Strategic Philanthropy: Navigating Change, Community, and Technology

Strategic Philanthropy Symposium: Navigating Change, Community, and Technology

Join Virginia Theological Seminary on Friday, September 27, 2024, for a half-day symposium designed for those passionate about the future of philanthropy. The symposium offers a unique blend of insightful discussions and thoughtful reflections led by top experts in the field. Speakers will explore the evolving landscape of philanthropy, the importance of fundraising strategies, engaging with diverse communities, and the critical role of technology in modern fundraising. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just beginning your journey, this symposium will provide valuable perspectives and practical strategies for success.

This symposium brings experts in their fields to offer their time and expertise to the Seminary's alumni, friends, and students, as well as to the wider community. The symposium also will be available via our livestream feed.

The symposium is made possible by a generous gift from Mr. Gant Redmon, in memory of his wife, Fran, who died on March 11, 2024. Fran was a true philanthropist and consummate advocate for various nonprofits. She mentored those new to the development profession, giving freely of her time and talents.

Join us in person at Virginia Theological Seminary in the Addison Academic Building in the Lettie Pate Evans Room. Or, access this event via our livestream from anywhere! We will provide you the link at the email you provide during registration.

President and Principal Consultant for Barber & Associates, a boutique fundraising consulting firm focused on helping non-profit organizations achieve their full fundraising potential.

Prior to starting Barber & Associates, Barber was a senior major gift officer for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) where she worked for 8 ½ years. She was part of NMAAHC’s inaugural fundraising team that surpassed its $270M private philanthropic goal by $50M. Personally, Barber secured $42M in leadership ($1M+) and major ($100K) gift support, highlighted by the closure of 22 individual one million-dollar gifts, 90% contributed by first time donors to the Smithsonian.

CFRE, ACFRE, Founding Partner, has more than 30 years of professional fundraising experience, not including her volunteer start at PBS Wisconsin, blowing bubbles onto the set during pledge breaks for the Lawrence Welk Show.

Alice has worked extensively in fundraising for small nonprofits in many charitable areas, including public media, rural healthcare, education, and science. Alice thrives in finding creative solutions for the fundraising challenges of small organizations, as well as teaching and training about practical and realistic tactics. She specializes in strategic and development planning, campaign and development program assessments, board and organizational training, executive leadership coaching, individual giving, and grant proposal evaluation.

Rob Garris

Executive Director of the Trinity Leadership Fellows program and Managing Director of the Leadership Development initiative on the philanthropies team at Trinity Church in New York City. These interconnected initiatives develop the leadership capacities of people of faith, empowering them to more effectively serve urgent needs in their communities and congregations. Rob has built innovative international education and professional training programs at universities and foundations for more than twenty years, working for Schwarzman Scholars (a leadership development program in China), the Rockefeller Foundation, Columbia University, and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He also serves on the boards of education-related companies and non-profits in the U.S. and abroad. Rob received his Ph.D. in European History from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he specialized in immigration and urban policy.

​Internationally noted as an expert in the innovation field, Fr. Lorenzo Lebrija is the chief innovation officer of Virginia Theological Seminary and the executive director of TryTank Research Institute, which focuses on advancing theological research to meet the evolving needs of the church in the modern world.

Before launching TryTank, Fr. Lorenzo was the Chief Development Officer for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. He also served as the Pastor on behalf of the Bishop at St. John's Episcopal Church in San Bernardino, CA, and as priest associate at St. Athanasius Episcopal Church at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul in Los Angeles. He studied at the General Theological Seminary in New York City and earned his Master of Divinity degree. He also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Virginia Theological Seminary.

Host or Publisher Virginia Theological Seminary