Our Vision & Mission
Priority Fundraising Training’s mission is to provide non-profits with the training that their fundraising staff and leadership volunteers need to be successful.
It was born out of the idea that if fundraisers and volunteers were given great training early on, non-profits would be able to realize financial goals quicker, and with less stress during periods of turnover.
Most non-profits (small to large) lack the time and capacity to thoroughly train their fundraising staff, often leaving them trying to figure out their roles while also putting together an event or annual fund. And when Executive Directors try to fill the gap, they are not able to focus on their roles in Board Development and Major Gifts, potentially leading to reduced opportunities for
the future.
Priority Fundraising Training is designed to fill the knowledge gap with trainings, workshops and coaching that are interactive for participants, ensuring that they are fully engaged with the material, and take home the foundation for fundraising success.
Ellen Penrod
Founder & President
Ellen Penrod started her career in non-profit fundraising 25+ years ago as a college intern helping manage a fundraising cycle event. “I was literally handed a phone book and told to call all the area businesses to ask for donations. It taught me the power of the ASK early in my career.” Since then, she has seen and done it all (almost) in terms of event and individual fundraising. Her past experience as an Event Manager, to Executive Director, to Event Trainer for a National Non-Profit, gives her unique experience to help build the next generation of non-profit fundraisers.
Ellen is particularly passionate about equipping volunteer leaders, such and Boards and Committees, with the tools and confidence to create transformational growth within organizations.