Sustain & Thrive:
group learning & implementation program
What You’ll Get
Sustain & Thrive breaks down the monumental task of building a strong individual giving program into bite-sized, actionable steps—each designed to fit into an hour or so per week.
Every month, you’ll unlock a new training unit with videos, instructions, and templates that guide you through the next step in the Framework for Sustainable Fundraising. You'll have unlimited access to these materials throughout the year, so you can learn at your own pace.
The Monthly Roadmap
Month 1: Foundations – Assess where you are and learn the Framework for Sustainable Fundraising.
Month 2: Keep the Donors You Have – Design a gratitude program that retains and deepens donor relationships.
Month 3: Find Your WHY – Craft a compelling case for support that inspires giving.
Month 4: Who Gives? – Develop your ideal donor personas and identify the best ways to connect with them.
Month 5: Nurture Your People – Design a donor cultivation process that moves people from “aware” to “invested.”
Month 6: The Ask – Learn how to solicit support in ways that feel natural and donor-centered (no guilt-tripping here!).
Month 7: Check in on Stewardship – Strengthen your donor retention strategy to keep supporters engaged long-term.
Month 8: Upgrade Potential – Develop a plan to grow relationships into more frequent or higher-level giving.
Month 9: The Board Room – Activate and engage your board in fundraising.
Month 10: Putting It All Together – Build a year-round fundraising rhythm that eliminates the “effort-to-effort” scramble.
Months 11-12: Expansion Options – Choose a focus area: multi-channel campaigns, peer-to-peer, major gifts, or event fundraising.
Build a Fundraising Program That Works—Without Burning Out
Fundraising success isn’t guesswork—it’s a recipe. From Scratch Fundraising has perfected that recipe and turned our Framework for Sustainable Fundraising into a 12-month program designed to transform nonprofit fundraising and build long-term capacity.
And we do it while banishing burnout.
imagine a space where you can mix ideas, roll out plans, and bake strategies with a group of passionate, driven individuals, all with the common goal of seeing your organization succeed-
that’s sustain & thrive
you won't be baking solo! join a community of like-minded peers, learning and growing together to achieve your wildest fundraising aspirations.
cohort
collaboration
our team of fundraising connoisseurs provides hands-on guidance, sharing our tried-and-true recipe for success (the Framework for Sustainable Fundraising) while adapting strategies to fit your organization's unique flavor.
guidance
from experts
this isn't a quick-fix recipe. we believe in slow, steady growth, nurturing your fundraising journey over twelve months to ensure a strong, sustainable rise.
twelve-month
nurturing
Hands-On Learning Support
Learning isn’t just about watching videos—it’s about taking action. That’s why Sustain & Thrive includes weekly live coaching and community support.
💬 The Community – You’ll access all training content and a peer support network through Skool, our interactive online platform. Post questions, share wins, and get feedback from coaches and fellow fundraisers.
📅 Weekly Group Calls – Each week, we meet as a cohort to provide structure, accountability, and direct coaching:
Call 1: Goal Setting & Work Planning – Set monthly priorities based on your fundraising goals.
Call 2: Ask Anything – Get expert guidance on implementation challenges.
Call 3: Implementation Hour – Dedicated work time for accountability and action.
Call 4: Ask Anything – More live Q&A to troubleshoot, refine, and keep moving forward.
Affordable Pricing: Pay As You Grow
We know small nonprofits have tight budgets. That’s why we scale pricing based on your organization’s size.
| Your Organization's Budget | You Pay... |
|---|---|
| Less than $100,000 | $25/month |
| $100,000 - $499,000 | $75/month |
| $500,000 - $999,000 | $150/month |
| Over $1 million | $250/month |
Testimonials from Participants
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I joined Sustain & Thrive cohort right at the beginning of one of our biggest fundraising months (Ramadān) - Kelly and Amy gave me the formula, accountability, and encouragement to make direct 'asks' using a 'case for support' slide deck that I developed using their templates and guidance: something I'd never successfully done before. They even offered to help me practice making my 'ask'! With their support, I scheduled 6 donor calls in one week, and raised $30k from making direct asks! Joining the cohort is simply money very well spent!
Lauren Schreiber
Executive Director
Center DC -
This group was really motivating. I learned new ideas and most have executable paths. I also feel like at times my experiences have helped others. It is the best fundraising class I have been a part of and I have tried lots over the years. I had given up on them and something about the application for this one intrigued me. I'm so glad I joined.
Megan Seifert
Executive Director
Headwaters Science Institute -
I joined because I wanted the opportunity to connect with peers in similar sized orgs that may be facing the same challenges as I am. I’ve gained that and so much more. From Kelly sharing her own personal experience and tools to cohort peers giving real time insights into what is or isn’t working for them, I’ve been able to bring so much back to my day to day work.
Deana Kaplan
Chief Development & Communications Officer
The Nora Project -
When I signed up, I thought I had mastered some of the key aspects of fundraising and all I had to do was polish up. Little did I know that I did not even know the half of it!! Kelly has graciously shared her time, her resources, her knowledge and herself with us - listened patiently as we asked all sorts of questions.
Doris Mitti Kimuli
Director of Partnerships & Fundraising
The Remnant Generation -
It's wonderful to have a group of development professionals who may work in a different state or for a different cause, but still totally appreciate the challenges you face and are there to share ideas. Kelly does a great job of providing really useful, applicable content while allowing us to help and learn from each other.
Lauren Mahajan Brocone
Development Manager
Transplant House of Cleveland