Session Topics:
Session 1: Key Principles of Fundraising
Session 2: The Taking Donors Seriously® Framework
Session 3: Deep Dive into Prospects
Session 4: Deep Dive into Leadership
Biographies
Brad Layland, CEO of The FOCUS Group, first learned how to raise money in 1993 as a college student and part-time Young Life staff. The expertise he developed in relational fundraising led to being asked to train area directors around the country, and eventually to become Young Life’s Chief Development Officer. In 2009, Brad joined The FOCUS Group as Senior Consultant, becoming owner and CEO in 2010. In 2013, he launched the Taking Donors Seriously® e-learning and coaching program making the firm’s expertise accessible to individuals and smaller nonprofits.
Brad’s nonprofit fundraising counsel expertise incorporates major donor strategies, training workshops, planned gift marketing, and capital campaign counsel. Capital campaigns he has led include Dallas Theological Seminary ($160M), InterVarsity Christian Fellowship ($89M), Union Rescue Mission ($83M), The Bowery Mission ($27M), and Veritas School ($5.3M).
Brad holds a B.A. Communications from the University of Florida and M.A. Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He, his wife Wendy, and four children reside in St. Augustine, FL and Richmond, VA. In 20 years, he has completed 55 marathons and two Ironman Triathlons. Brad is a classical school parent, SCL board member, and a Veritas Classical School parent-founder and board member. He is founder of Endless Summer Realty, the largest residential real estate brokerage in St. Augustine. Several years ago, Brad launched “Giving Day”, a platform for St. Augustine nonprofits, clients, and classical schools to raise funds and establish new donor relationships.