Fund Development Cohort

Fund Development Cohort

PEER CONNECTION FOR FUNDRAISING SUCCESS

Seasoned fundraising professionals often juggle big goals with limited resources or support. The Fund Development Cohort, offered in partnership with Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education, offers a space to build your skills alongside peers who understand the unique challenges of development work.

Designed for professionals with at least five years of experience, this cohort provides a practical, supportive environment to refine your approach and drive meaningful results for your organization.

Led by Beth Stoner Wiegand, a respected fundraiser with over three decades of experience, the program focuses on applying fundraising fundamentals to real-world scenarios currently being experienced by your organization. Content is shaped by participant input and may include: prospecting, long-term relationship building, solicitations, board engagement, stewardship, communication flow, time management, and writing compelling case statements.

 

Learn More & Apply

How the Fund Development Cohort Supports Your Growth

Network
Join a community of peers to exchange ideas and explore innovative strategies
Prospecting
Engage donors with targeted strategies based on prospect profiles
Effective Communications
Craft messages that resonate with donors and inspire giving
Nurturing Relationships
Build trust and engagement with donors through authentic connections
Board Engagement
Empower your board to serve as advocates and active participants in fundraising
Stewardship
Strengthen donor loyalty through accountability, and effective impact reporting

Learn More

  • Eligibility

    The cohort is designed for nonprofit professionals with at least five years of experience in fund development. Participants must be based in one of the ten counties in the Grand Traverse region: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, or Wexford.

  • Timeline

    Applications open in October and are due by the end of November. The cohort meets weekly on Tuesdays, beginning in January and running through February.

  • Location

    Sessions are held at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. In the event in-person meetings aren’t possible, sessions will be held virtually.

  • Cost

    The registration fee is $349. Because of Rotary Charities' underwriting of this program, the Fund Development Cohort is not eligible for support through the Learning Fund.

  • Participation

    Because the cohort relies on the insights and engagement of its members, full participation in all six sessions is expected.

  • Contact

    Have questions? Contact Kendra Luta for more information.