Fundraising Frontiers: Building Connections That Matter
GSB’s Cohort Program for Camp and Outdoor Ministry Leaders
Cohort launches April 13, 2027
OVERVIEW
Program Includes
Cohort gatherings held online every three months on these topics:
» Fundraising in Relationship to Synod/District and Congregations (April)
» State and National Giving days (September)
» Annual Fund 101 (November)
» Donor Relations (January)
Between each cohort gathering, participants receive two individual one-hour sessions with Dave focused on the current subject — so you can apply what you’re learning directly to your ministry before the next gathering begins.
Cohort launches April 13, 2027
What You Will Learn
Growing your camp’s fundraising reach requires more than occasional appeals – it takes intentional relationships, clear strategy, and consistent engagement. This cohort is designed to help you broaden your base of support by strengthening connections with congregations, maximizing giving opportunities, and building sustainable donor relationships.
Through a structured, year-long process, you’ll gain practical tools you can implement immediately – while also developing a long-term approach that supports your ministry year after year.
Synod and Congregational Relationships in Relation to Fundraising (April)
Strong Synod/District and congregational relationships are essential to sustainable fundraising. You’ll learn practical ways to deepen connections, engage pastors, and invite congregations into meaningful partnership. We’ll also focus on ways to involve your staff and board members in becoming a key strategy for building trust and long-term support.
State and National Giving Days (September)
Learn how to create and execute a high-impact online giving day that energizes your supporters. You’ll develop a clear marketing strategy, build anticipation across audiences, and lead a coordinated campaign that drives engagement and generosity.
Annual Fund 101 (November)
Build a strong annual fund that supports your ministry year after year. You’ll learn the basics of how to grow your donor base, structure a sustainable giving program, and implement renewal strategies that improve retention. We’ll also cover simple practices – like the “blue ink” effect – that strengthen donor appreciation.
Donor Relations (January)
Fundraising is about relationships, not transactions. You’ll learn how to better understand donor passions, invite deeper engagement, and create meaningful opportunities for connection that strengthen long-term support for your ministry.
Cohort launches April 13, 2027
What is your return on investment?
By the end of this program, you will have a clearer, more confident approach to fundraising that extends beyond one-time efforts. You’ll leave equipped with practical strategies to engage your Synod or District and congregations more effectively each year, along with a well-developed plan for executing successful state and national giving days.
You’ll also gain essential fundraising skills – from building and sustaining an annual fund to strengthening donor retention through thoughtful, relationship-driven practices. Most importantly, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how to cultivate lasting donor relationships that support and sustain your ministry over time.
This is a 12-month investment of $1,295.
Cohort launches April 13, 2027
Who Should Participate?
This program is designed for camp and outdoor ministry leaders who are responsible for fundraising, donor engagement, or development strategy. It is especially valuable for new Executive Directors, Development Directors, Program Staff involved in advancement efforts, and Board members who play an active role in supporting fundraising initiatives. If you are looking to strengthen congregational partnerships, grow your annual fund, or build more effective giving campaigns, this program will give you practical tools and clear direction you can apply immediately — all in one focused year.
This is a 12-month investment of $1,295.
Cohort launches April 13, 2027
Dave Jarvis brings more than 37 years of full-time outdoor ministry experience to this cohort. He specializes in camp operations, annual fund development, Giving Day campaigns, stewardship, and summer staff development and training. The majority of Dave’s career has been in service to outdoor ministries of the ELCA.
As Executive Director of Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp for 37 years, Dave built an annual fund from scratch and grew it to more than $600,000 annually. He developed policies and procedures across all aspects of the ministry – tightening and systematizing operations in ways that have stood the test of time.
Dave has a genuine passion for helping outdoor ministries thrive. He will be your partner every step of the way.
When he’s not consulting, Dave loves the mountains of Colorado and everything the outdoors has to offer – running, skiing, hiking, and spending time with his wife Nellie and their grandson Oliver.
Meet Dave Jarvis, GSB Consultant
Cohort launches April 13, 2027