Published October 31, 2024
Melissa Cole, Pensacola State College Foundation
Dini Spheris Principal and fundraising expert, Michelle Buchanan, was welcomed to the Pensacola State College Center for Nonprofit Excellence and Philanthropy this month to share her valuable expertise in planned giving and major gifts. Michelle, through her unique role at Dini Spheris, has provided several in-person trainings, and virtual workshops as part of the Dini Spheris Virtual Fundraising Bootcamp, on fundraising mastery over the course of the Center’s existence.
Participants, eager to dive into Michelle’s instruction and best practices, shared their enthusiasm to see her return once more to PSC.
“Michelle is always a wealth of knowledge,” commented Jackie Gheen of Gheen Consulting. “I appreciate her ability to bring clarity to difficult topics, such as planned gifts.”
Drawing on her vast experience as a development professional, Michelle provided accessible, actionable steps for organizations including the incorporation of gift acceptance policies and verbiage onto websites, preparing and rehearsing planned gift conversation starters, and regular, thoughtful donor communication and stewardship.
This advice, tailored to suit nonprofits of all sizes, provoked attendees to consider potential opportunities that they had not previously considered.
“As a school that is a nonprofit, I do not always assume that potential donors, major gifts, or planned giving opportunities are as tangible for Dixon School of Arts and Science as with other types of nonprofits,” expressed Principal and Head of School and Administration, Dr. Kevin Kovacs. “Now that I am learning to think more about development, I feel very differently about the potential to become an attractive prospect for those considering our organization for planned giving. We can focus our energy into building a reputation and organization that encourages these types of donations.”
Attendees applauded Michelle’s practical insights and abundant resources for equipping them with the necessary tools to further their development goals.
“Today’s content was so valuable! Michelle made the topic of planned giving engaging, interactive, and understandable,” shared Rev. Ashlee Mosley Brown of Bright Bridge Ministries. “I love connecting with people. Now I can feel confident knowing how to connect with their passions to steward those relationships.”
For more information on upcoming training opportunities with the PSC Center for Nonprofit Excellence visit: https://npc.pensacolastate.edu/upcoming-workshops/ or contact Kylie Henderson at khenderson@pensacolastate.edu or (850) 484 – 1193.