A Fundraiser’s Playbook for the Age of Belonging: From Apathetic Audiences to Empowered Communities

The session explores how fundraisers can overcome donor fatigue, disengagement, and information overload. It draws from Michael Sheldrick’s From Ideas to Impact, distilling his eight-step playbook into practical principles for effective fundraising. Participants will examine these principles through guided discussions and interactive exercises. The workshop focuses on fostering authentic trust and shared ownership in donor relationships. Attendees will learn how to evolve short-term appeals into sustainable, community-driven movements for good.

**Receive a copy Michael’s book From Ideas to Impact when you attend this masterclass. 

• Michael Sheldrick, Global Citizen

The Long Game: Stewardship Strategies for Lifelong Gifts in Wills Engagement

Only around half of those who say they’ll leave a gift in their Will actually do. This masterclass explores how to bridge that gap by designing compelling, long-term stewardship experiences that move supporters from interest to action—and keep them engaged for years to come. Learn how to build donor journeys that are research-informed, emotionally resonant, and strategically aligned with your legacy fundraising goals.

• Ashley Rowthorn, Legacy Futures | Smee & Ford
• Claire Routley, Legacy Futures

Diversifying Your Major Gift Donor Base

As Australia’s demographics shift, so must our fundraising strategies. This session showcases how St Vincent’s Curran Foundation is engaging younger, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) donors and next-generation philanthropists. Learn how to apply DEI principles to major giving, build authentic relationships with emerging communities, and future-proof your donor pipeline in an era of intergenerational wealth transfer.

• Shanthini Naidoo FFIA CFRE, St Vincent’s Curran Foundation
• Annabel Rogers, St Vincent’s Curran Foundation
• Jennifer Dobbins, St Vincent’s Curran Foundation

From Data Overwhelm to Strategic Impact: Segmentation, Metrics and Analytics for Growth

Many organisations collect data—but few use it to its full potential. This masterclass helps you move from data overload to strategic clarity. Through practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and hands-on tools, you’ll learn how to segment effectively, choose the right metrics, and apply analytics to drive smarter fundraising decisions across your programs.

• Fi McPhee FFIA, Revolutionise
• Erin Hamalainen, Slingshot Data
• Greg Millar FFIA, IHC New Zealand
• Sandra Theis, Taronga Conservation Society

Influence to income: The power of managing up

This dynamic masterclass equips fundraising professionals with the tools to build trust with decision-makers, gain strategic support, and position fundraising as central to organisational success.

Through real-world case studies, interactive exercises, and a lively panel discussion, you’ll learn how to communicate your strategy effectively, present compelling cases for investment, and turn CEOs, Boards, and senior leaders into champions for your fundraising programs. Whether you’re seeking more influence, stronger internal partnerships, or practical ways to overcome organisational barriers, this session will help you lead with confidence—no matter your title.

• Benjamin Cox FFIA, Cancer Council QLD
• Matthew Lang FFIA CFRE, The Generous Project and Giving Architects
• Vicki Rasmussen FFIA CFRE, Charlies Foundation for Research
• Lindsey Wilkinson, UnitingCare QLD
• Daniel Lalor MFIA, HomeMade Australia and New Zealand

Old Dogs, Young Pups & Smart Machines: A Real Fundraisers’ AI Journey

What happens when a Boomer, a Gen Xer, and a Millennial dive into AI for fundraising? This refreshingly honest and practical session shares their six-month journey—what worked, what didn’t, and what they built. You’ll leave with real tools (like AI thank-you assistants and donor email generators), a jargon-free glossary, and the confidence to start using AI ethically and effectively—no tech skills required.

• Tori English – RSPCA QLD
• Sean Triner FFIA, Moceanic
• Aileen McGregor-Lowndes, RSPCA QLD

Donor Psychology 101: Evidence-Based Insights to Improve Your Fundraising

Why do people give up—and what makes them stop? This session introduces cutting-edge research on donor psychology, including the Charitable Triad Theory, identity-based giving, and the effectiveness of different fundraising appeals. With practical examples and interactive discussion, you’ll gain insights to refine your messaging, strengthen donor relationships, and fundraise more ethically and effectively.

• Cassandra Chapman, The University of Queensland