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 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. - Cracking the Code on Donor-Advised Funds
Sharyn Goodson | Senior Vice President, Philanthropy, Jewish Community Foundation
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are among the fastest-growing sources of charitable giving in the U.S., but many nonprofits struggle to reach their full potential. In this session, you’ll learn how DAFs work, what motivates DAF donors, and simple steps that make it easy for them to give. We’ll share new research insights, ways to connect with donor advisors, and proven strategies to help you attract more DAF gifts and strengthen donor relationships.
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 12, 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 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
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
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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August 18, noon – 1:30 a.m. - Organizational Culture, Staff Well-Being & Burnout Prevention
Neville Biilimoria | Sr. VP Membership & Chief Advocacy Officer, Mission Federal Credit Union
Nonprofit work is deeply meaningful, but it can also be demanding and exhausting. This workshop will explore how organizational culture directly impacts staff well-being, morale, and long-term sustainability. Participants will learn practical strategies for building a healthy, supportive workplace, recognizing early signs of burnout, and fostering resilience at both the individual and organizational levels. Through real-world examples and actionable tools, this session will equip nonprofit leaders and managers to create environments where people feel valued, supported, and energized to sustain their mission and impact.
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.