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Rising Tides

A Roundtable for Nonprofit Professionals

Rising Tides is a monthly peer learning group that embodies what we believe most deeply about nonprofit work: that we grow stronger together.

 

Designed to foster collaboration and shared learning between nonprofits, these informal monthly gatherings are open to anyone whose work intersects with these subjects of fundraising, development and leadership. Each session alternates between two focus areas: Organizational Leadership and Fundraising & Development. We do not meet during the months of July, August, and December. 

 

Join us to exchange ideas, build connections and rise together for the greater good.

Organizational Leadership

These sessions happen on the 4th Monday of every other month, 4:00PM - 5:30PM throughout the greater Wenatchee Valley, hosted by different nonprofit organizations (in-person only).

Executive Director Focus

Closed to EDs or equivalent leadership roles due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed.

Organizational Strategy Team

Open to EDs, senior staff, and board members shaping strategy.

Fundraising & Development

All Levels

Foundational concepts for anyone interested in fundraising, including those new to fundraising and those seeking a refresher.

Building Skills

Geared towards those with fundraising experience who want to deepen their knowledge and apply best practice.

Advanced Strategies

Geared towards seasoned professionals ready for complex fundraising topics and leadership level strategies.

Next Event

Donor Stewardship: From Strategy to Practice

Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 12:00-1:00PM

Building on our previous conversation about donor retention, this peer learning session led by Elisa Lopez of Chelan-Douglas Land Trust will focus on how organizations turn strong stewardship principles into day-to-day practice.

Together, we’ll explore how to operationalize stewardship across the donor journey and how to balance personalization with limited time and resources. Elisa will share how the Land Trust approaches stewardship in practice, followed by open discussion as participants reflect on questions such as:

  • How do you decide what parts of stewardship to automate vs. keep personal?
  • Which donor touchpoints do you prioritize and why?
  • How do you determine which donors receive 1:1 relationship management?
  • What role do events play in stewardship, and how do you evaluate their impact?

This session is especially geared toward those with fundraising experience who want to deepen their knowledge and apply best practices, while remaining open to all.

Locations:

Fundraising & Development
Building Skills

Upcoming Events

To receive updates about Rising Tides, please sign up to our listserv and/or our email list (select any of the "nonprofit" email lists).

Previous Events

Structuring Staff Pay | Monday, May 18 4:00PM - 5:30PM

Hosted by Emilio Vela at Communities in Schools NCW (Wenatchee) and facilitated with Christie Wilder of Plain Valley Ski Trails

Organizational Leadership
Executive Director Focus

Donor & Volunteer Retention 

Thursday, April 23  12:00PM - 1:00PM

Facilitated by Lisa Melvin and Heather Baker | Hosted by CFNCW Offices (Wenatchee or Omak) with a virtual option

Fundraising & Development
All Levels

Knowing Capacity, Setting Priorities

Monday, March 23 4:00PM - 5:30PM

Facilitated by Christie Wilder | Hosted by Wenatchee River Institute

Organizational Leadership
Organizational Strategy Team

Planned Giving

Thursday, Feb 26 12:00-1:00pm

Facilitated by Hillary Clark | Hosted by CFNCW Offices in Wenatchee & Omak

Fundraising & Development
Advanced Strategies

Board & Staff Relationships

Monday, Jan 26 4:00-5:30PM

Facilitated by Christie Wilder | Hosted by Mat Lyons at the TREAD office

Organizational Leadership
Executive Director Focus

Closed to EDs or equivalent leadership roles due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed.

YOUR GIFT AT WORK

Cruz.Xitlali

Xitlali Cruz

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

I am currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at Stanford. Since the beginning of my freshman year I have been involved with clubs such as Stanford’s Space Initiative (SSI) and the Society of Latinx Engineers (SOLE). In SSI I built a rocket and launched it.

ThomasSmith

Aero Methow Rescue Service

GRANT RECIPIENT

Due to being rural, remote, and geographically isolated, we must be prepared to do more than respond to emergencies. We have become a healthcare partner who fills gaps in service. The grant allowed our board the time and ability to work with a Strategic Planner to modify our plan to address those gaps.

2019RIGOutreach-RosieYardSigns-Crop

Chelan Douglas Volunteer Attorney Services

GRANT RECIPIENT

The grant provided funds to hire a Housing Justice and Outreach Coordinator to visit rural and underserved areas. Rosie’s bilingual and bicultural skills and experience have increased equity of service. Rosie is building partnerships with local organizations through events such as the Columbia Valley Community Health’s Back to School Drive, as well as posting yard signs.

Tenoch Mandujano

Tenoch Mandujano

Scholarship Recipient

My father was a migrant agricultural worker who eventually started his own cherry and apple orchard. He told me if I wanted to live a better life, I had to get an education. I plan on starting a career with the Chelan PUD with a passion for renewable energy and in turn give back to my parents and community for supporting my dreams.

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FOUNDATION FACTS