2026 Philanthropy Day Sessions

Philanthropy Day Educational Sessions
Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Talk Isn’t Cheap: What Nonprofits Are Saying They Need—and How Philanthropy Is Responding

The nonprofit sector is facing extraordinary pressures, from workforce burnout and fundraising challenges to growing community needs and increasing uncertainty. Yet amid these challenges, how are the most effective funders listening?

Join Joseph Lee of the Center for Effective Philanthropy as he shares compelling new research on what nonprofits are telling their funding partners about the realities they face, the strategies helping them move forward, and the support they need most to succeed. Drawing from data collected earlier this year, Joseph will explore how foundations are responding, where meaningful changes are taking place, and what stronger nonprofit-funder partnerships can look like in practice.

This engaging and thought-provoking keynote will offer a candid look at the state of the sector while highlighting opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and shared impact. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges ahead—and renewed optimism about what is possible when nonprofits and philanthropy work together to strengthen our communities.

• Joseph Lee, Senior Manager, Assessment and Advisory Services, for the Center for Effective Philanthropy

Fundraising Fundamentals: The Building Blocks of Success

A great fundraiser starts with a strong foundation. Whether you’re just stepping into development work or want to get back to the basics with fresh eyes, this session will help you understand the key elements of successful fundraising, why they work, and how to put them into action right away.

• Elizabeth York, Development Manager, Cahoon Museum of Art
• Christin Marshall, Executive Director, Cape Tide

From One-Time Donors to Lifelong Supporters: Growing Monthly Giving

Many organizations know they need a monthly giving program but aren’t sure how to launch, market, and manage it effectively. This practical session will answer the questions nonprofits are asking right now, from how to inspire donors to sign up to the systems, stewardship, and tactics that keep your recurring program running smoothly and growing over time.

• Erica Waasdorp, President, A Direct Solution
• Jeffrey Begg, Director of Development, Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center

Building Leadership Pipelines that Strengthen Trust, Culture, and Organizational Resilience

This session explores how organizations can move beyond reactive succession planning and instead build cultures that continuously develop leadership capacity, strengthen internal alignment, and prepare organizations for
long-term sustainability.

• Andrea Aldana, President & CEO, Community Development Partnership
• Sara Nitsch, Director of Communications, Community Development Partnership

Grant Acquisition Strategies for Today’s Market- It’s not just about writing!

Grant writing is a strategic process. Join us for an informative and lively workshop on how to present successful grant applications in today’s highly competitive funding arena. Strengthen your organization’s capacity and long term sustainability with the right tools including compelling narratives, measurable impactful outcomes, data driven story telling.

• Patricia Mitrokostas, CFRE, Principal Director of Strategic Funding Initiatives, Housing Assistance

Building Boards That Lead

Effective boards don’t simply approve budgets and attend meetings—they shape vision, ensure continuity, build community relationships, and champion philanthropy. This interactive panel will explore the board’s role in governance, succession planning, leadership, and fundraising, offering practical ideas to help organizations create stronger, more engaged boards.

• Moderator: Sara Anton, CFRE, MSW, CEO, CCCC Educational Foundation
• Barbara-Jean Chauvin, CEO, Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club
• Kara O’Donnell Galvin, Executive Director, MassHire Cape & Islands Workforce Board
• Angelique Viamari, MPA, SVP Governance, Cape Cod 5
• Dr. William “Billy” Roberts, Organizational Consultant and Clinical Psychologist

Doing More with Less: Fundraising Strategies for Small Shops with Big Expectations

This session will explore practical, real-world strategies for prioritizing what matters most, aligning advancement efforts with organizational goals, and maximizing impact without burnout. Grounded in examples from small advancement offices, the session will offer tools to help participants make smarter decisions about where to invest time, energy, and resources.

• Cyndy Cotton, CFRE, Executive Director, Osterville Village Library
• Ellie Ballard, Director of Advancement, Cape Cod Academy

Sustainability for Small and Medium Nonprofits and the Role of AI

If you are an Executive Director, Development Director Board member trying to grow your impact, AI can look like the edge you have been waiting for. Whether it builds something that lasts, though, depends on the systems already underneath your fundraising. This session explores what actually makes development sustainable, where AI genuinely fits, and where it can quietly get in your way.

• Anne Hager, Principal & Founder, Fundraising Levers

Collaborating for Greater Organizational and Collective Impact

Nonprofits, funders and donors all seek to have the highest possible impact and philanthropic return on investment. This session focuses on how to accomplish that through the power of collaboration across sectors and geographical regions. The session will offer tangible strategies and conclude with a facilitated connection and collaboration building activity with a call to action that will translate learning into execution.

• Caitlin Buckley, President, Uplift Impact Partners

The Great Wealth Transfer: Building the Next Generation of Donors

A historic transfer of wealth is reshaping the future of philanthropy, and the next generation of donors will bring new expectations, values, and giving behaviors. This session will help you understand how to engage emerging philanthropists, build long-term relationships across generations, and position your organization for the future of giving.

• Emily Wagner, Executive Director, Cape Cod Young Professionals
• Tara Vargas Wallace, Founder & CEO, Amplify POC

* Schedule and sessions subject to change

Philanthropy Day is also made possible through the generous support of our sponsors.

Philanthropy Day Announcements

Let us know if you’d like to become a sponsor!

Our sponsors make this event possible and receive great visibility in front of 500 dedicated nonprofit professionals, volunteers, business leaders and philanthropists. Thank you to the generous sponsors listed below who have already committed to this year’s event! If you’d like to become a sponsor, contact [email protected].

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Philanthropy Day is the foremost program of
Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands.