Mavris Event Center
121 South East Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Breakfast and Networking- 8:30-8:55 a.m.
Introduction/Welcome- 8:55-9:00 a.m.
CURIOSITY CODE: Building a Culture of Curiosity to Thrive in the AI Era- 9:00-9:30 a.m.
Speaker:
Nathan Chappell, Chief AI Officer, Virtuous
The Future of Donor Engagement: A Conversation with Nathan Chappell- 9:30-9:55 a.m.
Following Nathan Chappell’s opening session, Nathan and Lee Ernst will continue the conversation with a deeper discussion on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping donor engagement today. Together, they will explore how organizations can balance innovation and technology with authentic relationship-building to strengthen philanthropy and advance mission impact.
Moderator:
Lee Ernst, CEO and Senior Consultant, JGA
Panelist:
Nathan Chappell, Chief AI Officer, Virtuous
Information Session: Turning Data into Action: Practical Strategies for Donor Engagement – 9:55-10:15 a.m.
You have the data. Now let’s actually use it. This practical session will explore how organizations are turning donor insights, analytics, and AI into smarter fundraising strategies and stronger donor relationships. Learn simple, actionable ways to prioritize outreach, personalize engagement, and make more confident decisions without getting overwhelmed by the data.
Presenters:
Carrie Rickenberg, Consultant, JGA
Cole Borden, Data Analyst, JGA
Break 10:15-10:30 a.m.
Donor Engagement Innovation Panel – 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Hear directly from nonprofit leaders who are testing new ideas, responding to changing donor behavior, and using data in smarter, more personal ways. This conversation will highlight what’s actually working in 2026 and spark ideas you can bring back to your own team.
Panelists:
Jean Crosby, President, Ball State Foundation & Alumni Association/Vice President for University Advancement; Ball State University
Courtney Roberts, President & CEO, Riley Children’s Foundation
Jeannie Infante Sager, Vice President of Advancement, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Interactive Activity: How Are You Responding to the Changing Donor Environment?- 11:00-11:25 a.m.
Jump into conversation with peers facing many of the same fundraising challenges and opportunities. Through small-group discussion, participants will share how their organizations are adapting to changing donor expectations, communication trends, and engagement strategies. Expect practical ideas, honest conversation, and fresh inspiration from others doing the work in real time.
Presenter:
Gina Haze, Associate, JGA
Fireside Chat: Rethinking Relationships in Community-Centered Giving – 11:25-11:55 a.m.
In this candid fireside chat, we’ll dig into community-centered giving from a funder’s perspective and explore how trust, collaboration, and shared impact are changing philanthropy. Walk away with fresh ideas for building authentic partnerships that lead to stronger engagement and lasting results.