Recap: June 26 Training Institute for Tenants and Residents – Fundraising & Sustainability 101

Yesterday, Thursday, June 26, NLIHC hosted the second session in its three-part Training Institute for Tenants and Residents webinar series. This session, Fundraising & Sustainability 101, offered foundational insights on how to build and sustain a fundraising initiative. 

NLIHC Development Coordinators, Benja Reilly & Cecily Thomas began their presentation emphasizing that fundraising is rooted in relationships, not just transactions. They noted that tenants and residents that have organizing skills, like networking and research are transferable it comes to fundraising. Throughout the presentation Reilly & Thomas outlines the importance of individuals and organizations having clear and defined goals, identify what they’re asking for, have a clear mission and create a clear budget. 

This session also focused on funding sources, including grants, individual donations, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions. It also walks through how to host a fundraising event like an auction, and highlights the importance of researching funders, crafting compelling proposals, and using tools like CRMs and project management software to track progress and maintain donor relationships. 

The webinar encouraged organizations to create diverse and sustainable funding strategies grounded in mission clarity, strategic outreach, and effective systems for tracking engagement. 

Whether you’re just getting started or deepening your practice, this training and those to follow intend to offer practical tools and powerful insights to support transformative change.  

The webinar recording can be found here.  

The presentation slides can be found here. 

Register today for the Thursday, July 31, 4:00 pm ET virtual course on Marketing & Branding 101—details on the agenda and speakers to follow. 

For more information or to get involved with future sessions, contact Dee Ross at [email protected].