WSPN upcoming events

WSPN Spring Series: Business Strategy - Building a Fundraising Plan (Thursday, May 21, 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Registration is open and will be available until May 18, 2026.

The May program meeting is not only learning—it’s about building. You’ll be leaving with a draft of your future development and stewardship plans.

Please come prepared with the following tools from your organization so you can get the most out of the session: Strategic Plan, current organizational fundraising snapshot, biggest pain point when it comes to activating your vision for fundraising in your organization.

By the end of the session, participants should walk out with more than notes—they’ll have momentum in their hands.

Here are four clear takeaways:

A Draft Fundraising Engine (Not Just Ideas)
Participants leave with a structured outline connecting mission → development → stewardship → execution.
Clarity on Where Growth Will Come From
They’ll identify their highest-impact revenue stream and define a focused path to grow it.
A Practical Stewardship System
A simple, repeatable donor engagement plan that keeps supporters connected and giving.
An Immediate Action Plan Using AI Tools
At least one concrete way to save time and increase output within 48 hours of the session.

Program Leaders

Lea Jackman

Superintendent of Communications and Development

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA)

Lea is a lifelong champion of relationship‑centered fundraising. With more than 30 years of experience, she specializes in building authentic donor relationships by connecting what motivates people to causes that truly matter. Lea Jackman believes the future of development lives at the intersection of thoughtful stewardship, compelling storytelling, and smart tools—including artificial intelligence—guided by empathy, curiosity, and a very human touch. Lea believes the strongest fundraising strategies blend data with heart-and that even in the age of AI, relationships will always be the real currency.

Anne O’Dell

Former Executive Director

H.O.M.E. DuPage, Wheaton

With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and grant writing, Anne O’Dell is a transformative leader who formerly served as Executive Director of H.O.M.E. DuPage. She successfully guided her team through immense challenges, including the COVID-19 crisis and major funding cuts. Anne is recognized for her creative problem-solving, strategic vision, and exceptional ability to build coalitions and community partnerships. She is a dedicated, results-oriented professional energized by high-stakes challenges and fostering purposeful collaboration to drive organizational success.

Katie Clark

Chief Executive Officer

Mission Engine AI, Glen Ellyn, IL

With nearly 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Katie serves as CEO of Mission Engine AI, partnering with nonprofit executives to develop strategies that clarify direction and position organizations for long-term success and meaningful impact. She is a respected leader known for her servant-leadership style and ability to unite staff, volunteers, and stakeholders around a shared vision. Through Mission Engine AI, she leads the development and application of secure, nonprofit-focused AI solutions that enhance grant writing, donor research, development and stewardship planning, event execution, and marketing campaigns. Katie brings deep expertise in fundraising, operations, marketing, and organizational development, designing practical strategies that strengthen donor engagement, improve efficiency, and support sustainable growth.

PENDING APPROVAL for CFRE Credit - Full participation in this session may be applicable for 1.25 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

WSPN Spring Series: Business Strategy - Trust in Leadership (Thursday, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Join a candid conversation with seasoned development leaders as they reflect on how fundraising has evolved and where it must go next. Celebrating not only tenure, this panel will also emphasize practical insight, continuous learning, and inclusive leadership.

Panelists will share lessons learned, moments of recalibration, and strategies for building authentic donor relationships in a changing landscape. The discussion will also explore how to expand effectiveness through lessons learned, the importance of mentorship and what it can look like, and how to strengthen the next generation of professionals.

Following the session, attendees will be able to:

Identify 2-3 practical fundraising approaches that are effective across experience levels and organizational contexts.
Apply strategies to build more inclusive, relationship-centered donor engagement practices.
Recognize ways to expand access, mentorship, and visibility for emerging professionals.
Gain tools to seek beneficial mentorship experiences.
Commit to one actionable change that strengthens individual and team effectiveness.

Speaker Information:

TO COME!

PENDING APPROVAL for CFRE Credit - Full participation in this session may be applicable for 1.25 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

2026 WSPN Philanthropy Awards (Thursday, August 27, 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Now seeking nominations and sponsors!

Nominations due May 29, 2026

The 24th Annual WSPN Philanthropy Awards will take place on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn.

At the heart of the philanthropic community are people-organizers, communicators, mentors, and innovators, all who are willing to inspire, enlighten, feed, heal, shelter, educate, and nurture the people in our community. Each year, West Suburban Philanthropic Network recognizes these outstanding individuals, businesses, foundations, and corporations and the skilled, fundraising professionals who serve alongside them through our Annual Philanthropy Awards.

We invite you to nominate a person, group, business, or organization to be recognized in these categories:

Philanthropist of the Year
Humanitarian of the Year
Young Philanthropist of the Year
Grantmaker of the Year
Philanthropic Foundation of the Year
Philanthropic Service Club of the Year
Philanthropic Business of the Year
Nonprofit Executive of the Year
Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION FOR THE 2026 WSPN PHILANTHROPY AWARDS

We are able to provide networking and growth opportunities all year long thanks to our generous sponsors of our annual awards program.

We invite you to:

View SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION.
Download the SPONSORSHIP FORM.

Thank you for supporting WSPN!