New School of Fundraising Programs

The Alberta Museums Association (AMA) is thrilled to introduce an opportunity to elevate your fundraising efforts with the LIFT Fundraising Accelerator Program. Presented in partnership with the New School of Fundraising, this eight-week program is designed to provide a solid foundation in fundraising knowledge while equipping you with practical tools to take actionable steps forward. It is ideal for organizations that are looking to diversify their revenue and have limited fundraising staff.

Delivered through a structured course format and enriched by flexible course content, the program empowers participants to create their own solutions while building confidence in their fund development abilities. The LIFT Fundraising Accelerator Program is an excellent opportunity for those new to fundraising and those working in smaller museums.

The LIFT Fundraising Accelerator Program

April 22 - June 24, 2025
Online
Instructor: Rowena Veylan, New School of Fundraising
$250/person, Refundable upon completion; 8 spots available

Due to the limited capacity, acceptance into the program will be application-based.

Upon successful completion of the program and accompanying program survey, participants will have their program fees refunded.

How to apply:

Please submit a letter of motivation addressing how participating in the LIFT Fundraising Accelerator Program  will support you and your institution diversify its fundraising potential. The letter should identify and align with at least one of the Ends Statements in the AMA's Strategic Framework found here. Maximum length: 300 words.

Applicants must be affiliated with an Institutional Member of the AMA and provide a letter of reference from their institution.

Applications sent to grants@museums.ab.ca will be accepted from February 18 until March 3, 2025, at 4 p.m. MT. Successful applicants will be notified by March 17, 2025.

Session Details:

Session #1: Tuesday, April 22 (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

Session #2: Tuesday, April 29 (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

Session #3: Tuesday, May 13 (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

Session #4: Tuesday, May 20 (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

Coaching Session: May 26 through June 6 - To be scheduled individually with Rowena

Community of Practice #1: Tuesday, June 10 (10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

Community of Practice #2: Tuesday, June 17 (10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

Community of Practice #3:Tuesday, June 24 (10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

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Session #1: Foundations of Fundraising (3 hours)

Explore fundraising trends, donor motivation, and some foundational fundraising knowledge including the donor pyramid and donor cycle.

Session #2: Diversifying Revenue (3 hours)

An in-depth exploration of potential revenue streams while linking back to donor motivation. At the end of the session, each participant will identify 2 - 3 priority income opportunities for their institution followed by a planning discussion with a partner in a breakout room.

Session #3: Developing Effective Communication (2 hours)

This session covers the basics of how to generate compelling communication including storytelling, developing the case for support, and effectively using social media for fundraising efforts.

Session #4: Identifying Priorities (2 hours)

Consolidating everything learned in sessions 1 through 3, participants will prioritize their preferred fundraising approaches while sharing insights with others. This session will focus on how to effectively resource fundraising plans.

Coaching Session (30 minutes)

Rowena will meet with each of the participants one-on-one to answer any questions and talk through their priorities and plans.

Community of Practice Sessions #1 - 3 (1.5 hours each)

Rowena will present on topic areas of interest identified during the Coaching Sessions.

Details on a leadership-level program for advanced fundraisers will be released in the coming weeks.

About the New School of Fundraising

The New School of Fundraising (NSOF) offers small group and individual training for professional fundraisers, board members, volunteers, and passionate community leaders.

Since 2021, NSOF has empowered hundreds of organizations and individuals to find innovative and creative ways to generate revenue while also reconnecting to what it means to raise funds. Their approach is intentional. Cameras are on in their virtual space, groups are kept small, and they take the time to get to know you.

Curriculum is designed and taught by fundraising leaders. The instructors will share their knowledge as well as the thinking behind it: understanding the "why" behind the "what" makes all the difference.

This program is supported with funding provided through the Government of Alberta's  Other Initiatives Program made available by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Status of Women. The AMA appreciates the Government of Alberta's commitment to supporting Alberta Museums.