Workshop: Challenge Campaigns
January 23, 2026, 12:00pm-3:00pm ET
Overview

Consumers love to get a good deal or take advantage of a special offer, which is why coupons and sales can be effective marketing techniques. The same concept applies in fundraising too, which is why donor “challenges” can be so effective as a way to create excitement and motivate your donors to give. There are many different ways to approach doing challenges. Whether it's part of a giving day or a stand-alone effort, understanding your options and determining the best strategy for your program, will ensure that your challenge runs smoothly and helps you achieve your fundraising goals.
Join us for a highly interactive small group workshop that will allow you to take a deeper dive into donor challenge strategies and provide you with a framework taking your program to the next level.
Participants will have an opportunity to:
- Build on their current knowledge base and expand their understanding
- Meet in a small group with colleagues from other institutions
- Engage in advanced discussions on complicated issues and challenges
- View and analyze real world issues and examples
- Obtain tools, templates, and other materials
- Earn CFRE credit
- And more!
This workshop is ideal for educational fundraising professionals who want to engage in a more advanced and discussion-based approach to learning on this topic. Please note:
- Seats are limited - register early to secure your spot.
- AGN Members save an additional 40%
- Further discounts apply when registering multiple attendees from one institution
- Only one-person/login per registration.
Program
(all times are Eastern Time)
11:50am - Sign-In Begins
12:00pm - Welcome and Introductions
Get an overview of the day and get to know the other members of your group.
12:15pm - Issues and Opportunities
Reflect on the pre-work assignment and engage in group discussions to unpack some of the most important questions facing programs today.
1:00pm - Assignment/Break
1:15pm - Analysis and Insights
Examine real world examples, identify specific strengths and weaknesses, and consider ways to improve approaches going forward.
2:00pm - Assignment/Break
2:15pm - Plans and Priorities
Begin to develop a strategy to improve your efforts by sharing an outline of individual plans and priorities for the months ahead.
3:00pm - Workshop Ends
*Note: Only one person/login per institutional registration.
Faculty
Mike O'Brien

Mike O’Brien has led educational fundraising programs at Wheaton College, Buckingham Browne & Nichols School and Boston College High School. Michael’s other experience includes admissions, teaching, college counseling and international programs prior to working in development. Mike holds degrees from Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and Hobart & William Smith Colleges where he was a four-year member and team captain of Hobart’s lacrosse team.
For more information about this workshop, please contact us at 888.407.5064 or [email protected].
