Leadership Gift School (LGS) is designed for CEOs and Development Directors who want to work as true partners in advancing their organization’s philanthropic strategy. Over five sessions in a hybrid format, executive and development leaders learn together from experienced philanthropic practitioners, analyze real-world case studies, and engage their boards to strengthen donor strategy, internal alignment, and leadership confidence. Sessions one, three, and five are held in person, with sessions two and four conducted virtually, creating space for both deep relationship-building and practical application.

With more than 275 graduates from over 110 organizations, LGS brings a decade-long record of elevating leadership-level giving across the region. Participants leave with shared language, practical tools, and a clear roadmap for growing gifts from $10,000 to $1 million and beyond, grounded in stronger donor relationships and organizational clarity.

Designed for CEO–Development Director pairs ready to deepen their partnership and lead a more intentional, aligned approach to major gifts.

LGS is offered in partnership with the Institute of Philanthropic Leadership.

Sessions take place on Fridays from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm ET.

2027 Dates:

• Session 1: Fri. January 22
• Session 2: Fri. February 19
• Session 3: Fri. March 19
• Session 4: Fri. April 23
• Session 5: Fri. May 21
• Session 6: Thurs. December 2
• Session 7: Thurs. December 16