Ready, Set, Give: Hands-On Prep for North Texas Giving Day
North Texas Giving Day is one of my favorite times of the year—there’s nothing quite like seeing our community’s generosity light up McKinney and Collin County. But I also know how overwhelming it can be, especially if you’re running a small nonprofit and juggling a dozen different hats. That’s exactly why I created the “Ready, Set, Give” workshop: to give you the space, support, and practical tools you need to confidently prepare for North Texas Giving Day. And the best part? This event is completely free, thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, The Philanthropy Blueprint and Gather’s Vision. Let me show you how this workshop can help you make the most of Giving Day, step by step.
Why North Texas Giving Day Matters to Me (and You)
Every September, I’m amazed by the outpouring of support for North Texas Giving Day. It’s not just about raising money—it’s about building connections, raising awareness, and bringing our community together for a shared purpose. As someone who’s been in your shoes, I know how critical this day can be for McKinney nonprofits and all the organizations working tirelessly throughout Collin County. I want to help you make the most of this unique opportunity, so you can reach more people, inspire more donors, and keep your mission moving forward.
The Realities Small Nonprofits Face
Let’s be honest—running a small nonprofit is tough. Most days, I felt like I was juggling a dozen projects at once, and the thought of adding a major fundraising campaign can be downright intimidating. I’ve seen so many who give up before they even get started on North Texas Giving Day, simply because there's so much to do and they may not have seen the impact they needed for their efforts. That’s exactly why I designed this workshop to be hands-on and practical. I want you to walk in with questions but walk out with confidence, a campaign cheat sheet and with most of it checked off, feeling lighter and energized for North Texas Giving Day.
What Makes This Workshop Different
I didn’t want to create just another seminar where you listen and take notes, trying to decide through the hundreds of tasks just what you have time for. Instead, I’ve gathered some local experts who will give you the shortcuts, sit down with you, answer your questions, and help you work through a clear, actionable checklist tailored for North Texas Giving Day. You won’t just leave with ideas—you’ll leave with real progress. I love streamlining projects and making them easier, and that's my goal with you in this workshop!
A Step-by-Step Game Plan for Giving Day Success
Here are the details about Ready, Set, Give: Hands-On Prep for North Texas Giving Day Workshop":
Date: July 29, 2025
Time: 8-11am
Location: Gather in Downtown McKinney
Cost: FREE
During the “Ready, Set, Give” workshop, we will guide you through every stage of Giving Day prep, including:
Creating or Updating your North Texas Giving Day Webite profile to create a mission for your readers
Setting realistic, achievable fundraising goals through securing a Matching Donor or Sponsor
Mobilizing your board and volunteers as enthusiastic ambassadors
Creating your campaign communication plan through social media and email newsletters
Scheduling your posts and emails so you never feel rushed
Tracking your progress, celebrating every milestone and deepening the relationship with your donors
I'm excited to have Manuel Mesa and Tabitha Evans from The Philanthropy Blueprint join us as onhand experts to by your side to troubleshoot, brainstorm, and offer best practices that fit the unique needs of McKinney and Collin County nonprofits.
Manuel leads The Philanthropy Blueprint with decades of nonprofit experience and a mission-centered approach. As President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Dallas Chapter and a former executive director, he brings both strategic insight and lived leadership to every engagement. Manuel helps nonprofits grow with clarity, build stronger teams, and fundraise with purpose.
Tabs leads all things creative at The Philanthropy Blueprint. As the Founder of Darling Creative Strategies, she works closely with Blueprint to bring campaigns, communications, and strategy to life with bold storytelling and thoughtful design. Because what’s a fundraiser without a little creativity?
Community, Camaraderie, and Shared Wisdom
One of the things I love most about our workshop is the sense of community. You’ll get to connect with other nonprofit professionals who truly get what you’re going through. We share ideas, swap resources, and cheer each other on. Whether you’re a seasoned North Texas Giving Day veteran or this is your first time, you’ll find encouragement and inspiration from people who care as much as you do. My hope is that you leave not just with a stronger campaign, but with new friends and allies for the journey ahead.
Why I’m Committed to Local Support
As someone who lives and works right here in McKinney, I’m deeply invested in our community’s success. I created this workshop because I believe in the power of local nonprofits to change lives—and I want to do everything I can to support you. When you succeed on North Texas Giving Day, our whole community benefits: more children are mentored, more families are supported, and more hope is shared. Your mission matters, and I’m honored to be a small part of your story.
North Texas Giving Day gives every nonprofit a chance to shine, no matter its size. With the right preparation, I truly believe you can achieve amazing results. My “Ready, Set, Give” workshop is here to help you turn stress into action, build lasting connections, and set your organization up for success. I invite you to join me and other local changemakers as we make a difference together in McKinney, Collin County, and beyond.
Ready to join me? Click the button below to Register Now! Spots are limited.