TRENDS, TIPS, AND TOPICS FOR TODAY’S DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS

Dear NAYDO Members,

Resiliency. Diversification. Sustainability. Authenticity. Mid-level Giving. Organizational Alignment. These are just a few of the themes filling my inbox lately from AFP, consultants, and other sector leaders. There’s certainly no shortage of insights for today’s philanthropic professionals.

My hope is that you see NAYDO as your go-to resource for strengthening your Y’s philanthropic culture. Our monthly webinars and network events explore timely, relevant topics led by both Y experts and industry partners. They offer an easy, meaningful way to connect with peers, share successes, talk through challenges, and learn alongside others who truly understand your work. It’s one of the best ways to “find your people.”

Looking ahead, the NAYDO 2026 Conference will feature more than 70 educational workshops, 50+ Hot Topics, and countless opportunities to stay current on trends, gather practical tips, and spark new ideas. New to fundraising or need a refresher? The Philanthropy School Fundamentals are a perfect fit. Want something more advanced? Explore the Master Class Series. And what I love most is that there’s something for everyone. No matter your role, experience level, or area of focus, the NAYDO conference offers the help you need to keep your Y grounded and growing in philanthropy. Registration is still open, so it’s not too late to join us in Long Beach and experience it yourself! 

Find what works for you. That’s the beauty of NAYDO: it’s a one-stop shop for development, boards, grants, marketing, programs and membership, operations, and beyond. If you’re unsure where to begin, reach out to us. We’ll help you get started.

I hope to see you soon on a webinar, at a network event, or at the conference.

Best,
Pam

Pam Hearn, CFRE
NAYDO Chair
Chief Development Officer, YMCA of the Jersey Shore

WEBINARS & VIRTUAL NETWORK EVENTS

NAYDO Webinar Series Sponsor: Funraise   
Over 250 YMCA associations are in the running to win $25K—It's not too late to join! Thanks to the 2026 YMCA Challenge, one YMCA association will win $25,000, and if you register now, it could be you. The challenges—stuff like running an SEO audit, joining a webinar, or giving us a high-five at NAYDO—are designed to encourage effective fundraising tactics, so even if you don’t win, everyone wins!  

March Webinar
Thursday, March 19, 1:30-2:30 pm Central

YMCA Capital Campaign Research Revealed
Presenter: Steven Shattuck, Director of Engagement, Capital Campaign Pro

How successful are capital campaigns?
What drives them?
What is money usually being raised for?
And, how does a capital campaign impact our other fundraising efforts?

If you've ever wondered any of these questions, you don't have to rely on anecdotes or case studies for the answers. For the second year, NAYDO partnered with Capital Campaign Pro for groundbreaking research into how capital campaigns are planned and executed by Ys in the US and Canada, including those considering a future campaign, currently in a campaign, and  who completed a campaign in the last two years.

The webinar covers this exclusive research and will shed light on common questions and myths surrounding campaigns, including the greatest challenges and benefits of conducting a campaign.

Participants will learn:
• The impact capital campaigns on annual support
• The impact of conducting a feasibility study 
• Anatomy of major gift programs
• The role of EDs and Board Chairs 
• How Ys are similar or different in planning and executing capital campaigns

Register

NAYDO Grants Network
Tuesday, March 3, 12-1 pm CT

Navigating Your Post-Award to Avoid a Post-Apocalypse
Presenter: Amber Carpenter, Director of Stewardship & Grants, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA

Wondering what to do after you receive your grant award? Join us for an educational session focused on the best practices for effectively managing the intricacies of budget management, grant metrics and donor-relations in the post-award period. You'll leave understanding how to:
• Keep track of expenses and ensure that spending aligns with the approved grant budget.
• Leverage grant reporting to highlight the impact of the project with the intent of funding renewal.
• Nurture relationships with funders to drive deeper impact.
Participants will leave receive a post-award management tool that can be implemented immediately! 

Network Sponsor: Grant Professionals Association 

Register 

NAYDO Program and Membership Network
Wednesday, March 4, 12-1 pm CT

Hot Topics
Presenter: Rachel Bowman, Chief Development Officer, YMCA of Central Florida

Join the Program & Membership network to meet and learn from you peers who are in similar roles. We'll move into breakout sessions for hot topic discussions facilitated by seasoned Y staff centered around weaving philanthropy and fundraising into your daily jobs. Bring your questions, challenges and successes to share, and leave with some great ideas to implement today!

Network Sponsor: Book Harvest  

Register

NAYDO Under 40 Network
Thursday, March 26, 1:30-2:30 pm CT

Using AI Ethically and Responsibly to Accelerate Your Fundraising Development
Presenter: Mallory Erickson, Founder & CEO, Practivated

The reality is that one of the biggest challenges for young professionals is getting enough reps in, whether it's navigating a tough board conversation, asking for a major gift, or handling objections. Generative AI can be an incredible support system for building that muscle memory and confidence, but it needs to be done thoughtfully and ethically. Join us to learn practical frameworks for using any generative AI tool of your choice to practice donor conversations, prepare for difficult scenarios, and get personalized feedback in a safe environment before you're in the real moment. Support your professional growth without compromising donor relationships or organizational values!

Network Sponsor: C&A Social Impact Consulting  

Register  

NAYDO VIP Network
Designed for board members and volunteers
Wednesday, April 1, 1:30-2:30 pm CT

Engaging Volunteers and Board Members
in Feasibility Studies
Presenters: John Biggins, CEO; Chris Tointon, Senior Consultant; and Nick Zimmer, Senior Consultant, American City Bureau

Discover how a feasibility study serves as your capital campaign’s blueprint for success by deeply involving board members, volunteers, and major donors into the heart of your mission, empowering them to not just support impact, but to play a vital role in creating it. This session will challenge you and your volunteers to dream big and build for the future. Key highlights include:
• Learning the process, outcomes, and impact of a feasibility study 
• Working with volunteer leaders to build individualized strategies for engaging major donors
• Understanding the importance of genuine community transformation that prioritizes lasting impact 
• Leveraging data-driven decisions to strengthen ties with stakeholders 
• Exploring diverse funding sources and partnerships 
Together, let’s learn how the feasibility study process maximizes volunteerism, nurtures a spirit of generosity, and creates meaningful impact to strengthen our communities.

Network Sponsor: American City Bureau  

Register

NAYDO 2026 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
It is NOT too late!

It is not too late to register for the 2026 Conference! 

Check out the Advance Planner that all attendees just received - this is what your Y is missing if you have not signed up a delegation yet! 

Even more details are available on the conference website.  

There are NAYDO Hotel rooms available but they won’t last for long. 

The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center May 6-9 is the place to be!

REGISTER TODAY to learn how to generate more revenue for your YMCA.  

TIPS AND TOOLS

Winning Y Fundraising Campaigns  Rachel Muir

Fundraising Effectiveness Project Reports  FEP

Fixing Fundraising Event Problems  Recharity

8 Donor Retention Mistakes to Avoid  Nonprofit Pro
Customizable Fundraising Thermometer  Funraise
Donors are Hungry for Connection  Rhea Wong