Erie Gives Day Debrief: Don't Let Your New Donors Disappear

Every August, our community comes together to celebrate generosity through Erie Gives. Thousands of donors rally behind local nonprofits, new supporters discover organizations for the first time, and longtime champions are reminded why they give. It's an incredible day, but August 11th is only part of the story.

The weeks following Erie Gives are some of the most important, and often most overlooked, moments in your fundraising calendar. How you thank, engage, and communicate with donors after Giving Day can determine whether their gift becomes a one-time contribution or the beginning of a lasting relationship.

In this interactive session, we'll explore practical strategies for keeping the momentum alive after Erie Gives. You'll learn how to create meaningful stewardship plans, tailor your follow-up for different types of donors, and build authentic connections that inspire continued engagement throughout the year. We'll share ideas that work for organizations of every size and budget, along with examples from nonprofits right here in our community.

Whether Erie Gives exceeded your expectations or simply gave you new opportunities to build upon, you'll leave with a clear plan for transforming a successful day into stronger, more sustainable fundraising.

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.