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Program Description:
- How does a donor-advised fund differ from a private foundation?
- What are the advantages of a donor-advised fund?
- How should my organization steward donor-advisors?
- What are the best practices for recording donor-advised grants?
- What are the current trends guiding the growth in DAFs?
- How can my organization incorporate donor-advisors into our fundraising plans and strategies?
Hear from DuPage Foundation director of gift planning Yashica Weeks, CFRE, CAP® and assistant director of donor services, Kait Balsewicz, CFRE, CAP® as they explain and unpack donor-advised funds and share best practices for engaging and stewarding donor-advisors.
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. - Networking and Introductions
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Program and Q&A Session
Special thanks to the DuPage Foundation for hosting this session at their office at 3000 Woodcreek Dr., Ste. 310, Downers Grove.
About Our Speakers:
Yashica Weeks, CFRE, CAP®
Director of Gift Planning
As director of gift planning, Yashica works closely with individuals, families, businesses and their advisors to help them plan and accomplish their unique charitable goals and learn about opportunities for making an impact locally.
Yashica has over ten years of experience in donor cultivation and planned giving in DuPage County, previously serving as major gifts manager for Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and assistant director of development for College of DuPage Foundation. Prior to moving to Naperville, Yashica worked as a performing arts fundraiser at Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall in Atlanta, GA.
She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®). As a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Chicago Chapter, Yashica serves as a course facilitator and mentor. Yashica is also an active member with the DuPage County Estate Planning Council (DCEPC), and a board member for the West Suburban Philanthropic Network (WSPN). She received a bachelor’s degree in public affairs and entrepreneurship from Columbia College of South Carolina and a master’s degree in higher education administration, with a concentration in institutional advancement, from Bay Path University.
Kaitlyn Miller Balsewicz, CFRE, CAP®
Assistant Director of Donor Services
As assistant director of donor services, Kait works closely with donors and Foundation partners to foster philanthropy throughout DuPage County and beyond. In her role, she focuses on helping donors and organizations plan and achieve their charitable goals, manages the Foundation’s core cultivation and stewardship functions, runs point on the Foundation’s Annual Benefit, and serves as the staff liaison for its Next Generation Initiative.
Kait holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), and holds a certificate in proposal writing and grants management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Kait is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Chicago Chapter, Chicago Council on Planned Giving, and the West Suburban Philanthropic Network (WSPN). In 2020, WSPN honored her as the recipient of its Nonprofit Professional Rising Star of the Year Award. She previously worked for Chicago-based Interfaith America and Bridge Communities, Inc.
Kait is a lifelong resident of DuPage County, grew up in Glen Ellyn, and lives in Winfield with her spouse, Jeff.
