2026 Education Conference

Philanthropy Is a Team Sport. This year's conference celebrates the power of collaboration in advancing our nonprofit community. Together, fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, foundations, professional associations, capacity-building organizations, and community partners all play an essential role in creating lasting impact.

Featuring Keynote Speaker, Laura Fredricks, JD.

Laura is a nationally recognized expert on the ASK and one of the most influential voices in modern fundraising. As CEO and Founder of THE ASK©, she has helped thousands of professionals—from nonprofit leaders to business executives—gain the clarity and confidence needed to make bold, effective asks that transform organizations. She brings a unique blend of legal precision and philanthropic insight to her teaching, offering a practical framework that has guided fundraisers around the world to secure meaningful, sustainable support. Her widely used ASK© methodology and bestselling books have become essential tools for anyone seeking to elevate their fundraising practice.

The Ask Practice Studio: Two Sentences, One Question, Featuring Laura Fredricks, JD

You know the fundamentals of making the ask, but mastery comes from practice. In this interactive session, participants will bring real asks they need to make (or have made) and receive immediate, constructive feedback from one of the nation’s leading experts. You’ll learn how to refine your voice, posture, and language; avoid over‑asking; and prepare for any response. Participants will also experience what it feels like to be “the one being asked,” gaining insight that strengthens both confidence and clarity.

Fundraising for Impact: Leading Teams Through Complexity and Change, Led by Evita Morin, Sara Wise, and Kat Pipoly

Nonprofit leaders face shifting priorities, evolving community needs, and increasing organizational complexity. Together, Evita Morin and Sara Wise will explore how organizations strengthen team alignment, build community trust, and cultivate organizational resilience that endures beyond any single moment of change. Expect a grounded, practical conversation shaped by leaders who work daily in the realities of nonprofit life, balancing stakeholder expectations, resource constraints, and ambitious missions.

Philanthropy Is a Team Sport…But Healthy Teams Don’t Happen by Accident, Presented by Rhanda Luna

Mission-driven organizations rely on people who care deeply about their work. This session explores three leadership shifts that help nonprofit teams thrive by strengthening psychological safety, reducing unnecessary stress, and building healthier, more sustainable workplaces. Participants will leave with practical tools, including the ART Leader’s Audit, to support meaningful leadership change.

Community Philanthropy in Action:  How Collaboration Strengthens Regional Giving Featuring Jason Massiatte

Jason brings deep experience in corporate partnerships, community engagement, and cross‑sector collaboration — the kind of leadership that helps regional philanthropy thrive. Join us for a conversation about building trust, aligning partners, and creating giving ecosystems that lift entire communities.

Building A Sustainable Advancement Model: Ensuring Stability Through Leadership Transitions and Scalable Donor Programs Presented by Jeff Grandy

In today’s rapidly evolving fundraising environment, stability in advancement operations is essential. This session explores the real‑world challenges that arise after a campaign—staffing shifts, scaling donor programs, and preparing teams for leadership transitions. Whether your institution is welcoming a new President, Vice President for Advancement, or other senior leaders, you’ll gain practical strategies to future‑proof your development shop and maintain momentum through change.

A Conversation on Donor Relationships with Shannon Nisbet and Mary Kay Martinez, CFRE

Together, we’ll explore stewardship as a practice of care rather than a transaction, and open the floor to your toughest questions about donor situations that test you most. Come with the hardest thing you’ve been carrying. Leave with language for something you’ve felt but maybe never said out loud.

The Donor Journey: From Direct Mail to Mid-Level to Major Gift Presented by Lupita C Garza, CFRE

A strategic donor journey built for today’s philanthropy landscape. This session guides participants through how donor engagement naturally evolves — from an initial direct mail gift to mid‑level support and ultimately to major gift investment. With a focus on personalization, thoughtful stewardship, and demonstrating meaningful impact, attendees will gain practical approaches to deepen relationships and inspire donors toward mission‑driven generosity.

1201 Kitty Hawk Rd | Universal City, TX 78148

Grateful for Our Generous Sponsors—the teammates who make this work possible.

We extend heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for championing your professional growth and the transformative impact you create within our community. Your dedication inspires lasting change, and their support makes it possible.

Alamo Colleges Foundation

Catapult Fundraising

Eskin Fundraising Training

H.E. Butt Foundation

The LK Foundation

Northeast Lakeview College

Trinity University

True Flavors

Reserve your spot today.