Fundraising Training, Board Retreats, and Nonprofit Leadership Seminars
Your team will leave with words they’ll actually use — and results to show for it.
Most fundraising training gives people a temporary confidence boost. By the time they’re back at their desks, the old habits are already back. We think that’s a waste of your training budget and your people’s time.
Marc A. Pitman, CSP®, delivers keynotes, trainings, and board retreats that do something different: they give your team specific language, specific tools, and a specific framework they can use before the week is out. Not theory. Not motivation. Practical skills that stick.
The CSP — Certified Speaking Professional — is held by fewer than 12% of professional speakers. It’s an insurance policy for your event: you’re not gambling your training budget or your reputation on a guess.
“We LOVED your ‘Exactly What to Say for Nonprofit Leaders’ session!! In fact, the Monday after we got back, I called a major donor and asked for a $15,000 matching gift by saying ‘I don’t know if this is for you, but…’ and the donor said ‘Okay.’
Just like that. I was so shocked.
We’re a little nonprofit just getting going and $15,000 is HUGE for us. Thank you for your communication wisdom! Your tips on what to say have lifted so much pressure off me, the people I’m working with, and the amazing donors who are doing this work with us. Talking to everyone feels easier, lighter, more like a rally and less like a self-afflicted guilt trip from not knowing how exactly to put things.”
Training Topics
Marc is always willing to work with your specific goals. These are some of the sessions he delivers most often.
Ask Without Fear!®
Most fundraisers know they need to ask. The problem isn’t knowledge — it’s confidence. The hesitation, the awkwardness, the fear of hearing “no.” This session gives your team a practical framework for asking that feels natural, not forced. Marc teaches specific language for making the ask — whether or not you know the prospect’s giving potential — so your people leave ready to have real conversations with real donors.
Best for: Development staff, board members, annual fund teams, anyone who needs to ask and dreads it.
“Marc A. Pitman’s ‘Ask Without Fear’ training is the most inspiring ask-training on the market. This workshop opens up the door for tremendous resource gain for those that attend. Marc provides invaluable advice, great stories, tools and overall stellar experience in addition to the fun and energy!”
Exactly What to Say® for Nonprofit Leaders
Nonprofit leaders face high-stakes conversations constantly — a hesitant donor, a frustrated board member, a staff conflict that needs to be addressed. Most people wing these moments and hope for the best. In this interactive session, Marc teaches five specific phrases that make leadership and fundraising conversations more effective, more human, and less stressful. Your team will leave with words they can use that afternoon.
Best for: All-staff trainings, leadership retreats, board development programs.
“Marc is a gifted presenter. He has a knack of speaking to a group but making each person in the group feel as if he were talking directly to them. He thinks on his feet and incorporates what he’s learned about people in the group into his presentation in a constructive way. Thoroughly enjoyed his presentation.”
Telling Your Nonprofit’s Story
Every nonprofit has a powerful story. Most struggle to tell it in a way that makes people act. In this session, your team will learn how to craft compelling narratives that bring your mission to life — and rethink the “elevator pitch” so your message stays fresh and relevant. You’ll walk away with a simple, practical approach to keeping all your communications clear, engaging, and on point.
Best for: Board retreats, communications teams, organizations preparing for a campaign or rebrand.
What it’s like to work with us
We offer adjusted rates for nonprofit organizations. For speaker fees and engagement formats, visit our Nonprofit Speaking Fees page.
Not sure which topic fits your audience? That’s what the call is for. No pitch. No pressure.
Looking for on-demand training?
The Nonprofit Academy offers over 100 trainings, tools, and templates — with CFRE continuing education credits — for $19/month. New content added regularly.
