Madison Institute Tracks

• *NEW* Mini Track A | Grateful Patient Philanthropy

  Notify me when registration opens 

  Note: This mini-track ends around 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 15. Look for the exact end time when the draft blueprint is published. 

  Summary: 

  The Grateful Patient Philanthropy mini-track equips healthcare fundraisers and leaders with the knowledge and skills to build and strengthen ethical, best-practice Grateful Patient programs in partnership with clinicians, leadership, and patients. Through interactive model-building and real-world examples from healthcare systems, participants will develop a practical roadmap to implement and enhance programs at their own institutions. 

  Who Should Attend: 

  This mini-track is designed for healthcare philanthropy professionals and mid- to senior-level leaders who are building, refining, or scaling a Grateful Patient Philanthropy program. Completion of the Fundamentals track or equivalent foundational experience in healthcare philanthropy is recommended. 

   
  Curriculum: 

  • Foundational Elements of at Grateful Patient Philanthropy Program: Regardless of institution type, geographical location or size, a successful Grateful Patient Philanthropy program needs to be grounded in foundational elements including: mission, leadership, strategic alignment, culture and core values. We will define and discuss the foundational elements and attendees will “score” their own program in order to begin to design or enhance their model of Grateful Patient Philanthropy that will work best for them.  

  • Grateful Patient Philanthropy – what, why and how:  A deep dive into what Grateful Patient Philanthropy is (and is not), why healthcare organizations should invest in Grateful Patient Philanthropy and key elements how to build or enhance your program. 

  • Legality and Ethics of Grateful Patient Philanthropy: A must for every philanthropy team to build trusting relationships and a successful, sustainable program. 

  • Successful Partnership with Healthcare Leadership: In order to be successful, Grateful Patient Philanthropy cannot be a solo endeavor led only by the development professional. Ensuring that your Healthcare Leadership has buy-in and ownership is essential, along with championing Grateful Patient Philanthropy internally and externally. We will highlight best practices related to effective partnerships with leadership, data/reporting to share on a regular basis and the ideal role for leadership in the Grateful Patient Philanthropy process. 

  • Effective Physician/Healthcare Provider Engagement: Our healthcare providers play a critical role in the development cycle from identification through stewardship. Setting expectations about the role of healthcare provider and the role of the development officer is critical. A healthcare provider will join as guest faculty to participate in this discussion and answer questions from attendees. 

  • Data and Analytics to Propel Grateful Patient Philanthropy: With a myriad of choices of data to use often coupled with limited budgets and/or expertise, deciding what data and analytics to focus on can be overwhelming. We will discuss the data and analytics that best support the Grateful Patient Philanthropy cycle, metrics to use for gift officers and overall team performance.  

  • Compelling Grateful Philanthropy Proposals: We will discuss how a Grateful Patient Philanthropy proposal can inspire a patient or patient family to commit to a charitable major or principal gift to your organization. This will include areas such as story telling, incorporating the patient experience, leveraging healthcare providers and demonstrating impact. 

  • Engaging Stewardship of Grateful Patient Donors: Our healthcare settings provide both a unique environment and content to produce and deliver exceptional stewardship to Grateful Patient Philanthropy Donors. Options abound and we will focus on those that can be tailored to engage your donors and pave the way for the next proposal. 

  • Grateful Patient Philanthropy In-Action: The track will culminate with case studies and role plays where participants apply course content to real-life scenarios. You’ll leave with key takeaways to apply at your institution.  

  • Roundtable with the Grateful Patient Philanthropy Faculty: Time reserved on the last day to ask questions, brainstorm and obtain meaningful, actionable feedback from the faculty. 

   

• Track 1 | Fundamentals of Healthcare Development

  Track Faculty

  
  

  Jolene Francis, FAHP, CFRE (Track Dean)

  Vice President of Philanthropy & Communications, Enloe Medical Center

  

  Michelle Campbell, BA, FAHP, MNPL, MFA-P
  

  President & CEO, St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation

  
  

  Summary

   

  This fast-paced, highly participatory track provides an overview of skills and knowledge required within a comprehensive development program. A focus on personal gift solicitation is complemented by an overview of special event fundraising and annual, major, and planned giving. Special sessions address board and physician giving and tax laws (separate sessions for U.S. and Canadian participants). Attendees will also learn about development structure, strategic planning, and how privacy laws affect fundraising.

  View the 2025 blueprint below to see how the week is structured, including the topics covered each day. Please note, the blueprint is subject to change. View Blueprint

  Who Should Attend

  This track is ideal for those who are new to fundraising (0 to 3 years)—or for those who want to broaden their understanding of healthcare development. The Fundamentals of Healthcare Development track is a great foundational course that prepares participants for any of the other Madison Institute offerings in subsequent years.

   

  Curriculum

   

  Overview

  
  

  • Psychology of giving
  • Case for support
  • Strategic planning
  • Development structures
  • Privacy laws
  • Fundamentals of tax law (U.S. and Canada)
  • Prospect research, cultivation, and identification
  • Planning and budgeting
  • Ethics

   

  Prospect and Donor Constituencies

  
  

  • Board members
  • Employees
  • Physicians
  • Individuals
  • Corporations and foundations

   

  Fundraising Toolkit

  
  

  • Direct mail
  • Tribute giving
  • Recognition and donor clubs
  • Special events
  • Capital campaigns
  • Major gift solicitation
  • Estate and planned giving

• Track 2 | Annual Giving

  Track Faculty

  
  

  Lupita Garza, CFRE (Associate Dean)

  Development Director University Health Foundation

  

  Tim Logan, FAHP, ACFRE, CFRE (Track Dean)

  Senior Legacy Director, Mal Warwick Donordigital

  

  Alisa Smallwood, FAHP, CFRE

  Chief Development Officer Holy Cross Health Foundation

  
  
  

  Summary

  This course is a comprehensive account of annual giving strategies, tools, skills, and approaches for specific constituencies and other keys to success. Learn new skills, gather ideas and be inspired. Expert faculty and classmates share proven approaches you can use on the job to increase your fundraising revenue and to build a pipeline of donors for major, planned, and campaign gifts. Walk away with tools you can use immediately at your organization to build or update your annual plan.

  View the 2025 track blueprint below to see how the week is structured, including the topics covered each day. Please note, the blueprint is subject to change. 

  View Blueprint

   

  Who Should Attend

  This track is for individuals who want to increase their expertise in annual giving, who have two or more years of fundraising experience, or who have completed the Fundamentals of Resource Development track or a comparable introductory offering.

   

  Curriculum

   

  Creating and Implementing a Successful Annual Giving Program

  
  

  • The psychology of giving
  • Elements of a comprehensive program
  • Annual giving critical success factors
  • Planning, managing, and evaluating annual giving
  • Privacy and compliance (U.S. and Canada)

   

  Annual Giving Strategies and Tools

  
  

  • Direct marketing
  • Monthly giving
  • Corporate giving
  • Grateful patient programs
  • Digital marketing
  • Support groups and community organizations
  • Family giving
  • Special events
  • Commemorative giving
  • Mid-level donor programs
  • Personal solicitation

   

  Annual Giving Skills

  
  

  • Working with volunteers
  • Leadership
  • Donor stewardship and engagement
  • Strategies for coordinating annual, major, and planned gift solicitation

• Track 3 | Elements of Major Gifts

  Track Faculty

  
  

  Shannon Duval, FAHP, CFRE.
  

  Director / Dean of Elements, Global Chief Development Officer Ronald McDonald House Charities

  

  David E. Garamella, MPA

  Founder & CEO,  The Giving Collaborative

  

  Tim Self, CFRE, CNP, FCEP (Associate Dean)

  Executive Director, AnMed Health Foundation

  
  

  Summary

  This course is a comprehensive journey through the world of major gifts, from concept to the practical application of knowledge for cultivation and solicitation strategies. Students will have the opportunity for one-on-one consulting time with faculty and will leave with individual action plans to implement immediately.

  View the 2025 track blueprint below to see how the week is structured, including the topics covered each day. Please note, the blueprint is subject to change.

  View Blueprint

  Who Should Attend

  This track is designed for anyone beginning their career in healthcare philanthropy, venturing into major gifts after working in other fundraising capacities, or working in major gifts for a short time looking to gain more confidence.

   

  Curriculum

   

  Introduction to Major Gifts

  • Defining the term "major gift"
  • Exploring the difference between transactional and transformative giving  
  • What it takes to be a successful major gifts officer

   

  Donor Motivations and Clinician Engagement

  
  

  • Understanding the role of gratitude as a motivating factor
  • How to build a prospect pipeline
  • How to build a network of philanthropy champions
  • Physician and clinician engagement 

   

  C-Suite and Volunteer Engagement

  
  

  • Working successfully with executive and volunteer leaders
  • Volunteer leadership roles and responsibilities

   

  Setting Priorities and Portfolio Management

  
  

  • Classroom activities will include reviewing prospect lists, pipelines and metrics

   

  Putting Theory into Practice 

  
  

  • Identifying and qualifying major gift prospects
  • Getting the appointment and bringing prospects to the table
  • Aligning prospects to compelling investment opportunities
  • Making the case for support
  • Inviting prospects to make a philanthropic investment (i.e. Making the Ask)
  • Negotiation and closing the gift

   

  Stewardship

  
  

  • Donor recognition
  • Personalized stewardship

• Track 4 | Major Gift Initiatives and the Campaign

  Track Faculty
  

  
  

  Ashley Nall, CFRE (Track Dean)

  Sr. Director, Foundation Johns Hopkins All Children’s Foundation

  

  Angelique S.C. Grant, PhD

  Senior Consultant and Principal The Inclusion Firm

  
  

  Summary

  Your organization must decide on the best approach in enhance your major gift program. This may include a capital or comprehensive campaign or a modified and targeted approach included in a mini-campaign or special (major) gift initiative. This track is designed and presented by seasoned professionals who will guide you in determining what strategy is best for your situation and implementing the exact structure and plan for the greatest level of success. You will work through all strategic components of a major fundraising campaign—from the inception of the “big idea” with the feasibility study to working through how to appropriately make your asks to celebrating achieving your goal and effectively stewarding those who participated in your success.

  View the 2025 track blueprint below to see how the week is structured, including the topics covered each day. Please note, the blueprint is subject to change. 

  View Blueprint

  Who Should Attend

  This track is designed for anyone at a healthcare organization who is either in the middle of or thinking of starting a major fundraising initiative, including staff and administrative personnel, board members, and volunteers.  

   

  Curriculum

  • A new way of planning in the changing philanthropic landscape
  • Understanding the essential elements of a winning campaign
  • Understanding the necessary mechanics
  • The importance of a case statement
  • The feasibility study
  • Identifying and recruiting leadership
  • The role of staff, board, and volunteers in the campaign
  • Why stewardship isn't just important; it's everything
  • Securing the donor visit and the art of the ask

• Track 5 | Advanced Skills for Major Gifts

  Track Faculty
  

  
  

  Crystal Hinson Miller, MA, FAHP, CFRE (Associate Dean)

  President, IU Health Foundation

  
  
  

  Summary

   

  This track will focus on successful leadership and problem-solving skills to better motivate and engage healthcare CEOs, volunteers, and investor-type donors in major gifts program. Participants are required to bring actual solicitation experiences and challenges for group case work discussions and solutions.

  View the 2025 track blueprint below to see how the week is structured, including the topics covered each day. Please note, the blueprint is subject to change. 

  View Blueprint

  Who Should Attend

  Healthcare major gifts officers with a minimum of five years in a major gift capacity will explore the skills and processes required to expand and maximize their major gift program potential and their career path. While not a prerequisite, it is recommended that participants have completed the Major Gifts and Capital Campaign Tracks offered at the Madison Institute or similar coursework.

   

  Curriculum

   

  Leadership

  • Successful engagement strategies at all levels (volunteers, staff, executives)
  • Problem-solving challenges with roles and responsibilities
  • Creating an enduring culture of integrated major gifts
  • The changing healthcare organization: adapting your case and plan
  • Analyzing performance metrics for greater success in an overall major gifts program

   

  Advanced Techniques and Skills

  
  

  • Manage and navigate relationships both internally and externally
  • Understanding the nuances of high net worth/capacity donors

   

  Case Work

  The Advanced Skills Major Gifts class is highly interactive. Time will be dedicated to sharing best practices. Each participant must bring a case to work on throughout the week since a significant benefit of the experience is incorporating the shared learning into your individual situation and plan.

• Track 6 | Charitable Gift Planning

  Track Faculty

  

  Dave Smith, CAP (Track Dean)

  President & CEO, Heaton Smith Group

  

  Nelson J. Wittenmyer, Jr., JD, LLM

  Senior Philanthropy Advisor, Cleveland Clinic

  

  Nicola Lawrence, MSc, PgC, CAP, CFRE

  VP, Individual Giving, Phoenix Children's Hospital

  
  

  Summary

  The Charitable Gift Planning track equips healthcare fundraisers with the knowledge and skills to engage donors in meaningful philanthropic conversations that align personal, financial, and estate planning goals with an organization's priorities. The curriculum includes core elements of tax and estate planning, planned giving vehicles, strategies for blended gifts, and practical guidance for navigating the gift planning conversation. Designed for gift officers with either minimal or no gift planning experience, the track will provide a strong foundation for building a charitable gift planning program within a healthcare fundraising environment.

  View the 2025 track blueprint below to see how the week is structured, including the topics covered each day. Please note, the blueprint is subject to change.

  View Blueprint

  Who Should Attend

  This track is designed for those with fundraising experience but little to no experience in gift planning.  The charitable planned giving track will provide you with the knowledge and foundation to build or expand the program at your healthcare organization. 

  
  

  Curriculum
  

  
  

  • The Case for Charitable Gift Planning
  • Income, Estate, Capital Gains Taxes and Estate Planning Primer
  • Gift Planning Instruments
  • Blended Gifts
  • Gift Planning Prospects Identification and Segmentation
  • Gift Planning Marketing 
  • How to Construct a Gift Planning Program
  • Leading Practices of a Gift Planning Program
  • Building Donor Relationships 
  • Building a Donor Fact Pattern
  • Donor Stewardship and Recognition
  • The Gift Planning Conversation

   

• Track 7 | Philanthropy Marketing & Communications

  Track Faculty
  

  
  

  Michael J. Beall

  Principal Consultant and Communications Practice Leader,  Accordant

  Summary

  In our relationship-forward industry, we need to identify the subtle nuances between marketing and engagement, communication as glue—not bait. We also need to become experts at brand synergy and alignment. We need to change how we define communication. Communication can no longer be a bolt-on, stand-alone endeavor or deliverable. Our communication efforts must have the soul of a storyteller, be driven strategically and supported by data—but not data alone.
  
  The Marketing and Communications track will teach critical areas of communication competence while also providing leading-edge thought leadership, practical takeaways and examples of what works, what doesn’t and the reasons why.

  View the 2025 track blueprint below to see how the course is structured, including the topics covered each day. Please note, the blueprint is subject to change.

  View Blueprint

   

  Curriculum

  • The Product of Philanthropy
  • Key Messaging, Lead Voice, Target Audiences
  • Building Trust with Stakeholders and Major Gift Donors
  • Blended Gifts
  • Embedding Gratitude Inspired Philanthropy Across a System
  • Gift Planning Marketing 
  • Storytelling
  • Case Statement
  • Creating a Message Guide
  • Campaign Communications

   

• Track 8 | Philanthropy Operations

  Track Faculty:

  
  

  Carrie L. Boardwick, CFRE (Track Dean)

  Assistant Vice President, Development, LifeBridge Health

  

  Becky Frantz, PhD, CFRE

  Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advancement Services, University of California, Davis

  

  Joshua D. LaBorde, CFRE (Associate Dean)

  Senior Managing Vice President, BWF

  

  Wayne Combs

  Associate Vice President, Operations & Administrative Services, CHOC Foundation

  
  

  Summary

  This track provides an overview of the many roles and areas typically found in philanthropy operations and development services. Learn from expert faculty and peers in this unique and inspiring course as competencies and skills are developed and honed to be a high-performing operations professional and leader.

  
  

  Attendees will be encouraged to share the unique characteristics of their organizations' operational structures and how they have developed strategies to overcome challenges.  The goal will be to identify best practices as well as novel solutions in supporting successful fundraising teams.

  View the 2025 track blueprint below to see how the week is structured, including the topics covered each day.

  View Blueprint

  Who Should Attend

  This track is ideal for those who provide operations support to their organization and aspire to be in a leadership role or are currently in a leadership role and want to learn how to maximize their scope.  

   

  Curriculum

  • Governance
  • Board/fiduciary management
  • Compliance and legal
  • Strategic planning
  • Budgeting
  • Contracting and vendor management
  • Purchasing and accounts payable
  • Treasury (cash and investment management)
  • Human resources and payroll
  • Donor database and prospect information management
  • Managing unrestricted and restricted funds
  • Programmatic support

• Track 9 | Executive Leadership

  Track Faculty

  
  

  Arthur J. Ochoa, J.D. (Associate Dean)

  Senior Vice President, Advancement & Chief Advancement Officer, Cedars-Sinai

  

  Jessica McLain, MHA, CFRE (Track Dean)

  Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer, MedStar Health

  

  Glenn Miller

  Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer, RWJBarnabas Health

  
  

  Summary

  This track offers a comprehensive overview of the key roles and functions commonly present within philanthropy operations and development services. Participants will learn from distinguished faculty and peers throughout this course, as essential competencies and skills are refined to cultivate high-performing professionals and leaders in operational management. 

  Attendees are invited to discuss the distinctive features of their organizations’ operational structures and share strategies developed to address challenges. The objective is to identify best practices and innovative solutions that enhance the effectiveness of fundraising teams. Please refer to the track blueprint below for a detailed outline of the week’s structure, including the topics scheduled each day. 

  View Blueprint

  Sessions will help you enhance your knowledge as a highly reliable executive, from improving your healthcare and financial acumen to fortifying yourself to flex to the increasing demands of the role.  Domains covered include:

  • The healthcare industry
  • Becoming the high reliability executive
  • The Chief Development Officer role, formal and informal
  • Building and sustaining a team
  • Creating a culture
  • Change management
  • Managing YOU
  • Financial acumen (system and philanthropy)
  • Creating a playbook for your shop
  • Strategic planning and management
  • Integration/deploying strategy
  • Board/Volunteer management
  • Panel discussions

  Each participant will be assigned a mentor on the first evening, for an opportunity for you to engage during your Madison experience. 

  Your registration also includes additional enrichment opportunities exclusive to the Executive Leadership track:

  • A Sunday evening welcome dinner with your faculty and fellow participants.
  • A special reception with all Madison Institute faculty to help extend your network and make new connections
  • Six months of ongoing 1:1 and group mentoring, plus additional virtual cohort discussions designed to help you put the Madison lessons into practice.

  Who Should Attend

  This track is exclusively for senior leaders. If you are not currently in or newly promoted to a lead role such as Executive Director, CEO, Chief Development Officer, Chief Philanthropy Officer, etc., you will be required to complete a formal application form and supply a letter of recommendation from a supervisor, mentor, or AHP volunteer leader.

  How to Register

  CDOs: If you currently serve as a top philanthropy executive (CDO/CPO, etc.), you may register for the Executive Leadership track directly. Use the Register link at the top right of this page.

  Future CDOs: If you are not currently in a chief philanthropy executive role, please complete this formal application form. The application requests information about your current role, asks how participation in the Executive Leadership track will help you achieve your goals, and allows you to upload your letter of recommendation. 

  Start your application.