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San Diego Gives

Join the Movement:
Become a Philanthropist Today!

San Diego Gives is more than just a day of giving—it’s a seven-month capacity-building movement designed to strengthen local nonprofits and develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders. Through targeted training, mentorship, and collaboration, San Diego Gives empowers organizations with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to increase sustainability, expand impact, and foster long-term success.

The program offers:

  • Capacity-Building Workshops – Nonprofits gain access to expert-led sessions on fundraising, marketing, board development, and operational excellence.
  • Leadership Development – Emerging nonprofit leaders in smaller nonprofits may receive mentorship and training to grow their skills and lead with confidence.
  • Collaboration & Peer Learning – Organizations connect with fellow nonprofits, sharing best practices and strengthening partnerships.
  • Increased Visibility & Donor Engagement – Participants receive strategic support to effectively communicate their mission and grow their donor base.

By investing in both organizational and leadership development, San Diego Gives helps nonprofits not just survive, but thrive—ensuring that vital services continue to uplift communities across the region.

San Diego Gives 2025 - Workshop Series

 

March 20, noon – 1:30 p.m. - Introduction to San Diego Gives 2025

Jim Davis, Executive Director, North County Philanthropy Council

Now in its fifth year, San Diego Gives builds the capacity of participating nonprofits through webinars and individualized coaching. On September 11, 2025, the program culminates in a day of online giving. Learn the ins and outs of this year’s program with Jim Davis, the executive director of the North County Philanthropy Council.

You may view the recording HERE- Passcode: @E?Z&sn1

April 22, 10 – 11:30 a.m. - Making Sense of Google Ads

Jessica King, Getting Attention

With its extensive data and features, Google Ads can be complex and time-consuming to manage and easily overwhelm users. However, once you understand the details, Google ads can provide incredible marketing opportunities and high rewards. In fact, with the Google Ad Grant, organizations can run up to $10,000 per month on search ads for free. Join us for this interactive session and learn:

  • Ways to create and customize Google Search campaigns that position your ads in front of your target audiences.
  • Best practices for choosing keywords and optimizing your website’s landing pages.
  • Methods to track progress, maintain compliance, and turn insights into actions.

Register HERE. SD Gives Participants are free (please email jim@ncphilanthropy,org for the discount code), Members- $20 and non-members- $25

May 7, 12 – 1:30 p.m. - Social Media for Nonprofit Marketing

Caroline Malcolm and Jordan Frey, San Diego Humane Society

We know that using social media is key to raising a nonprofit’s profile, engaging donors, and accelerating fundraising. Yet, with so much potential opportunity, how do you know what is the best approach and how do you manage it all? Join us for this workshop, where you will learn to:

  • Create social media posts that will engage your audience.
  • Keep your social media presence active and relevant.
  • Use the best tools and technology to make social media management easier and more effective.
  • Measure the effectiveness of your social media.
  • Plan ways to use social media throughout the year and apply it to various campaigns, projects, and moments.

 

May 21, 10 – 11:30 a.m. - Winning Tips for Finding & Securing Donors

Muhi Khwaja, Fundraising Academy at National University

Fundraisers everywhere know the saying, “No money, no mission, and donors hold the key…” Donor prospects are the lifeblood of nonprofit fundraising. Given that only about 40% of donors make repeat gifts, it is critical to maintain a pipeline of funding prospects.

So, how do you find potential donors with the need, interest, shared values, and passion for your cause?  Identifying people and groups to support your organization does not need to be complicated. Join us for this informative training, where you will learn what it takes to identify and prioritize the best potential supporters for your organization and fill your donor pipeline. This workshop will help you gain the confidence and skill to identify people and groups with the greatest probability of saying “yes” to your requests for support.

 

June 11, 10 – 11:30 a.m. - Career Path Trajectory: Optimizing Your Nonprofit Experience

Trevor Blair, Blair Search Partners

Understand the full potential of your nonprofit experience and discover personalized strategies for professional growth, effective networking, and maximizing your impact inside (and outside) the nonprofit sector. Join us for an enriching session to elevate your career trajectory and cultivate a fulfilling and purpose-driven professional journey.

June 25, noon – 1:30 p.m. - Making the Ask

Jeanne Schmelzer, CFRE and Rebecca Nelson,CFRE,  Netzel Grigsby Associates

The potential is excellent: Your organization is doing exceptional work, and you are passionate about your mission. But when working with individual donors, do you sometimes feel unsure about how to proceed with a funding request?

In this workshop you will learn the steps needed for an effective ask and you will gain tangible tools to bring back to your organization. By the end of this workshop, you will:

  • Feel more confident in making the case for why donors should give to your organization.
  • Understand the steps to take before, during, and after a fundraising solicitation.
  • Be familiar with different donors’ styles and ways to present compelling information.

 

July 9, noon – 1:30 p.m. - Learning from Crowdfunding Success: A Conversation with San Diego Gives Program Founders

David Drazenovich, Palomar Family Counseling Services; Adrianna O'Donnell, San Ysidro Health; Christine Spencer, Coastal Roots Farm; Wes Burt, Equation Collaborative: and DeMilo Young, BIPOC Support Foundation

Gain tips for a successful campaign from the nonprofit leaders who founded San Diego Gives four years ago. Learn ways to engage staff, time campaign activities, enhance a giving platform website page, and communicate with prospects and donors. Helpful to all, regardless of past participation in San Diego Gives.

 

July 29, noon – 1:30 p.m. - Budgeting With Confidence: Creating Stability In Shifting Economies

Sheri Neilson, Jennifer Banks, Your Part-Time Controller

In today’s ever-changing economic landscape, nonprofit leaders and financial managers face new budgeting challenges. Join us for this session, where we will:

  • Explore current economic trends impacting budgeting, including inflation and market fluctuations.
  • Share proven strategies to position nonprofits for financial stability.

 

August 6, noon-1:30 p.m. - Building a Planned Giving Program Webinar

Vien Walker, Esq. Charitable Gift Planner- CSU San Marcos

Join us for this insightful webinar, where we’ll guide you through launching a simple, effective, and budget-friendly planned giving program. You’ll learn:

  • How to seamlessly incorporate planned giving into every part of your fundraising program, from setting goals and policies to your donor database to communications
  • Common misconceptions about planned giving
  • The most popular planned gifts and how they work
  • Identifying prospective planned giving donors

 

August 13, noon – 1:30 p.m. - Obtaining Crowdfunding Campaign Sponsors

A.J. Steinberg, Queen Bee Fundraising

In the ever-evolving fundraising landscape, crowdfunding has become a powerful nonprofit tool. It allows groups to tap into a broad audience and garner support. The potential of crowdfunding can be significantly amplified through corporate sponsorships. These relationships secure financial backing and access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and networks. Corporate sponsorship can transform a modest crowdfunding initiative into a robust movement, driving greater awareness and engagement. Join us for this session and explore actionable strategies to identify potential sponsors, craft compelling proposals, and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.

August 26, 10 – 11:30 a.m. - Donor Stewardship that Fosters Loyalty

Jarrett Ransom, Fundraising Academy at National University

Did you know that most nonprofits lose nearly as many donors as they gain yearly? Join us for this workshop to stop the churn! We’ll share tips for developing a donor retention plan based on proven cultivation and donor retention strategies.

  • Identify effective practices to retain and upgrade donors and improve effectiveness
  • Involve board members in the gratitude process
  • Create an organizational culture of philanthropy that encourages staff and volunteers to help meet donor stewardship and retention goals
  • Use social media to embrace supporters
  • Engage event donors…beyond the event

 

September 25, 12 – 1:30 p.m. - The Art of the Big Ask

John Spokes, CFRE, Senior Vice President, and Jeffrey King, External Affairs and Fundraising Specialist  Netzel Grigsby Associates

Major gifts can increase the visibility of your cause, build the enthusiasm of your staff, board, and volunteers, and, most importantly, significantly impact the nonprofit's mission. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to major gifts, this webinar will offer new perspectives to maximize your efforts.

We’ll discuss:

  • Identifying and stewarding major gift prospects.
  • Inspiring and engaging your board members and current donors as passionate advocates.
  • Tips for solicitation.
  • Maintaining major donor relationships

 

October 15, 12-1:30 p.m. - AI (Artificial Intelligence) — Friend or Foe?

Valerie Nelson Grant, CEO, Grant Consulting Services

Join us for this engaging session and learn to streamline your grant writing with generative AI, which is becoming one of the most important genres of modern technology.  We’ll discuss:

  • The history of AI
  • Ways grant professionals are using AI in their work
  • AI limitations and the areas where human expertise is still necessary
  • Ethical implications to consider in your practice

 

Registration for all workshops will be sent to all San Diego Gives participants

“The grassroots giving made me feel like I was a part of something big – like my small donation could make a difference.”

San Diego Gives Donor

Support the Campaign

This is the moment where all San Diegans come together to make a profound impact on our community.

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 11th 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.

“San Diego Gives provides the peer connections, training, and resources desired by many of our nonprofit professionals. The program makes it easier for nonprofits to pursue their important work. We were delighted to support this effort!”

Rancho Santa Fe Foundation