The Culture Lab × CLA
Friday Morning Fundraising
Kindness. Community. Capital.
A high-impact morning gathering for nonprofit leaders ready to build stronger relationships, grow their donor network, and raise more money with clarity and confidence.
From the Room
“This was amazing in so many ways I couldn't even begin to come up with anything to make it better.”
— Johnell Newman, The Quiet Kaizen Studio
Fundraising doesn't have to feel lonely.
The Gathering
What Is Friday Morning Fundraising?
Friday Morning Fundraising is a practical, community-centered event series created to help nonprofit leaders strengthen their fundraising strategy, build meaningful relationships, and create momentum around their mission.
Each session is designed to be simple, useful, and energizing. You'll hear real ideas, connect with real people, and leave with next steps you can actually apply.
Who It's For
Built for Mission-Driven Leaders
85% of attendees are Executive Directors, Founders, and organizational leaders — this is where North Carolina's nonprofit community comes together to grow.
The Takeaway
What You'll Walk Away With
A clearer fundraising strategy
New relationships with mission-driven leaders
Practical tools you can use immediately
Ideas for donor engagement and storytelling
Encouragement from people who understand the work
A stronger sense of momentum for your organization
Why Attend
Because your mission deserves more than survival mode.
Friday Morning Fundraising gives you space to step out of the day-to-day pressure, connect with other leaders, and think strategically about what it takes to grow your organization.
186 leaders from across North Carolina have already registered. Executive Directors, Founders, and changemakers — all in one room, every other Friday morning.
Details
Event Details
Frequency
Biweekly on Fridays
Time
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Arrival & networking from 8:15 AM
Coffee and light breakfast will be served
Location
CLA Connection Center in Ballantyne
14815 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28277
Each session includes
- Interactive fundraising discussions
- Peer learning with nonprofit leaders
- Real strategies for growing philanthropic support
- Opportunities to build partnerships and collaborations
- Space to network and connect with other changemakers
Mark Your Calendar
October 23, 2026
Friday · 8:30 AM
November 6, 2026
Friday · 8:30 AM
December 12, 2026
Friday · 8:30 AM
January 9, 2027
Friday · 8:30 AM
February 13, 2027
Friday · 8:30 AM
March 13, 2027
Friday · 8:30 AM
Don't miss the next session — seats are limited.
Register for the Next SessionMoments
Inside the Series
From the Room
What Attendees Are Saying
Real feedback from nonprofit leaders who've joined us at the series.
186
Leaders registered statewide
5/5
Average session rating
100%
Would come back
“This was amazing in so many ways I couldn't even begin to come up with anything to make it better.”
Biggest takeaway
Opening my mind to new ways of connecting, networking, and becoming comfortable with the ask.
Johnell Newman
The Quiet Kaizen Studio
“Collaboration allows for amplification!”
Biggest takeaway
How collaboration with the right people multiplies your reach and impact.
Nahir
Fishers of Hope
“Clarity in how to share the story.”
Biggest takeaway
A clearer way to communicate mission and move people to action.
Maura
Navarro Group
“The importance of investing time in building relationships.”
Biggest takeaway
Donor relationships are the engine of sustainable fundraising.
Meredith
Charlotte Pride
“Seeing the passion in everyone feels like home and right where I am supposed to be.”
Biggest takeaway
That my story is powerful and my ambassadors are already around me.
Johnell Newman
The Quiet Kaizen Studio
“Fixing the message — tweaking the story to make it more impactful and motivate people into action.”
Biggest takeaway
Small shifts in how you tell your story can change how people respond.
Jordan Miller
CLA
“Nothing it was great.”
Biggest takeaway
Creating a 30-person list of ambassadors and inviting them to bring their networks.
Theo Facinoli
Out of the Ashes Foundation
“Keep up with the excellent group engagements and activities with probing questions.”
Biggest takeaway
My 30-day close and how to structure a real ask.
Dr. Shandria Pridgen
Machiah's House Inc.
Final Call
Ready to join us this Friday?
Save your seat and come experience a different kind of fundraising conversation. One that is practical, inspiring, and built around community.
Limited seats available. Bring your questions, your ideas, and your mission.
Your Guides
Meet the Hosts
Host
Kyle S. King
Founder, The Culture Lab
Kyle King is a culture strategist, author, and nonprofit advisor who helps organizations build thriving cultures and sustainable impact. As the founder of The Culture Lab, Kyle works with schools, nonprofits, and social impact organizations across the country to strengthen leadership, community engagement, and philanthropic strategy.
He is the author of Contagious Culture and host of the Contagious Culture Podcast, where he explores how leaders build environments where people and missions thrive.
About
The Culture Lab
The Culture Lab is a leadership and culture consulting organization that helps nonprofits, schools, and social impact organizations build environments where people thrive and missions grow. Through leadership development, fundraising strategy, and culture transformation, The Culture Lab partners with organizations to create measurable impact in communities.
Venue Partner
CLA
CLA proudly hosts the Friday Morning Fundraising Series at the CLA Connection Center in Ballantyne — providing a welcoming space for nonprofit leaders to gather, learn, and grow together.