Energized, determined, prepared, grateful—all words cohort participants used to describe their experiences in the 2023 RaiseMN Campaign Institute. Founded in 2017, the Campaign Institute was created to help nonprofits build sustainable strategies and infrastructure around their fundraising. Since its inception, more than 100 nonprofits across Minnesota have participated in the program.
Each month, participants gathered in virtual workshops with their RaiseMN fundraising coaches, taking part in peer learning with their cohort and workshopping their fundraising needs with our team. Through candid discussions, they shared their triumphs, navigated common hurdles, and celebrated successes. This vibrant exchange of ideas, challenges, and triumphs fostered an atmosphere of support, camaraderie, and collective empowerment.
All participants attended group sessions on Time, Data, Culture and Planning, and Building an Ask. They also had an opportunity to select up to three additional sessions, such as Reimagining Events, Engaging Your Board of Directors, Communications 101, and more.
Organizations in this year’s cohort said the Campaign Institute renewed energy and confidence for fundraising, and that designating time each month to think about the bigger picture led to clarity in their work moving forward. Participants also reported an increase in fundraising results for Give to the Max Day 2023 over 2022.
"This has been a very productive experience. I am getting re-energized about fundraising, which is quite an accomplishment after 40+ years in nonprofit management!"
"It was so beneficial to have this designated time to make plans, reflect and review how we can put our [best] fundraising foot forward together as a team. Here's planting the seeds for a productive and restful year ahead!”
Upon completion of the program, participating nonprofits were granted $2,500, thanks to a generous partnership with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.
Our 2023 cohort was comprised of a dynamic group of 29 nonprofits from Greater Minnesota and Twin Cities East Metro.
We’re putting final touches on our planning for the 2024 Campaign Institute! Applications will be accepted from February 28 - March 22. We’ll release more information about this year’s process on February 28 through email and on www.raisemn.org.