Board Bootcamp: Secrets to Successful Fundraising

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM CST

Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green St., Champaign, IL

What’s the board’s role in fundraising? Learn how to develop a purposeful board for powerful fundraising!

Fundraising success depends on alignment between the board and staff to work together to fulfill the mission of the organization. This alignment requires planning, education and assessment to ensure that all of the pieces are in place for strategic engagement of the board, which will lead to fundraising success.

Join this interactive session to:

  • Consider the role the board plays in fundraising and how to best structure the organization to support this role;
  • Learn easy ways to assess your board and develop an action plan to improve board engagement and knowledge of your organization;
  • Introduce your board to 10 relatively painless ways your board can support your organization’s development efforts.

The intended audience for this free, in-person event is nonprofit board members, nonprofit executive directors, and development staff. Space is limited; please register in advance to secure your spot.

Julie Melton, MNA, CFRE

Julie Melton has over 20 years development experience specializing in fundraising, capital campaigns, annual giving, marketing strategies, advancement services and community engagement. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Richland Community College as well as Adjunct Faculty at North Park University, teaching courses in Capital Campaigns, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations. Over her professional career, Julie has had the opportunity to work in all areas of the non-profit sector including the Chicago Festival Association planning the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the American Cancer Society, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Provena Covenant Medical Center Foundation, the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, and the University of Illinois Foundation. She received her CFRE designation in 2009. She completed her Masters of Nonprofit Administration in 2012 from North Park University, along with her certificates in Nonprofit Management, Board Governance & Organizational Development. Julie and her husband, Seth and daughters, Mady & Avery reside in Monticello where she serves on the Monticello Board of Education.

Matt Whitehead

Matt Whitehead is a lifelong Decatur resident and graduate of Stephen Decatur High School. He completed his undergrad studies at Richland Community College and the University of Illinois-Springfield, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Whitehead began his career in banking and worked for the Decatur Family YMCA for 13 years.  He spent his last 6 years at the YMCA serving as its CEO.  He currently works at GJ Builders Hardware, Inc. in Decatur, which he and his wife recently purchased. Matt also graduated from the FBI Citizens Academy in 2020.   He currently serves on the Richland Community College Foundation Board and was named the 2021 Richland Community College Alumnus of the Year.  He is married to Sarah Gillespey, and together have four children.