Planning Your Next Campaign: Mastering Major Gifts
Experience our flagship masterclass that will revolutionize major giving and your next capital campaign.
November 6–7, 2025
Charleston, S.C.
Designed by experts with a combined 300 years of fundraising experience, this small-group workshop is one of Winkler Group's most popular offerings.
For development professionals, executive directors, and board members from universities, independent schools, or organizations who are considering a capital campaign in the next 18 months, the Winkler Group is offering a comprehensive two-day masterclass.
Held in Charleston, South Carolina, on November 6 and 7, this immersive experience will enhance your skills in cultivating and stewarding major donors while preparing your organization for a successful capital campaign.
Learn from experts in the field of fundraising and development.
At the Winkler Group, we believe that the best way to learn is from those who’ve been in the trenches. Our expert instructors have decades of experience in both major gifts and capital campaign strategy, having worked with organizations of every size and sector. They’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t—and now, they’re here to share those insights with you. We aren’t just theorists; we're practitioners who have helped organizations raise millions.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Your Road Map to Sustainable Development
Unlock the full potential of your organization by combining the strengths of a robust major gifts program with the strategic planning of a capital campaign. This intensive two-day masterclass provides development professionals, executive directors, and board members with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools to elevate both your major gifts program and capital campaign planning.
The course is structured around three key focus areas:
Building a Sustainable Major Gifts Program
Move beyond the basics and develop advanced strategies for cultivating and stewarding major donors. Together, we'll explore the essentials of identifying potential donors, creating personalized engagement plans, and integrating major gifts into your broader fundraising strategy and campaign planning efforts.
Capital Campaign Readiness and Planning
Next, we'll dive deep into the planning phases of a capital campaign, from assessing readiness to creating a compelling case for support. You'll gain insights into using the planning phase as a cultivation opportunity and learn how to position your development office for a campaign that meets—and exceeds—goal.
Integrating Major Gifts into a Capital Campaign
Cap off your learning experience by exploring the integration of major gifts into your broader campaign strategy. This key focus area will ensure that you leave with a strategic approach to donor engagement, leadership involvement, and the creation of a lasting culture of philanthropy within your organization.
Fundraising is a team effort, and you don't have to do it alone.
One of the most valuable aspects of attending our masterclass is the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals from across the country. Share experiences, challenges, and solutions with peers who understand the unique pressures that face our industry.
These relationships don’t end when the workshop does—they become a network of support that you can tap into long after the event. Past participants have formed lasting partnerships and found mentorship in their fellow attendees.
THE REAL IMPACT
What Organizations Say About Their Masterclass Experience
We pride ourselves on partnering with organizations just like yours, helping them reach new heights in their fundraising and community impact. Here’s what past masterclass participants have to say about their experiences—their success stories could be yours, too.
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Thoroughly enjoyed Jim as a presenter. The combination of major gifts and capital campaign planning in one course was a game-changer for us. The step-by-step guidance on assessing campaign readiness made all the difference. We now feel prepared for the road ahead. David M. |
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Stepping into this role with practically zero knowledge and I'm now feeling knowledgeable, well-equipped, and dare I say excited! Thank you. Truly a transformational workshop in my career. Rachel P. |
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I can’t recommend this masterclass enough. The Winkler Group’s expertise and ability to tailor course material to our unique challenges were game changers. We left with practical steps to take back and implement right away. It was worth every minute. Emily B. |
Earn CFRE credits and advance your career.
Planning Your Next Campaign: Mastering Major Gifts is expected to be approved for up to 12.00 CFRE points. Whether you're looking to maintain your credential or prepare for your first certification, you'll gain insights that go beyond the classroom and into real-world application. Full details on CFRE accreditation will be available closer to the event, so stay tuned!
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH
Where Theory Meets Practice
Our hands-on approach ensures that you not only learn the best practices but also apply them through interactive sessions. You'll walk away with practical tools and strategies—our comprehensive guidebook and resources ensure you have the tools needed for lasting success.
Interactive Breakout Sessions
Put theory into practice with hands-on exercises designed to reinforce your learning. Engage with peers in breakout sessions that focus on applying strategic and tactical approaches to real-world scenarios.
Guidebook + Resources
You'll receive a comprehensive 200-page guidebook complete with worksheets, guides, and all 13 modules covered by the course. Expect materials that maximize your impact and get you ready to launch your campaign.
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Charleston isn’t just the location of our masterclass—it’s the perfect destination for relaxation and discovery.
We’ll share an insider’s list of our favorite restaurants, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that capture the charm of the Lowcountry. Whether you're exploring historic cobblestone streets or indulging in fresh Southern cuisine, Charleston offers something for everyone. There’s a reason why Travel + Leisure has named it the best U.S. city for the past ten years—make the most of your time by staying the weekend!
MEET YOUR
Masterclass Instructor
Jim Bush, Principal and CEO
Jim Bush is a seasoned fundraising professional and nonprofit executive with over $100 million raised for capital campaigns over his career. A well-known speaker, Mr. Bush has presented at more than fifty national and international fundraising conferences; he has been named the top speaker at six international conferences. His articles on fundraising have been published in leading nonprofit journals.
Mr. Bush will be joined by Winkler Group consultants who bring expertise in all aspects of capital campaign management including case statement development, major gift strategies, planned giving, and staff/board training.
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More than a coach. A partner who shares the workload. The Winkler Group specializes in custom-crafted capital campaigns, campaign studies, and strategic fundraising counsel. If you’re ready for a partnership that changes everything, let’s get started.
1036 eWall St
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-6256
info@winklergroup.com
© 2024 Winkler Consulting Group Inc.