident launching or strengthening their own crowdfunding efforts.
Whether you’re planning a special project, responding to a timely need, or looking to engage a younger generation of supporters, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to turn many small gifts into meaningful community impact.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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July 9, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Working Toward Total Board Engagement in Fundraising
Ron Miranda | Founding Principal, Mirenda & Associates
A strong, engaged board is essential to a nonprofit’s fundraising success. This San Diego Gives workshop explores how to build and sustain a board that understands its role in fundraising and actively contributes to an organization’s financial health. Ron Miranda will share practical strategies for recruiting the right board members, setting clear expectations, aligning fundraising responsibilities with individual strengths, and creating a culture of accountability and confidence. Participants will leave with actionable insights to help their boards move from passive oversight to active partnership in advancing the mission.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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July 14, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Planned Giving
P. Vien Walker, JD | Director of Planned Giving, California State University San Marcos
Planned giving is a powerful tool for building long-term sustainability and deepening donor relationships, yet it is often misunderstood or underutilized by nonprofits. In this San Diego Gives workshop, Vien Walker of California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) will provide a clear and practical overview of planned giving and how organizations can begin—or strengthen—their efforts in this area.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of planned giving, common gift vehicles, and strategies for introducing planned giving conversations in ways that are thoughtful, ethical, and donor-centered. Designed for nonprofits of all sizes, this session will help organizations better understand how planned giving can support mission impact today and for generations to come.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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July 24, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Understanding Donor, Client, and Stakeholder Journeys While Delivering Value and Building Trust
Amie Brown | Chief External Affairs Officer, Meals on Wheels San Diego County
This San Diego Gives workshop explores how nonprofits can better understand and align the experiences of donors, clients, and key stakeholders to strengthen relationships and increase impact. Participants will learn how to map journeys across touchpoints, identify moments that build trust and value, and ensure consistent, mission-aligned engagement. Through practical examples and actionable insights, this session will help nonprofits improve communication, deepen relationships, and create more meaningful experiences for everyone connected to their work.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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August 6, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Partnership Development & Collaborative Strategies
Novien Yarber, PhD. | Senior Learning Officer , Prebys Foundation
Strong partnerships and meaningful collaboration are essential to nonprofit impact and sustainability. In this San Diego Gives workshop, Dr. Novien Yarber will explore practical strategies for developing effective partnerships across nonprofits, funders, and community stakeholders. Participants will gain insight into building trust, aligning missions, and creating collaborative approaches that move beyond transactional relationships to shared impact. This session will equip nonprofit leaders with tools to identify the right partners, structure collaborations thoughtfully, and leverage collective strengths to better serve their communities.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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August 18, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Building for the Future: Creating & Sustaining Organizational Endowments
Sharyn Goodson | Senior Vice President, Philanthropy, Jewish Community Foundation San Diego
Imagine having a dependable, long-term source of support that strengthens your mission year after year. In this session, we’ll explore what it means to build a stronger future for your nonprofit through endowments. We’ll cover how to assess your organization’s readiness, establish appropriate policies, and understand how planned giving can naturally grow endowment funds over time. You’ll learn about resources needed to start or enhance your program and how to measure progress. You’ll leave equipped with practical tools, clear next steps, and the confidence to begin building an endowment that sustains your work for future generations.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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August 27, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Govern or Manage: In Which Mode Does Your Board Operate?
Ron Miranda | Founding Principal, Mirenda & Associates
Is your board focused on big-picture leadership, or stuck in day-to-day operations? Understanding the difference between governance and management is one of the most important steps a nonprofit can take toward stronger leadership and greater impact.
In this interactive SD Gives workshop, nonprofit leaders and board members will explore the distinct — and complementary — roles of boards and staff. Participants will learn how to recognize when a board is operating in governance mode versus management mode, why both can be necessary at times, and how to intentionally shift toward stronger governance practices. We’ll discuss common role confusion, boundary challenges, and practical tools that help boards stay focused on strategy, mission, oversight, and long-term sustainability.
Attendees will leave with clear frameworks, real-world examples, and actionable strategies to strengthen board effectiveness, improve board–staff relationships, and ensure their organization is positioned for long-term success.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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September 24, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Donor Stewardship
Jarrett Ransom| Nonprofit Transition & Turnaround Leader, Fundraising Academy
Acquiring a donor is only the beginning, meaningful stewardship is what turns one-time gifts into long-term partnerships. This interactive workshop will explore practical, relationship-centered strategies to help nonprofits build trust, demonstrate impact, and keep donors engaged well beyond their initial contribution.
Participants will learn how to create thoughtful stewardship plans at any budget level, craft compelling follow-up communications, and design donor experiences that make supporters feel seen, valued, and connected to mission outcomes. Whether your organization is small and volunteer-led or has a growing development team, you’ll leave with simple, actionable tools to strengthen donor loyalty and increase lifetime giving.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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September 29, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Grant Writing & Grant Management
Valerie Grant | CEO, Grant Consulting Services
Strong grants can fuel your mission, but only when they’re written strategically️ well and managed effectively. This practical workshop will guide nonprofit professionals through the full grant lifecycle, from identifying the right funding opportunities and crafting compelling proposals to building realistic budgets and tracking outcomes. Participants will also learn best practices for post-award grant management, including reporting, compliance, and funder stewardship. Whether you’re new to grants or looking to strengthen your systems, this session will help you secure funding with confidence and manage it with excellence.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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October 15, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Board Members
Ron Miranda | Founding Principal, Mirenda & Associates
Strong boards build strong nonprofits. This practical and engaging workshop explores the Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Board Members and what effective governance really looks like in today’s nonprofit environment. Participants will gain clarity on the essential roles board members play in mission stewardship, financial oversight, fundraising, strategic planning, and executive partnership.
Designed for both current and aspiring board members, this session will break down expectations into clear, actionable responsibilities while also addressing common challenges boards face, from engagement and accountability to balancing governance and operations. Attendees will leave with tools and confidence to be more effective ambassadors, fiduciaries, and champions for their organizations.
Whether you are new to board service or looking to strengthen your board’s impact, this workshop will provide a practical framework for responsible, mission-driven leadership.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
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October 20, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Building A Successful Non Profit
Matthew D. Craig | Vice President, Relationship Manager Senior, JP Morgan Chase,
David O'Brien | Author, Lecturer and Consultant
What does it really take to build a nonprofit that is not only passionate about its mission, but also structured for long-term success? This workshop introduces a practical roadmap for creating strong, sustainable organizations that can grow their impact while remaining grounded in purpose.
Drawing from the principles in Building Smart Nonprofits, participants will explore the core building blocks of healthy organizations, including clear mission alignment, strong leadership, effective board governance, diversified funding, operational systems, and a culture of accountability and learning. The session will translate big-picture strategy into manageable, real-world steps that nonprofit leaders can apply right away.
Ideal for executive directors, board members, and emerging leaders, this workshop will help you assess where your organization is today and identify priorities that move you from surviving to thriving. Attendees will leave with a clearer vision of what “success” looks like for their nonprofit and practical tools to build a more resilient, mission-driven organization.
Register for this workshop HERE (This workshop will be provided free to all SD Gives Participants)
Whether you’re an individual looking to volunteer your time or spread the word on social media about how “this is what a philanthropist looks like,” your support matters.
Together, we can harness the collective power of our community to uplift local nonprofits and address the pressing needs of our region. Join us on September 9th as we unite in a celebration of generosity, resilience, and the spirit of giving that defines San Diego.
Businesses
Businesses play a vital role in the success of San Diego Gives. By becoming corporate sponsors or partners, businesses can showcase their commitment to the community, increase brand visibility, and align themselves with a cause that resonates with San Diegans. Corporate sponsorship and partnership options offer businesses opportunities to engage with a diverse audience, demonstrate corporate social responsibility, and make a tangible impact on the local nonprofit sector. Join us in supporting San Diego Gives and be part of a campaign that makes a difference in our community. Email Jim Davis, NCPC Director to get involved at jim@ncphilanthropy.org.