In a philanthropic landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, political tension, and shifting donor expectations, securing major gifts requires clarity, adaptability, and strong relationship‑building. This panel brings together seasoned fundraising leaders for a candid conversation about how donors are thinking right now, what concerns they are expressing, and how those dynamics influence giving behavior. Panelists will explore whether donors are becoming more cautious or more bold, how political climates shape philanthropic conversations, and what it takes to build trust in an environment where needs feel urgent and resources feel constrained.
The discussion will also highlight practical strategies for deepening relationships, opening doors to major donors, and leveraging peer‑to‑peer introductions and board networks. Panelists will share creative approaches to cultivating trust before making the ask, as well as insights on how messaging, tone, and framing have evolved over the past five years.
The session concludes with an audience Q&A and a rapid‑fire lightning round where panelists offer actionable takeaways: what fundraisers should stop doing, what they should start doing, and what consistently works with major donors regardless of the climate. Participants will leave with clear, real‑world guidance they can apply immediately to strengthen their major gift strategies in uncertain times.
This Strategic Dialogue Session invites participants into a forward‑looking conversation about what it will take for affiliates across Texas to increase home production in sustainable, mission‑aligned ways. Because “building more” looks different for every community, this session creates space to explore local visions for growth, identify internal and external barriers, and surface the supports, resources, and partnerships that would most meaningfully expand capacity.
Discussion will also consider the statewide outcomes we should be aiming for, how to ensure growth is achievable for affiliates of every size, and what changes or commitments—local or statewide—would have the greatest impact on our ability to serve more families. Participants will share experiences, compare approaches, and help shape a clearer picture of what collective, sustainable growth could look like across Texas over the next 3–5 years.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT Heritage 7
This session brings ReStore staff together to share real‑world practices related to store operations and customer experience. The first hour will be a moderator‑led discussion using broad questions relevant to retail processes, staffing, and daily operations. In the final 30 minutes, participants will break into small groups for networking and deeper conversation, guided by on‑screen prompts. The session highlights practical, immediately applicable ideas from across the state.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT Heritage 2
This roundtable focuses on the practical work of engaging, supporting, and retaining volunteers. A moderator will guide the first hour with broad questions that reflect the varied approaches affiliates use to build strong volunteer programs. The last 30 minutes will be dedicated to small‑group networking and discussion, supported by on‑screen prompts. Participants will gain new ideas and peer‑informed practices they can adapt for their own volunteer efforts.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT Heritage 1
This roundtable invites fundraising staff to discuss the practical side of donor engagement, events, and development operations. A moderator will lead the first hour with broad questions that reflect the diverse strategies affiliates use to build support. The final 30 minutes will shift to small‑group networking and discussion, supported by on‑screen prompts. Participants will walk away with peer‑tested practices they can adapt to strengthen their fundraising programs.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:15pm - 2:45pm CDT Heritage 2
This session brings ReStore staff together to share real‑world practices related to store operations and customer experience. The first hour will be a moderator‑led discussion using broad questions relevant to retail processes, staffing, and daily operations. In the final 30 minutes, participants will break into small groups for networking and deeper conversation, guided by on‑screen prompts. The session highlights practical, immediately applicable ideas from across the state.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:15pm - 2:45pm CDT Heritage 1
This Strategic Dialogue Session invites participants to explore what it means for affiliates to build meaningful, year‑round community presence beyond new construction. Because every community experiences Habitat differently, this conversation creates space to reflect on how affiliates are currently known, where the strongest points of connection already exist, and which unmet needs align with Habitat’s mission outside of homebuilding.
Participants will examine opportunities to expand their mission footprint, strengthen housing stability and neighborhood health through non‑construction work, and build partnerships that increase visibility and trust. The session also considers how to ensure this work is equitable and accessible across diverse communities, and what statewide supports could help affiliates grow their community presence sustainably. Through shared insights and practical discussion, attendees will help shape a clearer vision of what trusted, community‑rooted impact can look like across Texas.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:15pm - 2:45pm CDT Heritage 3
This second Strategic Dialogue Session offers another opportunity for staff and leaders to participate in candid, solutions‑focused conversation about complex issues that influence affiliate operations. Because there is not enough time to address all topics in a single session, this discussion focuses on operating with or without volunteers, navigating third‑party financing, and understanding the implications of ICE and HUD regulations. The session is open to all attendees and is particularly helpful for those who support program decisions, compliance, or operational strategy. Attendance at Session #1 is encouraged but not required.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT Heritage 7
Today’s organizations are navigating shifting workforce expectations while advancing critical community missions. Building a healthy, effective workplace culture is no longer a side effort—it is essential to sustaining impact. This session explores how leaders at every level can intentionally design workplace cultures that foster trust, clarity, and accountability. Participants will examine how expectations of leadership and workplace experience have evolved, and why traditional approaches often fall short in today’s environment. Grounded in real-world application, this session introduces practical, scalable strategies for strengthening culture across organizations of any size. Participants will learn how to build “right relationships” rooted in respect, shared purpose, and clear communication, creating the conditions for stronger collaboration, increased retention, and greater mission effectiveness.
Dr. Robyn Short is an organization systems design consultant, peace-building trainer, and mediator specializing in restorative practices and transformative mediation. As the founder of three organizations, she understands the challenges leaders face when operating at the intersection... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT Heritage 2
Economic uncertainty affects more than budgets — it also affects volunteer availability, project timelines, and how much an organization can take on. This session will walk through practical ways to look ahead, understand your volunteer pipeline, and plan for capacity when things feel unpredictable. This session will focus on tools for spotting trends, anticipating shortages, and making realistic decisions about roles, schedules, and expectations. The goal of this session is to give you simple, practical ways to plan ahead and manage your volunteer capacity, even when outside conditions are changing.
