Coming Winter - Summer 2027

More information to come. Stay updated by filling out the interest form:

please keep me updated about the Nonprofit Development lab

Hosted by: Summit Foundation with guest expert presenter and facilitator Robin Thompson

Location: Summit County, CO

Overview of the Nonprofit Development Lab

Who Should Attend:

• Current staff of Summit Foundation grantee organizations that currently hold, or are aspiring to have, a fundraising or development role
• Current board members of Summit Foundation grantee organizations, particularly those serving on development or fundraising committees
• Participants with any level of fundraising experience are welcome; they should arrive curious, committed, and ready to learn!

Description:

The training is anchored in the core competencies necessary for nonprofit success, blending essential theory with hands-on learning relevant to rural communities. Sustainable impact depends on an organization's ability to raise and steward resources well, and the Development Lab builds that capacity in a practical, accessible way. Through interactive instruction, hands‑on exercises, and peer learning, participants will strengthen their ability to identify and cultivate donors, articulate a compelling case for support, and build fundraising strategies that sustain their mission over time. 

Learning Outcomes: 
• Comprehensive overview of nonprofit structure and function
• Major gift prospecting, solicitation, and stewardship
• Budgeting in the fundraising process
• Understanding and creating diverse fundraising vehicles
• The complete fundraising cycle
• Applying moves management techniques
• Executing successful fundraising events
• Translating fundraising theories into effective practice
• Identifying and securing funding sources
• Building, motivating, and managing a fundraising team
• Designing and managing annual fund programs
• Structuring and launching capital campaigns
• Developing planned giving programs
• Securing corporate donations and sponsorships
• Grant writing essentials
• Best practices for making “the ask” for gifts

About Robin Thompson: 

With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Robin Thompson has a proven track record of transforming fundraising outcomes, having assisted clients in raising millions of dollars. This includes leading the landmark $40 million Eagle Valley Trail campaign and consistently helping organizations increase their fundraising totals by multiples of their previous benchmarks.

As author of Putting the Fun in Fundraising, Robin blends a well-grounded development strategy with cutting-edge technology. To stay at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry, she has completed over 30 hours of specialized AI training, is an active member of an AI Mastermind group, and participates in weekly AI workshops. She combines decades of hands-on experience with a practical, tech-forward approach. For more than 25 years, Robin Thompson has been the person nonprofits call when they need to raise more money, lead more effectively, and build an organization that lasts.