Grow Your Annual Fund Giving the Right Way
Stop surviving on one project appeal letter a year.
Build a thriving annual fund that fuels your mission year-round and grows giving for where you need it most.
Two proven paths.
One goal.
Sustainable, “where-needed-most” annual fund giving that grows year over year.
If you’ve been operating without a real plan for your annual fund, you’re not alone. This program gives you the strategy, the calendar, and the support to build the kind of donor partnership that strengthens your mission—and you’ll begin to feel the impact in your first year.
Designed for nonprofits raising less than $100K per year
Affordable, structured learning with community support
Step-by-step guidance to launch your first full annual fund program successfully
Learn strategy to identify and approach major donors
Learn what you need to receive planned gifts
Accountability and access to Paul through Basecamp and individual support meetings
Implement year one and a plan for year two
The 15 Month Calendar is located at the bottom of this page.
Annual Fund Giving Program Cohort
15 Months
One-on-One Annual Fund Giving Program Consulting
Evaluation of current practice to determine what to keep, change, or add to your system
First drafts of appeals written by the consultant
End of year evaluation and plan shifts as needed
Customized strategy to help you scale
Private coaching, deeper accountability, and faster results
Review top donors and build a strategy and receive the training to cultivate them into deeper engagement
Comprehensive system tailored to your goals
Flexible scheduling with full Basecamp project access
Implement year one and a plan for year two
15 Months for $12,000 (15 monthly payments)
So many nonprofits rely on restricted, one-time gifts for “stuff” — a van, a roof, or a summer program — and find themselves asking again next year from the same tired donors.
Without a solid annual fund revenue stream, organizations can’t dream bigger, hire well, or plan ahead.
The truth is: your donors want to do more. They just need you to show them why their giving matters.
That’s where the story first model comes in.
This is my proven process for building donor trust, loyalty, and generosity through story-driven communication.
You’ll learn to:
Write and mail newsletters filled with stories that make donors feel like partners.
Craft two impact-centered appeal letters each year that grow giving — not guilt.
Create and execute a gratitude plan that builds long-term relationships.
Engage your board in fundraising without the awkwardness.
Share your stories online — website, email, and social — with clarity and confidence.
You’ll walk away not just inspired, but equipped to run your entire annual fund system — for years to come.
This isn’t a certificate course.
It’s not just me sharing theory.
You will learn how.
You will practice with me.
You will be able to replicate.
You’ll leave knowing exactly how to:
✔ Build and sustain donor trust.
✔ Communicate impact with clarity.
✔ Ask boldly and gratefully.
✔ Grow the revenue you can actually use — “where needed most.”
Because fundraising isn’t about manipulation.
It’s about partnership. It puts your supporters first.
Cohort Option
A 15-month, guided learning experience for nonprofits raising under $100,000 per year.
Perfect for organizations that:
Send one appeal letter (or no appeal letter) each year.
Have never mailed a story-based newsletter.
Want affordable, structured training and accountability.
Thrive in a learning community with other nonprofits.
You’ll Get 15 Months of:
Step-by-step instructions from me every month.
Access to my Basecamp program manager to organize your work.
Practical guidance — not just theory — you’ll use immediately.
A comprehensive annual fund calendar to guide your donor first communication strategy.
Peer encouragement and shared learning from others in your cohort.
Access to me for quick questions anytime.
Sessions are recorded so you can review them again during the 15th months.
Next Cohort Begins: March 24, 2026
Registration Closed
One-on-One Consulting Option: $12,000
15 Month personalized strategy and accountability for established nonprofits ready to level up.
Ideal if you already:
Have an active donor database.
Send appeal letters, but want stronger results.
Need a guide who can help you implement faster and aim higher.
You’ll Get 15 Months of:
Private coaching and project management.
Comprehensive evaluation of current practice and a considerate plan for adaptation.
First drafts of appeals and other key communications written by the consultant.
Full annual fund system customized to your organization.
Deep accountability and strategic alignment with your goals.
Immediate, measurable growth — typically 15–100%+ in year one.
Flexible start anytime with ongoing support through Basecamp.
15-Monthly Payments. Cancel anytime and pay no more than what has been invoiced.
Real nonprofits. Real growth.
Clients see an average 15% growth, with some exceeding growth of 100% in annual giving — often in their very first year.
They’ve built stronger boards, improved communication, and finally have the freedom to fund their missions sustainably.
This isn’t about money, it is about YOUR mission and the impact you have on a world that desperately needs you. -Paul Walters
Whether you’re just beginning to build your annual fund or ready to refine and expand, both options give you the structure, accountability, and confidence you need to succeed.
Choose your path:
Join the Annual Fund Giving Cohort – Starts March 24, 2026
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Start a One-on-One Consulting Contract Anytime – Book a free discovery call today
Proposed 2026-2027 Calendar
All Meetings are held from 3pm ET-4pm ET unless otherwise *noted and meetings are recorded for cohort members to review at a later date:
Registration CLOSED
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Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 at *2pm-4pm ET
Storytelling Training 1
Will ensure you use the summer to collect stories to help increase giving.
Basecamp Training
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at *2pm-4pm ET
Storytelling Training 2
Learn to edit the stories you collected over the summer and begin sharing them each month.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Database
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Newsletter Training
JULY - Work on Newsletter and Story Collection
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
End of Year Appeal Training
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Gratitude Plan
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Best Practices for the end of the year
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Friend Raisers & Prospecting
December - Off for the holidays
Tuesday, January 12, 2027 (2pm-4pm ET - Note Time Difference)
Board Development (Board Members invited)
Tuesday, February 16, 2027
Spring Appeal Prep
Tuesday, March 16, 2027
Major Donor Solicitation
Tuesday, April 13, 2027
Planned Giving Documents
Tuesday, May 11, 2027
Planned Giving Solicitation/Workshop
Tuesday, May 25, 2027
Final Meeting Review the Calendar
June is open for you to connect one-on-one with Paul for final support.