Fundraisers' Forum
About the program
This program offers a space for nonprofit fundraising professionals that’s supportive, energizing, and focused on practical problem-solving. Our drop-in 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.
This 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
Patti Ward, CFRE
Patti Ward, CFRE
Patti Ward has had the opportunity of being a sole proprietor and nonprofit consultant for over twenty-five years. She aims to empower nonprofits to deliver their mission in a bigger and better way while endowing them with the skills and tools needed to succeed.
She works with nonprofits of all sizes in various sectors, including social services, education, arts, health-related, and faith-based, in primarily rural and small — to mid-size communities. Patti co-conducts a six-week “Fundraising Immersion” class annually for the Amarillo Area Foundation and the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Patti is a member of theAssociation of Fundraising Professionals in New Mexico and the Texas Plains AFP group in Amarillo, Texas. She is a Board Member and membership chair for the Association of Philanthropic Counsel. Patti received her Certificate in Fund Raising Excellence (CFRE) credential in 2004, which demonstrates her professional achievement and commitment to the fundraising profession.
She lives in the Santa Fe area and enjoys long-distance hikes, social dancing, and spending time with her family and pets.
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.
Drew Tulchin
Drew Tulchin
Drew Tulchin has over 30 years of professional experience with mission-driven organizations. He has helped raise more than $400 million and counting with nonprofits, for-profits, foundations, and governments in Indian Country, in New Mexico, throughout the US, and internationally. For more information on Drew and Upspring, check out www.upspringassociates.com.
Meet the people leading the conversation
Patti Ward, CFRE
Patti Ward, CFRE
Patti Ward has had the opportunity of being a sole proprietor and nonprofit consultant for over twenty-five years. She aims to empower nonprofits to deliver their mission in a bigger and better way while endowing them with the skills and tools needed to succeed.
She works with nonprofits of all sizes in various sectors, including social services, education, arts, health-related, and faith-based, in primarily rural and small — to mid-size communities. Patti co-conducts a six-week “Fundraising Immersion” class annually for the Amarillo Area Foundation and the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Patti is a member of theAssociation of Fundraising Professionals in New Mexico and the Texas Plains AFP group in Amarillo, Texas. She is a Board Member and membership chair for the Association of Philanthropic Counsel. Patti received her Certificate in Fund Raising Excellence (CFRE) credential in 2004, which demonstrates her professional achievement and commitment to the fundraising profession.
She lives in the Santa Fe area and enjoys long-distance hikes, social dancing, and spending time with her family and pets.
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
Drew Tulchin
Drew Tulchin
Drew Tulchin has over 30 years of professional experience with mission-driven organizations. He has helped raise more than $400 million and counting with nonprofits, for-profits, foundations, and governments in Indian Country, in New Mexico, throughout the US, and internationally. For more information on Drew and Upspring, check out www.upspringassociates.com.
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.
Growing & Leveraging Organizational Funds
With Drew Tulchin
This session explores practical strategies to strengthen financial sustainability by diversifying revenue and making the most of the resources your organization already has. This event is free; registration is required.
