Non-Profit Development Cohort

Program Description

The Development Cohort is designed to build capacity and deepen connections amongst local fundraising professionals. The two goals for the Development Cohort are to:

  • Equip local fundraisers with best practices which can be applied right away to increase financial sustainability in local nonprofits, and to
  • Invest in the long-term success of local fundraising professionals—building a stronger, more resilient nonprofit sector and local economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should sign up for this Cohort?

If you are a fundraiser in the Salem/Keizer community who is just getting started (1-3 years of service) or a veteran (5-8 years of service) looking to sharpen your skills or considering increasing your leadership capacity, the Development Cohort is designed with you in mind.

When will the next Cohort start?

Fall of 2027

What are examples of some of the topics covered?

Previous topics and Teachers have included:

  • Philosophy of Fundraising – Kyle Dickinson, Executive Director of Salem Leadership Foundation
  • Know Yourself, Know Your Donors – Mark Hunter, Director of Community Engagement, UGM of Salem
  • Annual Planning and Strategy – Shannon Johnson, Vice President of Advancement, Corban University
  • Special Events – Panel of Local Practitioners
  • Foundation Relations and Grants – Joy Dickinson, Executive Consultant, Dickinson Consultants
  • Annual Giving Strategies – Julie Hambuchen, Vice President of Development, Marketing and Communications, Marion Polk Food Share
  • Major Gifts – Robbin Kerner, Chief Development Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties and Jon Garrow, Advancement Data Manager, Lutheran Community Services Northwest

Development Cohort ’25-’26 Participating Nonprofits

  • A.C. Gilbert House

  • Be-BLAC (Black Leaders Action Council) Foundation

  • Boys & Girls Club of Marion & Polk Counties

  • CASA of Marion County

  • Center for Hope and Safety

  • Church at the Park

  • Community Action Agency

  • Connections 365

  • Corban University

  • Court Street Christian Church

  • Family YMCA of Marion & Polk Counties

  • Instruction Construction

  • Lutheran Community Services Northwest

  • Marion Polk Food Share

  • Mid-Valley Young Life

  • PCUN (Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste)

  • Punx with Purpose

  • ROCC (Recovery Outreach Community Center)

  • Salem Angels

  • Salem Dream Center

  • Salem for Refugees

  • Salem Free Clinics

  • Salem Keizer Coalition for Equality

  • Salem Leadership Foundation

  • Save Ourselves

  • Soaring Heights Recovery Homes

  • Union Gospel Mission of Salem

  • United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley

More Questions? Contact Kyle Dickinson at kyle@salemlf.org.

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