How do LGBTQ+ donors decide where to give, volunteer, advocate, and invest their time and resources? And how prepared are nonprofits to authentically engage this community?
Drawing on two years of original research exploring LGBTQ+ philanthropy, donor behavior and nonprofit practices, this session provides a look at what LGBTQ+ donors expect from the organizations they support.
Participants will explore the history and evolution of LGBTQ+ philanthropy, emerging trends in donor attitudes and giving behavior, and research findings on how nonprofits approach visibility, inclusion, representation, and engagement.
The session will examine where organizations are making progress, and how nonprofits can move beyond symbolic support to build meaningful, lasting relationships with LGBTQ+ donors and communities.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen donor engagement, foster authentic inclusion, and position their organizations to build trust and support in an increasingly complex philanthropic landscape.
Speaker: Charles "C.F." Callihan II
C. F. Callihan is a seasoned fundraising professional who has raised over $25 million through annual funds, special projects, and capital campaigns. He partners with nonprofit CEOs and boards to strengthen fundraising strategy, operations, and donor engagement, with a focus on sustainability and reducing burnout. C.F. has redesigned individual giving programs that grew contributions on average by 30% each year. He has served nonprofits across arts, education, health, and community development. Founder of Heart Strategy Impact, a boutique fundraising consultancy, his focus is helping nonprofit leaders “raise more and stress less.” Outside supporting nonprofit leaders, he enjoys traveling, reading, and chasing after his Border Terrier, Rigby.