Scholarship Recipients Appreciate Their Opportunities
“I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But, I was blown away by the quality Fundraisers and Institutions what were there. What I really identified with was getting to know other peers and learning that they are facing many of the same challenges and road blocks that we are-I am not alone. Our Foundation is also spread out across the state of Texas so this conference allowed me to interact and get to know people within my own organization better.
The ideas, content and relationships that I walked away with made the Conference totally worth it. I was honored that you all supported my attendance through a scholarship and that my organization allowed me to attend. I walked away with great ideas and wisdom regarding the hiring of new employees, wealth transfer in this country, a grateful patient program, a Share Tank idea to engage donors, the power of community and building a young professionals board.”
Heather Street Baker
Director
Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation
Heather used her Foundation Scholarship to attend the AHP International Conference.
“AHP Convene was an exceptional experience, offering a rich blend of educational sessions, peer networking, and inspiration. The conference content was relevant, timely, and clearly designed to support fundraising professionals at all levels. I found the sessions to be very informative, especially the round table discussions (which also supported expanding my network of peers), and the many sessions on capital campaigns as we are currently gearing up to build a new hospital in Huntsville. I returned with new ideas and practical strategies that I can apply to my daily work.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at AHP Convene was watching my colleague and mentor, Meaghan, co-chair the event. Seeing her lead with such confidence, professionalism, and grace was inspiring. It reminded me of the importance of mentorship and leadership in our field, and reaffirmed my own goals for growth within this profession.
If given the opportunity, I would absolutely attend again. I would also strongly recommend this conference to others in our profession, especially those who are eager to grow, connect, and contribute meaningfully to the future of healthcare philanthropy.”
Natasha Nieder
Development Officer
Huntsville Hospital Foundation, Huntsville, ON
Natasha used her HDEF of Canada scholarship to attend the AHP Convene Canada Conference.
I attended Track 3: Elements of Major Gifts of the AHP Madison Institute during July 21-24, and I am deeply appreciative of all that I was able to learn and take away from the program.
I’d always heard glowing reviews about AHP Madison, and I can now confirm that the experience was as great as everyone said it would be. It truly felt like a year’s worth of learning packed into just a handful of days. It was clear that a great deal of thought and evaluation had gone into the structure and content of each day’s agenda. It was also evident that everyone was there because they genuinely wanted to be, and I appreciated Alice sharing that the faculty had donated their time—and even taken PTO—to be present.
It was energizing to be surrounded by people who not only understand the work of healthcare philanthropy, but deeply believe in it.
Attending AHP Madison is very different from attending a webinar or one-hour learning luncheon, because you can truly tune in and commit to the week of learning, without the distraction of the next meeting on your calendar. I can't recommend AHP Madison highly enough.
Claire Hodges
Manager, Annual Giving
Bozeman Health Foundation, Bozeman, MT
Claire used her scholarship made possible by Angie and John Drake in memory of Jerry Linzy to attend the AHP Madison Institute.
“The conference was wonderful. I enjoyed all the speakers, roundtables, vendor hall, and the ease of use for the conference application. The keynote speakers were amazing and excited to learn more about the AI Summit. Being newer to philanthropy, this was a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in the field and learn more from experts on the industry. I made great connections with other attendees and look forward to continuing to engage with AHP. The conference space was easy to navigate and beautifully done.”
Jennifer Whitmore
Philanthropy Coordinator
Novant Health NHRMC
Jennifer used her scholarship to attend the AHP International Conference.
“Overall, Convene Canada was an incredible experience for me professionally. As someone with 20 years of non-profit work experience but little formal fundraising training, a key goal for my time at Convene Canada was to continue my development in learning the specific practices and policies in healthcare fundraising, and how they differ from other areas of fundraising.
This was achieved as the sessions, roundtables and networking times allowed me to listen and observe how other professionals and Foundations were operating. The roundtables on mid-level giving and Moves Management in particular were very helpful. Learning the language, practices and being in a group of people at my point in their career as well as individuals with decades more experience in fundraising was a true highlight.
It is difficult to quantify the value of attending Convene Canada and sitting at round tables with other professionals in my field. Being able to participate in conversations about the campaigns other Foundations are engaged in, the galas and events they are hosting and the personal stories fundraisers have about their work with donors is the most valuable part of the Conference for me. Listening to others and sharing my own experience left me with a confidence about the Foundation I am a part of as well as ideas and best practices from others I look forward to incorporating into my work.”
Kevin Scott
Philanthropy Associate
Victoria Hospitals Foundation
Kevin used his scholarship to attend Convene Canada.