Fundraising 101 for Nonprofits with Beth Bray

Topics Covered:

• Fundraising Philosophy
• Types of Giving
• Constituencies
• Donor Development Cycle
• The Donor Pyramid
• Effective Asking Techniques
• Elements of Annual Giving (direct mail, events, recognition)

Join us at the Gene Lucas Community Center for a crash course in fundraising for nonprofits! Fundraising 101 provides a beginner-friendly introduction to core fundraising concepts and practical strategies, empowering participants to start building or improving their organization’s fundraising efforts. Over the course of three hours, participants will explore the fundamental philosophy behind fundraising and gain insights into various types of giving. The class will delve into the donor development cycle, providing a framework for building lasting relationships with supporters.

Attendees will learn about effective asking techniques and will also cover key elements of annual giving programs, including direct mail strategies, event planning, and donor recognition. This class is particularly well-suited for non-profit staff, board members, and/or volunteers who have limited experience with fundraising or who work in organizations with relatively undeveloped fundraising programs.

*Coffee and tea will be provided.

Presented by Beth Bray:

A seasoned fundraising professional and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Beth has nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit development and operations. Her diverse background includes roles at non-profits in health care, conservation, and higher education, including the Northcoast Regional Land Trust, Six Rivers Planned Parenthood, Humboldt Senior Resource Center, and Cal Poly Humboldt. She has also served on the board of directors at CASA of Humboldt, Wild Souls Ranch, and League of Women Voters Humboldt County.

Currently, Beth serves as founder and principal of Add Lightness Consulting where she assists nonprofits and small businesses with a comprehensive range of needs, from strategic fundraising and board development guidance to hands-on operational support in bookkeeping and human resources. In addition to her consulting work, Beth serves as Operations Director for both the Northcoast Regional Land Trust and her family’s business, Hubbard’s German Auto.

From 2014 to 2022 Beth shared her fund development knowledge as an instructor in Extended Education at Cal Poly Humboldt, teaching a course called New Designs for Fundraising, and is now looking forward to offering courses through NorCAN. Beth’s enthusiasm for fund development shines brightest when empowering board members to become community ambassadors, helping them articulate and share their passion for the causes they champion.

To inquire about scholarships, please email info@norcal-nonprofits.org.