Secrets for a Successful Fundraising Ask

Asking for support can cause anxiety for even the most seasoned fundraisers. 

What does it truly take to make an effective ask? Years of practice? Artful phrases that inspire and dazzle? Or is there a formula for knowing what story to share and when to use it?  

 What if you could transform your fear into action? What if you could enjoy every ask? This session will dive into your asking fears while providing practical steps all aimed at positioning you for success.   

Tickets are pay-what-you-can, valued at $12/person.

 Meet the presenters: 

Jeanne Schmelzer serves as executive vice president for Netzel Grigsby Associates (NGA) where she provides strategic fundraising solutions to nonprofit organizations and institutions throughout California. With more than 40 years of experience, Jeanne is passionate about helping nonprofits reach their highest potential and is committed to making a positive and lasting impact in the communities she serves.
At NGA, Jeanne manages and implements successful multi-million-dollar capital campaigns, annual campaigns, and major gift fundraising programs for a diverse range of clients. Recent projects include the Big Sur Land Trust ($7 million campaign), Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington ($6.5 million campaign) TheatreWorks Silicon Valley ($5 million campaign) and Diversionary Theatre, San Diego ($2.5 million campaign). She also has extensive experience in board and staff development, fiscal management, long-range strategic planning, facility and program development, marketing and communications.
Jeanne is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and has been an active Rotarian since 1991. She is a past board member of AFP San Diego and currently serves as the treasurer on the North County Philanthropy Council Board and YMCA Alumni Board of the Marston Chapter as Campaign Chair for the Nation Service Project. 

Sharyn Goodson has over 25 years of experience in philanthropy, program design and delivery, organizational development, and nonprofit fundraising. She is passionate about strengthening the ability of philanthropists and mission-driven organizations to achieve results in addressing society’s challenges and opportunities. Sharyn currently serves as Vice President of Philanthropy for both Impact Cubed and Leichtag Foundation where she manages grantmaking, leads funder partnerships, and trains and counsels nonprofits on revenue generation, board and organizational development, as well as program design and evaluation. Sharyn holds the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential and currently serves on the Steering Committee for the Alliance for Regional Solutions.
In April 2010, Sharyn joined the Leichtag Foundation as its first Program Officer. Beginning in 2012, she also began managing the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego’s philanthropy programs and served as the lead contact for major family funds and foundations as well as the Jewish Women’s Foundation. Her most recent role at the Jewish Community Foundation was as its Vice President of Philanthropy.
Sharyn is a past board member of San Diego Grantmakers and Association of Fundraising Professionals, Pittsburgh, PA Chapter.