Seize the Opportunity —

The Art, the Science, and Technology of Major Gift Fundraising

All of us in this business need to rattle the traditions of old ways. The tried and true does not always work. There needs to be a roaring disdain for the status quo. Following what others have done is too easy, often uninteresting, and more times than not unproductive. We find out about ourselves only when we take risks when we challenge and question.  For the great fundraisers, there is nothing to follow, but everything to discover.

“One of the fundamental rules of fundraising is that to the degree that you give others what they want, they will give you what you want. It is the weightiest weapon in our fundraising arsenal. No other single factor is as important in motivating others to action. Giving prospects what they want, that’s what we are all about. That’s how to get the right gift. Leading, motivating, guiding, influencing—and listening.” — Jerold Panas, Born to Raise.

Core Agenda Topics

RoundTable Topics

Note: Panels, RoundTables, and ParkBenching include all faculty 

ParkBenching

Throughout each day, during every break, faculty will be available to discuss any questions you may have. We call this ParkBenching. Faculty will join you at breakfast and lunch each day.

Between today and when we are all together, we will have a clearer understanding of what we must all do to reach our greatest potential.

Seminar Online Registration

Seminar Brochure

May 2025 Location

Costa Mesa, California – May 5-7, 2025
The Westin South Coast Plaza
686 Anton Blvd Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: 714.540.2500

Seminar group room rate: $229.00 plus tax.
The hotel group rate cut-off date is April 11, 2025.

Registration Fee

Early registration opens on October 8th.

Individual Registration until Dec 31, 2024:    $1,795 US
Individual Registration after Jan. 1, 2025:     $1,895 US
Group Rate 4 or more until Dec 31, 2024:      $1,750 US
Group Rate 4 or more after Jan 1, 2025:        $1,850 US
Group Rate 6 or more until Dec 31, 2024:      $1,725 US
Group Rate 6 or more after Jan 1, 2025:        $1,825 US

Registration fee includes breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday, and Reception at 5:00 pm on Monday. Breakfast on Wednesday.

Monday
Breakfast – 7:00am
Program – 8:00am-5:00pm
Reception – 5:00pm-5:45pm

Tuesday
Breakfast – 7:00am
Program – 8:00am-4:00pm

Wednesday
Breakfast – 7:00am
Program – 8:00am-1:00pm

When attempting to take advantage of these special rates, please download our PDF Registration Form and send in ONE form per Registrant. Scan forms and email to: icg@instituteforgiving.org.

Online Registration does NOT allow for discounted rates or information for multiple Registrants.

Please call our office (800-234-7777) with questions regarding which rates may apply to your group or how best to register.

Download the Registration Form (PDF) for checks, POs, and credit cards to mail.