Grow Your Annual Fund Giving the Right Way

Stop surviving on one project appeal letter a year.

Build a thriving, donor-first annual fund that fuels your mission year-round and grows giving for where you need it most.

MARCH 2026 COHORT REGISTRATION
ONE-ON-ONE CONTRACT

Two proven paths.

One goal.

Sustainable, “where-needed-most” annual fund giving that grows year over year.

If you’ve been operating without a real plan for your annual fund, you’re not alone. This program gives you the strategy, the calendar, and the support to build the kind of donor partnership that strengthens your mission—and you’ll begin to feel the impact in your first year.

Register for the March 2026 Cohort Today
  • Designed for nonprofits raising less than $100K per year

  • Affordable, structured learning with community support

  • Step-by-step guidance to launch your first full annual fund program successfully

  • Learn strategy to identify and approach major donors

  • Learn what you need to receive planned gifts

  • Accountability and access to Mitzie through Basecamp and individual support meetings

  • Implement year one and a plan for year two

  • The 15 Month Calendar is located at the bottom of this page.

Donorarc Annual Fund Giving Program Cohort

15 Months for $1295 (one time fee)

MARCH 2026 COHORT REGISTRATION

One-on-One Annual Fund Giving Program Consulting

  • Evaluation of current practice to determine what to keep, change, or add to your system

  • First drafts of appeals written by the consultant

  • End of year evaluation and plan shifts as needed

  • Customized strategy to help you scale

  • Private coaching, deeper accountability, and faster results

  • Review top donors and build a strategy and receive the training to cultivate them into deeper engagement

  • Comprehensive Donorarc system tailored to your goals

  • Flexible scheduling with full Basecamp project access

  • Implement year one and a plan for year two

15 Months for $12,000 (15 monthly payments)

Schedule a Call

Client Success by the Numbers:

Donorarc-focused giving increased from $248,120 year-to-date through October 2024 to $346,376 year-to-date through October 2025, a remarkable 39.6% jump. These numbers reflect only the portions of the annual fund shaped by Donorarc practices and do not include the anticipated continued growth from their Quarter 4 Donorarc Newsletter or their end-of-year appeals. (Porter County Community Foundation one-on-one contract)

A campus ministry in Washington raised $32,000 in 2023 and $26,000 in 2024 before adopting the Donorarc model. After beginning to use Donorarc, they had already raised $59,000 by August 2025, more than doubling their previous year’s total by the end of the eighth month. These totals do not yet reflect their Quarter 4 Donorarc newsletter or their end-of-year appeal, and if they remain on this trajectory, they can anticipate their strongest year of giving ever. (Cohort Model)

So many nonprofits rely on restricted, one-time gifts for “stuff” — a van, a roof, or a summer program — and find themselves asking again next year from the same tired donors.


Without a solid annual fund revenue stream, organizations can’t dream bigger, hire well, or plan ahead.

The truth is: your donors want to do more. They just need you to show them why their giving matters.

That’s where the Donorarc model comes in.

Donorarc is my proven system for building donor trust, loyalty, and generosity through story-driven communication.

You’ll learn to:

  • Write and mail quarterly story newsletters that make donors feel like partners.

  • Craft two impact-centered appeal letters each year that grow giving — not guilt.

  • Create and execute a gratitude plan that builds long-term relationships.

  • Build and manage your database to actually track what matters.

  • Engage your board in fundraising without the awkwardness.

  • Share your stories online — website, email, and social — with clarity and confidence.

You’ll walk away not just inspired, but equipped to run your entire annual fund system — for years to come.

This isn’t a certificate course.

It’s not just me sharing theory.

  • You will learn how.

  • You will practice with me.

  • You will be able to replicate.

You’ll leave knowing exactly how to:
✔ Build and sustain donor trust.
✔ Communicate impact with clarity.
✔ Ask boldly and gratefully.
✔ Grow the revenue you can actually use — “where needed most.”

Because fundraising isn’t about manipulation.

It’s about partnership. It is Donor First.

Cohort Option: $1,295

A 15-month, guided learning experience for nonprofits raising under $100,000 per year.

Perfect for organizations that:

  • Send one appeal letter (or no appeal letter) each year.

  • Have never mailed a story-based newsletter.

  • Want affordable, structured training and accountability.

  • Thrive in a learning community with other nonprofits.

You’ll Get 15 Months of:

  • Step-by-step instructions from me every month.

  • Access to my Basecamp program manager to organize your work.

  • Practical guidance — not just theory — you’ll use immediately.

  • A comprehensive annual fund calendar to guide your donor first communication strategy.

  • Peer encouragement and shared learning from others in your cohort.

  • Access to me for quick questions anytime.

  • Sessions are recorded so you can review them again during the 15th months.

Next Cohort Begins: March 24, 2026

Registration is OPEN now.
Registration Closes: March 2, 2026 at midnight ET

FREE INFORMATION SESSION: Tuesday, January 13th, 3pm ET (Pre-register here to receive the Zoom Link)

One time, nonrefundable payment.

MARCH 2026 COHORT REGISTRATION
Register for January 13th Information Session

One-on-One Consulting Option: $12,000

15 Month personalized strategy and accountability for established nonprofits ready to level up.

Ideal if you already:

  • Have an active donor database.

  • Send appeal letters, but want stronger results.

  • Need a guide who can help you implement faster and aim higher.

You’ll Get 15 Months of:

  • Private coaching and project management.

  • Comprehensive evaluation of current practice and a considerate plan for adaptation.

  • First drafts of appeals and other key communications written by the consultant.

  • Full Donorarc annual fund system customized to your organization.

  • Deep accountability and strategic alignment with your goals.

  • Immediate, measurable growth — typically 15–100%+ in year one.

  • Flexible start anytime with ongoing support through Basecamp.

15-Monthly Payments. Cancel anytime and pay no more than what has been invoiced.

Schedule Appointment

Praise for Donorarc Annual Fund

  • “This program is 100% why we were able to replace our roof. Someone stood up at Synod Assembly after reading our first newsletter and said it changed how they advocated for our ministry. We had already raised a third of the funds, and that day two alumni stood up and said, ‘We’ll cover the rest.’ It was a miracle—our roof says thank you!”

  • “I appreciated how practical this was—no reinventing the wheel. Before this, I was chasing articles and ideas. Now it’s clear, focused, and structured. It’s just 20 minutes of their time, with a clear deadline. The accountability was exactly what we needed.”

  • “The content wasn’t theoretical—it produced immediate results. Everything we were learning was reinforced through the video sessions. I didn’t have to do extra learning; it was all right there.”

  • “When our campus pastor left, we were lost. Having guidance and a clear roadmap was a lifesaver. The board could simply take the next step without overthinking. Your process gave us direction and confidence.”

  • “It’s like having Mitzie’s recipe—simple, clear, and proven. You don’t get to the goal overnight, but over time it becomes second nature. Once people understand that, you don’t waste time explaining the process. The cohort is incredibly valuable. I’ve even said, ‘Let’s ask Mitzie’ when tough conversations come up. The one-on-one check-ins make all the difference.”

  • “This was unlike any other fundraising class. You didn’t just teach theory—you said, ‘Do this.’ There was accountability. We had to take action, submit the work, and make it happen. The templates were a huge help, and your availability during our transition was such a gift. I’ve already recommended it to others.”

  • “It’s hands-on, practical, and full of accountability. The first year feels like Fundraising 101; the second year, you really buckle down and implement. I’m grateful for both.”

  • “I love the system. It gives structure—especially the calendar. Even if I fall a few days behind, I know exactly where I am. The backbone is storytelling, and that’s powerful. Having someone to talk things through with is incredibly helpful.”

  • “The stories inspire everyone—the board, the pastor, even my daughter, who loves reading them. Students enjoy reading and sharing their own stories too, which surprised me. I used to work for ELCA Churchwide Stewardship, and this is the most solid process I’ve seen.”

Real nonprofits. Real growth.

Clients using Donorarc see an average 15% growth, with some exceeding growth of 100% in annual giving — often in their very first year.


They’ve built stronger boards, improved communication, and finally have the freedom to fund their missions sustainably.

“This isn’t about just raising money. It’s about changing the way your donors see themselves in your story.”
— Mitzie Schafer, Author of Tell Stories Your Donors Can’t Ignore

Whether you’re just beginning to build your annual fund or ready to refine and expand, both options give you the structure, accountability, and confidence you need to succeed.

Choose your path:

  • Join the Donorarc Annual Fund Giving Cohort – Starts March 24, 2026

    • REGISTRATION OPEN NOW

    • FREE INFORMATION SESSION: Tuesday, January 13th 3pm ET (Preregister here to receive the Zoom Link)

  • Start a One-on-One Consulting Contract Anytime – Book a free discovery call today

Register for the January 13th Information Session to learn more
Register for the March 2026 Cohort to reserve Your Spot
Schedule appointment for one-on-one

Proposed 2026-2027 Calendar

All Meetings are held from 3pm ET-4pm ET unless otherwise *noted and meetings are recorded for cohort members to review at a later date: 


Registration NOW Open. Register here.
Registration Closes Monday, March 2nd, 2026

INFORMATION SESSION: Tuesday, January 13th at 3pm 
(Pre-Register here to receive the Zoom Link)


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Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 at *2pm-4pm ET

  • Donorarc Storytelling Training 1

  • Will ensure you use the summer to collect stories to help increase giving.

  • Basecamp Training


Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at *2pm-4pm ET

  • Donorarc Storytelling Training 2

  • Learn to edit the stories you collected over the summer and begin sharing them each month. 


Tuesday, May 12, 2026

  • Database


Tuesday, June 16, 2026 

  • Newsletter Training


JULY - Work on Newsletter and Story Collection

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

  • End of Year Appeal Training


Tuesday, September 15, 2026

  • Gratitude Plan


Tuesday, October 13, 2026

  • Best Practices for the end of the year


Tuesday, November 17, 2026

  • Friend Raisers & Prospecting


December - Off for the holidays


Tuesday, January 12, 2027 (2pm-4pm ET - Note Time Difference)

  • Board Development (Board Members invited)



Tuesday, February 16, 2027

  • Spring Appeal Prep

Tuesday, March 16, 2027

  • Major Donor Solicitation


Tuesday, April 13, 2027

  • Planned Giving Documents


Tuesday, May 11, 2027

  • Planned Giving Solicitation/Workshop


Tuesday, May 25, 2027

  • Final Meeting Review the Calendar

June is open for you to connect one-on-one with Mitzie for final support.

Register today