Great causes endure not on the strength of their need, but on the strength of their relationships.
Successful fundraising is rarely about asking for money—it is about earning long-term trust.
This executive program teaches nonprofit leaders how to build a sustainable culture of philanthropy through strategic relationship development, leadership, and organizational excellence. Participants will learn the principles that consistently produce long-term financial stability rather than short-term fundraising success.
Designed for executive directors, CEOs, presidents, development officers, board members, political leaders, and senior nonprofit executives who are responsible for building sustainable organizations.
Ideal for organizations in:
Enrollment is intentionally limited to 20 participants to ensure individualized coaching, confidential discussion, and meaningful peer interaction.
$2,295
per participant
Includes: seminar materials, and lunches during the program.
Enrollment is confirmed upon receipt of payment. All registrations are final and non-refundable.
Executive Educator • International Speaker
Christiaan Alting von Geusau has over 30 years of experience in highly effective development work and financial- and legal nonprofit leadership. He amongst others served for 20 years, first as Chief Development Officer and then as President and Rector at ITI Catholic University, also founded and successfully ran a private high school, and now heads an educational institute for political leaders from across the globe. Over the past 30+ years, he has raised tens of millions in donations for these and other institutions in Europe and the US. He advise on fundraising is much in demand.
The demand for private philanthropy has never been greater.
As governments face increasing fiscal constraints, nonprofit organizations must become more effective at cultivating long-term relationships with donors, foundations, and strategic partners.
This program demonstrates how successful fundraising begins long before the first gift is requested. Sustainable financial support is built on trust, credibility, thoughtful engagement, and authentic relationships.
Participants leave with practical tools they can immediately implement to strengthen donor engagement and build lasting financial resilience.
FOUNDATIONS OF
DEVELOPMENT WORK
2:00PM – 6:30PM
We discuss the 10 key – mostly overlooked – facts about fundraising and the 10 core components of effective development work. Each of these 10 points is discussed in detail and illustrated with real-life examples, insightful experiences, and lively anecdotes from the moderator’s daily practice. Every person with a compelling mission and sufficient drive can be an effective fundraiser. Day one ends with an individual assignment reflecting on what has been learned so far and to be completed for the next day.
FOSTERING STRONG
RELATIONSHIPS
9:00AM – 4:30PM (Including Lunch)
Morning: Development work in practice.
The 10 most important steps to building a successful development operation will be discussed in detail. Each of these 10 points will be illustrated with examples, experiences, anecdotes and tips from daily practice. Concrete tools will be presented that make fundraising effective, such as how to write letters, identify new contacts or how to conduct the first meeting with a potential donor. The morning will end with a group exercise reflecting what has been discussed and allowing implementation.
Afternoon: Maintaining and expanding contacts.
The three target groups for establishing contacts will be identified and discussed, as well as how to effectively approach and cultivate these contacts. The various aspects that need to be considered when establishing and expanding contacts in these three categories will be covered in detail, as always supported by real life experience. We will also cover how to ask for donations, and how not to, e.g. ‘The Art of Asking’. A final individual assignment will set the stage for implementing what has been learned during the next six months.
ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS
WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED?
Online, After Six Months
After having concluded all one-on-one sessions online, during a special online group session, the moderator and participants will evaluate and discuss what course participants have learned and then implemented and what results this has brought them and their organizations.
MIAMI, FL
October 1 & 2, 2026
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 15
WASHINGTON, DC
November 16 & 17, 2026
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 29
This program is also available as a bespoke offering. Organizations and private groups of 10 or more participants may host the seminar at their preferred location and schedule exclusive dates directly with our team.
Please submit the form below, and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your objectives and begin planning your customized seminar.