Erie Gives Debrief: Measuring the Success of Your Day

When Erie Gives ends, it's natural to ask one question: How much did we raise?

While the total dollars matter, they tell only part of the story. Erie Gives is more than a one-day fundraiser—it's an opportunity to introduce new people to your mission, reconnect with past supporters, engage your board and volunteers, test new ideas, and build momentum that can carry your organization into the rest of the year.

In this practical, discussion-based session, we'll take a closer look at what success really looks like after Erie Gives. Together, we'll explore the numbers behind your campaign, identify meaningful trends, and uncover opportunities to strengthen your fundraising strategy for the future. Whether your organization exceeded its goal or hoped for a different outcome, every campaign has valuable lessons to teach.

We'll share examples and insights from Erie-area nonprofits and help you build a simple evaluation framework you can use year after year.

About Adam:

Adam C. Bratton is a nonprofit executive with nearly 30 years of leadership experience strengthening professional practice, building fundraising programs, and advancing mission effectiveness across diverse organizations. As Executive Director of The Nonprofit Partnership, he has expanded sector-wide capacity-building resources, delivering education, consulting, and support services to thousands of nonprofit professionals.

He is the creator of the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool, helping organizations benchmark their capabilities and make data-informed decisions for growth. Through leadership and fundraising training programs grounded in ethical practice and practical skill development, Adam’s work centers on equipping nonprofit leaders to drive meaningful, lasting community impact.

About Nicole:

As Director of Consulting Services, Nicole helps nonprofit organizations strengthen their capacity, navigate change, and achieve their goals. Her career spans emergency services, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community engagement, and strategic partnership development, providing a unique perspective on organizational growth and leadership.

Known throughout the community as a trusted connector and collaborator, Nicole has worked closely with nonprofit leaders, boards, donors, and stakeholders to build strong relationships and advance mission-driven work. She brings expertise in strategic planning, governance, fundraising, communications, grant writing, and organizational development, helping nonprofits turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into action.