As nonprofit professionals, fundraisers occupy a unique place within their organizations.
You are relationship builders, storytellers, strategists, listeners, and advocates. You carry the responsibility of securing the resources that make mission possible. You celebrate gifts, steward donors, support boards, navigate changing philanthropic trends, and help organizations thrive in an increasingly uncertain environment.
It is meaningful work.
It is also demanding work.
Fundraising professionals are often expected to be optimistic, resilient, and constantly moving forward, even while carrying the pressures of ambitious goals, staffing challenges, shifting donor expectations, and the emotional labor that accompanies relationship-centered work.
Program Details
The Nonprofit Renewal Circles for Fundraising and Development Professionals is full. If you would like to be notified when the next round of the Nonprofit Renewal Circles are scheduled let us know at MCNL@umkc.edu.
Over the past several months, nonprofit leaders participating in the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership’s Nonprofit Renewal Circles have shared a consistent message:
We need connection. We need support. We need space to breathe.
Launched in March 2026, the Nonprofit Renewal Circles have brought nonprofit leaders together in small monthly gatherings designed to foster reflection, connection, and renewal. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants have repeatedly expressed how much they value the opportunity to come together in a safe, confidential environment where they can speak honestly, learn from one another, and receive support from peers who understand the unique challenges of nonprofit leadership.
Because of that success, we are pleased to announce the launch of a new cohort designed specifically for fundraising and development professionals.
These circles will provide a trusted space for development professionals to step away from the urgency of daily demands and engage in meaningful conversations with peers who understand the realities of fundraising work. Participants will have the opportunity to share challenges, explore ideas, celebrate successes, and build relationships with colleagues across the nonprofit sector.
The Fundraising & Development Renewal Circles will be lightly facilitated by two highly respected leaders in the field:
Dr. Jane Lampo
Dr. Lampo has held senior advancement leadership positions at Kansas City University, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and Rockhurst University. Her decades of experience in philanthropy, donor engagement, and organizational leadership bring both wisdom and perspective to the conversation.
Angie Heer, MA, CFRE
Angie Heer is the Founder and CEO of Lasting Impact, LLC and has spent decades serving nonprofit organizations through fundraising and advancement leadership roles at United WE, Avila University, and Harvesters. She is widely recognized for her commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations and developing fundraising professionals.
Program Format
- Monthly, in-person 90-minute gatherings for six months
- Small cohort experience
- Confidential and supportive environment
- Lightly facilitated peer conversations
- Focus on reflection, connection, learning, and renewal
- Designed specifically for nonprofit fundraising and development professionals
Program Timeline
- Promotion and registration: July 2026 to early August 2026
- Circle meetings: August 2026 to January 2027
Participation & Registration
Participants are asked to:
- Register for the program
- Sign a participation and confidentiality agreement
- Pay a $50 participation fee
At a time when fundraising professionals are being asked to do more than ever, we believe investing in your wellbeing, professional growth, and sense of community is essential.
You spend your days helping others invest in important missions.
This is an opportunity to invest in yourself.
We hope you will join us.
Sponsored by The Moran Company
We are grateful for the generous support of The Moran Company, whose sponsorship helps make this opportunity possible.
The Moran Company is an executive search firm based in Kansas City that specializes in partnering with nonprofit organizations, foundations and associations to recruit top talent for key leadership and fundraising positions nationwide.
