Basics of Fundraising - (August 2026) - Virtual Workshop
Includes a Live Web Event on 08/13/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
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Register
- Nonmember - $150
- Academic Program - $100
- Academic Faculty - $100
- Academic Student - $100
- Partner Institution - $100
- Partner Institution Staff - $100
- Premier Partner Institution - $100
- Premier Institution Staff - $100
- Platinum Partner Institution - $100
- Platinum Institution Staff - $100
- Complimentary - $100
- Individual Membership - $100
- Subscription Services - $100
- Institutional Budget - $100
- Institutional Staff - $100
- Individual Student - $100
- Institutional Member - $100
- Individual Student Renew - $100
Workshop Description
The AASLH Basics of Fundraising virtual workshop provides an overview of the basic concepts and strategies for fundraising at history sites of all types and sizes. It is designed for individuals working or volunteering in museums, archives, libraries, and cultural heritage organizations who have little or no experience with fundraising or development, or who need a refresher on best practices and modern ideas. This workshop is especially focused on establishing and maintaining manageable fundraising processes and projects at smaller organizations with modest budgets and minimal staff time. It will discuss fundraising outside of grants, mainly focusing on the power of individual donors.
If you need a "quick start" to assess the state of your site's fundraising, begin planning a new initiative, train new staff, or brush up on your knowledge, this workshop is for you. Discover keys to relationship-building, creating achievable goals, and boosting efficiency in your donor programs. Through hands-on activities, group discussions, and expert insights, you’ll crack the code on fundraising challenges and inspire individual giving. Revolutionize your approach and leave with a personalized roadmap to success!
Participants will also receive a free copy of Technical Leaflet 283: Fundraising Basics for Local History Organizations.
Learning Outcomes
In the Basics of Fundraising workshop, participants will:
- Understand the importance of building relationships with individual donors (including individuals representing foundation and corporate giving) to develop the organization’s pool of supporters.
- Explore membership and annual giving programs as foundational aspects of their fundraising and learn ways to implement or improve these strategies at their organizations.
- Assess their current and aspirational fundraising “toolboxes,” including CRMs (contact databases), fundraising calendars, and appeal and acknowledgment communication with time dedicated to group discussion and capturing ideas on paper.
- Learn tactics for getting their boards more involved with fundraising.
AASLH workshops include presentations from the facilitator and in-depth discussions with other participants from around the country who are facing similar issues and opportunities in their work. This workshop is not recorded, so do plan to take notes.
Details
SESSION DATES: August 13, 2026 - from 1-4 pm ET
COST: $100 AASLH Members / $150 Nonmembers /10% discount for STEPS participants with promo code found in the online STEPS Community
CLASS SIZE: 35 participant limit
Workshop Logistics
FORMAT: Online via Zoom
LENGTH: One 3-hour workshop
MATERIALS: All workshop materials are provided.
TECHNOLOGY: We recommend downloading the Zoom mobile or desktop app for this course. Participants will need access to internet and a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet to participate in this course. We recommend having access to a camera and a headset, earphones, or other audio and microphone device. Automatic captioning is available in the Zoom discussions.
Having issues registering? Please contact learn@aaslh.org
Melissa Prycer (she/her)
Principal
Prycer Consulting
Though Melissa Prycer’s career began with a deep love of history, her work has expanded to a passion for building sustainability at nonprofits of all types and sizes. Originally hired as the Program Manager at Dallas Heritage Village, Melissa became Executive Director in 2014, after doing a little bit of everything. Melissa launched Prycer Consulting in 2021, focusing on strategic planning, fundraising, and historical services. She has guided small history museums in developing their first strategic plan, set up fundraising systems at institutions of all sizes, refined and developed key policies and procedures, and guided organizations through significant change. Clients include Readers 2 Leaders, Manassas Museum System, the National Park Service, the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, and others. Melissa is active in several professional organizations, especially the American Association for State and Local History. She has published articles and spoken on local history, women’s history, and museums throughout the country. She currently resides in Dallas, TX.
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LockedWebinars, Online Courses, and Online Workshops (Excludes HLI Programs)
Cancellations for online professional development must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given on/after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.
If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.
