2025 Fundraising Palooza (Omaha)

In the evolving landscape of philanthropy, funders are shifting toward trust-based and participatory grantmaking models that emphasize power-sharing with grantees and communities. How can nonprofit fundraisers adapt to build more intentional, mutually beneficial partnerships with funders embracing these approaches? This session will explore participatory grantmaking through research-driven insights and real-world application. We’ll examine how shifting power dynamics impact the traditional nonprofit-funder relationship and what it takes for organizations to align with funders prioritizing equity and collaboration. Through the case study of the Stronger Neighborhoods Grants, a program co-designed by community members and funded by a local foundation, we’ll unpack the opportunities and challenges of this approach. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to foster deeper, trust-based relationships with funders and engage in a conversation about how this shift can create more sustainable impact for their communities.

Dr. Maya Chilese | Blue Agate Collaborative, Owner
Dr. Maya Chilese (she/her) is an organizational consultant and the founding principal of Blue Agate Collaborative, LLC. In pursuit of equitable well-being, we commit to elevating just, inclusive and human centered systems and work environments in which everyone thrives. Dr. Chilese has over 20 years’ experience in health and human service systems at the local, regional, state and national level. She holds advanced experience with community and systems assessment and planning, workforce and strategic planning, program development and evaluation, data governance, performance management and quality/process improvement, building collaborative systems and national public health accreditation. Dr. Chilese has earned undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Anthropology, a Master’s in Counseling, and a PhD in Organizational Leadership (in Health and Human Services).

Kyle Cartwright | Civic Nebraska, Director of Development
Kyle Cartwright (he/him) serves as the Director of Development at Civic Nebraska, a nonprofit advancing voting rights, civic health, and youth civic leadership. He also owns a small consulting practice through which he helps nonprofits, businesses, and donors build thriving communities through fundraising, philanthropy, and social impact strategies. A Nebraska native, Kyle has held leadership roles in philanthropy, fundraising, arts and culture, and civic engagement and serves as a saxophonist in the Nebraska Army National Guard’s 43rd Army Band.

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Philanthro-Quiz is a fast-paced, interactive session that tests your fundraising knowledge! Join from any device using the Kahoot! platform (no apps or downloads required). An interactive quiz game will test your knowledge of development terms, local foundations, donor behavior, nonprofit funding trends, and more! A live leaderboard will track scores, adding excitement as you race to climb the ranks. The session will provide a fun, engaging way to reinforce key fundraising concepts while introducing you to local philanthropic opportunities. Along the way, the presenters will highlight important takeaways from each question (but mostly, they will just tell jokes). The winner will earn the title of “Philanthro-Quiz Champion”—along with ultimate bragging rights! Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to development, you will walk away from this fun networking opportunity with practical knowledge to enhance your fundraising efforts.

Kenley Sturdivant-Wilson | Project Houseworks, Director of Development & Communications
Kenley Sturdivant-Wilson is the Director of Development and Communications at Project Houseworks. With over two decades of experience in fundraising, he has successfully raised millions of dollars for nonprofits in several states, including Arkansas, New York, Kentucky, Tennessee, Nebraska, and South Carolina. Kenley also serves as an AFP/Blackbaud Emerging Leader Mentor, where he helps to nurture new leaders in fundraising through education and skill development, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable future for the profession.

Ben Johnson | Women’s Center for Advancement, Grants & Communications Officer
Ben Johnson is a Certified Grants Professional (GPCI) and Vice President of the Grants Professional Association, Nebraska Chapter. With over a decade of experience in fundraising, Ben currently serves as the Grants and Communications Officer at the Women's Center for Advancement (WCA). Ben holds a Master's degree in Information Sciences and specializes in raising funds for libraries, museums, arts organizations, conservation, social services, and other nonprofit sectors.

Just like in baking, a great marketing strategy starts with knowing what you’re setting out to accomplish before you begin, who are you baking for and why? Why on earth do you want to spend that much time in the kitchen? The same can be said for your marketing plan. Every great plan starts with key objectives you want to accomplish. What’s your why for marketing your nonprofit? What are you trying to accomplish? Why on earth should people know about you and care? In this presentation, we’ll talk about this most delectable step to great strategy, and the other five key ingredients to bake up a beautiful marketing plan.

Katherine Warren |  KidGlov, COO
You can sum up Katherine’s career with three words: pursuit of excellence. She makes every project she touches shine. And as KidGlov’s Chief Operating Officer, she has a hand in them all. During her 20-year career, Katherine has worked at some of Lincoln’s most notable agencies and nonprofits, including as CMO of a large youth-serving nonprofit. Her experience has allowed her to work with marketing scopes and budgets of all sizes, from small businesses, to nonprofits, to large business-to-business and consumer brands. Katherine’s true love lies in strategy. She is fortunate to live that every day at KidGlov, where strategy lies at the forefront all she does, whether it’s marketing for our clients, building company culture, or refining daily processes and project management.
In 2007, Katherine received the Lincoln Chapter of the American Marketing Association’s award for volunteer excellence. She served as president of the Chapter in 2009, and was then selected to join the national AMA Professional Chapters Council, mentoring marketing leaders around the country. In 2019, she was named Lincoln AMA Marketer of the Year and was also a finalist for the Lincoln Journal Star Inspire Women’s Leadership Award in Small Business the same year. Three years later, in 2022, she received the Lincoln Journal Star Inspire Women’s Leadership Award.

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Join local funders to discuss current trends in nonprofit funding. More details coming soon.