Meet The Funder
Meet the Funder, co-hosted by OneOC and OC Grantmakers, aims to bring nonprofits together for an in-depth and intimate discussion to better understand community foundations as a valuable resource, providing an exclusive opportunity to meet-and-greet and learn about the funding guidelines.
Impactful Storytelling: Bringing Your Mission to Life
Your Story is Your Superpower: Connect, Inspire, and Lead with Purpose
In this interactive storytelling session, participants will explore the power of personal narratives and how to authentically connect them to their organization’s mission. Through guided reflection and peer sharing, you'll uncover meaningful moments in your journey, identify key themes, and practice weaving those experiences into compelling stories that inspire others, build trust, and advance your mission. Whether you're engaging donors, volunteers, or community members, your story can be a powerful tool to spark action.
Learning Objectives:
Reflect on and identify key personal experiences that align with your organization’s mission and values.
Learn techniques to craft and structure impactful stories that engage hearts and minds.
Practice sharing your story with confidence and authenticity to deepen connections with stakeholders.
Who Should Attend:
Meet your Trainer: Eric Goodman, CEO, MVS, Inc. & Chem Pak
Development & Fundraising Professionals – Looking to enhance donor engagement and improve fundraising outcomes through storytelling.
Executive Directors & CEOs – Leading fundraising efforts and seeking to inspire donors with a compelling organizational narrative.
Marketing & Communications Teams – Developing content to communicate the nonprofit’s story and mission across various platforms.
Grant Writers & Fundraisers – Incorporating storytelling into grant applications and donor communications.
Board Members & Leadership Teams – Engaging in fundraising efforts and supporting the development of the nonprofit’s case for support.
Program Managers & Directors – Seeking to communicate program outcomes and impact through storytelling.
Volunteer Coordinators – Crafting stories to engage volunteers and encourage donations or advocacy.
Nonprofit Consultants & Coaches – Helping organizations integrate storytelling into their overall development strategy.
Small & Emerging Nonprofit Founders – Learning to communicate their mission effectively to secure initial funding.
Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinators – Creating narratives that resonate with the broader community and potential donors.
Grant Writing Certificate Course
This hybrid workshop is designed to help students develop award-winning grant proposals in an interactive style.
This workshop explores how Artificial Intelligence can enhance grant writing, including where it helps most and where to proceed with caution. You'll learn the key components of a strong grant proposal—including budgets and narratives—and how to tailor them for success. We'll cover how to identify aligned funders and position your request to support their goals. Participants will receive feedback on real examples from their organization, and when possible, hear directly from a foundation representative on how funding decisions are made.
Throughout this certificate, you will learn and create:
Opening Paragraphs
Need/Case Statements
Agency Description
Program description including goals/objectives/outcomes.
Course Dates:
August 14, 2025 - In Person
August 21, 2025 - Virtual
August 28, 2025 - Virtual
September 4, 2025 - Virtual
September 11, 2025 - In Person
Meet the Instructor:
Scott Evans has been a freelance grant writer since 2005 and is the former Director of Development for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Scott has written proposals for many types of non-profits including education, research, human services, youth development, workforce development, and the arts. He also serves as the Administrator for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Orange County chapter and is a Past-President of the organization. His measurement of the success of the course is dependent on the students’ writing improvement and their better understanding of the audience, that is reading their proposals and making decisions. With that, students will create clear overtures that accurately portray their organizations’ good work.
Micro Events, Major Impact: Maximizing Small-Scale Fundraising for Big Results
In the world of fundraising, sometimes the smallest events can create the biggest impact.
"Micro Events, Major Impact" is a dynamic course that explores how nonprofits can harness the power of small-scale, intimate events to drive donor engagement and achieve significant results. OneOC is proud to offer this cutting-edge training that combines expertise in ethical and professional fundraising.
Meet Your Trainer: Sara Gullotti - Rosenberger
Agrihood Project Manager, Farmscape LLC
Whether you’re looking to stretch a limited budget or build deeper connections with your supporters, this course will provide actionable strategies for planning, executing, and maximizing the effectiveness of micro events. Learn how to create memorable experiences that inspire donor loyalty and generate lasting impact, all while maintaining the highest ethical standards in fundraising.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how small, personalized events can create meaningful engagement with donors and drive long-term support for your nonprofit.
Discover how to plan and execute impactful micro events on a limited budget without compromising on quality or donor experience.
Understand how micro events foster stronger relationships with donors, leading to increased retention, deeper connections, and higher donor satisfaction.
Explore ethical considerations in event-based fundraising, guided expertise in professional and ethical fundraising standards.
Learn how to design micro events that are scalable and sustainable, ensuring they contribute to long-term fundraising success and organizational growth.
Grant Writing Essentials: Crafting Winning Proposals
Effective grant writing can unlock significant funding for your nonprofit.
This course will guide you through the essentials of writing winning grant proposals that resonate with funders. Learn how to tell your nonprofit’s story in a way that aligns with grant requirements and maximizes your chances of success.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the key components of a successful grant proposal.
Learn how to research and identify appropriate grant opportunities.
Develop skills to align your nonprofit’s mission with funder priorities.
Write compelling narratives and budgets that strengthen your proposal.
Create systems to track and manage grant applications and reporting.
Monthly Giving Programs: Building a Reliable Donor Base
Monthly giving programs provide a steady, reliable source of income for nonprofits.
This course will teach you how to develop and grow a successful monthly giving program that keeps donors engaged long-term. Learn how to inspire donors to give consistently and strengthen their commitment to your cause.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the benefits of monthly giving programs for nonprofits.
Learn how to design and launch an effective monthly giving campaign.
Develop strategies to engage and retain recurring donors.
Create donor recognition and stewardship plans for monthly givers.
Use analytics to track and optimize the success of your monthly giving program.
Building a Strong Personal Brand
How developing your own brand can benefit your nonprofit and career.
Your personal brand is more than a tagline—it’s how you show up, lead, and make an impact. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to define and shape your personal brand with intention. You’ll explore how aligning your values, communication, and presence can elevate both your professional identity and your organization’s mission. Whether you're building your career or expanding your influence, you'll leave with practical tools to consistently communicate and live your brand with confidence and clarity.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Define their personal brand and identify how they want to be perceived professionally.
Align their personal brand with their values, communication, and behavior.
Understand the connection between personal branding, mission impact, and career growth.
Develop practical steps to consistently communicate and live their brand.
Meet your Trainers:
Carrie Freitas & Kendra Puryear
Mastering Social Media Marketing for Nonprofits: Amplify Your Mission Online
In today's digital world, social media is essential for expanding your nonprofit’s reach, engaging supporters, and driving meaningful action.
This course provides nonprofit professionals with the tools and strategies to leverage social media effectively. Learn how to create impactful content, grow your audience, and turn online engagement into real-world support for your cause.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the fundamentals of social media marketing and its importance for nonprofits.
Develop a social media strategy aligned with your nonprofit’s mission and goals.
Learn how to create engaging content that resonates with your audience across platforms.
Explore tools and tactics for growing your online presence and increasing follower engagement.
Measure the success of your social media efforts using analytics and adapt strategies for greater impact.
Meet The Funder
Meet the Funder, co-hosted by OneOC and OC Grantmakers, aims to bring nonprofits together for an in-depth and intimate discussion to better understand community foundations as a valuable resource, providing an exclusive opportunity to meet-and-greet and learn about the funding guidelines.
Marketing on a Shoestring Budget
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Budgeting
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Endowments
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Event Fundraising
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Fundraising Events: Planning and Executing Memorable Experiences
Well-executed fundraising events can generate revenue, build community, and elevate your nonprofit’s profile.
This course will teach you how to plan, organize, and execute memorable events that inspire generosity. Learn the best practices for event management, sponsorships, and donor engagement.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the key elements of successful fundraising events.
Learn how to plan and execute events that align with fundraising goals.
Develop strategies to engage donors and sponsors through event participation.
Create event budgets and timelines for efficient project management.
Assess the success of fundraising events through post-event analysis.
Meet Your Trainer: Sarah Gullotti-Rosenberger
Meet The Funder: Orange County Community Foundation
What is “Meet the Funder”?
"Meet the Funder" is an exclusive event designed to bring nonprofit leaders together with leading funders to foster meaningful connections, share insights, and explore funding opportunities. This series is your chance to hear directly from funders about their priorities, application processes, and how they support nonprofit missions like yours.
Why Attend?
Insights: Gain insider knowledge about Orange County Community Foundations funding priorities and application process.
Engagement: Ask questions and connect directly with decision-makers.
Opportunities: Discover how your nonprofit can align with their mission for a greater chance of funding success.
Featured Funder: Orange County Community Foundation
We’re excited to announce Orange County Community Foundation as our highlighted funder for this session. Join us to learn about their philanthropic initiatives, community impact goals, and how your organization can align with their vision to secure support for your work.
Elaine Chen, Director of Donor & Community Engagement
Elaine comes to OCCF with more than 20 years of experience managing teams both in the corporate and nonprofit sectors managing Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Teams. She has expertise in program development, managing diverse teams that drive and sustain business practices as well as managing several stakeholder groups from employees to community partners. As a Philanthropic Advisor, Elaine manages relationships with a portfolio of donor-advised fund holders to facilitate their grant-making and foster their engagement in philanthropy and assist in deepening fund holders’ understanding of the impact and sustainability of intentional philanthropic practices. Elaine is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Cello Performance and a Master of Arts in Education with a focus Psychotherapy and Creative Arts Therapies from New York University.
Impactful Storytelling: Bringing Your Mission to Life
Your nonprofit’s story is your most powerful fundraising tool.
This course will teach you how to craft compelling stories that engage donors emotionally and inspire them to give. Learn to communicate your mission and impact in ways that resonate and drive action.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the importance of storytelling in nonprofits.
Learn how to craft compelling narratives that engage donors emotionally.
Identify key elements of a strong case for support.
Use storytelling techniques to communicate your mission and impact.
Develop strategies to integrate storytelling into your overall fundraising efforts.
Who Should Attend:
Development & Fundraising Professionals – Looking to enhance donor engagement and improve fundraising outcomes through storytelling.
Executive Directors & CEOs – Leading fundraising efforts and seeking to inspire donors with a compelling organizational narrative.
Marketing & Communications Teams – Developing content to communicate the nonprofit’s story and mission across various platforms.
Grant Writers & Fundraisers – Incorporating storytelling into grant applications and donor communications.
Board Members & Leadership Teams – Engaging in fundraising efforts and supporting the development of the nonprofit’s case for support.
Program Managers & Directors – Seeking to communicate program outcomes and impact through storytelling.
Volunteer Coordinators – Crafting stories to engage volunteers and encourage donations or advocacy.
Nonprofit Consultants & Coaches – Helping organizations integrate storytelling into their overall development strategy.
Small & Emerging Nonprofit Founders – Learning to communicate their mission effectively to secure initial funding.
Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinators – Creating narratives that resonate with the broader community and potential donors.
Meet the Trainer: Eric Goodman Chief Executive Officer MVS, Inc. and Chem Pak
Marketing with Impact: Strategies to Engage, Inspire, and Fundraise
Successful marketing is essential for building awareness, engaging supporters, and increasing donations.
This course will teach you how to create marketing strategies that amplify your nonprofit’s mission and engage your audience. Learn to craft messages that resonate and inspire action across multiple platforms.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the role of marketing in advancing your nonprofit’s mission.
Learn how to develop marketing strategies that drive engagement and donations.
Create compelling messaging that resonates with diverse audiences.
Use social media, email marketing, and content marketing effectively.
Measure the impact of your marketing campaigns using analytics.
Who Should Attend:
Marketing Managers – Individuals responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies.
Communications Directors – Professionals overseeing communication strategies and messaging.
Fundraising Teams – Those involved in raising funds and donor engagement.
Volunteer Coordinators – People who manage volunteers and need to communicate effectively to motivate them.
Program Managers – Those leading various programs and looking to enhance visibility and impact.
Executive Directors – Senior leaders who need a broad understanding of marketing to align strategies with organizational goals.
Social Media Managers – Individuals handling social media presence and content creation.
Content Creators – Those creating written, visual, or multimedia content to support marketing efforts.
Community Outreach Coordinators – Professionals tasked with connecting with the local or target communities.
Development Directors – Individuals focused on long-term growth and donor relations who need marketing skills to reach their fundraising goals.
Meet your Trainers:
Kendra Puryear
Carrie Freitas
Grant Writing Certificate Course
This in person workshop is designed to help students develop award winning grant proposals in an interactive style.
The course covers crafting grant proposals for family and corporate foundations, with minimal focus on government grants. Students will learn key proposal components and how to develop them for success.
Throughout this certificate, you will learn and create:
Opening Paragraphs
Need/Case Statements
Agency Description
Program description including goals/objectives/outcomes.
You will learn how to find funders with priorities that fit your situation and how to help funders further their own philanthropic objectives, ultimately resulting in the support of your nonprofit. For each section of the workshop, students submit real-life examples from their own agency for critique and improvement. In each workshop, we strive to have one representative of a foundation visit to explain how they make decisions about granting funds to help guide your future proposals.
Course Dates:
April 3, 2025 - In Person
April 10, 2025 - Zoom
April 17, 2025 - Zoom
April 24, 2025 - Zoom
May 1, 2025 - In Person
Meet Your Instructor:
Scott Evans has been a freelance grant writer since 2005 and is the former Director of Development for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Scott has written proposals for many types of non-profits including education, research, human services, youth development, workforce development, and the arts. He also serves as the Administrator for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Orange County chapter and is a Past-President of the organization. His measurement of the success of the course is dependent on the students’ writing improvement and their better understanding of the audience, that is reading their proposals and making decisions. With that, students will create clear overtures that accurately portray their organizations’ good work.
How Compelling Videos Drive Success for Nonprofits
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and take your organization's brand impact to the next level.
Throughout the course, participants will learn the importance of video marketing for nonprofits, and how a well-told story can significantly increase brand awareness and impact.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to use good filmmaking techniques as a powerful tool for raising awareness, inspiring engagement, and attracting donors to your cause.
Understand the fundamentals of storytelling in video marketing and how it can become the cornerstone of your nonprofit's branding strategy.
Discover how to identify and articulate the key messages that define your nonprofit's mission, creating videos that connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Explore real-world examples and case studies to learn how to produce impactful, documentary-style videos that amplify your nonprofit's voice.
Learn how to harness the emotional power of storytelling to create meaningful connections with your audience and turn viewers into long-term supporters.
Who Should Attend:
Marketing and Communications Staff: Individuals responsible for promoting the nonprofit's message and increasing visibility.
Development and Fundraising Professionals: Those aiming to engage donors and supporters through compelling storytelling.
Program Managers and Coordinators: Staff looking to showcase program successes and impact via video content.
Executive Directors and Senior Leaders: Decision-makers interested in integrating video strategies into organizational branding.
Social Media Managers: Professionals focused on enhancing online engagement and reach through video platforms.
Volunteer Coordinators: Individuals aiming to recruit and retain volunteers by highlighting impactful stories.
Meet your trainer: Michael Wolfgang Bauch
Have you ever wondered how to film the most cinematic videos--just by using your mobile phone? Don't miss the upcoming presentation by our very own Michael Wolfgang Bauch of WolfgangMedia.com.
With decades of experience creating short films for nonprofits, corporations, & small businesses, he'll show you how to up your game using the equipment that you may already have at your fingertips.
Michael's past filming projects have taken him to remote villages in Alaska to film in below-zero temperatures and inside the CIA and Pentagon to do interviews for the History Channel.
He also wrote, produced, and directed his own award-winning documentary Riding Bikes with the Dutch filmed on location in the Netherlands which premiered in Long Beach at the Art Theatre.
Some of Michael's local projects include work with Hyundai Hope on Wheels and Genesis Motors, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, Assistance League of Long Beach, Farm Lot 59, Precious Lamb, For the Child, and CCEJ.
Major Gift Fundraising: Building Relationships with High-Impact Donors
Major gifts can significantly impact your nonprofit’s ability to grow and serve your mission.
In this course, you’ll learn how to identify, cultivate, and steward high-impact donors who are passionate about your cause. Build the skills needed to create meaningful relationships that lead to transformational gifts.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the process of major gift fundraising for nonprofits.
Learn how to identify and research potential major donors.
Develop strategies to cultivate and build relationships with high-impact donors.
Create donor stewardship plans to ensure long-term engagement.
Align major gift fundraising efforts with your overall development strategy.
Who Should Attend:
Development Directors and Officers: Those overseeing fundraising initiatives and aiming to secure substantial contributions.
Executive Directors and Senior Leaders: Decision-makers looking to integrate major gift strategies into organizational growth plans.
Board Members: Individuals involved in fundraising efforts and donor relations.
Major Gifts Officers: Professionals dedicated to cultivating relationships with high-impact donors.
Prospect Researchers: Staff responsible for identifying and evaluating potential major donors.
Corporate Sponsorships: Building Strategic Partnerships
Corporate sponsorships offer a powerful way to support your nonprofit’s mission while building relationships with local businesses.
This course will teach you how to secure sponsorships that provide financial support and boost visibility for both parties. Learn how to approach corporations and create mutually beneficial partnerships.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the value of corporate sponsorships in nonprofit fundraising.
Learn how to identify and approach potential corporate sponsors.
Develop proposals that highlight the mutual benefits of sponsorship.
Create sponsorship packages that align with corporate and nonprofit goals.
Build and maintain long-term corporate partnerships.
Meet Your Trainer:
Clare McKenna joined OneOC in 2024 with over 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Known for her motivational style and ability to align teams, Clare helps organizations push beyond comfort zones to reach their fullest potential. She believes that strong relationships are the foundation of thriving nonprofits and excels at connecting people to achieve strategic outcomes. Clare’s expertise spans fundraising, public relations, event management, and executive management, with a track record of implementing high-performance systems to drive success. She holds a BA in Liberal Studies from California State University, Fullerton.
State of Mobile & Online Fundraising
OneOC is proud to partner with AFP-OC to offer this webinar.
For 60 years, AFP has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising. AFP-OC empowers individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy.
This webinar will analyze the state of nonprofit online fundraising and marketing, including the latest industry benchmarks, trends, and successes. We'll uncover the top challenges nonprofits face online and how to overcome them. Plus, we’ll examine where nonprofits are thriving online and what’s next for digital engagement and fundraising.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the latest online fundraising and marketing trends, including what’s next for nonprofits
Uncover which areas of online fundraising that are thriving, and which are declining
See the latest industry and peer benchmarks to measure your nonprofit performance.
Meet Your Trainer:
Mike Smusz brings 19 years of digital fundraising experience to his role as Director of Nonprofit Customer Experience at Tatango, a text messaging platform for nonprofits and political candidates. Prior to Tatango, Mike spent 15 years at Blackbaud leading a team of digital consultants that helped nonprofits improve their online fundraising, monthly giving, email marketing and peer-to-peer fundraising programs. Mike started his nonprofit career managing Ride for Roswell from 2003 to 2005 in his hometown of Buffalo, NY.
Meet The Funder: Wells Fargo
What is “Meet the Funder”?
"Meet the Funder" is an exclusive event designed to bring nonprofit leaders together with leading funders to foster meaningful connections, share insights, and explore funding opportunities. This series is your chance to hear directly from funders about their priorities, application processes, and how they support nonprofit missions like yours.
Featured Funder: Wells Fargo
We’re excited to announce Wells Fargo as our highlighted funder for this session. Join us to learn about their philanthropic initiatives, community impact goals, and how your organization can align with their vision to secure support for your work.
Why Attend?
Insights: Gain insider knowledge about Wells Fargo’s funding priorities and application process.
Engagement: Ask questions and connect directly with decision-makers.
Opportunities: Discover how your nonprofit can align with their mission for a greater chance of funding success.
Centering Humans in AI and Personalization
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven personalization, it’s easy to lose sight of the people behind the numbers.
This session, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), explores the importance of keeping human connections at the heart of AI-enabled strategies. Participants will discover how to use AI tools ethically and effectively to enhance donor engagement while ensuring that technology amplifies, rather than replaces, meaningful relationships.
Learning Objectives:
Understand Ethical AI Use: Learn to identify and implement ethical practices for using AI and personalization in fundraising, ensuring transparency and donor trust.
Leverage AI to Enhance Human Relationships: Explore strategies to use AI tools to strengthen donor relationships without compromising the personal touch that drives engagement.
Balance Technology with Humanity: Develop practical approaches to integrate AI-powered personalization while centering empathy and authenticity in all donor communications.
Grant Writing Certificate Course
This in person workshop is designed to help students develop award winning grant proposals in an interactive style.
Students will learn the basic components of a grant proposal and how to craft each component to position their agency for success.
Learning Objectives:
Opening Paragraphs
Need/Case Statements
Agency Description
Program description including goals/objectives/outcomes.
You will learn how to find funders with priorities that fit your situation and how to help funders further their own philanthropic objectives, ultimately resulting in the support of your nonprofit. For each section of the workshop, students submit real-life examples from their own agency for critique and improvement. In each workshop, we strive to have one representative of a foundation visit to explain how they make decisions about granting funds to help guide your future proposals.
Course Dates:
Mark your calendars to ensure you attend all five workshops required to complete your certification.
January 9, 2025 (In-person)
January 16, 2025 (Zoom)
January 23, 2025 (Zoom)
January 30, 2025 (Zoom)
February 6, 2025 (In-person)
Meet Your Instructor:
Scott Evans has been a freelance grant writer since 2005 and is the former Director of Development for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Scott has written proposals for many types of non-profits including education, research, human services, youth development, workforce development, and the arts. He also serves as the Administrator for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Orange County chapter and is a Past-President of the organization. His measurement of the success of the course is dependent on the students’ writing improvement and their better understanding of the audience, that is reading their proposals and making decisions. With that, students will create clear overtures that accurately portray their organizations’ good work.