People don’t spontaneously show up at a church on a Saturday afternoon at 1 pm and get married—someone had to ask. And people don’t spontaneously drop bags of money at your doorstep—you have to ask. Solicitation is the smallest step in the fundraising cycle, but the only step that yields results. Come learn how to make the ask and drive results for your arts organization.

About the Presenter: 

As a career fundraiser, Melanie Doerner has raised more than $10M to support arts organizations. As a member of the senior management team of NC Theatre in Raleigh, Melanie is a strategic thinker, a powerful advocate, and a passionate fundraiser. Melanie has grown NC Theatre’s contributed income budget over 30% since joining in 2011.  She launched NC Theatre’s planned giving initiative, and in 2016 the company received is first transformative legacy gift of $1,000,000. Melanie has expanded NC Theatre’s major gifts and annual fundraising programs, as well as grant awards that underpin the company’s growing outreach activities. Melanie takes great pride in engaging the board, staff, and the greater Raleigh community in activities that advance NC Theatre’s mission and vision. Melanie holds a J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School and formerly practiced as a corporate attorney in her native Canada. Prior to joining NC Theatre, Melanie worked with Carolina Ballet, Children’s Musical Theater of San Jose, Arts Council Silicon Valley, and the Jose Limon Dance Company. Her husband Michael Doerner is a ballet dancer, having performed with the National Ballet of Canada, Alberta Ballet under Mikko Nissinen, and Ballet San Jose. Melanie has been privileged to work in support of the arts and continues to be inspired by the courage, genius, and generosity of both artists and donors alike.