KDDP Fundraising Intensive

    February 8 – 9, 2027 — REGISTER HERE
    July 12 – 13, 2027 — REGISTER HERE

    The KDDP Fundraising Intensive is a practical, energizing training experience designed for new and emerging fundraisers who want to build confidence, strengthen their skills, and develop the strategic discipline required in today’s rapidly evolving philanthropic landscape. For nearly 20 years, KDD Philanthropy has equipped fundraisers with the tools and mindset needed to engage donors with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.

    This immersive 13‑hour virtual workshop blends presentation, discussion, and hands‑on exercises to help participants master the fundamentals of donor strategy, relationship building, and disciplined outreach. Attendees learn how to craft compelling messages, guide donor interactions with intention, and build the habits that support consistent, high‑quality fundraising work. The Intensive also provides space for meaningful dialogue with peers, allowing participants to learn from one another and build confidence in a supportive environment.

    Fundraisers leave with a stronger foundation, a clearer sense of direction, and practical tools they can apply immediately strengthening both their individual performance and their organization’s long‑term fundraising success.

    The KDDP Fundraising Intensive is: 

    • Designed for a professionalizing field: As expectations rise, fundraisers need both foundational skills and adaptive approaches to donor engagement.
    • Built for emerging talent: Ideal for growth hires, new fundraisers, and those seeking to refresh their approach.
    • Grounded in real‑world practice: Every concept is tied to strategy, discipline, and the donor cycle.
    • Focused on confidence + capability: Participants learn not just what to do, but how to do it with clarity and purpose.
    • A proven model: Nearly two decades of training fundraisers across sectors and organizational sizes.

    The KDDP Fundraising Intensive is a LIVE event (no recordings). Full participation in the KDDP Fundraising Intensive is applicable for 13.0 points in Category 1.B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

    The agenda includes:

    Emerging Trends in Philanthropy and Their Impact on Our Work

    Qualification Elements/Initial Outreach

    • Frequency
    • Types of outreach
    • Language that works
    • Building hooks
    • Overcoming hurdles
    • Understanding objections

    Language that Works

    • Philanthropy word game
    • “Elevator pitch” exercise
    • Golden rules of meetings
    • Conversation/meeting transitions
    • Transitions exercise (take home)

    The Use of Strategy

    • Written prospect/donor strategies
    • Break-out exercise and share-out

    Strengthening the Ask, With an Emphasis on First Asks

    • Includes asking for gifts on a first visit
    • Deepening donor understanding
    • Donor understanding exercise
    • Compelling partnership (ask) language
    • Most important ask exercise

    Portfolio Prioritization

    • Managing a portfolio
    • Portfolio exercise
    • Masked portfolio exercise (take home)
    • Portfolio goal sheet

    Focus on What Really Matters: Strategies for Prioritization and Focus

    • Two touches
    • Calendar exercise

    Investment:
    $1,495 per individual
    $1,295 per 4-6 people*
    $1,095 per 7+ people*

    *Contact KDD Philanthropy for tiered pricing code if you are registering more than four individuals.

    The KDDP Fundraising Intensive will take place on Zoom. Links to the Zoom sessions will be sent prior to the event.