Spirit-Led Fundraising

Grow generosity. Find joy in the journey.

A practical, Spirit-led approach to finding donors, building relationships, and asking with confidence.

Thursday, February 25, 2027 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tempe, Arizona

Valley Christian Schools | 6304 S. Price Road, Tempe, AZ 85283

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Early Bird Special · Ends December 18

Invest in yourself. Equip your team.

Register for $127. Save $172 off general admission.

Bring one board member FREE and add up to two more staff or leadership team members for $27 each. That’s four people from your organization equipped for just $181.

Includes the full-day seminar, lunch, refreshments, practical planning materials, and fundraising tools.

Get the Early Bird Rate

Register by December 18, 2026. Register additional team members by January 29, 2027. All attendees must represent the same organization and register individually.

Your ministry changes lives. Help more people see the vision and become part of it.

Join Ron Haas, Rich Cummins, and Kent Vanderwood of The Timothy Group for Spirit-Led Fundraising, a one-day seminar for Christian nonprofit leaders. Bring your toughest fundraising questions and learn how to:

  • Move beyond the same faithful donors. Find new prospects and equip your board to open doors.
  • Turn your story into support. Explain your ministry’s impact in ways that connect with donors.
  • Build relationships that lead to giving. Focus your time, deepen involvement, and keep donors connected.
  • Ask with confidence. Know when to ask, prepare your invitation, and respond to hesitation with grace.

Leave with a clearer story, five prospective donors to pursue, and practical next steps for your ministry, all grounded in Scripture and prayer.

Who should attend

Designed for executive directors, development and advancement leaders, and board members of Christian nonprofits, including rescue missions, Christian schools and colleges, recovery ministries, food banks, and ministries serving vulnerable children and families.

Meet your presenters

  • Portrait of Ron Haas

    Ron Haas, MSOL

    CEO, The Timothy Group

    Ron brings decades of experience in Christian fundraising, pastoral ministry, college advancement, and foundation leadership. He helps ministry leaders connect biblical stewardship with the practical work of finding, cultivating, and inviting donors to give.

  • Portrait of Rich Cummins

    Rich Cummins, MAOL, CFRE

    President, The Timothy Group

    Rich brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience, including higher education and rescue missions. He helps faith-based organizations strengthen donor relationships and align fundraising with their mission.

  • Portrait of Kent Vanderwood

    Kent Vanderwood, M.Ed

    Vice President of People & Culture, The Timothy Group

    Kent brings fundraising and leadership experience from The Potter’s House, Gospel Communications International, and Mel Trotter Ministries. A Christian school founder and former teacher, principal, and superintendent, he helps organizations strengthen stewardship and development practices.

A day to move your fundraising forward

Thursday, February 25, 2027 | All times Arizona local time

Seminar schedule, Thursday, February 25, 2027, Arizona time
TimeSession and focus
8:00 to 8:45 a.m.Breakfast, Welcome and Introductions
8:45 to 9:45 a.m.What’s Your God Story?Turn your ministry’s history and impact into a compelling case for support, grounded in prayer.
9:45 to 10:15 a.m.Write Your God StoryDraft a three-minute version and share it with your table.
10:15 to 10:30 a.m.Refreshment Break
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.SeekFinding New DonorsExplore networks, board introductions, capacity research, and a healthy prospect pipeline.
11:30 a.m. to NoonWho’s Missing From Your List?Identify five prospects and people who could introduce you.
Noon to 12:15 p.m.Sponsor Acknowledgment
12:15 to 1:15 p.m.Lunch
1:15 to 2:15 p.m.KnockCultivating Deep RelationshipsListen well, create meaningful touchpoints, involve donors, and strengthen stewardship.
2:15 to 2:45 p.m.Case Study and Peer LearningMap the next steps for one of your own donor relationships.
2:45 to 3:00 p.m.Refreshment Break
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.AskInviting Donors to Join Your CauseRecognize readiness, prepare a proposal, handle hesitation, and follow up with gratitude.
4:00 to 4:30 p.m.Action Planning and Wrap-UpChoose three next steps; close with reflection and prayer.
4:30 p.m.Adjourn

Your seminar location

Valley Christian Schools | Tempe Campus

6304 S. Price Road, Tempe, AZ 85283

Get Directions

Nearby hotels

Choose a stay that fits your plans and budget. $ = budget friendly · $$ = moderate · $$$ = higher priced. Rates and availability vary; attendees book independently.

Attendees book accommodations independently. Rates and availability vary; check the total cost, parking charges, and cancellation terms before reserving.

Register

Ready to grow generosity in your ministry?

Reserve your place at Spirit-Led Fundraising on February 25 in Tempe. Your registration includes the full-day seminar, lunch, refreshments, practical planning materials, and fundraising tools.

Bringing your team? Add your board member and team members here in the same order.

Know a ministry leader who would benefit?

Fundraising gets easier when the people around you share the same plan. One invitation can change how a whole ministry raises support.

Pass this along to someone who:

  • Leads a ministry and carries most of the fundraising alone.
  • Serves on a board and wants to help but is not sure where to start.
  • Is new to development work and needs a clear, practical path.
  • Has a donor list that has gone quiet and wants to reconnect.

Coming as a team? Your registration includes one board member free, and up to two more team members are just $27 each.

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More opportunities to grow in 2027

Upcoming Spirit-Led Fundraising seminars in 2027
DateLocationVenue
May 20, 2027Charlotte, NCVenue TBA
October 7, 2027Grand Rapids, MichiganVenue TBA

Can’t join us in Arizona? Let us know which upcoming seminar interests you.

Which seminar interests you?

Plan Your Visit

Grand Canyon at sunrise from Hopi Point
Photo: Grand Canyon National Park (NPS), public domain
Weekend extension · About 4 hours north

Experience the Grand Canyon.

Extend your stay with an overnight trip to one of the world's great natural wonders. The South Rim is approximately four hours north of Phoenix, well worth planning an extra day or two to explore.

Visiting in February? Conditions at the canyon can be wintry. Check roads and weather with the National Park Service before you go.

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Hole-in-the-Rock sandstone formation in Papago Park
Photo: Chris English, CC BY-SA 3.0

Catch a desert sunset.

Explore Papago Park's striking sandstone formations and take the short hike to Hole-in-the-Rock for sweeping views.

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Tempe Town Lake and the downtown Tempe skyline at night
Photo: Alan Stark, CC BY-SA 2.0

Get out on the water.

Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pedal boat on Tempe Town Lake, or enjoy a relaxed waterfront walk.

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Cacti at the Desert Botanical Garden
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

Wander through desert beauty.

Discover towering cacti and the remarkable plants of the Sonoran Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden.

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Storefront patio on Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe
Photo: Lauren Topor from Phoenix, CC BY 2.0

Make dinner an occasion.

Explore downtown Tempe's Mill Avenue area for inviting patios, rooftop dining, and an unhurried weekend brunch.

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Old Town Scottsdale sign
Photo: Marine 69-71, CC BY-SA 4.0

Explore Old Town Scottsdale.

Browse Southwestern art, discover distinctive shops, and settle in for a memorable meal.

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Desert resort golf course with a pond
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

Make room to unwind.

Book a spa treatment, relax at your hotel, or enjoy a round at scenic Papago Golf Course.

Musical Instrument Museum entrance sign in Phoenix
Photo: PamMcP, CC BY-SA 4.0

Take a musical trip around the world.

Explore Phoenix's Musical Instrument Museum, hear global performances, and try instruments in the Experience Gallery.

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A day to strengthen your ministry. A weekend to refresh yourself.

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