Learn
Get a year’s worth of learning in less than a week, with tracks on a wide variety of topics
Earn
Receive CFRE credit and a certificate from the University of Wisconsin’s Graduate School of Business
Connect
Interact with peers from around the world and the best and brightest faculty
A tranquil summer escape
The Madison Institute takes place each July at the Pyle Center on the campus of the University of Wisconsin. Nestled on the shores of Lake Mendota, the Pyle Center’s lakeside location provides a peaceful escape, fostering focused learning while allowing you to recharge and enjoy picturesque views.
Sample Event Schedule
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| Travel Day | |
| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Registration Open |
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Registration Open |
| 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Breakfast Available |
| 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Tracks in Session |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Tracks in Session |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Welcome Reception |
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Registration Open |
| 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | Breakfast Available |
| 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM | Keynote Speaker |
| 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Tracks in Session |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Tracks in Session |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking Social |
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM | Registration Open |
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Breakfast & Roundtables |
| 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Tracks in Session |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Tracks in Session |
| 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Special Projects and Group Work |
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Registration Open |
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Breakfast Available |
| 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Tracks in Session |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Tracks in Session |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Closing Celebration Social Hour |
100% of attendees would recommend the Madison Institute to a colleague
“It was an honor and a privilege to be among such an esteemed group of fundraising professionals. Hearing about the instructors’ lived work experiences was so special and will transform the way I approach future scenarios.”
2025 Madison Institute attendee
“This was the best conference I have ever attended. I learned so much and met so many great people and leaders in our industry. This is a world-class conference, and I cannot wait to attend again in the future. THANK YOU”
2025 Madison Institute attendee
Madison Institute Tracks and Faculty
- Mini Track A – Grateful Patient Philanthropy
- Track 1 – Fundamentals of Healthcare Development
- Track 2 – Annual Giving
- Track 3 – Elements of Major Gifts
- Track 4 – Major Gift Initiatives and the Campaign
- Track 5 – Advanced Skills for Major Gifts
- Track 6 – Charitable Gift Planning
- Track 7 – Philanthropy Marketing & Communications
- Track 8 – Philanthropy Operations
- Track 9 – Executive Leadership
Hotel Options
The Doubletree
$199
Sunday, 7/12
525 W Johnson Street, Madison, WI 53703
5-minute drive (10-minute walk)
Graduate By Hilton, Madison
$219
Sunday, 7/12
601 Langdon Street, Madison, WI, 53703
2-minute drive (3-minute walk)
The Hyatt Place Downtown Madison
$189
Sunday, 7/12
333 W Washington, Madison, WI 53703
4-minute drive (14-minute walk)
The Best Western Premier Park Hotel
$209
Sunday, 7/12
22 South Carroll Street Madison, Wisconsin 53703
6-minute drive (17-minute walk)
Hilton Garden Inn
$169
Sunday, 7/12
770 regent Street, Madison WI 53703
5-minute drive (15-minute walk)
Madison Institute Leadership
Donna Budak, MA, FAHP, CFRE
Chair, AHP Madison Institute
Art Ochoa
Vice Chair, AHP Madison Institute
Shannon Duval, FAHP, CFRE
Chair Emeritus
Sponsors
