Top Ten Reasons Hospice Development Professionals should Develop their Fundraising Skills at LAC

By Tony Kudner

Fundraising and donor development for hospices can be a unique proposition- we have the honor and challenge of carrying out the mission of our organizations under circumstances that many other fundraising professionals simply don’t face. Our donor ‘why’ is a sentinel event in many cases, meaning we have to adjust our strategies and tactics to ensure our programs can benefit from the philanthropy of our unique donor base.

Simply put, there is only one place where you can get the hospice-specific tips and tools you need to run a successful development operation to support the mission and vision of your organization: NHPCO’s Leadership and Advocacy 2020. This year’s conference features a dedicated fundraising development track where you can gain access to some of the best practices in the field. What reasons specifically you ask? Here are ten reasons for a development professional in hospice at any stage of their career to attend:

1. Network with community-leading peers: You’ll get to meet with experienced and savvy professionals from some of the largest nonprofit hospices in the US, and discuss relevant issues with them regarding their operations.
2. Move beyond the one-time memorial donation trap: Attend the preconference session to learn key strategies for developing a first-class grateful families program, from conception to launch.
3. Find your Hospice Heroes! Learn how to take the goodwill your staff build in the field everyday and turn it into sustainability for your program!
4. Learn about Capital in the shadow of the Capitol: take a deep dive into moving beyond using capital campaigns for buildings, and learn about funding endowments for your ongoing operations.
5. Tell better stories! Hospice is full of rich stories, and you can learn the science (yes, science!) behind turning them into effective messaging for your fundraising asks.
6. Is your Board Bored? Learn about maximizing your boards and advisory groups in terms of your donor network and their own commitments to your cause.
7. Learn how to cook Filet Mignon on a Mac and Cheese budget: OK, not really, but you’ll learn how to start a development program with best practices even if you’re starting from scratch!
8. Request a bequest: Learn how to develop the techniques to solicit and cultivate bequest gifts- ensuring the longer term viability of your organization.
9. Earn your CE! These courses will be eligible for CFRE credit- keep or work towards your certification while you attend!
10. ENJOY DC! Who doesn’t love a few days away? Washington DC in the spring is beautiful and with many free museums and sights, affords sightseeing for any budget.

There won’t be another opportunity to learn from such a varied and high-level group of hospice fundraising professionals. An investment in your skills and expertise by attending LAC will easily return multiples in your fundraising development operations when you return home- join some of the best hospices in the United States to participate in the fundraising and development track at the NHPCO Legislative and Advocacy Conference this spring!

Tony Kudner is Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs for Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care.