training for frontline fundraisers

Wooden bench with wagon wheels on a trail in a park.

Build strong benefactor relationships through authentic, inquiry-driven conversations that create the foundation for major gift success.

Frontline fundraising skills are often learned through trial and error. My trainings help fundraisers develop practical tools they can use immediately: how to approach conversations, ask better questions, create meaningful follow-up and move relationships forward.

Training Topics

Create Systems and Processes to Drive the Science of the Work
Master the Foundation of Discovery Work with Best Practices
Structure Your Time and Follow-Ups to Maximize Your Frontline Fundraising
Move Relationships Forward in Creative, Natural Ways
Build and Implement an Onboarding Program for Development Officers
Transition from Discovery to Gift Conversation
Weave Planned and Blended Giving into Conversations
Add Authenticity and the Human Element to Development Officer Work
Develop Your Toolkit of Words (Inspiring Up, Importance of Philanthropy, Elevator Pitch, Philanthropic Advisor Role)

Testamonials

"The real-life examples are super helpful! I greatly appreciate that Lauren is willing to share such detail from her own work."

"Lauren was an excellent presenter! Such a clear agenda, stayed on topic and time, excellent points and relevant examples. All around very well thought out and delivered."

"The speaker was authentic, relatable and skilled, and spoke in a clear, well-paced voice. The material was timely, concise and useful. "

"Lauren actually gave really good points and examples that you can turn around and start to practice in real life now."

"Truly one of the most helpful trainings I've had."

"The instructor was really great and her way of presenting the information was so thorough and really helpful."

"I really liked Lauren's authenticity and her "real-life" approach to discovery work."

"I am new to discovery work and Lauren helped me understand applicable steps to take and how to think about the work. Excellent training!"

"I appreciate this kind of skill-building from a frontline fundraiser. It's information anyone can use on any level."

REcent PUblic trainings and programs

Discovery for Frontline Fundraisers; University of Colorado All-Hands Advancement Retreat (June 2026)
Walking A Tightrope: Discovery Calls and Visits as a Development Officer Meeting Today’s Metrics and Layering On Cultivating Tomorrow's Major Gift Donors; Association of Fundraising Professionals - Colorado Chapter annual conference (October 2025)
No Cold Calls – The Art and Science of Discovery Work and Qualifying Grateful Non-Donor Patients and Prospects; Association of Academic Medical Colleges (April 2025)
Masterclass in Discovery Work; Academic Impressions (webinar version: August 2021, August 2022; in-person conference: June 2023, March 2024, January 2025)
Discovery Calls & Visits, Institute for Leaders in Development (November 2020, February 2021, November 2021, November 2023, November 2024, November 2025, November 2026)
Discovery Work for Successful Fundraising; Association of Fundraising Professionals - Colorado Chapter (January 2022)
Back to the Basics: Discovery Work 101; Association of Healthcare Professionals (January 2022)
Innovative Stewardship Programming for Mid Level Donors; MedFund (July 2021)
Weaving Blended Giving into Your Gift Conversations; Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable (June 2021)

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Lauren Wise

Lauren Wise

training for frontline fundraisers

Training Topics

Testamonials

REcent PUblic trainings and programs