As the upcoming election approaches, nonprofits are navigating potential shifts in donor behavior and preparing for the impact of an evolving political climate. With both immediate and long-term effects on charitable giving, how can your organization stay resilient and strategically fundraise during these uncertain times?

In this Orr Group TALKS, Craig Shelley, CFRE sits down with Rebecca Schuett, Chief Development Officer at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, and Stefan Romberg, Chief Development Officer at the Center for American Progress, to explore trends from previous elections, provide insights on the unique challenges of the current political landscape, and share actionable strategies to keep donors engaged during and after the election.

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand the impact of election cycles on donor behavior and charitable giving.
• Explore strategies to adapt fundraising efforts during politically charged periods.
• Learn methods to keep donors engaged and maintain momentum post-election.
• Gain insights from organizations whose fundraising is significantly influenced by the political climate.

WHO SHOULD WATCH:

• Nonprofit executives.
• Fundraising professionals.
• Board members.
• Development officers looking to navigate fundraising during the election year and prepare for its aftermath.

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

Stefan Romberg, Chief Development Officer, Center for American Progress

Stefan Romberg is the chief development officer at American Progress. Prior to joining American Progress, he was the director of institutional giving at Southern California Public Radio in Los Angeles. In this role, he was responsible for leading the team that builds relationships with philanthropic institutions in support of local journalism at one of the largest nonprofit, public-service newsrooms in the country. Between 2011 and 2015, he rose through the ranks of the Foundation Relations team at American Progress. Romberg also served in grant-seeking roles at the National Parent Teacher Association, which supports opportunities to improve parent and family engagement in the education, health, and well-being of children, and at TrueChild, formerly the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition, which focuses on breaking down harmful gender stereotypes. Romberg received his B.A. in philosophy with a minor in English at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Rebecca Schuett, Chief Development Officer, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte

With over 20 years of nonprofit experience, Rebecca Schuett is a highly skilled leader, strategist, and major gifts fundraising executive. She has a proven track record of raising seven-figure and multiyear gifts for nonprofit programs. Rebecca brings expertise in fundraising strategy, leadership and staff development, fundraising events, and relationship building with board volunteers, individuals, foundations, and corporations in the Bay Area and beyond. In addition to her professional roles, Rebecca served on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Golden Gate from 2011 - 2015, and as a member of the Chapter. She also served as co-chair of the Bay Area's annual National Philanthropy Day awards luncheon in 2013 and 2014 and served as Co-chair of the NPD Nominations Committee in 2016. Rebecca was a volunteer fundraiser (Development subcommittee) for the American Alliance of Museums' 2020 annual event.

Craig Shelley, CFRE, Partner & Chief Growth Officer, Orr Group

Craig is a trusted partner and advisor to the nonprofit sector’s most ambitious leaders. He advances the missions of nonprofits by bringing a change-management and entrepreneurial approach to strategy, organizational development, fundraising, and board optimization. In addition to his direct work with clients, as a Partner and the firm’s Chief Growth Officer, Craig helps to set the course for Orr Group’s continued success. He leads our Impact Group, focused on identifying and meeting the needs of our nonprofit partners and projecting our best practices and viewpoints across the sector, as well as our Growth Team, which is responsible for our brand, marketing, communications, thought leadership, and business development efforts. Craig is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and frequently speaks at conferences and publishes articles on leadership and philanthropy.