The Work Behind the Ask: Data, Decisions and Collaborations in Fundraising (Wednesday, October 28, 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

The Work Behind the Ask: Data, Decisions and Collaborations in Fundraising

5th Annual Fundraising Fundamentals Symposium

Half Day Educational Event

Fundraising success is built before the ask; through the data that guides strategy and the relationships that move the work forward. The Work Behind the Ask is a half-day symposium connecting fundraising professionals with experienced practitioners to explore what to track, how to use it and how to build productive partnerships across development, finance, programs and operations. Whether you are entering the field, growing into management or leading a development team, you will gain practical approaches to strengthen both your day-to-day work and your organization’s fundraising culture. Come ready to sharpen your practice, exchange ideas with colleagues and leave with clear next steps you can put to work.

AGENDA

9:30 AM: Check-in, Networking
9:45 AM - 11:15 AM: Session One
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM: Break
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Session Two
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Networking

*Coffee, light bites and snacks will be served

MODERATED BY

Evelyn Chen, IPA
Partner, Russell Philanthropies

Evelyn is a Partner at Russell Philanthropies, following a 20-year career in nonprofit development and leadership. She has led capital and programmatic campaigns for The Nature Conservancy and Per Scholas, and built advancement teams that consistently achieved double-digit revenue increases. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President at Per Scholas, where she helped triple the size of the development team and drove revenue growth from $25M in 2020 to $61M in 2024. At Russell Philanthropies, Evelyn applies her expertise to advise nonprofits and philanthropists as they build courageous, durable programs that benefit communities and causes for the long haul.

SESSION ONE: 9:45 AM - 11:15 AM

Fundraising Across the Organization: Building Trust, Alignment and Shared Accountability

Effective fundraising depends on strong working relationships across development, finance, programs and operations. This conversation will examine how fundraisers at any level can build trust, communicate priorities, navigate competing needs and create greater shared ownership of fundraising goals. Attendees will gain practical ways to strengthen collaboration within their organizations, regardless of their title or team size.

SPEAKER

Judy Reissmann, MPA
Partner, The Growth Point

Judy Reissmann is a Partner at The Growth Point, a strategic development firm she co-founded that helps mission-driven organizations, nonprofits and cultural institutions build fundraising systems that last. Her fundraising career spans more than ten years in consulting, healthcare and education. She focuses on donor engagement, campaign strategy and development communications, and she believes in building relationships before transactions.

Before The Growth Point, Judy was a Director at CCS Fundraising. There she advised nonprofit leaders across sectors, with clients including Ocean Conservancy and Berkeley Carroll School. Growth Point clients work in sectors focused on civic and social progress, such as The Center for Discovery, Represented Foundation and Charm City Cultural Cultivation. She currently leads development at ICI, where she is driving forward a $10 million campaign. She started her career at NYU Langone in strategic donor engagement for 7-figure patrons.

Originally from Eswatini, Judy holds an MPA from NYU Wagner and a BA in Sociology from Colorado College. She is also a multidisciplinary mixed media artist.

SESSION TWO: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Data-Informed Fundraising: What to Track, How to Interpret It and When to Act

Data can strengthen every part of fundraising, from annual giving and events to moves management and major gifts, but only when teams know what to track and how to use it. An analytics specialist and experienced fundraising practitioner will discuss how to interpret results, segment audiences, set informed goals and make strategic decisions using the tools already available. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of which information matters and how to translate it into action.

SPEAKER

Jess Roberts, MS in Nonprofit Management
Vice President, Data Analytics
CCS Fundraising

Jess Roberts is a Vice President at CCS Fundraising, where she leads Analytics and Resource Management for a growing portfolio of data, technology, and fundraising work. Over the past 20+ years, she has partnered with more than 1,500 nonprofits, helping organizations turn their data into clearer direction and stronger outcomes.

She was part of the founding team that built CCS’s Analytics practice, scaling it from a small group into a high‑impact function of 250+ engagements a year. Jess is known for building practical systems, developing strong teams, and helping organizations move from ideas to execution without unnecessary complexity.

Outside of her core role, Jess teaches at Columbia University, speaks regularly at industry conferences, and contributes to training and thought leadership across the nonprofit data and fundraising space.

Connections on Tap: A Fall Networking Event (Thursday, November 05, 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

THIS EVENT IS BY INVITATION ONLY FOR THE AFP-NYC EMERGING LEADERS COLLECTIVE, THE AFP-NYC MENTORSHIP PROGRAM, AND AFP-NYC YOUNG PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS.

Join us for a casual networking happy hour!

Connect, build relationships, expand your network, and learn more about ways to get involved with AFP-NYC.

We hope to see you there!

2026 National Philanthropy Day Celebration (Wednesday, November 18, 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Association of Fundraising Professionals New York City Chapter (AFP-NYC), in collaboration with Non-Profits Night Out (NPNO) and Philanthropic Planning Group of Greater New York (PPGGNY), invites you to join us on Wednesday, November 18th at High Bar NYC for an unforgettable National Philanthropy Day Celebration.

Raise a glass with fellow fundraisers to celebrate the people and passion behind philanthropy at one of Midtown’s premier rooftop venues, with sweeping city views.

Year-end fundraising season is here. Before the inbox fills up, the to-do list grows and December deadlines take over, take a night to celebrate all you’ve accomplished this year with people who get it.

Enjoy cocktails, great food and good company while connecting with fellow fundraisers from across New York’s nonprofit community. No panels or workshops. Just a chance to unwind, catch up with colleagues and celebrate the work we do.

Come for the cocktails. Stay for the community. Leave reminded of why you love this work.

Space is limited to 100 guests.

Your ticket includes:

Two cocktails
Hors d’oeuvres
An evening of connection and celebration with New York’s fundraising community

2027 Chapter Annual Meeting (Thursday, January 28, 2027)

Thu, 28 Jan 2027 13:30:00 GMT

SAVE THE DATE!
Event details and registration coming soon.

AGENDA:

8:30am: Check-in opens
8:30am - 9:00am: Coffee, Breakfast and Networking
9:00am - 10:40am: Program
10:40am - 11:00am: Networking

AFP-NYC upcoming events

The Work Behind the Ask: Data, Decisions and Collaborations in Fundraising (Wednesday, October 28, 2026)

Connections on Tap: A Fall Networking Event (Thursday, November 05, 2026)

2026 National Philanthropy Day Celebration (Wednesday, November 18, 2026)

2027 Chapter Annual Meeting (Thursday, January 28, 2027)