I Have Entered the Wonderful World of Donor Relations...Now What Do I Do?
Wednesday, September 17
4:00 - 5:00 PM


Are you fairly new to the wonderful world of Donor Relations? Are you looking for a project that will make an impression on your donors and your bosses? Are you building a department from scratch or improving what is already established? Do you just want to find out if you are on the right path?

This session is meant for newcomers who just need a place to get organized and focused. The session will offer basic ideas for your donor recognition program in a small shop, events that will benefit the donor and the student and impact reports that speak to your donors.

Audience Expertise Level: Newcomer (0- 2 years)
Shop Size: Small Shop (1-5 staff), Medium Shop (6-10 staff)


Toni Robinson

Toni Robinson is the Director of Donor Relations at the University of Hartford where she leads a comprehensive stewardship program. Toni began her career at the University as the Director of Advancement Services 17 years ago then eight years ago was asked to create the donor relations program. Under her leadership, University donors are shown appreciation through special events, named signage, endowment reports and letters of gratitude from scholarship recipients. Prior to working at the University, Toni was the Executive Director of the Connecticut Democratic State Party. A founding board member of the Association of Donor Relations Professionals (ADRP), Toni has served on several committees as well leading sessions on Donor Relations at the annual conference and regional conferences. Toni has presented at the ADPR International Conference, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Western Mass and at the ADRP NYC Regional conference. In 2005, Toni received the ADRP Inaugural Service Award for her work in the donor relations field. Toni has a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and a master’s degree in Communication both from the University of Hartford.