To strengthen the fundraising capacity of individual organizations and of the statewide nonprofit sector, the Wyoming Community Foundation and the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, in partnership with The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, are excited to be offering Fundraising Fundamentals on September 21 - 23, 2026, in Casper.
Led by The Fund Raising School Faculty, the three-day course is designed to advance the work of fundraisers in rural areas. Day one brings staff and board members together to explore and bolster board engagement in fundraising. Days two and three focus on nonprofit professionals, offering instruction on annual fund strategies, major gifts, and planned giving. Through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, participants will leave with the knowledge and confidence to build sustainable support and advance their missions.
Course Objectives:
- Engage board members effectively in fundraising, including increasing board giving and clarifying board/staff roles.
- Understand the fundraising cycle and apply it to strengthen organizational fundraising strategies.
- Understand how to build a donor-focused approach to the annual fund, major gifts, and planned giving that aligns with organizational mission and donor motivations.
More information about the three-day course, including a complete schedule, is available through the digital flyer.
Organizations That Can Benefit:
Fundraising Fundamentals is for organizations that have demonstrated a basic ability to fundraise and whose staff and board have the capacity to develop and implement an advanced fundraising strategy. Selected organizations will have the opportunity for two organizational representatives to attend the three-day course, with a board member being highly recommended for the first day of the course and a second staff member recommended for the second and third days of the course.
Attendance Policy:
Each session is important and related to other sessions in the course. Travel arrangements and other appointments should be planned around the class schedule. Attendance is taken daily. Participants must attend the course in its entirety and stay through the end of the class to receive the certificate of completion.
Application Process:
In anticipation of interest in this learning opportunity and its limited availability, Fundraising Fundamentals will use a competitive application process. The application process aims to understand:
- An organization’s current fundraising efforts, specifically its engagement of individual donors and major gifts.
- An organization’s existing fundraising infrastructure, including a formalized donor database and other fundraising tracking mechanisms.
- The scope of organizational resources available, including dedicated staff capacity and fundraising-specific budget.
Submitted applications will be reviewed by a small committee to determine organizational readiness, with selected organizations being notified by August 3, 2026.
Registration Cost:
Recognizing the value of this learning opportunity being available to nonprofit professionals and board members locally, the Wyoming Community Foundation has generously sponsored the course, significantly reducing costs for participating organizations.
The registration fee for selected organizations will be $500, which will cover the cost of up to two organizational representatives attending the three-day course, course materials, and three lunches. Expenses not covered by registration include travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and additional meals.
Key Dates:
- Application Open: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- Application Closing: Friday, July 24, 2026
- Selection Deadline: Monday, August 3, 2026
Preview the application and apply online before the July 24, 2026, deadline!
Presenting Sponsor:
