REGISTRATION

Wednesday, September 24
8:30-10:00am
Hybrid (In-Person and Virtual)
Members $40 | Nonmembers $80

Please choose one:

IN-PERSON
MAGNET: 1800 E. 63rd St, Cleveland, OH 44103
JOIN US IN-PERSON

VIRTUAL
Zoom Webinar | Link will be sent after registering
JOIN US VIRTUALLY

To ensure accurate headcounts, we kindly ask that you choose your preferred attendance format upon registration. Both will have an opportunity to participate in structured activities and Q&A. Changes may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to info@bvuvolunteers.org with any questions!

ABOUT THE SESSION

Board members hold a unique and critical position within nonprofit organizations, serving as ambassadors, strategists, and connectors in advancing the institution’s goals. Their ability to foster relationships and inspire trust is a cornerstone of effective fundraising strategies. Yet, many board members remain hesitant to fully embrace this role, often constrained by misconceptions about what fundraising entails.

It is essential to redefine their involvement, moving away from outdated notions of solicitation and towards a broader, collaborative framework. This requires equipping board members with practical tools, training, and ongoing support to navigate the complexities of donor engagement, while also cultivating their confidence in leveraging personal connections for the benefit of the organization.

By creating a culture that values stewardship and prioritizes authentic relationships, nonprofits can ensure that their board members act not only as financial advocates but as passionate champions of the mission. Whether through initiating warm introductions, sharing compelling stories about the nonprofit’s impact, or simply expressing heartfelt gratitude, their efforts can profoundly shape the trajectory of fundraising success.

What You’ll Learn:

• Common misconceptions: Fundraising isn’t just about cold calls or asking strangers for donations — it should be fulfilling and fun!
• Collaborative approaches: Develop elevator speeches and personal stories that lead to warm introductions.
• Identifying the “right” donors: Focus on finding donors whose values align with your mission.
• The role of stewardship: Engage your board in showing appreciation and building lasting relationships.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Ronald Horvat brings over 30 years of experience driving transformation in the nonprofit sector, during which he has secured organizations over $1 billion in philanthropic contributions. Ronald’s strategies focus on building trust and long-term relationships while aligning donor priorities with organizational goals. This approach stabilizes funding bases while reducing unnecessary expenditures, creating sustainable systems that enable nonprofits to focus their resources on achieving their mission. In addition to his consulting services, Ronald mentors the next generation of nonprofit leaders as an adjunct professor in the Master of Nonprofit Organizations program at Case Western Reserve University. Prior to these roles, he served as Executive Director at the Precede Foundation, an international consortium of pancreatic cancer researchers, and as the Chief Development Officer for the American Red Cross.

ABOUT THE SERIES

BVU’s nonprofit seminars invite our region’s nonprofits to come together for educational and insightful discussions. Past sessions have included Creating a Culture of Innovation, Moving Your Mission Forward with Story, and more.