WHAT WE DO

Virtual Learning. Real Results.

Q: Who should attend this masterclass?

This course is ideal for: • Executive directors, CEOs, and heads of schools • Development directors and major gifts officers • Board members involved in campaign planning or donor engagement. This course is ideal for mid-level professionals and above—those who are already involved in development and want to sharpen their skills or lead their team more strategically.

Q: What technology do I need?

The sessions will be hosted via Zoom. A stable internet connection and a device with audio and video capabilities are all you need to participate fully. Links and resources will be shared ahead of each session.

Master the Fundamentals That Fuel Transformational Giving

Fundraising looks different today than it did even a year ago. You may be navigating a shifting donor landscape, feeling the pressure to diversify revenue, or working with a leadership team that’s unsure whether now is the “right time” to raise money. Wherever you stand, one thing is clear: organizations that stay engaged with their donors—and cast a compelling vision—are the ones that grow, even in uncertain times.

Mastering Major Gifts: Planning Your Next Campaign is your space to pause, recalibrate, and move forward with intention.

Across three weeks, you’ll work in a small-group setting to learn time-tested techniques that help organizations thrive, no matter the economy or news cycle. Led by veteran fundraiser Jim Bush, you’ll gain the tools to grow major gifts, align your leadership team, and lay the foundation for a high-impact capital campaign—whether it’s six months or six years away.

THIS COURSE WILL HELP YOU:

Build a donor-first major gifts strategy that centers relationships, not urgency
Identify new major gift prospects and deepen donor relationships (yes, even now!)
Secure visits and meaningful conversations that move donors toward transformational gifts
Align your internal leadership and board around a shared fundraising vision
Assess campaign readiness—without overcommitting or rushing the process

You won’t just learn what works. You’ll learn how to make it work for your team.

UPCOMING CLASSES

Interactive. Flexible. Powerful.

The virtual format of this course ensures you can balance learning with your busy schedule, while still gaining the full benefit of interactive, engaging content. Each session spans three hours—combining expert instruction with interactive learning, practical exercises, and real-time breakout discussions.

Next Course Series: June 2025

Session 1 | Friday, June 13
Session 2 | Friday, June 20
Session 3 | Friday, June 27

All sessions run from 10 AM–1 PM ET.
Registration covers access for up to three participants from the same organization.

Registration Ends In:

Days

Hours

Minutes

For detailed information on the registration fee, discounts, and how to register, please visit our Pricing & FAQ section below. We look forward to having you join us!

Why This Course Matters—Now More Than Ever

The instinct to wait until things feel more stable is understandable. But the most successful organizations—the ones exceeding goals right now—are the ones continuing to talk with donors, making the ask, and leaning into opportunity.

Here’s why this course can’t wait:

Now is the right time to lead. This course will show you how.

MASTERCLASS CURRICULUM

Planning Your Next Campaign

This course integrates both major gifts development and campaign preparation. You’ll learn how to build a pipeline now that can sustain a campaign later. If your team is still asking, “Is now the right time?”—this course will help you answer “yes,” with a plan to back it up.

Session 1

Major Gifts Mastery

Lay the foundation for a resilient and donor-centered fundraising strategy. This session focuses on evaluating the health of your current development efforts and rebuilding your approach with major gifts at the center. You’ll explore what’s working—and what’s not—so you can prioritize your time, deepen relationships, and position your mission for long-term success.

Session 2

From Gifts to Growth

Turn short-term momentum into long-term strategy. This session connects your major gifts work to broader organizational goals—like diversifying funding, growing donor confidence, and engaging internal stakeholders. We’ll show you how to move from reactive to proactive by building the infrastructure and team alignment that supports strategic growth.

Session 3

Laying the Groundwork for a Campaign

Understand the role of capital campaigns—and how major gifts drive early momentum. Our final and third session together demystifies capital campaigns and feasibility studies, framing them as tools for alignment, planning, and donor engagement. You’ll learn how to assess your organization’s preparedness and how major gifts fuel early campaign traction.

“If you wait for the perfect time to raise money, you’ll miss your moment. What donors want—especially now—is leadership, clarity, and a chance to make a difference. That’s what we’ll help you deliver.”

— Jim Bush, Instructor & CEO, Winkler Group

YOUR MASTERCLASS INSTRUCTOR

Learn From the Experts

Jim Bush, Winkler Group CEO and veteran fundraiser, has helped organizations successfully navigate fundraising challenges during the 2008 recession, COVID, and everything in between. He’s worked with teams across every mission and sector—from healthcare and education to community-based nonprofits—and brings a practical, no-fluff approach to growing revenue through major gifts and campaigns.

About Jim

With over 30 years of experience, Jim Bush has helped nonprofits of all sizes raise more than $500 million through major gifts and capital campaigns. He’s partnered with organizations like World Vision, the YMCA, and Elon University to design fundraising programs that deliver measurable results.

As your masterclass instructor, Jim brings his wealth of expertise to life with a dynamic and humorous teaching style that keeps you engaged while equipping you with the tools and strategies your development shop needs to thrive. A sought-after speaker and trainer, Jim has earned top-speaker honors at 50+ conferences and serves on the Editorial Review Board of Giving USA.

PRICING + FAQS

Your Investment in Success

We believe professional development should be accessible to both individuals and teams. Whether you’re attending solo or bringing colleagues, we understand that investing in growth is a significant decision. That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever to join us for this masterclass.

Registration Fee

$350

Immerse yourself in expert instruction and real-time collaborative learning with peers from across the country. Registration covers individuals or teams of up to three, allowing you to build a shared strategy and deepen learning across roles.

What You Receive

Comprehensive Instruction

Access to three live, interactive sessions with industry expert Jim Bush.

Course Materials & Templates

Downloadable resources to apply immediately to your organization.

Session Recordings

Full access to recordings in case you miss a session or want to revisit key points.

CFRE Credits

This masterclass, Mastering Major Gifts: Planning Your Next Campaign, has been approved for 9 CFRE Continuing Education Credits.

Networking Opportunities

Collaborate with peers, share challenges, and gain insights during interactive small-group breakouts. These breakouts allow for personalized feedback and hands-on application of lessons.

Everything You Need to Know

Who should attend this masterclass?

This course is ideal for:

• Executive directors, CEOs, and heads of schools
• Development directors and major gifts officers
• Board members involved in campaign planning or donor engagement.

This course is ideal for mid-level professionals and above—those who are already involved in development and want to sharpen their skills or lead their team more strategically.

How long is each session?

Each session runs for three hours (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET) and includes interactive presentations, real-world exercises, and breakout discussions for deeper learning.

Is this course focused only on capital campaigns?

Not at all. While campaigns are covered, this course is focused on major gifts strategy as a whole—and how it connects to campaign success when you’re ready.

Is there any follow-up to the course instruction?

After the course, attendees will have the option to request follow-up individualized or small-group coaching sessions to address real-time challenges and implementation needs. Reach out to our team after the final session to be matched with a facilitator who can help guide next steps for your organization.

Is this course eligible for CFRE credits?

Yes, this masterclass qualifies for 9 CFRE continuing education credits.

What technology do I need?

The sessions will be hosted via Zoom. A stable internet connection and a device with audio and video capabilities are all you need to participate fully. Links and resources will be shared ahead of each session.

What if I have to miss a session?

We understand that schedules can be unpredictable. All registered participants will receive recordings of each session, so you can catch up on any content you miss.

Can I cancel my registration?

Yes, we understand plans change. Registrations can be canceled or transferred up to two weeks before the course start date. Contact us at info@winklergroup.com for assistance.

THE REAL IMPACT

What Organizations Say About Their Masterclass Experience

Thoroughly enjoyed Jim as a presenter. The combination of major gifts and capital campaign planning in one course was a game-changer for us. The step-by-step guidance on assessing campaign readiness made all the difference. We now feel prepared for the road ahead.

Stepping into this role with practically zero knowledge and I'm now feeling knowledgeable, well-equipped, and dare I say excited! Thank you. Truly a transformational workshop in my career.

I can’t recommend this masterclass enough. The Winkler Group’s expertise and ability to tailor course material to our unique challenges were game changers. We left with practical steps to take back and implement right away. It was worth every minute.

WHAT WE DO​