May 14 2026 9:00AM

The Making of a Major Donor: How Adult Learning Shapes a Philanthropic Mindset

What makes someone a major donor—and how do they learn to give? This session explores groundbreaking qualitative research on how high-net-worth individuals develop a philanthropic mindset over time. Through in-depth interviews with major donors to higher education, Dr. Alexis Peter Salsedo-Surovov uncovers how adult learning, social influences, and institutional engagement shape lifelong giving behaviors. Attendees will gain fresh insights into the donor development process and leave with practical strategies to cultivate generosity through mentorship, reflection, and intentional engagement. Ideal for advancement leaders seeking to build deeper, more sustainable relationships with donors.

May 14 2026 10:30AM

Playing in Harmony: The Symphony of Gift Planning Collaboration

Gift planning rarely succeeds as a solo performance. Like an orchestra, effective fundraising requires coordinated timing, shared vision, and mutual respect across departments. Yet too often, planned giving professionals operate in silos, disconnected from major gifts, finance, marketing, and leadership – resulting in internal friction, missed opportunities, and inconsistent donor experiences.

This presentation uses the orchestra metaphor to teach practical strategies for cross-functional alignment. Through structured reflection, real-world examples, and a guided interactive collaboration exercise, participants will learn how to reduce tension, clarify roles, improve communication, and elevate donor outcomes. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to conduct stronger internal partnerships, transforming fragmented efforts into a cohesive fundraising “symphony.”