
Thrive & Grow Series: Unlocking the Potential of the Fundraising Cycle, presented by Arvest
Are you ready to elevate your fundraising strategy?
Join our Thrive & Grow Series, a transformative three-part professional development series designed for professionals tasked with advancing their organization's philanthropic goals. Gain practical tools, actionable insights, and proven strategies to optimize every stage of the fundraising cycle.
Throughout the three-part series, participants will dive into the critical phases of fundraising: Identification & Qualification, Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship.
Each session will provide interactive discussions, real-world applications, and take-home resources that can be implemented immediately—no matter the size of your nonprofit.
Led by Mary Mooney Burns, CNP, an experienced nonprofit leader with 30 years of experience in donor relations. Mary is the founder and CEO of both MMB Connect, LLC and the nonprofit program, OnBoard, KC. With decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and board development, Mary brings a wealth of expertise to help organizations enhance their fundraising efforts. Each session Mary will incorporate co-presenters or guest speakers to enhance the participant experience.
Session 1: Thrive Through Connections
Mastering Identification & Cultivation
Kickstart your fundraising journey by mastering the essential first steps: identifying and cultivating potential donors. Learn how to leverage strategic moves management tools to focus efforts on prospects most aligned with your mission.
Key Topics:
-
Techniques for identifying and qualifying prospective donors.
-
Tools to segment and prioritize donor prospects effectively.
-
Building authentic and meaningful relationships through cultivation strategies.
You Will Leave With:
-
A practical, ready-to-use moves management system.
-
Clear, actionable steps for initiating and sustaining donor engagement.
-
Adaptable strategies suited for organizations of all sizes.
Why Attend?
- Gain actionable insights to enhance your fundraising impact.
- Engage with peers through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios.
- Leave each session equipped with tools you can implement right away.
Series Workshops and Dates:
Session 1: Thrive Through Connections - May 19, 2025
Session 2: Thrive in the Ask - August 25, 2025
Session 3: Thrive with Gratitude - November 10, 2025
Register for the entire series for $170 by May 16th!
Meet the presenters:
Mary Mooney Burns is a mission-driven leader and consultant with over 30 years of cross-sector experience in the nonprofit field. As the CEO and Founder of OnBoard KC, she leads efforts to connect engaged volunteers with purpose-driven nonprofit boards and offers strategic board consulting services that enhance board diversity, engagement, and effectiveness. Through her consulting company, MMB Connect, Mary also works closely with nonprofits to elevate their philanthropic impact by implementing a tailored donor-investor approach.
Before founding her own ventures, Mary served as Vice President of Advancement at Rockhurst University. Over her ten-year tenure, she led transformative initiatives, strengthened alumni and stakeholder relations, and successfully raised over $100 million to further the university's mission. Her extensive experience also includes leadership roles with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Park Hill School District.
Mary holds a BS in Communications and Nonprofit Leadership, as well as an Executive MBA certification in Advancement Leadership from Rockhurst University. She is a Certified Nonprofit Professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and a BoardSource-certified consultant.
Mary and her husband Brian have three adult daughters and live in Kansas City, MO.
Courtney Forkum is a nonprofit fundraising strategist and the Founder & CEO of The Philanthropy Place, where she partners with organizations to build sustainable fundraising programs, launch major giving initiatives, and execute high-impact campaigns. With a hands-on consulting approach, she specializes in fractional fundraising leadership and tailored capacity-building tools that empower nonprofits to achieve transformational growth.
Before founding The Philanthropy Place, Courtney served as Managing Director at Aperio Philanthropy, where she worked with nonprofit clients to develop major giving programs, capital campaigns, and strategic fundraising initiatives. Her experience spans major gifts, annual giving, special events, and multi-million-dollar fundraising efforts, all rooted in a donor-centered philosophy that drives long-term impact.
Earlier in her career, Courtney led record-breaking fundraising campaigns and built major gifts programs at organizations such as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Nueva School, and Oklahoma State University Foundation. Through data-driven strategy and authentic donor engagement, she has helped nonprofits secure millions in philanthropic support. Passionate about helping nonprofits grow at every stage, Courtney provides the tools, strategies, and guidance needed for long-term success.
Cancellation/Program Policies: No refunds will be processed within 10 business days of the program date. No shows will be billed. Nonprofit Connect may take photographs, screenshots, or video recordings at public and virtual events, so we ask that you read our Privacy Policy for more information. Each registration is for one individual. We kindly ask that you do not circulate your webinar link with others who have not registered.

Date and Time
Monday May 19, 2025
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Location
The Children's Service Fund
2345 Grand, Suite 1450
KCMO 64108
Fees/Admission
$80- Member Rate (individual session) $120- Non-member rate
*$170-Entire series (3) registration by May 16th! MEMBERS ONLY OFFER *
Contact Information
Nicole Primm
Send Email