Everence Development Conference emphasizes faith- and mission-driven generosity

GOSHEN, Ind. – Some 280 fundraising professionals and nonprofit leaders, representing various Mennonite, Brethren, Quaker and other faith-based organizations, gathered in Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3-5, 2023, for the biennial Everence^® Development Conference.

The three-day event – titled “Your mission. Your finances.” – provided development staff, executive directors, board members and other faith-focused nonprofit leaders with insights from engaging speakers, proactive practices, and professional fellowship and conversations.

“This year’s Everence Development Conference focused on discovering new ways to advance mission-driven fundraising programs,” explained Rod Diller, Everence Senior Vice President for Sales and Distribution. “This event, which dates back more than 46 years, is an important and beneficial opportunity for faith-based leaders and fundraising professionals to gain new insights that will, ultimately, help them better connect with donors and strengthen their organizational missions and ministries.”

Participants heard from a variety of nonprofit and fundraising experts, including the conference’s featured keynote addresses from Jaime Arroyo, CEO of ASSETS Lancaster, Pa., and leader in ethical business and inclusive entrepreneurship; Tammy Zonker, President and Founder of Fundraising Transformed (Detroit); John Cortines, Director of Generosity at The Maclellan Foundation (Chattanooga, Tenn.) and co-author of two books on biblical generosity (God and Money and True Riches); and Colin Saxton, D.Min, CGPA, Stewardship Theologian and Director of Church Relations at Everence.

More information about the conference may be found at everence.com/EverenceDev23