BrightDot Presidents Club FOR FUNDRAISING LEADERSHIP
Fundraising is the lifeblood of any institution or nonprofit, yet most leaders underestimate the strategy required to secure transformational support. Picking up the phone and making calls is not enough. True success comes from building a presidency on a foundation of clarity, confidence, and community.
The Foundations for Presidential Leadership provides the essential tools every president or CEO needs to succeed. From fundraising and stakeholder engagement to strategic planning and team alignment, this cohort sets the groundwork for leadership defined by strength, stability, and long-term impact.
Exclusive 3-Month Program
3 LIVE VIRTUAL GROUP SESSIONS
3 ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS
Outcome
Upon completion of The Foundations for Presidential Leadership, you will have the confidence to lead fundraising with authority, the clarity to focus on the donors who matter most, and the community to sustain you as a leader. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap for cultivating transformational gifts, aligning your team, and advancing your mission with strength. Most importantly, you’ll find your people: trusted advisors, peers, and partners who will walk this journey with you, so you never lead alone.
Session 1: Your Role
CHIEF FUNDRAISING OFFICER
- Reframe fundraising from “ask” to “opportunity,” stepping fully into your role as the chief fundraiser.
- Build the confidence to engage donors at every level, from introductions to transformational giving.
- Cultivate an entrepreneurial, business-minded approach that positions you to think like an investor and lead like a CEO.
Session 2: Clarity
UNDERSTANDING HIGH NET WORTH DONORS
- Apply the 95/5 Rule: why 5% of your donors drive 95% of your results.
- Discover the 8 essential research items you need to uncover in order to build strong, lasting donor relationships.
- Prioritize your time strategically, focusing on high-impact donors while empowering your team to manage the rest.
Session 3: Community
WORKING WITH YOUR FUNDRAISING TEAM
- Create a culture of philanthropy that unites staff, board, and volunteers around your vision.
- Use five proven strategies for quickly assessing and strengthening a team you’ve inherited.
- Build a system of accountability and momentum so your team delivers measurable fundraising results.
BILL CROUCH
Former college president and current CEO of BrightDot, Bill has guided leaders across higher education and nonprofits through transformational fundraising, raising millions in major gifts.
BILL SHIELL
A seasoned fundraising strategist and former president who helped lead a $21 million campaign, Bill brings practical expertise in building donor relationships and advancing mission-driven leadership.
MIKE CARTER
A former college president with decades of experience, Mike equips presidents and CEOs to align their teams, strengthen boards, and create lasting cultures of philanthropy.
Details & Investment
- LENGTH: 3 Months (Jan. – Mar. 2026)
- FORMAT: 3 Group Sessions and 3 One-On-One Coaching Sessions
- COHORT SIZE: 4–6 Presidents/CEOs — Exclusive, Limited Enrollment!
- INVESTMENT: $1,850 — A $6,500 Value!
