The Power of Global Giving: How Relationships Drive Global Change

Date: October 29, 2026
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 AM
Location: CCS Fundraising

Philanthropy knows no borders, but fundraising across them requires cultural fluency, ethical clarity, and strategic skill. This interactive session explores how fundraisers can build authentic, equitable, and sustainable partnerships on a global scale.

Through real-world case studies and candid discussion, participants will examine both the opportunities and the challenges of international fundraising. Together, we’ll identify practical strategies to diversify donor bases, strengthen trust, and ensure locally informed decision-marking. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and a shared framework for ethical, effective, and globally minded fundraising that transforms generosity into lasting impact.

Speaker: Alexandria Gates, CFRE, Senior Director of Development, Kreiger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University

Alexandria Gates, CFRE is the Senior Director of Development for the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. She leads major, principal, and foundation giving, along with donor relations and stewardship, driving strategies that align philanthropy with institutional priorities. Alexandria has led multi-million-dollar campaigns, secured transformational gifts, and expanded donor engagement across global markets. Known for her strategic vision and collaborative leadership, she builds high-performing teams and fosters meaningful partnerships. She also serves on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – DC Chapter, advancing leadership and excellence in philanthropy.

Speaker: Beth Keller, CFRE, CAP, VP of Advancement, Feed the Children

Keller’s expertise includes major and principal gifts, capital campaigns, grant writing, marketing, public relations, special events, and volunteer engagement. Keller is a trusted advisor to donors on family philanthropy and legacy planning, and has been recognized for strategic budgeting, decisive leadership, and cultivating inclusive, high-impact teams grounded in excellence and joy.

Keller is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), and  holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Nonprofit Management. Keller is an active sector leader serving on the board of AFP Washington, D.C. Metro Chapter and previously with AFP Greater Atlanta and the AFP Global Political Action Committee.

About the Course
Our shared expertise in international fundraising and philanthropy positions us to help fundraisers see beyond U.S. centric models and understand the global forces reshaping how generosity flows. Today’s philanthropic landscape extends far beyond traditional borders. While the U.S. remains one of the largest sources of charitable giving, it represents only part of a growing worldwide philanthropic landscape. Emerging economies, particularly in regions like East Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, now host expanding networks of high-net-worth individuals, corporate foundations, and community-based donors eager to support causes aligned with their values. Making philanthropy engagement essential for any nonprofit seeking long-term sustainability and true global impact. International institutions, bilateral aid agencies, and global crowdfunding platforms also provide alternative streams of funding that are less vulnerable to U.S. economic or political fluctuations. Looking outside the U.S. allows organizations to diversify their donor base, reduce dependency on a single market, and build partnerships rooted in shared responsibility rather than one-directional aid. Moreover, tapping into regional giving traditions—such as zakat in Muslim-majority countries, ubuntu-inspired philanthropy in Africa, or community cooperatives in Asia—helps nonprofits connect authentically with local cultures of generosity. Ultimately, global fundraising not only strengthens financial resilience but also democratizes philanthropy, allowing communities worldwide to co-invest in solutions and share ownership of social change.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key components of a planned giving program.
• Participants leave with practical tools and global insights to diversify funding, engage international donors ethically, and navigate cross-border challenges confidently. They gain a deeper understanding of global philanthropy’s opportunities and complexities, empowering them to build sustainable, culturally responsive fundraising strategies that foster genuine, equitable partnerships worldwide.
• Participants learn how to identify emerging global funding trends, adapt messages for diverse cultural contexts, and build trust through transparency and accountability. Participants explore ethical storytelling, inclusive donor engagement, and collaboration models that center local leadership—equipping them to transform international fundraising into a partnership for shared, sustainable impact.
• Participants learn how to cultivate mutually beneficial international partnerships by aligning mission, values, and impact—transforming cross-border relationships into collaborative, community-driven change.

Audience: Beginner (0-5 years experience), Intermediate (6-10 years experience), Advanced (10 years+ experience), Small organizations/teams, Large organizations/teams
Specific Sector Focus: International Fundraising, Major Giving, Storytelling/Creative Strategy

 Register Today: The Power of Global Giving: How Relationships Drive Global Change

This event contains a hybrid option. Please indicate upon registration whether you will be attending virtually. Those attending virtually will be sent a link to join 24 hours before the event. Registration will end by 12pm October 27th as the venue requires the in-person attendee list 24 hours in advance.