2022 Dual Schedule Preview for Desireee

Each day was input into a table and color coded (key was at the top of the page). Happy to rethink/work this to be more user friendly if you have ideas!

Sunday, August 28

Start TimeEnd TimeSession Description
9:00 a.m.4:00 p.m.FGA Symposium
FGA members only; view more information here.
1:00 p.m.4:00 p.m.FFE Board of Directors Meeting
Invitation only
6:00 p.m.9:00 p.m.Celebrating Our Impact Dinner
This invitation-only event will be held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom and is intended for fraternity and sorority executives; research donors; and Diamond and above NIC/FFE Alliance Partners; view more information here.

Monday, August 29

Start TimeEnd TimeSession Description
7:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.Event Registration Open
8:00 a.m.9:00 a.m.FFE Board of Directors and Seminar Planning Committee Breakfast
Invitation only
9:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.FFE Board of Directors Meeting
Invitation only
9:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.NIC Meeting of Members
11:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m.Break
11:15 a.m.12:15 p.m. NIC Alliance Partner-Executive Speed Dating
12:15 p.m. 12:30 p.m.Break
12:00 p.m.12:30 p.m.FFE First Timers Orientation
12:30 p.m.1:30 p.m.Welcome Luncheon
Join NIC and FFE attendees for a luncheon where we will recognize the Alliance Partners who do so much for our organizations!
Lunch is included in registration costs.
12:30 p.m.1:30 p.m.Governing Council Luncheon
Invitation-only event for Governing Council members and NIC Gold Alliance Partners and above. Lunch is included in registration costs.
1:30 p.m.2:30 p.m.FFE Opening Keynote
Creating a Culture of Belonging
Mari Ann Callais, Ph.D., Delta Delta Delta Fraternity & The For College For Life Speakers Team
We all want to feel like we are cared about and that we belong. In your business, listening to stories, passions, what's important to your donors happens long before you make the ask. Maybe now more than ever, understanding what others are feeling and where they would like to invest their treasure might look different. The pandemic created an even greater need for this sense of belonging and community, but the struggle is real. It might be that we all need to feel a little more connected, a sense of belonging, and that who I am is even more important than what I do. This keynote will discuss the importance of belonging, bring some joy to our time and space together, and hopefully leave you with a sense of you are important to helping others feel like they belong. It's who you are, not just what you do.
1:30 p.m.2:30 p.m.NIC Educational Symposium
Supporting and Developing Our Members
We know that fraternities provide life-changing support, community and connection, and strong leadership development and professional networking to today’s college men. Join us to reflect on the impact of developing young men and learn how we as fraternal leaders can best support the next generation.
2:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m.Break
2:45 p.m. 3:45 p.m. FFE Breakout Sessions I
Traditional breakout sessions with expert presenters and panelists.

Creating a Culture of Belonging Streaming
Mari Ann Callais, Ph.D., Delta Delta Delta Fraternity & The For College For Life Speakers Team
Let's pretend we are Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, wherever you get your streaming. Let's pick up from where we left off from my keynote. If you enjoyed the message of the opening keynote, please join me for a further discussion about the concept of connectedness, belonging and community and how that is integrated into your work. Bring your thoughts and ideas as this will be an engaging conversation more than a presentation.

Giving Day Best Practices to Maximize Donor Engagement
Theresa Jubert, Consultant, Ruffalo Noel Levitz & Jamie Law, Development Manager, Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation
Giving days provide an opportunity to engage members to bring special attention – and a ton of gifts -- to your cause. Join this session to hear what’s new in giving days, including new tech that enables challenges, matches, gamification, and easy payment options like Venmo and Apple pay can boost results. Hear about how volunteer peer ambassadors can boost your results. And hear about Alpha Gamma Delta’s giving day journey to get tips, hear pitfalls, and learn how to pivot when change is needed. From major gift engagement, to full on giving participation pushes, giving days can spotlight your philanthropic needs, and make it easy and fun to give. But it only works if you use the best strategy to maximize your ROI. Whether you’re launching a giving day this year, or have done one for years, this session will provide you with immediate ideas to improve your big day.

From Strategy to Operations - How to Design Your Development Plan
Kelly Taylor, Founding Partner, Trek Advancement; Tawanda Owsley, Chief Marketing and Development Officer, Hosparus Health
This session will walk you through how to use your strategic plan to design your annual operating plan, create your development plan and provide the foundation for your fundraising case statement. The majority of time in this session will be spent discussing how to establish a multi-faceted fundraising plan to support the organization's strategic goals and establishing measures and milestones while coordinating resources across the team.

From Acronyms to Understanding: SRI, ESG, and DAMI
Armond Reese, Senior Investment Advisor, Truist Financial & Laura Galaida, Vice President-Director of Client Service, Truist Financial
As the popularity of ESG and Diverse Asset Management themes grow, what can Trustees do to prepare and document procedures regarding policy decisions for investment portfolios.
1. What is SRI, ESG and DAMI?
2. Your board is divided on their views – how can you reach consensus without taking sides?
3. How can you develop and document a policy that’s right for your organization?
4. What is your fiduciary responsibility with regard to Socially Responsive investment policy – is there any?
5. If you don’t have a policy, how do you respond to inquiries?
2:45 p.m.3:45 p.m.NIC Educational Symposium
What We’ve Learned: A Discussion Detailing Recent Research
Recent research studies including topics on hypermasculinity, non-joiners and hazing provide great insight into the impact and value of fraternity membership. During this discussion, we'll highlight the outcomes of recently released research studies and review how the data and information can be applied to your work.
3:45 p.m.4:15 p.m.Break
4:15 p.m.5:00 p.m.FFE Business Meeting
5:00 p.m.6:00 p.m.Networking Reception
Connect with NIC and/or FFE Alliance Partners and Dual Meeting attendees for some much-needed in-person networking.
6:00 p.m.Dinner on Your Own

Tuesday, August 30

Start TimeEnd TimeSession Description
8:00 a.m.9:00 a.m.Networking Breakfast
Join this casual breakfast to connect with Seminar attendees and continue to build and develop relationships with others in the fraternal fundraising industry.
8:00 a.m.9:00 a.m.Supporting the Sorority Experience Breakfast: A Discussion with FSPAC Representatives
Join this breakfast to learn more about why members of sororities are engaged in the political process and how FSPAC advocacy and fundraising helps enhance and defend the sorority experience.
9:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.FFE and NIC General Session
Industry by the Numbers
Patrick Alderdice and Aaron Parker, Pennington & Company
Pennington and Company has researched, compiled and evaluated IRS Form 990 filings for fiscal years 2003 to 2021 for Greek foundations. They will deliver the findings of their research and discuss the trends from both the administrative and donor perspectives, as well as analyze the opportunities and challenges that Greek foundations face in regard to operations and fundraising. This session provides baseline data on the state of the industry in regards to assets, dollars raised and various expenses. It also provides comparisons to higher education and public and private foundations.
10:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m.Break
10:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m. FFE Breakout Sessions II
Traditional breakout sessions with expert presenters and panelists.

Secrets of Storytelling
Rachel Muir, CFRE
Since the dawn of mankind, stories have been our most fundamental communication method. So why is it so hard to write a good one? Is storytelling different post-pandemic? Learn how stories can create chemical reactions that boost your audience’s empathy, makes your case in an unforgettable way that can grip your donor and engage them in your cause. Master the winning ingredients to any story and the #1 secret to truly great stories.

Modification of Institutional Funds Under UPMIFA: When and How to Pursue Modification
Heather Moore, Counsel, Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP & Emmanuel (Manny) McMiller, Associate, Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath, LLP
Foundations often hold funds that are challenging to administer pursuant to the terms of the respective gift instruments, resulting in inefficiencies and unanticipated growth. As organizations continue to feel the impact of COVID, many groups have been examining their endowment portfolios and looking for ways to more effectively utilize their endowments to enhance their grantmaking programs.

In this session, we will: (i) provide an overview of UPMIFA, the state law that governs institutional funds in most states; (ii) discuss the circumstances in which fund modification can be accomplished and the options for modification; and (iii) share anecdotally what we have learned through the modification process in several states.

The Price Is Right: 2021 Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy
Kyle Yarawsky, Vice President, Pennington & Company
Bank of America and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy collaborate on a study every two years examining the giving patterns, priorities, and attitudes of affluent U.S. households. We will review findings from the 2021 study via an action-packed and high-energy game of the Price Is Right!

Are We All Aboard? Multiple Stakeholder Engagement in Fundraising
Meghan Grace, Consultant, Plaid & Chris Woods, Partner, Plaid
Steering the ship in a unified fundraising direction starts with getting everyone on the same page and is never an easy feat, especially in organizations like fraternities and sororities. This interactive session will focus on engaging participants in discussion and activities to better understand the various vantage points stakeholder groups hold within their organizations. Through the use of a case study, participants will leave this session with a fuller understanding of how to manage and strategize to balance the different values, motivations, and needs of different stakeholder groups within their organization.

Panel: Creating Lifelong Donors from our Student Philanthropists
Marsha Grady, Alpha Chi Omega Foundation; Crista Vasina, Alpha Phi Foundation; Carol Helmus, Tri Delta Foundation; Sean Wagner, Phi Delta Theta Foundation; and Charlie Ball, Phi Kappa Tau Foundation
Join a panel of Foundation professionals who will discuss the different relationships between the Foundation and Fraternity/Sorority and how their students are fundraising. Relationships include: the Foundation as a direct beneficiary of chapter philanthropic efforts, national organization has established partnership with a philanthropic partner (or partners) or students and chapters are encouraged to fundraise for a cause on the local level.

Based on these relationships, participants will brainstorm and share ideas regarding how to best educate and engage our members about our Foundations as they prepare for graduation. And to convert our student philanthropists into lifelong donors to our Foundations.
11:15 a.m. 11:30 a.m.Break
11:30 a.m.12:45 p.m.FFE Lunch & Keynote
The Future of Fundraising
Rachel Muir, CFRE
Can you snap your fingers to see the future of fundraising? Come get a front-row seat in this eye-opening exploration loaded with practical and aspirational fundraising ideas. Discover the biggest fundraising trends and enjoy eye candy fundraising campaigns from budgets small and large. You’ll leave energized, entertained, and ready to win your donors hearts, minds & wallets!
12:45 p.m. 1:00 p.m.Break
1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m. FFE Alliance Partner-Executive Speed Dating
2:00 p.m. 2:15 p.m.Break
2:15 p.m.3:15 p.m.FFE Breakout Sessions III
Traditional breakout sessions with expert presenters and panelists.

Boards & Accountability: Understanding Effective Fundraising
David Carico, Principal/Partner, Columns Fundraising & Scott Sikes, Principal/Partner, Columns Fundraising
Foundation Board members and key staff leaders need to understand their key roles and responsibilities, and how to evaluate their organization's fundraising efforts. How do we know if our fundraising is focused and effective? How do we evaluate Board and staff member performance to promote accountability? In this session, we'll discuss those issues and the metrics Board members can use to measure organizational and individual effectiveness.

Deliver on Promises - Effective Gift Agreements and Fund Management
Leslie Martin, Executive Director, Delta Gamma Foundation & John Christopher, Fraternal Law Partners
It's great to land the big gift, but then what? Creating an effective system for creating and delivering meaningful yet responsible gift agreements, fund descriptions, and the means to deliver on the promises made when establishing a legacy gift are equally important and ultimately part of great stewardship. We'll talk best practices, organizational responsibilities, share some war stories, and look to Fraternal Law for some legal ins and outs. By the end, participants will have some great takeaways to improve their organization's approach to endowed funds.

New Avenues for Donor Cultivation: Looking to the Past to Build the Future
Ryan Collett, Chief Development Officer, Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation & Kristen Gwinn-Becker, PhD, Founder & CEO, HistoryIT
In the past year, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity has made significant strides to preserve their legacy and make their history accessible for members both now and in the future. Developed in partnership with the innovative team at HistoryIT, the Fraternity’s digital museum is the culmination of years of dedicated work interviewing stakeholders, assessing collections, developing a digital strategy and digitally preserving more than 40,000 items.

Hear from Ryan Collett, Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation’s Chief Development Officer, as he shares their unique approach to fundraising to further digital preservation efforts. Ryan will discuss the formation of the Fraternity’s Historical Society as a conduit for preservation related fundraising as well as their 2022 Founders Day of Giving Campaign, which focused solely on saving PIKE’s history and exceeded the event’s goal. With members having demonstrated an interest in donating to preservation projects, Ryan will share current and upcoming fundraising plans that are deeply rooted in the organization’s past, including preserving chapter history, major gift asks and more.

Session attendees will also hear from Kristen Gwinn-Becker, PhD, HistoryIT’s Founder and CEO. Kristen will share about HistoryIT’s work to not only digitally preserve Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity’s archival treasures, but to also establish a strategy that ensures the organization is set up for success for years to come. She’ll also discuss how the HistoryIT team transformed the Fraternity’s static materials into a dynamic digital museum that allows members to reflect on PIKE’s impact on their lives while planning for the organization’s future.

Multi Channel Fundraising
Neil Stanglein, Director of Development, Delta Zeta Foundation & Raenee Patterson, Assistant Director of Development, Delta Zeta Foundation
During Fiscal Year 21 and 22, Delta Zeta Foundation has made an effort to communicate with more donors and reach the right donors to make the right ask. Delta Zeta analyzed giving history and initiation dates to ask the right donors at the right time via the right channel. Overall, reducing the number of mail pieces sent with higher return on investment. Delta Zeta also segmented appeals by mail and digital and analyzed which audience should receive which piece. Finally, through multi-channel efforts, Delta Zeta reached our donors through mail, email, social media and stewardship follow up.

The Responsive Mindset: How To Build Resilient Teams & Drive Growth With Confidence Amidst Uncertainty
Erik Tomalis, Virtuous
Hyper-connectivity, micro-consumption, fractured attention, and fierce competition are namesakes in our connected economy. This is now compounded due to the upheaval 2020 — from the pandemic and social justice to climate — left behind with no clear end in sight.

Amidst uncertainty and shifting donor expectations, how should you design and lead your fundraising teams? How does this impact your ability to collaborate to deliver a responsive supporter experience?

We'll address these challenges head-on, share how supporter preferences have evolved, and what that requires now of you and your team.

Sororities Matter: We Have Research to Show It
Heather Matthews, Chief Communication Officer, Sigma Phi Epsilon
We know the sorority experience is life-changing and has a positive impact on our communities. Yet, amidst negative media coverage and polarizing campus protests, some donors and alumnae are seeing messages that create doubt and are asking "Are sororities relevant? Should I invest in them?" Sororities have a good story to tell. Come learn about research that shows the value of the sorority experience and how to share it with donors and stakeholders to build confidence and cultivate investment.
3:15 p.m.3:30 p.m.Break
3:30 p.m.4:30 p.m.FFE Breakout Sessions IV
Traditional breakout sessions with expert presenters and panelists.

Panel: Engaging Volunteers through Foundation Work
Jessi Horne, Communications & Marketing Director, Phi Mu Foundation; Ben Ford, Advancement Communications Director, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity; Zane Carlson, Associate Director of Advancement, Beta Theta Pi Foundation; and Jeff Newton, Director of Advancement, Beta Theta Pi Foundation
Volunteers are one of the greatest resources for nonprofit organizations. Greek organizations are in a unique position in which each has an expansive network of potential volunteers ranging in age, geographic location and profession. The challenge that many organizations face is how to most creatively and effectively engage volunteers. This session will offer three unique perspectives on how to engage various groups of volunteers ranging from undergraduates and alumni to parents. Join our panelists as we explore the innovative programs that each organization has utilized to engage volunteers though their foundation work.

Right People, Right Job–Job Role Theory to Elevate Staff Development, Recruitment, and Retention
Tony Vukusich, Associate, Plaid & Chris Woods, Partner, Plaid
The Great Resignation as it's being termed has taken its toll on the nonprofit and fraternal community. With the rise of inflation and an open job market, individuals are exploring their options seeking better pay, increased benefits, and more flexibility. Attracting and retaining the right talent is forcing organizations to evaluate their business structure and explore new avenues for employee development. This session will introduce participants to the importance of Role Theory and its impact on job success and satisfaction. Join us as we share tactics for building employee development initiatives to recruit and retain your human capital.

Facilitating DEI Conversations within your Board of Trustees
Jennifer Magro Algarotti, PhD, Director of Strategic Communications, Delta Gamma Foundation & Leslie Loop Martin, MPH, CFRE, Executive Director, Delta Gamma Foundation
Many fraternal organizations have intentionally focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work within their organizations over the past few years, leading to policy changes, increased communication around DEI work, and diversified educational offerings. This work creates both opportunities and challenges for Fraternal Foundations. This session is intended to make a case for creating clear and strategic communication and planning opportunities between Foundation staff and the Board of Trustees to both understand the landscape of work happening within their partner Fraternity/Sorority and how DEI work impacts Foundation fundraising. This session will present a case study of how Delta Gamma Foundation has been approaching this work and will offer insight into how Boards may anticipate both opportunities and threats facing their Foundations and successfully integrate DEI into their fundraising.

Degrees of Change: Collaboration Successes from a 3-year Strategy
Julie Burkhard, Chief Development Officer, Alpha Tau Omega Foundation & Chris Smith, Director of Systems, Alpha Tau Omega
In this session we will take a foundation focused on redefining fundraising strategy, couple it with a powerhouse fraternity staff using data analytics and review the results of a collaborative effort to significantly increase donors and dollars. What will be different? A raw look at the ATO Foundation prior to this approach, the collaborative work of foundation and fraternity staff and the nimbleness used to change course when needed based on short term results.

“Segments of One” – The Art of Personalized Communication
Jonathan Van Oss, Director of Analytics, Pledgemine & Anne Curosh, Associate Director of Annual Giving, Alpha Chi Omega Foundation
What if every piece of donor communication you sent was no different than if you wrote a personal hand-written letter to each individual in your database? In today’s digital world, this level of personalization is possible, and with less effort than you think! Join Anne Curosh from the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, and Jonathan Van Oss from Pledgemine as they show you how to create “Segments of One” in all of your donor communications and see the difference it could make to your fundraising efforts.
4:30 p.m.5:30 p.m.Considering your CFRE Credential? Stories from the Trenches
Paula J. Jenkins, CFRE, Vice President of Principal Gifts, Indiana University Foundation
Do you have your CFRE credential? No? Why not? It’s easier than you think. Did you know that Indianapolis is among cities with the highest concentration of CFREs in the country? Join us for a discussion led by Paula Jenkins, VP Principal Gifts at IU Foundation, as successful CFRE test veterans discuss their experiences preparing for and taking the exam. We will cover everything from creating your profile on CFRE.org to the day of the test. Already have your CFRE? Join us and share your experiences as well.
5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.FFE Awards of Distinction Reception
Held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom
6:30 p.m.9:00 p.m.FFE Awards of Distinction Dinner & Seminar Closing Session
Held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom

Wednesday, August 31

Start TimeEnd TimeSession Description
8:00 a.m.8:30 a.m.Breakfast
8:30 a.m.9:30 a.m.Top 10 Things Every Fundraiser Should Know from Cygnus and Case Study of Application
9:30 a.m.11:30 a.m.Focus Area Workshops

Annual Giving: Annual Giving Deep Dive
Eric Kerstetter, Vice President of Sales + Marketing, Drummond
This workshop will be an opportunity to do a deep dive into our annual giving processes. The workshop will cover donor segmentation, data analysis, appeal writing and stewardship. We will discuss all parts of annual giving and have the opportunity to peer review, critique and perfect each aspect. Participants are encouraged to bring appeal letters or stewardship pieces to be critiqued and reviewed by your peers!

Major Gifts: Elevating Donors to Grow Our Impact
Erik M. Tomalis, Sr. Nonprofit Advisor & Manager Enterprise Sales, Virtuous
When was the last time you received formal training on how to solicit a gift? Whether it’s been way too long (if ever) or if you’d simply like to learn a few helpful tips, this workshop will prepare you for your asks! Gain confidence and eliminate any fear of asking your supporters to join your worthy cause.

Making an ask is both a science and art; join our workshop that’ll outline tips and tricks to set yourself up for success with your Mid-Level and Major Donors.
This workshop outlines the donor cycle, including how to prepare both the prospect and yourself for the solicitation, as well as tools for effective follow-up.

Development Operations: Using A CRM/Database to Supercharge Our Fundraising Efforts
Joe Budde, Jr., Solutions Architect, ChapterSpot
Managing culture is difficult, but throw in technology and it can become unwieldy. In this session, we'll discuss how to tame and merge together development staff culture with technology culture and share our best practices. We'll explore creating an operational culture that elevates a database to support your strategic initiatives rather than just being a filing cabinet of addresses and phone numbers. Discussions will center around questions like: How should we view our technology and data? How and why should I drive a technology centric approach across my organization? How can the Cygnus Survey results impact how we approach my technology and data? How should we prioritize our efforts between operational improvements and development targets?
11:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.Cross-Team Collaboration and Action Planning
Reporting out from focus areas and identifying opportunities to work together to increase fundraising success.