meaningFULL Peer Cohort
A New Model for Nonprofit Fundraising Leadership
The MeaningFULL Peer Cohort, launched in 2025, is a peer-based leadership program for emerging nonprofit development professionals in Dane County. Members come from organizations that are led by or serve marginalized communities. Most were promoted from within their organizations, and all are stepping into development leadership roles for the first time.
This program was created in response to urgent needs identified over the past three years through direct work with small and mid-sized nonprofits. These organizations often lacked dedicated fundraising staff. The cohort structure is based on peer support, practical skill-building, and leadership development.
This model addresses a well-documented crisis in the nonprofit sector. In Dane County, there are 20 to 40 open fundraising positions listed every week. Nationally, development professionals stay in their roles for an average of only 16 to 18 months, and more than half expect to leave within two years. Turnover in these positions disrupts organizational stability and growth. People of color remain underrepresented in fundraising leadership across the country.
MeaningFULL is responding by building a local network of development professionals who are prepared, supported, and rooted in community. This work is focused on long-term stability and equity in nonprofit leadership.
To learn more about this new iniative please contact [email protected]
The MeaningFULL Peer Cohort, launched in 2025, is a peer-based leadership program for emerging nonprofit development professionals in Dane County. Members come from organizations that are led by or serve marginalized communities. Most were promoted from within their organizations, and all are stepping into development leadership roles for the first time.
This program was created in response to urgent needs identified over the past three years through direct work with small and mid-sized nonprofits. These organizations often lacked dedicated fundraising staff. The cohort structure is based on peer support, practical skill-building, and leadership development.
This model addresses a well-documented crisis in the nonprofit sector. In Dane County, there are 20 to 40 open fundraising positions listed every week. Nationally, development professionals stay in their roles for an average of only 16 to 18 months, and more than half expect to leave within two years. Turnover in these positions disrupts organizational stability and growth. People of color remain underrepresented in fundraising leadership across the country.
MeaningFULL is responding by building a local network of development professionals who are prepared, supported, and rooted in community. This work is focused on long-term stability and equity in nonprofit leadership.
To learn more about this new iniative please contact [email protected]