What is missional philanthropy, and how can fundraisers encourage it? That’s what more than 100 fundraising professionals from across the country learned at Southern’s Missional Philanthropy Conference held July 14-16, 2026. Participants explored how fundraising can serve as a ministry that strengthens relationships, encourages generosity, and helps donors align their giving with their values and faith.
Planned and organized by the Advancement team at Southern with support from fundraising consultants David Burghart and David Earles of D2 Fundraising, the Conference brought together participants from churches, schools, and supporting ministry organizations. Sponsored by the Milton Murray Fund for Philanthropy, the event offered 13.25 Certified Fund Raising Executive continuing education credits.
Thirteen speakers led five plenary sessions and a dozen breakout sessions covering topics ranging from making an effective fundraising request to using artificial intelligence to strengthen donor engagement. Post-conference survey responses indicated that participants gained new perspectives on working with donors, aligning fundraising requests with donor values, and strengthening relationships between donors, fundraisers, and God. Those lessons reinforced one of the Conference’s central themes: Fundraising can be a ministry that fosters gratitude, encourages generosity, and helps donors accomplish their goals for giving while experiencing the blessings that come from generosity.
A similar Missional Philanthropy Conference is being planned for 2028 at Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Neb.
Southern Adventist University | October 2026
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