Just Do It: Build the Endowment You Really Need

Have you been told that donors won't contribute to stewardship? Do you know what your organization needs to thrive, but have trouble convincing your board to take the first step? Join San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust’s executive director Sharon Weaver and assistant director Sarah Parkes, assistant director to learn how determined land trust staff in a “challenging fundraising region” created an operations and maintenance endowment despite a lack of enthusiasm from consultants and board members.

Sharon and Sarah utilized interviews and a challenge from a foundation to kick start an operations and maintenance endowment for their land trust's properties and trails, which gained the support from those that originally said it couldn't be done. They also helped create a campaign for a parks sales tax ballot measure in a local community and lobbied for state funding from a supportive elected leader. With persistence, focus and the use of campaign-like fundraising techniques, you can secure the funding that you need, too. Here’s a look at what we will cover:

• Learning the options for funding your endowment such as ballot measures, foundation grants, special gifts, bequests and state funding.

• Strategizing best practices for getting started and continuing to build support, including board engagement.

• Building and stewarding relationships with donors and partners.

• Persevering through rejection and continuing with communications.

• Planning your timeline, celebrating successes and continuing the fundraising cycle after building an endowment.

This webinar was originally scheduled for January 29, 2026. This webinar is included in the 2026 Online Learning Pass.

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