The Alberta Museums Association (AMA) is pleased to offer 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 with
limited fundraising staff that are looking to diversify their
revenue.
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 mid-sized museums.
The LIFT Fundraising Accelerator
Program
January 8 - March 5, 2026
Online
Instructor: Rowena Veylan, New School of Fundraising
$250/person, Refundable upon completion; 10 spots available
Due to the limited capacity, acceptance into the program is
application-based.
Upon successful completion of the program and accompanying
program survey, participants will have their program fees
refunded.
"The most valuable aspect of the training was the
opportunity to connect shared challenges with practical strategies.
It not only validated the efforts we're already making but also
expanded our toolkit with fresh, applicable ideas. The
collaborative environment sparked insightful discussions,
reinforcing how collective support can enhance individual
growth." - LIFT Participant, Spring
2025
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 November 6 until November 25,
2025, at 4:30 p.m. MT. Successful applicants will be notified by
December 1, 2025.
Session Details:
Session #1: Thursday, January 8 (9:30 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m.)
Session #2: Thursday, January 15 (9:30
a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
Session #3: Thursday, January 29 (10 a.m.
- 12 p.m.)
Session #4: Thursday, February 5 (10 a.m.
- 12 p.m.)
Coaching Session: February 12 through
February 19 - To be scheduled individually with Rowena
Community of Practice #1: Thursday,
February 19 (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
Community of Practice #2: Thursday,
February 26 (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
Community of Practice #3: Thursday, March
5 (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
------------------
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.
Individuals with significant experience in fund development are
encouraged to apply for The Leadership Development
Program when applications open in winter 2026. This
program is ideal for participants who are interested in exploring,
developing, and nurturing their leadership potential.
-------------------
The
Leadership Development
Program, presented by the Alberta Museums
Association (AMA) in partnership with the New School of
Fundraising, is coming to support you, no matter where you are on
your philanthropic career path. This five-week program will explore
the theoretical concepts, tactics, and tools needed to increase
your leadership potential.
The
instructors have curated content that relates to the leadership
journey within the non-profit industry. They
understand your unique challenges and want to see you not
only succeed but thrive.
The
Leadership Development
Program is ideal for individuals
with significant
experience in
fund development who are interested in exploring, developing, and
nurturing their leadership potential.
The Leadership Development Program
September 4 - October
2,
2025
Online
Instructors: Rowena Veylan and
Associates
$500/person, Refundable upon completion; 11
spots available
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.