Advancement Academy

Accelerating Fundraising and Donor Engagement

Advancement Academy is a six-session, cohort-based training series for nonprofit executive and development leaders. Co-presented by One Valley Community Foundation and Stillwater Strategy Partners, the program helps participants strengthen their fundraising fundamentals, improve donor communications, and build sustainable development practices.

The 2026 cohort meets every other Wednesday from January 28 to April 8, 9:00 am to 11:30 am, at HRDC Market Place.

Registration opens November 21, 2025.

Sessions

6 session cohort

Every other Wednesday
January 28 - April 8 | 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location

HRDC Market Place

206 E Griffin Drive
Bozeman, Montana 59715

Cost

$450 per participant

Participation capped at 30
Limited scholarships available

Session Schedule

January 28

Fundamentals and Trends in Philanthropy Today

February 11

Core Elements of Effective Development Planning

February 25

Generative AI, Fundraising, and the Gift of Time

March 11

Development Communications: Transparency, Heart, and Intention

March 25

Team based Approaches to Major and Principal Giving

April 8

Faculty and Partner Panel + Celebration

Academy Details

This 101-level series is ideal for:
- Executive directors and CEOs
- Fundraising and development staff
- Program or operations leaders who support fundraising
- Board members seeking a deeper understanding of resource development
Participants gain practical tools and templates to:
- Understand current fundraising and philanthropy trends
- Build or refine a development plan
- Use generative AI to support donor engagement
- Communicate transparently and confidently
- Strengthen team-based approaches to major giving
Tuition is $450 per participant. The cohort is capped at 30 participants to support a focused, interactive learning environment.
A limited pool of scholarships is available thanks to Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, Wipfli, and First Western Trust.A limited pool of scholarships is available thanks to Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, Wipfli, and First Western Trust.
Registration: Registration and scholarship requests open on November 21.
Cancellation: Full refunds, minus credit card fees, are available until January 9, 2026.
Sick policy: If you are sick, please stay home. Sessions will be recorded for later viewing with audio and slides.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Questions?

Contact:

Chloe Loeffelholz, One Valley Community Foundation: chloe@onevalley.org

Jason Smith, Stillwater Strategy Partners: jason@stillwaterstrategypartners.com