National Philanthropy Day 2026

You are invited to National Philanthropy Day, hosted by the Association of Nonprofit Professionals (AFP) Southern Minnesota chapter!

November 10, 2026

Empire Event Center: 1517 16th Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902

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8:00 AM --- Registration and Light Breakfast

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM: The Major Gift Momentum Lab

Moving Relationships Forward Without Pressure

Major gifts are not closed. They are cultivated.

Join fundraising strategist Cherian Koshy for an interactive workshop designed to help development professionals move donor relationships forward with confidence, clarity and less pressure.

Drawing on neuroscience, behavioral science, donor psychology and real-world fundraising experience, Cherian will explore why donor relationships stall and how fundraisers can create meaningful momentum through better conversations, thoughtful follow-up and donor-centered next steps.

This is a working session, not a lecture. Participants will leave with practical tools they can immediately use in donor visits, cultivation conversations, asks and stewardship.

Participants will learn how to:

• Recognize where donor momentum stalls and why
• Build trust through more effective language and framing
• Navigate asks with confidence instead of pressure
• Match next steps to donor readiness
• Advance relationships while respecting donor choice and agency

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11:45 AM – 1:00 PM: NPD Awards and Luncheon

Note: If you require a food or room accommodation, please email us at afpsouthernmn@gmail.com.

Chapter President’s Message: Ellen Heydon

Awards:

Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Vicki Allen

Outstanding Philanthropist: Paul & Joanne Worlein

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Rob Gust

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Kaitlyn Tischer

Outstanding Philanthropic Organization: F&M Community Bank

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1:30 – 2:30 PM: Engaging Boards in Fundraising Without Awkwardness

Boards can be powerful fundraising partners when they understand how to engage in ways that feel natural.

This practical session will help fundraisers, staff leaders and board members turn fundraising from an intimidating obligation into a relational, mission-centered activity. Participants will learn how to leverage individual strengths, start natural donor conversations and become confident ambassadors for the mission.

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Find this event on Facebook and invite others to attend!

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CSJNpXS7z/

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Thank You to our National Philanthropy Day sponsors:

$5,000+

-- Thrivent - Emerald Financial Group

$2,500 - $4,999

-- OMC Regional Foundation

$1,000 - $2,499:

-- Think Bank

-- F & M Community Bank

-- Sterling State Bank

$500 - $999:

-- Eagle Rock Bank

-- Rochester Area Foundation

Up to $499:

-- Vicki Allen Consulting

-- Brian Hale

-- Laurie & Craig Kellagher

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Do you require a food or room accommodation?

Please email us at: afpsouthernmn@gmail.com

Our goal is to make the National Philanthropy Day event as accessible as possible for everyone who wishes to attend!

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Discounted Hotel Rooms Are Available: Call or Go On-line

If you would like a hotel room for the evening before this event (November 10th), you can receive a discounted hotel room: King bed for $74 or two Queen beds for $79. Discounted rooms must be booked before October 31.

The block name is: National Philanthropy Day

Link: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.24148.html?groupId=M98JL3H3

To call for a reservation, the phone number is: 507-289-8866 ext 1.

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About the presenter:

Cherian Koshy is a fundraising strategist, speaker and educator who brings together donor psychology, behavioral science and practical fundraising experience to help organizations build stronger relationships and raise more money. His approach challenges traditional fundraising pressure in favor of thoughtful, human-centered strategies that create trust and long-term donor engagement.

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About the AFP Southern Minnesota Chapter:

The AFP Southern Minnesota Chapter is affiliated with the Association of Fundraising Professionals Global. The mission of AFP Global is to empower individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy.

The Southern Minnesota Chapter was established in 2003 and has been providing local nonprofit organizations with the training necessary to enhance philanthropy throughout our Southern Minnesota community.