Discovery Meetings - AFP London & Region Professional Development Session

For frontline fundraisers, the most impactful action we can take is to meet with our donors face-to-face. Yet unfortunately, securing meetings with donors often falls to the bottom of our to-do list.
In roles at the University of Toronto and McMaster University, Eli developed systems and habits that resulted in hundreds of donors meeting and dozens of identified prospects, hundreds of thousands of dollars in major gifts and millions of dollars in legacy gift commitments. Together, we will explore how to get out from behind your desk and meet with your donors face-to-face by focusing on:

• Prioritizing donor contact
• Quickly identifying prospects
• Contacting, following up, and securing meetings
• Preparing for meetings
• Leading and having meaningful conversations

It is essential that everyone be healthy, housed, fed, and educated in safe, sustainable, and vibrant communities. As the founder of Essential Consulting, Eli empowers non-profits, fundraisers, and donors to harness the power of generosity and legacy giving to create a more equitable world.
Eli has over 10 years of fundraising experience, including managing McMaster University’s legacy giving program and senior legacy giving roles at the University of Toronto and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Before beginning his career in fundraising, Eli was a sought-after professional tuba player who performed across North America and was a founding member of Band Bajha Brass, North America's first Bollywood Brass Band. From his classical music training, Eli brings discipline, attention to detail, active listening, continuous improvement, and commitment to excellence to his fundraising work.

Host or Publisher AFP London & Region Chapter (ON)