Fundraisers' Forum
About the program
This program offers a space for nonprofit fundraising professionals that’s supportive, energizing, and focused on practical problem-solving. Facilitated by Patti Ward, CFRE, our hybrid sessions (in-person and over Zoom) will help you problem-solve, and get recharged for your work. Bring your questions, challenges, and successes. We’re excited to welcome you!
Are you looking for a community where you can truly grow, share ideas, and find solutions with others who understand the unique challenges of fundraising? We invite you to be part of a this gathering designed just for you.
Join us on the second Thursday of September and October, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Whether you want to join us in person or tune in via Zoom, you’ll find a space that’s supportive, energizing, and focused on practical problem-solving.
This peer space, facilitated by Patti Ward, CFRE is a space to connect, problem-solve, and get recharged for your work. Bring your questions, challenges, and successes. We’re excited to welcome you!
Meet the people leading the conversation
Elena Higgins
Elena Higgins
Elena Higgins has cultivated a dynamic career touring with her wife, Tash Terry (Diné), as part of the award-winning musical duo Indigie Femme. Together, they have garnered numerous international and national accolades for their powerful performances. Beyond her musical achievements, Elena is the co-founder and executive director ofIndigenousWays, a nonprofit organization devoted to fostering balance and unity through music, arts, outreach, and events. IndigenousWays serves as a bridge for cultural exchange, supporting Native American, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, andDeaf and Hard of Hearing communities with accessible programs and festivals.Through this work, the organization amplifies underrepresented voices, strengthens cultural resilience, and promotes holistic healing on a global scale.
Elena's dedication to community and cultural preservation is deeply rooted in her heritage. Born inAotearoa (New Zealand), she was raised in a Pākehā (white) foster family, while maintaining close ties with her Samoan matrilineal aiga (family) and Māoriwhānau (family). These connections have instilled in her a profound commitment to honoring cultural traditions and building meaningful community connections.
Meet the people leading the conversation
Elena Higgins
Elena Higgins
Elena Higgins has cultivated a dynamic career touring with her wife, Tash Terry (Diné), as part of the award-winning musical duo Indigie Femme. Together, they have garnered numerous international and national accolades for their powerful performances. Beyond her musical achievements, Elena is the co-founder and executive director ofIndigenousWays, a nonprofit organization devoted to fostering balance and unity through music, arts, outreach, and events. IndigenousWays serves as a bridge for cultural exchange, supporting Native American, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, andDeaf and Hard of Hearing communities with accessible programs and festivals.Through this work, the organization amplifies underrepresented voices, strengthens cultural resilience, and promotes holistic healing on a global scale.
Elena's dedication to community and cultural preservation is deeply rooted in her heritage. Born inAotearoa (New Zealand), she was raised in a Pākehā (white) foster family, while maintaining close ties with her Samoan matrilineal aiga (family) and Māoriwhānau (family). These connections have instilled in her a profound commitment to honoring cultural traditions and building meaningful community connections.
Meet the people leading the conversation
Decolonizing Fundraising: Resourcing Community with Integrity
with Elena Higgens
This session explores fundraising approaches rooted in relationship, cultural humility, and community accountability — moving beyond transactional and extractive funding models toward more ethical and values-aligned practices. This event is free; registration is required.
