Strengthen Donor Relationships, Master the Ask, Fill Your Major Gifts Pipeline, and Keep It Growing for Years
Discover how to close bigger gifts, keep donors returning year after year, and finally feel confident asking for what your mission truly deserves
Imagine: In 12 months, you've moved from struggling to secure even $50,000 gifts to confidently asking for, and closing, $250,000+ commitments. Your donors call you back. Your pipeline is full. Your board is energized. And you're sleeping better at night because you finally have a sustainable fundraising strategy that works.
This isn't luck. It's a proven system.
The leaders from Commonwealth Foundation went from $1M to $30M+ annually. St. Vincent de Paul scaled from $9M to $45M in major gifts revenue, all by mastering the same three critical skills you'll learn in this seminar.
Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar
Tuesday-Thursday, January 27-29, 2026
11 AM ET - 5:30 PM ET / CFRE: 15 Points / Virtual / $1,895
These 5 Challenges are Costing Your Organization Millions
You already know this feeling.
It's 3 PM on a Friday, and you're staring at an email from a prospect who said they'd follow up two months ago. Radio silence. Again.
Or worse, you finally secured a meeting with a major donor, but when it came time to ask, you froze. The words wouldn't come. And just like that, a six-figure opportunity walked out the door.
Meanwhile, your pipeline is getting thinner. Lapsed donors aren't re-engaging. And your board keeps asking: "Why aren't we hitting our major gifts goals?"
Sound familiar? You're not alone. Major gift fundraisers are facing five critical challenges:
Challenge No. 1
Prospect ghosting
Donors show interest, then disappear into silence. You don't know how to keep the conversation moving.
Challenge No. 2
Thin pipeline
You lack qualified major donor prospects, so you're constantly scrambling and reactive instead of strategic.
Challenge No. 3
Ask anxiety
You understand moves management and cultivation, but when it's time to actually ask, fear takes over. You worry you'll say the wrong thing. You undersell. You leave money on the table.
Challenge No. 4
Donor retention failure
You bring in a gift, then lose the donor. They give once and vanish. Your lapsed donor rate keeps climbing.
Challenge No. 5
Unsustainable growth
You're working harder every year to hit the same goals. There's no system. No predictability. Just hustle.
Why This Happens
The problem isn't that you don't understand fundraising. It's that most training teaches you the what without giving you the confidence to execute it.
You know what moves management is. You've heard about the ask. You understand donor psychology. But knowledge ≠execution.
What's missing is practice, coaching, and peer confidence in a structured environment.
What If Your Major Donors Couldn't Wait to Say Yes to You?"
Imagine a different scenario.
A major donor prospect returns your call within 24 hours. Not because they have to, but because they want to. They're genuinely interested in your conversation.
When you sit down to ask, you know exactly what to say. You're not nervous. You're clear. You're authentic. And your donor feels the difference. They don't just say yes, they're excited to say yes.
Twelve months later, your revenue has grown by 50%, 100%, or more. But here's the thing: you're not working twice as hard. You're working smarter. You have a system. A pipeline that stays full. Donors who call you back. And the confidence to ask for what your mission deserves.
This is what our alumni experience.
Real Fundraisers. Real Results. Real Transformation.
Story 1: Commonwealth Foundation
The Outcome: $1M → $30M+ annually
"We weren't just learning frameworks in a classroom. We were learning from people who'd actually done this in the real world, with real donors. We went from stalled major gifts to momentum. The moves management system became our backbone. Now it's woven into everything we do."
Abhilash Samuel, Director of Entrepreneur Engagement
Commonwealth Foundation
Impact: 30x revenue growth in major gifts
Story 2: St. Vincent de Paul
The Outcome: $9M → $45M in major gifts revenue
"For over a decade, we've relied on ModernICG's training. Our team returns because the system works. We've built lasting relationships with donors, not through aggressive tactics, but through intentional moves management and authentic asks. That foundation created 5x revenue growth."
Ryan Corry, Chief Philanthropy Officer
St. Vincent de Paul
Impact: 5x revenue growth over 10+ years of consistent implementation
Story 3: Young America's Foundation
The Outcome: Sustainable, repeatable major gifts system
"We don't just attend this seminar once. We come back every year as a team because the faculty teaches what actually works. The one-on-one ParkBenching time with faculty and the RoundTable peer discussions solve real problems we're facing right now."
Tom Robinson, Deputy Director of Development
Young America’s Foundation
Impact: Annual system refinement and team alignment
Why These Results Happened
Notice something? These organizations didn't triple their revenue by accident. They did it by:
Learning a proven system
Not theory, but a framework that's been tested with 12,000+ fundraisers
Getting coached by practitioners
Not academics, but real fundraisers who've secured transformational gifts
Practicing in a safe environment
With peer support and expert feedback
Implementing immediately
Not someday, but Monday morning after the seminar
This is what's available to you.
The Five Skills That Change Everything
1. Understand your donors
Master the psychology, motivations, and decision-making patterns of major gift donors
The Challenge: You can't influence what you don't understand. Most fundraisers treat all donors the same and miss critical psychological triggers that inspire big gifts.
The Outcome: You'll walk away understanding why donors say yes, and how to craft every interaction to align with their decision-making patterns. You'll stop guessing what donors want and start confidently creating experiences that inspire generosity.
What You'll Learn:
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Why donors give (and why they stop)
How the brain processes trust, emotion, and identity during giving
How to design donor experiences that align with neural wiring
How to reduce friction and inspire lasting loyalty
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Real donor perspectives on what moves them to give
What inspires trust and authentic partnership
What questions donors appreciate vs. what pushes them away
How donors perceive mission, impact, and organizational credibility
2. Build your pipeline
Identify, qualify, and cultivate the right major donor prospects using modern tools
The Challenge: Your pipeline is thin. You're working from stale lists. You don't know who's truly ready for a bigger gift or how to find new prospects digitally.
The Outcome: You'll leave with a dramatically stronger pipeline: qualified prospects you didn't know existed, a system to find them using AI and digital tools, and a roadmap to keep your pipeline full year-round. No more scrambling.
What You'll Learn:
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How to identify and engage grateful families and individuals who give repeatedly
Strategies for building mid- to major-donor pipelines
Targeted portfolio performance: tracking metrics and measuring outcomes
How to adjust strategies based on audience data
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How to create donor journeys that inspire those unfamiliar with your mission
Convert social media followers → email subscribers → donors → major gift prospects
Leverage direct marketing channels and digital prospecting
Innovative cultivation methods for building a sustainable pipeline
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Use AI as a decision-support tool to identify planned giving readiness signals
Analyze donor data to surface opportunities aligned with donor identity and goals
Translate complex planned giving structures into clear, donor-friendly language
Integrate AI into stewardship workflows
3. Craft your message
Create compelling cases for support and authentic asks that resonate emotionally
The Challenge: Your case statement is flat. Your asks feel awkward. Donors don't connect emotionally with your mission, because you're leading with data instead of story.
The Outcome: You'll have a compelling case for support that moves donors emotionally. You'll know exactly what to say when you ask, and you'll have practiced it in a safe environment so when you're sitting across from a real prospect, you feel calm, clear, and confident. Ask anxiety disappears.
What You'll Learn:
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How to design a narrative arc that introduces tension, urgency, and hope
Apply a repeatable storytelling pattern: set-up, pivot, data, and story
Tailor messaging to what donors value most (heart + head balance)
Articulate the donor's role as a partner in solving the problem
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Identify barriers to securing visits (including ghosting and limbo)
Learn a proven asking framework rooted in empathy and authenticity
Address common fears about asking for money
Transform stalled conversations into successful solicitations
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Practice the asking framework through private role-play LIVE with lifelike donor avatars
Receive real-time feedback on 16 assessment points:
- Asking clarity
- Conciseness
- Storytelling
- Confidence
- Engagement
- Building trust
Strengthen messaging, handle objections, and deepen donor relationships
Experience both making AND receiving the ask to build empathy
4. Execute your strategy
Implement proven systems like Moves Management to turn prospects into committed donors
The Challenge: You know the theory. You understand cultivation. But you don't have a system to execute consistently, so your major gifts work feels reactive, not strategic.
The Outcome: You'll walk out with a proven system, not just ideas. You'll know how to qualify prospects, design cultivation plans, involve your board and volunteers effectively, and track your progress. Moves Management becomes your backbone, and your major gifts work shifts from reactive hustle to strategic execution.
What You'll Learn:
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The system for building deep, lifelong affinity with probable donors
How to identify and qualify prospects for Moves Management
Design cultivation plans that set clear objectives and advance relationships
Measure and track progress using actionable checklists and metrics
Understand roles of staff, volunteers, and leadership in execution
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How traditional Moves Management is evolving for today's reality
Blend timeless relationship-building with modern tools (CRM, AI, automation)
Map donor journeys with purposeful "modern moves" that are data-informed
Create a 30-day action plan to modernize moves for 3-5 key prospects
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The roles board members and volunteers play in maximizing fundraising outcomes
How to engage and motivate board members to support cultivation and solicitation
Foster productive partnerships between staff, board, and volunteers
Integrate board/volunteer involvement into your overall fundraising plan
5. Sustain your growth
Build partnerships, develop your team, and future-proof your fundraising with AI
The Challenge: You're chasing short-term wins without a sustainable strategy. You don't have clear goals. Your team isn't equipped. And you're not sure how AI fits into the future of fundraising.
The Outcome: You'll leave with long-term strategies and tools. You'll know how to diversify funding through corporate and foundation partnerships, build and retain a high-performing team, and strategically integrate AI into your fundraising. Your major gifts program becomes sustainable, scalable, and future-proof.
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Deepen relationships with current and prospective foundation/corporate partners
Align your organization's mission with funders' priorities
Navigate foundation grant seeking and craft compelling proposals
Emphasize clarity, impact, and sustainability in proposals
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Set clear, measurable, achievable fundraising goals aligned with your mission
Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing gift officers
Support team growth and accountability through goal-setting
Foster a team culture that drives long-term financial sustainability
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How AI technologies are transforming the philanthropic ecosystem
Real-world examples of AI-driven generosity and innovation
Opportunities and boundaries for ethical use of AI in donor engagement
Actionable insights and resources to guide next steps in AI adoption
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Small-group problem-solving on your real challenges
Topics include: building fundraising plans, transforming annual giving programs, leading teams, planned giving, turning obstacles into opportunities
Peer-to-peer learning and real-time strategy sessions
What You'll Learn:
This Isn't a Typical Webinar. It's an Immersive Learning Experience.
Three days. 15 high-impact sessions. 9 faculty experts. Small group work. One-on-one coaching. Practice making the “ask” LIVE with AI. Peer learning. Real results.
Here's what each day looks like:
Day 1
Day 1 focuses on how donors think, feel, and decide, so participants build a strong base of understanding about donor psychology, cases for support, and prospect pipelines before anything else.
Day 2
Day 2 then turns that insight into action by teaching a concrete moves management framework, modern tools, and real practice in securing visits and making the ask.
Day 3
Day 3 builds on that new skill set to focus on sustaining results over time through partnerships, planning, AI, and the future of philanthropy, so attendees leave with a forward-looking plan, not just ideas.
You're not sitting passively. You're practicing. You're not isolated. You're connecting with peers facing your exact challenges. You're not just learning. You're being coached by people who've done this. You're not getting theory. You're getting actionable frameworks you can use Monday morning.
This Seminar is Built for You If...
You're a major gift fundraiser (new or experienced) who wants to close bigger gifts with less anxiety
You're an Executive Director or Development Director ready to elevate your major gifts program
You're tired of ghosting, lapsed donors, and thin pipelines
You want to learn from practitioners, not academics, who've actually secured transformational gifts
You're serious about professional growth and earning your CFRE points
You want to be part of a community of 12,000+ fundraisers who are committed to doing this work with integrity and impact
You're ready to invest in yourself and your organization's future
If this describes you, then this seminar is designed for you.
An Investment That Pays for Itself
We know you're thinking about ROI. Let's be real.
The standard investment is $1,895 per person.
But here's the thing: Just one six-figure gift secured using what you learn here pays for the entire seminar, and provides funding for your mission.
Our alumni don't track ROI in dollars. They track it in:
Confidence
Pipeline strength
Donor retention
Revenue growth
Sustainable systems they can rely on for years
One participant from Commonwealth Foundation said: “We were bringing in $1M. We've grown to over $30M. The training was the catalyst.”
What’s included:
15 hours of live, interactive training with expert faculty
15 CFRE Continuing Education points
AI-powered practice with Coach Tivy (lifelike donor role-play scenarios)
One-on-one ParkBenching with faculty (your agenda, 20 minutes)
RoundTable peer discussions focused on your real challenges
Lifetime access to the Apex Community (12,000+ alumni network)
Certificate of achievement recognizing your professional development
Follow-up resources and tools you'll use for years
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If you’re not able to attend our seminar in January, no worries. We’d still love to see you later in the year!
You might consider joining us for either our May 12-14, 2026 seminar or our October 19-21, 2026 seminar.
Just send us an email at registration@modernicg.com and let us know which date you’d like to attend.
We’ll then send you the appropriate code you can enter at checkout to ensure your spot is reserved for your chosen session.
We can’t wait to have you with us!
You're Not Joining a Seminar. You're Joining a Movement."
Most seminars end on Day 3.
Ours doesn't.
When you complete ModernICG's certified Excellence in Major Gifts Fundraising Seminar, you join the Apex Community, a global network of 12,000+ passionate fundraisers committed to doing this work with excellence.
Inside Apex, you'll:
Connect with peers who understand your challenges (they live them too)
Share best practices and lessons learned from the field
Ask questions and get real-world advice from people who've been where you are
Collaborate on bold ideas and fresh solutions
Grow your skills in a space built for continued learning
Access ongoing resources, templates, and tools
Stay current on trends and innovations in major gifts fundraising
Lifetime access. No additional cost.
This is your professional network. Your peer support system. Your community of choice. And it's waiting for you.
Don't Take Our Word for It
"We had one-on-one conversations with all the faculty members and dedicated time through RoundTables for group discussions—incredibly helpful. I learned soft and hard skills that I can utilize right away to help drive our mission forward."
Courtney Davis, MBA, SHRM-CP
Director of Business Development
Right to Start
"I have attended many fundraising seminars, and this one was far and above the best use of my time. The speakers provided wonderful ideas and strategies that could be immediately implemented. Meeting and networking with colleagues from around the country was a wonderful resource."
Perri Dombroski
National Director of Leadership Giving
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)
"The seminar equipped our team with actionable tools to personalize outreach and maximize potential in every interaction. The faculty enhanced our technical skills AND gave us a deeper understanding of how to align our fundraising efforts with donors' philanthropic priorities."
Bryant Weathers, CSPG
Director of Charitable Gift Planning
Michigan Technological University
"This focused program ensures participants get a well-rounded education in major gifts fundraising. The work of the founders has been reinforced through faculty teaching. ModernICG separates itself from other workshops in the industry."
Ryan Ashton
Vice President Development
Aquarium of the Pacific
Meet our faculty
Tammy Zonker
Douglas A. Dillon, CFRE
Felicity Panas
Birgit Smith Burton
Nathan Chappell, MBA, MNA, CFRE
Beau Cummings, CFRE, MBA
Russell Dunlavy
Shannon Duval, CFRE, FAHP
Russell James III, Ph.D., J.D., CFP®
Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP
Maia McGill
Ashley C. Nall, MS, CFRE
Steven Shattuck
Jeff Spitko, CFRE
Terry Heilman Sylvester
Coach Tivy
Real Questions. Real Answers.
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Not at all! This experience is designed for fundraisers at every stage of their career. You’ll find seasoned professionals learning new refinements right alongside those just starting their major gift journey. Everyone walks away with what they need. Our faculty meets you exactly where you are and tailors the learning to your experience.
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We encourage full participation so you can earn your certificate and get the full benefit of the seminar. But we also understand that life can be unpredictable. If your schedule changes, you can easily transfer your registration to a colleague from your organization up until 5 PM ET the day before the seminar starts. Just email us at registration@modernicg.com—we’ll take care of you.
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We totally get that question. And honestly, the virtual experience surprises a lot of people. You’ll skip the travel, hotel, and time away from your team, and still feel deeply connected. The seminar is designed to be highly interactive with live breakout sessions, real-time coaching, role-playing practice, and small group discussions. Many participants tell us it actually feels more personal and engaging than traditional conferences.
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Because this is a live, hands-on experience, the real value happens in the moment—through Q&A, practice, and peer learning. We don’t record the sessions, but don’t worry—you’ll receive key takeaways and curated resources afterward in the Apex Community so you can keep the learning going.
So no, we don’t offer on-demand recordings.
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Absolutely—and we highly encourage it!
One of the best parts of the ModernICG Major Gifts Seminar is the chance to connect with fellow fundraisers who really get what you do. Even though we’re virtual, we’ve built in plenty of ways to meet, share, and grow your network.
During the Seminar:
Hop on early for our pre-seminar networking time. It’s a great way to say hello, meet other participants, and start building connections before we dive in.
Join the live chat during breaks and our virtual evening reception. Swap stories, ask questions, and share insights with fundraisers from all over the world.
After the Seminar:
Your connections don’t stop when the seminar ends. Once you complete the program, you’ll be invited to join The Apex Community—our exclusive online space for ModernICG alumni.
As an Apexer, you’ll gain free lifetime access to a global network of peers who are just as passionate about major gift fundraising as you are. Inside the community, you can:
Stay in touch with fellow alumni
Share best practices and lessons learned
Get fresh ideas and advice
Keep growing—together
Everyone in the Apex Community has completed the same CFRE-certified seminar, so you’re joining a group with shared values, experience, and drive.
Bottom line: this is more than a seminar—it’s your gateway to a strong, supportive network of fundraising professionals who are in it for the long haul.
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Great question. The best proof comes from our alumni. Organizations like the Commonwealth Foundation grew from $1M to over $30M. St. Vincent de Paul skyrocketed from $9M to $45M. Others—like Young America’s Foundation, Johns Hopkins, Michigan Tech, and Aquarium of the Pacific—keep seeing consistent growth year after year.
These results span across sectors—education, healthcare, human services, and conservation—and they all start with the same system you’ll learn. When you apply it, it works. And our faculty will help you tailor it to your organization’s unique context.
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Because this isn’t just another webinar—it’s an immersive learning experience. You’re investing in:
Expert faculty with 20+ years of experience each
1:1 coaching sessions (our signature “ParkBenching”)
AI-powered practice with personalized feedback
Small group problem-solving labs
Lifetime access to a global community of 12,000+ fundraisers
A professional certificate recognized across the sector
Our alumni say the ROI is measured in millions, not hundreds. Many tell us that one major gift inspired by this system more than covers the investment.
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You’ll fit right in. Executive Directors and board leaders are some of our most active participants. Understanding the major gift process helps you:
Support your team with clarity and confidence
Have more meaningful donor conversations
Build a more sustainable revenue model
Make stronger hiring and training decisions
Many organizations even send their ED and Development Director together—it’s a powerful way to align strategy and strengthen your partnership.
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You’ll leave on Day 3 with practical tools and strategies. Many attendees start seeing early wins—like landing donor meetings or re-engaging lapsed supporters—within just a few weeks. Bigger revenue results often show up within 6–12 months as your new system takes root and builds momentum.
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The Modern Institute for Charitable Giving (ModernICG) has deep roots in the fundraising world. It all started back in 1991 when two legends in the field, Jerold Panas and Bill Sturtevant, founded the Institute for Charitable Giving (ICG). Their mission? To help fundraisers grow, thrive, and elevate the impact of philanthropy through world-class training and peer learning.
Over the past three decades, more than 12,000 fundraising professionals from over 9,000 organizations, big and small, have experienced the power of ICG’s learning model. From grassroots nonprofits like Inner City Youth Alive and Mosaic Community Health to global forces like the American Heart Association and The Salvation Army, the institute has served as a trusted guide in fundraising excellence.
When Jerry passed in 2018, his wife and longtime partner in this work, Felicity Panas, lovingly carried the mission forward. Then in 2025, a new chapter began. Fundraising Transformed, a global fundraising training and consulting firm founded by Tammy Zonker, acquired the institute and relaunched it as the Modern Institute for Charitable Giving (ModernICG). Tammy, who had already served as Dean, brought with her a vision to build on the institute’s extraordinary legacy while reimagining what's possible for the future of fundraising.
At ModernICG, we’re passionate about helping fundraisers like you think boldly, work smarter, and aim higher, especially when it comes to major gifts. Our immersive seminars blend cutting-edge strategy, interactive learning, and real-world insight, all while connecting you with a diverse network of peers, experts, and thought leaders in the field.
And yes, our programs are CFRE-accredited, so you’ll earn credits while you grow your skills and your impact.
If you're ready to ignite your imagination and take your fundraising to new heights, we’d love to welcome you into the ModernICG community.
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Great question! The name “ModernICG” reflects exactly what we’re all about—bringing a fresh, forward-thinking approach to fundraising education while honoring the legacy of the original Institute for Charitable Giving.
When we shifted from traditional in-person seminars to fully virtual experiences, it wasn’t just about convenience. It was about creating greater access, eliminating travel barriers, and meeting fundraisers where they are—no matter where they live or work.
But “modern” goes far beyond format.
Today’s donor landscape is evolving fast, and so are we. Our enhanced curriculum is packed with cutting-edge strategies and time-tested best practices designed specifically for major gifts fundraising. We dive deep into things like:
Modern Moves Management
Crafting compelling case statements and gift invitations
Engaging younger donors and diversifying funding sources
Responsible use of predictive and generative AI
Ethical fundraising and donor stewardship
And so much more
We’ve also expanded our faculty to include top thought leaders, industry experts, and wealth advisors who bring real-world insights into every session. Our seminars are interactive, immersive, and CFRE-accredited—blending practical tools with big-picture thinking.
Plus, with sessions like “The Art of the Ask” and “Modern Planned Giving,” you’ll walk away with strategies you can immediately put to use.
So when we say “modern,” we mean education that’s relevant, dynamic, and built for the challenges (and opportunities!) of fundraising today—and tomorrow.
Registration
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Yes, we do!
If budget or sign-off is a concern, you can download a ready-to-use justification letter to share with your leadership for approval.
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We’re so glad you’re thinking about joining us! Here’s everything you need to know to make registration easy and stress-free.
How to Register
Register online only—it’s quick and easy.
After you register, keep an eye on your inbox! You’ll receive a confirmation email within 48 business hours with all the details you’ll need.
Spots fill up fast, so we recommend registering as soon as possible to lock in your seat.
What’s the cost?
We offer flexible pricing based on when and how you register:
Standard Fee: $1,895 per person
Early Bird Discount: $1,795 (save $100 if you register before the Early Bird expires!)
Group Rate (5 or more): $1,795 per person
Planning to register a group? Each person needs to register individually, but we’ll provide a special group discount code to apply at checkout. Just reach out to us to get started!A few things to note:
Discounts can’t be combined
Group discounts are available until 11:59 PM ET the day before the seminar
One person = one registration = one login—no shared logins or watch parties, please!
Why does everyone need their own registration?We want every participant to have a personalized, high-quality experience. Individual registrations help us:
Provide tailored tech support and seminar access
Issue certificates of completion
Create a dynamic and engaging learning environment
Include you in giveaways, offers, and follow-up communications
Important: We ask that video cameras stay on during the seminar to help create a more connected and interactive experience.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Yes, we understand that plans change!
Transfers are allowed within your organization
Your registration must be paid in full
Send your request to registration@modernicg.com by 5 PM ET the day before the seminar begins
Please include:
Your full name and registration details
The name, email, and phone number of the person taking your place
We’ll confirm within 24 hours!
Need to modify or cancel your registration?
We don’t offer refunds, but we’ve got a flexible solution.
Need to cancel? You’ll receive a credit for one (1) future seminar
Need to update your details? Just email us and we’ll help you out
Email registration@modernicg.com with your full name and the changes you'd like to make. We typically respond within 1–2 business days.
What are the payment options?
To secure your spot, payment must be received before the seminar begins. You can pay by:
Credit card
ACH transfer
Once you register, you’ll get a confirmation email that also serves as your receipt and invoice.
Still have questions?
No problem at all—just reach out to our team anytime. We’re here to help and make your registration experience smooth from start to finish.
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We sure do—and we’d love to have your team join us!
If you're registering five or more people, you’ll qualify for our special group rate of $1,795 per person.
A quick heads-up: Each person will need to register individually. We know it’s a little extra effort, but it ensures we have accurate info for every participant and allows each team member to personalize their seminar experience.
Here’s how to register your group:
Reach out to us to get your exclusive group discount code
Share the code with your team
Use the code when registering each person individually
A few important notes:
Group discounts can’t be combined with other promo codes
The offer is valid until 5 PM ET the day before the seminar starts
Ready to register your crew? Just drop us a line—we’ll get you all set up! It’s a great way to invest in your team’s growth and save while you do it.
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We totally get it—on the surface, a virtual seminar might not seem like it should come with a premium price tag. But the ModernICG Major Gifts Seminar isn’t your typical online event. It’s a deep, hands-on learning experience designed to deliver a real return on your investment.
You’re not just signing up for a few Zoom sessions—you’re gaining access to expert-led training, personalized coaching, and actionable strategies you can start using right away. Just one strong donor relationship cultivated using what you learn here could easily pay for the cost of registration—and then some.
Think of it as investing in your own growth and your organization’s future impact. We’re here to help you fundraise smarter, not harder.
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We completely get it—budgets can be tight, especially in the nonprofit world where every dollar matters. But we truly believe this seminar is more than a cost—it’s an investment in your organization’s long-term fundraising success.
The strategies, tools, and confidence you’ll gain can help you secure larger gifts, deepen donor relationships, and create more sustainable revenue for your mission. It’s the kind of training that pays off well beyond the seminar.
To help make it more accessible, we offer a couple of great ways to save:
Register before the Early Bird expires and you’ll save $100 per person
Bring a team of five or more and save $100 per person
Those savings can add up quickly—and the impact? That can last for years.
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We’re so glad you’ll be joining us! You now have access to our virtual event platform—go ahead and set up your seminar profile and take a look around.
We’ll also be sending updates and reminders as we get closer to the seminar date, so keep an eye on your inbox.
To be sure you don’t miss anything, please add no-reply@goldcast.io to your Safe Sender List.
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We’re sorry you’re having trouble. Let’s get this sorted out!
Here are a few quick things to try:
Check your spam or junk folder. Your confirmation email should come from no-reply@goldcast.io.
Double-check whether you might have registered using a different email address—sometimes it might be your personal one instead of your work email.
If you still don’t see it, no worries! Just reach out to our support team, and we’ll be happy to help.
Certification
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Yes, you sure can! After completing our three-day Major Gifts Fundraising Seminar, you’ll earn 15 CFRE points! And we love that you’re investing in your professional growth!
All sessions in the ModernICG Major Gifts Seminar are eligible for CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credits. CFRE International uses an honor-based reporting system, which means:
You’re in charge of tracking your own participation
No formal certificate from us is needed
Just keep a record of the sessions you attend and report them directly to CFRE International
It’s simple, and we’re here if you have any questions along the way.
Earning these credits not only helps maintain your certification—it also shows your commitment to staying sharp and making a lasting impact in the fundraising world. For more on how to report your credits, check out the “Reporting Continuing Education” section on the CFRE website.
And of course, if anything’s unclear, we’re just an email away!
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Absolutely! You will receive a certificate of achievement in recognition of your ongoing commitment to professional excellence and your pursuit of Apex-level standards in fundraising and leadership. This certificate proudly bears the Modern Institute of Charitable Giving seal, signifying that you are certified in major gift fundraising.
By earning this certificate, you’ll also join a vibrant community of over 12,000 alumni around the world—each dedicated to advancing the field and making a meaningful impact. It’s a testament to your dedication and passion for professional growth, and we’re delighted to celebrate this milestone with you!
Additional Information
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The Apex Community is a special space we’ve created just for graduates of the ModernICG Major Gifts Seminar—a global network of major gift fundraisers and nonprofit leaders who are serious about making a lasting impact.
Once you complete the seminar, you’ll be invited to join Apex for life, at no extra cost. It’s our way of celebrating your commitment to fundraising excellence and recognizing that you’ve reached what we like to call an “Apex-level” in your professional journey.
Being part of this community is more than just a nice perk—it’s a mark of distinction. You’ll receive a certificate of achievement, and you’ll be connected with a powerful network of like-minded professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in this work.
Inside the Apex Community, you can:
Share insights and best practices
Exchange ideas and get fresh perspectives
Stay current on trends in major gifts and philanthropy
Keep learning and growing long after the seminar ends
It’s also a space where your CFRE journey can continue to thrive, since our program is designed to complement and support that respected global credential.
So when you join Apex, you're not just gaining a network—you’re becoming part of a passionate, knowledgeable community that’s shaping the future of fundraising. And we’re so proud to welcome you in.
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Yes—and it’s all about creating a respectful, welcoming, and supportive space for everyone.
When you join a ModernICG seminar, you’re stepping into a community of professionals who are here to learn, grow, and support one another. To make sure everyone has the best experience possible, we ask all participants to follow a few simple, important guidelines:
Our Community Values
Respect & Inclusion
We embrace diversity in every form and have zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or disrespect of any kind. Everyone deserves to feel safe and valued.Professionalism
Kindness goes a long way. Please be thoughtful and respectful in your interactions—even when perspectives differ.Stay Focused
Let’s keep conversations centered on fundraising, leadership, and professional growth. No promotional content or off-topic distractions, please.Privacy Matters
What’s shared in the seminar stays in the seminar. Please don’t share anyone’s personal info or stories without their permission.What happens if someone breaks the rules?
We take this seriously. If someone violates the code of conduct, we may take action, which could include:
A warning
Removal of inappropriate content
Dismissal from the seminar (without a refund, if necessary)
If you see or experience something that doesn’t feel right, please let us know at questions@modernicg.com. We’re here to help.
By participating in our seminars, you’re agreeing to uphold these values. Together, we can create a positive, enriching experience for everyone involved.
For more details, feel free to review our full Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
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We’re so glad you asked! At ModernICG, we’re committed to making sure everyone feels welcome and fully supported—no matter where you’re tuning in from or what your accessibility needs may be.
Time Zones
Our live seminar sessions run from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.).
Need help figuring out what that looks like in your local time? We recommend checking out World Time Buddy for a quick and easy conversion.Language Support
Our seminars are conducted in English, but we’ve added tools to help make them more accessible for a global audience:
Live Captions with Translation – Turn on captions and select your preferred language so you can follow along in real time.
Chat Translation – Translate chat messages instantly, so you can connect with and learn from participants around the world.
Need help getting set up? Our tech support team will be standing by during the seminar to guide you through it.
Accessibility Support
We want to ensure you have the best possible experience, and that starts with understanding what you need. After you register, just reach out to us—we’ll work with you to create a personalized access plan.
We offer accommodations like:
Live captioning
Screen reader–friendly materials
Alternate formats of course materials
Customized access to sessions
If you hit any bumps during registration or while navigating our site, send us a note at questions@modernicg.com. We’ll connect you with an accessibility specialist who can help—quickly and kindly.
Your comfort, access, and full participation matter to us. Even if you’re not sure exactly what you need, we’re here to help figure it out with you. Let’s make this learning experience seamless—and designed with you in mind.
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We’re here for you!
If there’s something you’re wondering about—whether it’s registration, seminar content, tech support, or anything else—don’t hesitate to reach out. No question is too big or too small.
Just send us a quick note at questions@modernicg.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can—usually within one business day (often sooner!).
We’re always happy to help and want to make sure you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Your Transformation Starts Here
You've spent years mastering fundraising.
You know the frameworks. You understand donor psychology. You believe in your mission.
What's missing is the confidence and the community to do this work at the highest level.
That changes on January 27.
Here are your next steps:
Review the seminar details (dates, agenda, faculty)
Check the ROI (standard, early bird, group rates available)
Reserve your spot (seating is limited and fills quickly)
Mark your calendar for three days of transformation
Download our ready-to-use justification letter to share with your leadership for approval.