About This Event
The average tenure for a nonprofit fundraiser is just 18 months. That's about how long it takes for major gift fundraising to start to gain real traction. So why do so many talented fundraisers leave before they ever have the chance to see their work pay off? In this candid session, Karen Cochran explores what separates organizations where fundraisers thrive from those where they struggle. Through stories from her career, she'll share how to evaluate leadership, assess organizational readiness, and ask the questions that reveal whether an opportunity is built for long-term success or short-term frustration. Whether you're considering your next opportunity or trying to make sense of the one you're in, you'll leave with a practical framework for recognizing the conditions that lead to a career measured in years, not months.
Karen S. Cochran, CFRE – Founder and Chief Philanthropic Innovator, Philanthropy Innovators
Presenter:
Karen Cochran, CFRE
Karen S. Cochran, CFRE, is founder of Philanthropy Innovators and a trusted advisor to nonprofit leaders navigating fundraising growth, organizational change, and leadership challenges. With more than 30 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, she helps organizations strengthen alignment, donor relationships, and long-term fundraising performance. Karen has advised nonprofits across education, healthcare, and human services and is known for translating complex organizational challenges into practical, actionable guidance. Based in Central Florida, she serves on the AFP US Foundation for Philanthropy Board and is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council.
Receive 1 CFRE Credit for this educational offering.
About This Event
The average tenure for a nonprofit fundraiser is just 18 months. That's about how long it takes for major gift fundraising to start to gain real traction. So why do so many talented fundraisers leave before they ever have the chance to see their work pay off? In this candid session, Karen Cochran explores what separates organizations where fundraisers thrive from those where they struggle. Through stories from her career, she'll share how to evaluate leadership, assess organizational readiness, and ask the questions that reveal whether an opportunity is built for long-term success or short-term frustration. Whether you're considering your next opportunity or trying to make sense of the one you're in, you'll leave with a practical framework for recognizing the conditions that lead to a career measured in years, not months.
Karen S. Cochran, CFRE – Founder and Chief Philanthropic Innovator, Philanthropy Innovators
Presenter:
Karen Cochran, CFRE
Karen S. Cochran, CFRE, is founder of Philanthropy Innovators and a trusted advisor to nonprofit leaders navigating fundraising growth, organizational change, and leadership challenges. With more than 30 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, she helps organizations strengthen alignment, donor relationships, and long-term fundraising performance. Karen has advised nonprofits across education, healthcare, and human services and is known for translating complex organizational challenges into practical, actionable guidance. Based in Central Florida, she serves on the AFP US Foundation for Philanthropy Board and is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council.
Receive 1 CFRE Credit for this educational offering.