Fundraising Con Ganas- Tucson
September 24th and 25th, 2026
Loews Ventana Canyon, Tucson Arizona
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Most fundraising conferences are expensive, culturally irrelevant and designed for organizations with large budgets and development teams. This conference is designed for small/medium Latinx focused nonprofits. Our hope is that you will attend and use what you learn to launch new types of fundraising at your organization. Furthermore as Somos El Poder members the training and support doesn't end when the conference is over. We are a service organization and support, counsel, train our members long after the conference.
This conference is also focused on nonprofit organization teams of 2 each. We have space for 40 organizations. We will also allow a limited number of individual members to attend for the first time.
Here are the key components that make this conference unique and potentially game changing for Latinx focused nonprofits. Look at this!
Most fundraising conferences are expensive, culturally irrelevant and designed for organizations with large budgets and development teams. This conference is designed for small/medium Latinx focused nonprofits. Our hope is that you will attend and use what you learn to launch new types of fundraising at your organization. Furthermore as Somos El Poder members the training and support doesn't end when the conference is over. We are a service organization and support, counsel, train our members long after the conference.
This conference is also focused on nonprofit organization teams of 2 each. We have space for 40 organizations. We will also allow a limited number of individual members to attend for the first time.
Here are the key components that make this conference unique and potentially game changing for Latinx focused nonprofits. Look at this!
- Duration : The conference is one night, two days at a regional location to help make it easier for leaders with families to attend.
- Who Attends? We require that all Nonprofit Teams to come with a Board Member. So each nonprofit will be represented by two people. We do this to improve chances of implementation and support for long term fundraising work. One should be the staff person responsible for fundraising whether that's an Executive Director or Director of Development.
- Where? We hold it, intentionally at a beautiful, comfortable location, because we believe in honoring our nonprofit leaders. You and your board member will have a remarkable experience.
- What will we learn? The curriculum is designed to help nonprofit leaders jumpstart fundraising. We teach the essentials for leaders with limited time and budget to begin fundraising (see curriculum below).
- Who will Teach? You'll be taught by national Latinx leaders in fundraising, proven leaders in their area of expertise.
- The Cost : The conference fee includes access to the sessions, valet parking, meals, and if applicable hotel room(s), & dinner. This is intentionally inexpensive to make it accessible to Latinx nonprofit teams, professionals, and allies. Please note, this conference was specially designed for Nonprofit Teams and the rates reflect that. All teams registration and special hotel pricing listed below are already discounted and cover partial cost of the current attendance cost ; this means no further discounts available and it's exclusively for Somos El Poder members.
- Individual Professional – $550 (Includes 1 hotel room for the night of Sept. 24; price does not change with/without hotel room)
- Team of 2 – $350 (No Hotel Rooms)
- Team of 2 – $550 (Includes up to 2 hotel rooms for the night of Sept. 24)
- Team of 3 – $525 (No Hotel Rooms)
- Team of 3 – $825 (Includes up to 3 hotel rooms for the night of Sept. 24)
- Team of 4 – $700 (No Hotel Rooms)
- Team of 4 – $1,100 (Includes up to 4 hotel rooms for the night of Sept. 24)
- Long-term support through SEP: Unlike most conference attendees will be Somos El Poder members who can receive long-term support in their implementation.
- Funder Lunch: Day two will feature a lunch that includes regional and national funders for networking for organizations.
- Dinner: We will have a gala Latino Menu and Entertainment the night of September 24th.
Our Venue
The Loews Ventana Canyon
The Loews Ventana Canyon
What Our Members Are Saying About Fundraising Con Ganas!
“ Fundraising con Ganas training conference I attended was the most helpful practical training I have ever received, especially when it comes to working with potential individual donors with enthusiasm and confidence. We at CLLARO are grateful to you and your staff, presenters, and board members for your commitment to empowering Latino nonprofits in today's challenging fundraising environment.” - Mike Cortes, CLLARO
"We need more efforts like these that support how we appropriately fund Latina/o-led organizations and the transformative and critical work we do." - Vanessa Aramayo, Alliance for Better Communities
"Attending the Fundraising Con Ganas conference gave me valuable insight into strengthening donor relationships and creating an impact. The knowledge I gained will stay with me as I continue to grow as a Board member for House Farm Workers." - Rosie Castillo, Board Member, House Farm Workers
"Attending Fundraising Con Ganas was a transformative experience for me. The program provided concrete fundraising tools while grounding them in community, culture, and shared values—something rarely found in traditional fundraising. It helped me rethink how I tell our organization's story, connect with donors in a more authentic way, and elevate the voices of the communities we serve. The insights I gained continue to shape my approach and have strengthened the impact of my work." - Guadalupe De La Cruz, AFSC
"Thank you very much! I'm grateful for the training and support from Somos El Poder academy. This Latino focused training for Latino nonprofits empowered me to make a meaningful impact in our community. As a first time Fund Development Director this was an essential training that we as an Organization can utilize for our sustainability. Excellent job!"
Thank you to Somos El Poder for an incredible training experience! Their expertise and passion for empowering Latino leaders are truly inspiring. I'm excited to apply my new skills to drive impact in the community we serve. As the only Latino focused organization in our region Latino Leadership Council, we know now we are not alone. Your dedication to empowering our fundraising efforts is an invaluable service.
Thanks a lot. “ - Indira Infante, Latino Leadership Council
“ Fundraising con Ganas training conference I attended was the most helpful practical training I have ever received, especially when it comes to working with potential individual donors with enthusiasm and confidence. We at CLLARO are grateful to you and your staff, presenters, and board members for your commitment to empowering Latino nonprofits in today's challenging fundraising environment.” - Mike Cortes, CLLARO
"We need more efforts like these that support how we appropriately fund Latina/o-led organizations and the transformative and critical work we do." - Vanessa Aramayo, Alliance for Better Communities
"Attending the Fundraising Con Ganas conference gave me valuable insight into strengthening donor relationships and creating an impact. The knowledge I gained will stay with me as I continue to grow as a Board member for House Farm Workers." - Rosie Castillo, Board Member, House Farm Workers
"Attending Fundraising Con Ganas was a transformative experience for me. The program provided concrete fundraising tools while grounding them in community, culture, and shared values—something rarely found in traditional fundraising. It helped me rethink how I tell our organization's story, connect with donors in a more authentic way, and elevate the voices of the communities we serve. The insights I gained continue to shape my approach and have strengthened the impact of my work." - Guadalupe De La Cruz, AFSC
"Thank you very much! I'm grateful for the training and support from Somos El Poder academy. This Latino focused training for Latino nonprofits empowered me to make a meaningful impact in our community. As a first time Fund Development Director this was an essential training that we as an Organization can utilize for our sustainability. Excellent job!"
Thank you to Somos El Poder for an incredible training experience! Their expertise and passion for empowering Latino leaders are truly inspiring. I'm excited to apply my new skills to drive impact in the community we serve. As the only Latino focused organization in our region Latino Leadership Council, we know now we are not alone. Your dedication to empowering our fundraising efforts is an invaluable service.
Thanks a lot. “ - Indira Infante, Latino Leadership Council
Curriculum
DAY 1, Thursday, Sept. 24 . Introductory Track
DAY 1, Thursday, Sept 24. ADVANCED Track
DAY 2, Friday, Sept. 25. Introductory Track
DAY 2, Friday, Sept. 25. Advanced Track
DAY 1, Thursday, Sept. 24 . Introductory Track
- Principles of Fundraising. His course is an overview of everything one needs to know about the fundraising process, fundraising as a career, and standards of professional practice. We will also cover unspoken obstacles such as attitudes toward fundraising, money, Latino giving, planning, racism and Board support.
- Designing a Development Plan. Develop a plan to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward sustainable funding sources by building ongoing relationships, utilizing existing donors as partners, promoting growth, accountability and improving processes.
- (In Spanish) Board Development and Training. Creating a more diverse and effective board. Training and creating a system in which both your team and the board members are involved to achieve better fundraising results. The board can make a powerful difference in development work.
- (In Spanish) Discussion and design of the fundraising cycle: Identification, Qualification, Cultivation, Solicitation, and Thank You. This cycle represents the essential foundations of the fundraising process. It's a tool for planning and executing fundraising activities, from small sales to large campaigns. You can foster collaboration from your team and board of directors by involving them in one or more aspects of the fundraising cycle.
- Mini-Session: Essentials of Grant Writing . A beginner's guide to crafting compelling grant proposals. Plus a worksheet that can be used to train new volunteers or staff in the process of grant writing.
- (In Spanish) Investing in your mission. Techniques for identifying the best fundraising job candidates, using publicly available data sources and tools to better understand the interests, skills, and experience of job candidates who can help grow your organization's mission.
- Organizational Marketing Essentials: What Every Nonprofit Needs. Overview of the Marketing Checklist with items every nonprofit should have for a strong foundation.
DAY 1, Thursday, Sept 24. ADVANCED Track
- Principles of Fundraising. This course is an overview of everything one needs to know about the fundraising process, fundraising as a career, and standards of professional practice. We will also cover unspoken obstacles such as attitudes toward fundraising, money, Latino giving, planning, racism and Board support.
- Board Development and Education. Guidance on educating and engaging board members for stronger fundraising outcomes. Boards can be powerful allies or undermine your development work.
- Creating a More Diverse and Effective Board. Strategies to recruit and build an engaged, strong staff/board partnership to advance your institution. Also, strategic Board training to strengthen your organization.
- Fundamentals of Prospect Research and Prospecting. Prospect research is key to getting the most of your relationship with major donors. This course covers each step to identifying and prioritizing the funders that are most likely to support your organization.
- Hands-on Activity: Prospect Research. T echniques for identifying and researching potential donors, using publicly available data sources and tools to better understand donor interests, giving capacity, and alignment with their organization's mission.
- Starting and Growing a Small Major Gifts Program: A comprehensive view of major and principal gift development work. Understanding the philosophy and strategies implemented in major gift development including prospect identification, how to initially engage a potential major gift donor, the process of cultivation and move management.
- Corporate Fundraising Strategies. Tapping local corporate funding requires consideration of scale, geography, mission, and network. Organization can identify supporters from the business world, build relationships, prepare for, and launch a plan to tap into corporate funding .
DAY 2, Friday, Sept. 25. Introductory Track
- Shark Tank: Elevator Pitch Practice. This will be a group practice session for the first time you get on the phone with a Program Officer from a Foundation that has the potential to make a grant or large gift to your nonprofit. It's a critical moment and you have to sell your organization, quickly, clearly and honestly.
- Donor Cultivation and Stewardship, Discussion and Design. Designing a cultivation plan increases the success in building relationships, engaging the prospect and preparing to make the ask.
- From Zoomers to Boomers: Data-backed Strategies to Engage & Inspire Donors of All Ages. By Bloomerang. Engaging donors of all ages (from Gen Z to Baby Boomers). An organization's outreach should be optimized through a generational lens to ensure the right audience is being reached with the right message. Teaching development teams to unlock hidden potential with donors based on generational giving trend.
- (In Spanish) Design and creation of a fundraising plan. Develop a plan to identify, cultivate, solicit, and manage sustainable funding sources by building ongoing relationships, using existing donors as partners, promoting growth, accountability, and process improvement.
- Implementing a Monthly Donor Campaign. How to launch and sustain a monthly giving program.
DAY 2, Friday, Sept. 25. Advanced Track
- Shark Tank: Elevator Pitch Practice. This will be a group practice session for the first time you get on the phone with a Program Officer from a Foundation that has the potential to make a grant or large gift to your nonprofit. It's a critical moment and you have to sell your organization, quickly, clearly and honestly.
- (In Spanish) Creation and development of a program of small events for large donations. Small events focused on large donations can be the best implementation strategy for developing significant donations. Identifying prospects, how to initially engage a potential major donor, the process of cultivating the relationship, and soliciting the donation.
- Cold Calling and Getting the First Appointment: Every organization has their top prospects they would love to reach, perhaps they aren't billionaires, but they are the people who can make those game changing gifts! We ask Development Officers to reach new best gifts prospects. But often nobody realizes that getting a difficult or first appointment is a learned skill.
- Solicitation and Asking for Money. Developing appropriate fundraising strategies and plans for their donors including: ways to involve potential donors before and after donations, and providing ongoing recognition and opportunities for giving.
- Mini-session: Improving Your Foundation Giving. Strengthen your grant funding process, build your foundation support, develop roots at the foundation, and nurture your relationships.
- Story Telling and End-of-Year Giving. Every organization needs a giving community, network of donors that share the interest of your organization; personal, interactive, and engaging communities of donors that can participate and support its mission. Preparation to share your story for your end of the year giving campaigns .
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the fee cover?
The conference fee includes access to the sessions, parking, meals, and if applicable hotel room(s), & dinner. Incidentals to your room (such as ordering food), travel to and from the location, and other services by the hotel are not covered by the fee and are the responsibility of the attendees.
Who can attend?
Attendance is ONLY for Somos El Poder members. Your can join on the Membership Web Page if it meets our organization criteria for membership. Go to Become a member page> Conference is open to all Latinx focused nonprofits that are Somos El Poder members, membership parameters can be found on our website at https://www.somoselpoder.org/become-a-member.html
What if I want to stay more nights at the hotel?
If you want to stay the night before or after the conference you can get the special rate at the hotel but Somos El Poder is not responsible to pay for those nights. Once you arrive at the hotel, they will ask for an ID and a credit card. The card is for incidentals to the room. The night of Sept. 24 might be included in your registration based on price tier that you selected, and there will be no cost for that. Any incidentals you order (food or drinks) to your room will not be covered by Somos El Poder.
How much does it cost to attend?
You must be a Somos El Poder Member only to attend this event. If you are not a member, you will be asked to Become a member . Here are the price rates:
What are the deadlines to sign up?
CANCELLATION POLICY:
To ensure the smooth running of the Fundraising Con Ganas Conference and to minimize financial losses, we kindly request that all registrants adhere to our cancellation policy. You can cancel your registration 3 weeks prior to get a full refund (see deadlines). Registrants with hotel rooms who wish to cancel their attendance the week of the conference are subject to the hotel's 24-hour cancellation policy. This means that you will have until the day before your arrival no later than 3pm to cancel with no hotel room penalty costs. Failure to cancel within this timeframe will result in your organizations being billed for the full conference cost, and if applicable hotel rooms. This is $1,300 per person. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
More details to be aware of:
What does the fee cover?
The conference fee includes access to the sessions, parking, meals, and if applicable hotel room(s), & dinner. Incidentals to your room (such as ordering food), travel to and from the location, and other services by the hotel are not covered by the fee and are the responsibility of the attendees.
Who can attend?
Attendance is ONLY for Somos El Poder members. Your can join on the Membership Web Page if it meets our organization criteria for membership. Go to Become a member page> Conference is open to all Latinx focused nonprofits that are Somos El Poder members, membership parameters can be found on our website at https://www.somoselpoder.org/become-a-member.html
What if I want to stay more nights at the hotel?
If you want to stay the night before or after the conference you can get the special rate at the hotel but Somos El Poder is not responsible to pay for those nights. Once you arrive at the hotel, they will ask for an ID and a credit card. The card is for incidentals to the room. The night of Sept. 24 might be included in your registration based on price tier that you selected, and there will be no cost for that. Any incidentals you order (food or drinks) to your room will not be covered by Somos El Poder.
How much does it cost to attend?
You must be a Somos El Poder Member only to attend this event. If you are not a member, you will be asked to Become a member . Here are the price rates:
- Individual Professional – $550 (Includes 1 hotel room for the night of Sept. 24; price does not change with/without hotel room)
- Team of 2 – $350 (No Hotel Rooms)
- Team of 2 – $550 (Includes up to 2 hotel rooms for the night of Sept. 24)
- Team of 3 – $525 (No Hotel Rooms)
- Team of 3 – $825 (Includes up to 3 hotel rooms for the night of Sept. 24)
- Team of 4 – $700 (No Hotel Rooms)
- Team of 4 – $1,100 (Includes up to 4 hotel rooms for the night of Sept. 24)
What are the deadlines to sign up?
- TBD. The Cut-Off Deadline for discounted rates for additional room nights at the expense of the attendee, that's $____+ taxes (__%) & fees.
- TBD. Final day to cancel to get full refund of your registration cost.
- TBD. Deadline to make changes to the names on your registration. Contact [email protected]
- TBD. Deadline to make changes to the names on your hotel rooms. Contact hotel's team for name changes.
- TBD. For those with hotel rooms, this is the safe deadline to cancel attendance without incurring penalties as per the cancellation policy below.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
To ensure the smooth running of the Fundraising Con Ganas Conference and to minimize financial losses, we kindly request that all registrants adhere to our cancellation policy. You can cancel your registration 3 weeks prior to get a full refund (see deadlines). Registrants with hotel rooms who wish to cancel their attendance the week of the conference are subject to the hotel's 24-hour cancellation policy. This means that you will have until the day before your arrival no later than 3pm to cancel with no hotel room penalty costs. Failure to cancel within this timeframe will result in your organizations being billed for the full conference cost, and if applicable hotel rooms. This is $1,300 per person. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
More details to be aware of:
- We have a limited number of seats for the conference.
- Please let us know in advance if you have dietary restrictions.
- Instruction will be in English, some materials might be in Spanish and English.
- Health and Safety - Anyone is welcome to wear a mask we are not requiring testing at this time.
- Please bring your laptops. Some classes might require that, especially to see the presentations on your laptops.
