DREAMS™ Generosity Accelerator Retreat

October 6-9

|

White Cloud, Michigan

2.5-day experience: arrival Monday evening departure Thursday morning

Are you a nonprofit leader or fundraising professional overwhelmed by the relentless pressure to secure support for your organization? You're not alone. Many in your position have never learned how to effectively inspire generosity

I understand firsthand how daunting fundraising can feel when you're learning as you go. Traditional approaches often feel awkward, uncomfortable, and draining—leaving you exhausted instead of energized.

This retreat changes everything. In just a few days, you'll learn the DREAMS™ framework—a simple, proven method to inspire generosity in a way that feels natural and actually works.

DREAMS™ Generosity Accelerator Retreat

The DREAMS™ framework is founded on six key principles. In each session, you'll learn how to integrate these principles into your technique to motivate others to join your mission.

Discover

Session 1: Finding the Right People

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Connect with the right people at the right time
✔ Stop chasing and start building genuine connections
✔ Build a community, not a contact list

You don’t need more names—you need the right ones. Let’s find them together.

Research

Session 2: Begin with the End in Mind

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Use data wisely
✔ Go deeper to understand what truly drives generosity
✔ Understand your giving partners

You’ll approach conversations with clarity and confidence—building real connections that lead to lasting support.

Engage

Session 3: Engage & Build Stronger Supporter Relationships

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Engage beyond money
✔ Use language that fosters partnership   
✔ Keep relationships thriving with personalized engagement
✔ Build long-term commitment

When relationships are built on trust, curiosity, and shared purpose, generosity follows.

Session 4: Unlock the Vision That Inspires Generosity

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Make space for visionary thinking
✔ Dream fearlessly
✔ Look beyond limitations

When you dream big, you don’t just raise money—you inspire a movement.

Session 5: Make Your Case: Speak Clearly, Connect Deeply

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Clarify your message
✔ Make giving personal
✔ Turn data into impact
✔ Stand out visually

Let’s build a case that inspires people to engage, give, and believe in what’s possible.

Activate

Session 6: Invite Giving with Ease and Inspiration

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Shift from pressure to a natural, inspiring invitations
✔ Handle “no” with grace and keep the door open
✔ Use storytelling to create heartfelt, mission-driven connections

Moving from asking to inviting—so that giving conversations feel good, deepen relationships, and align with your mission.

Session 7: Unlock the Power of Non-Cash Giving

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Unlock gifts of stock, real estate, and business assets
✔ Accept only what aligns and adds value
✔ Invite legacy gifts that leave a meaningful impact

Expand generosity, grow sustainable support, and open new giving doors—without always asking for cash.

Multiply

Session 8: Turn Supporters into Passionate Advocates

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Make it easy for supporters to share your mission
✔ Activate their networks and turn trust into action
✔ Keep them engaged with stories that inspire
✔ Celebrate ambassadors so they feel seen and stay motivated

Expand your reach, deepen relationships, and turn supporters into champions for your cause.

Sustain

Session 9: Inspire Supporters to Become Lifelong Partners

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Make gratitude unforgettable, not transactional
✔ Show impact through stories that spark generosity
✔ Keep supporters engaged with intentional touchpoints
✔ Offer clear next steps for deeper, lasting involvement

When supporters feel seen, inspired, and connected, generosity doesn’t just continue—it grows.

Continue Your Journey

Retreat enrollment is available to those who complete the DREAMS™ to Reality Assessment and Discover Session.

During your session, Joanna will help you decide if this is the right next step for you.

Start Assessment
Start Your Journey

Already taken your assessment?

Book your Discovery Session
Book your Discovery Session
Your Retreat Destination
White Cloud, Michigan
Payson Arizona Residential House Arial View

Don’t let the name fool you—The Shack, in the heart of Michigan, is anything but rustic. This hidden gem offers a five-star retreat experience, combining breathtaking views, warm hospitality, and every comfort you could ask for.

What You'll Love
About Your Stay
  • Beautifully appointed rooms with a fireplace and private hot tub
  • Banana splits every night– because some traditions are too good to skip
  • Expansive front porch and charming gazebo for quiet moments
  • Fireside conversations, pickleball, shuffleboard, and canoeing
  • Chapel and outdoor worship area for reflection and stillness

What's Included

The essential retreat experience includes:

  • 2.5-Day experience at The Shack
  • All meals, snacks, and accommodations
  • DREAMS™ retreat curriculum and journal
  • Daily group sessions with Joanna
  • Ample rest, connection, and reflection time
  • Optional activities, quiet mornings, and porch conversations
Generosity Accelerator

The Generosity Accelerator retreat is designed to help you step out of urgency and reconnect with clarity, purpose, and a story that invites others in by speaking to their values, not just your needs.

As you continue your journey as a participating organization, you’ll receive:

Support Circles

A twelve-month journey with live virtual sessions, a supportive community, special guests, and exclusive resources.

The Generosity Lab

A first-of-its-kind giving incubator. You’ll be matched with philanthropists—not for a pitch, but for practice. This is your chance to test what you’ve learned, get direct feedback, and grow in real time.

Board Workshops

Simple tools, fresh energy, and practical ways to help your board members become partners in your mission—not just participants.

1:1 Coaching with Joanna

Support exactly when you need it. For problem-solving, decision-making, or those moments when you just need a wise voice in your corner.

Hands in a steam of fresh water

Executive Overview

While the Generosity Leader carries the day-to-day work, they can’t lead it alone. The CEO or VP will join a one-day executive overview and stay engaged throughout the year, stepping in at key moments to reinforce the vision, offer guidance, and ensure the Generosity Leader can succeed.

Retreat Toolkit

Ready-to-use templates, planning tools, and guides to bring the retreat home with you.

By the end of the journey, your organization will move forward with a clear generosity plan, stronger partnerships, a shared way of inviting support that feels honest and human, and a renewed sense of clarity on what generosity means for your mission and how to sustain it.

Continue Your Journey

Retreat enrollment is available to those who complete the DREAMS™ to Reality Assessment and Discover Session.

During your session, Joanna will help you decide if this is the right next step for you.

Start Assessment
Start Your Journey

Already taken your assessment?

Book your Discovery Session
Book your Discovery Session
Testimonials
What Participants Are Saying

“The retreat exceeded my expectations because the transformation in me was deeper, more profound, and more complete than I thought possible.” 

“Inspire Generosity is the most out-of-the-box organic paradigm shift! It’s natural, thoughtful, and adaptable for anyone.” 

“The DREAMS™ framework has completely transformed my understanding of fundraising.” 

Ready to Move Beyond Fundraising?

If you’re ready to stop fundraising and start inspiring generosity, begin with the Generosity Assessment. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain clarity on where you are and what’s possible. Start now—your results will guide the next step.

how we can support you

Frequently
Asked 

Questions

Who are these retreats for?

These retreats are created for those who lead the work of fundraising and are ready to inspire generosity in a way that is authentic, mission-centered, and profoundly effective. This is a space intentionally designed for you to step away, reflect, and reimagine your approach in community with others who understand the unique joys and challenges of this work.

How do I sign up?

Step 1: Take the DREAMS™ to Reality Assessment

Start by completing our online assessment. This intentional process gives us a clear picture of where your organization stands today—what’s working, what’s not, and where you’re feeling stuck. Your honest reflection lays the groundwork for a truly personalized experience.

Step 2: Schedule Your Discovery Call with Joanna

After completing the assessment, you’ll be invited to book a 45-minute Discovery Call with Joanna. This is a relational, no-pressure conversation where we explore your results and what’s most important to you moving forward.

Step 3: Receive Your Personalized Insight Report

Following your call, you’ll receive a custom Insight Report that outlines your strengths, growth opportunities, and next best steps to help you start inspiring generosity in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.

Step 4: Step Into the DREAMS™ to Reality Generosity Accelerator

If it’s a good fit, you’ll be invited to join the DREAMS™ to Reality Generosity Accelerator—beginning with a powerful in-person retreat and followed by ongoing support to bring your generosity vision to life.

What should I bring to the retreat?

Just yourself. We provide all materials, and we’ll send you a packing checklist so you feel fully prepared.

Are meals and accommodations provided?

Yes, every meal, snack, and overnight stay is covered. We’ll check in with you about dietary needs in your welcome packet.

Do you help with travel arrangements?

Yes. We offer complimentary assistance with flights, car rentals, and logistics to make your trip as smooth as possible.

What does a typical day at the retreat look like?

Mornings begin with breakfast and reflective sessions, followed by engaging group activities. Afternoons allow for personal reflection and deeper discussions. Evenings are all about connection with shared meals, meaningful conversations, and time to absorb everything you’re learning.

How many participants will be at each retreat?

Most retreats are designed for 6 to 12 participants, depending on the location. Some venues allow for larger groups, but even in those settings, we create smaller, more intimate learning experiences so you always feel seen and heard.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Due to the intimate nature of this retreat and detailed planning involved, all payments are nonrefundable. However, I understand that life happens. If you're unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another nonprofit leader by notifying me in writing at least one week before the retreat begins.

The Journey Starts Here

This is your moment to step out of urgency and into clarity.

The DREAMS™ to Reality Assessment is a two-part experience designed to help you move from survival mode to alignment—so you can lead with purpose, invite generosity with confidence, and build support that’s actually sustainable. 

What You’ll Reflect On

Part 1: Journey to Generosity Focuses on how you're approaching fundraising, especially with individuals, families, and foundations.

Part 2: Strategic Sponsorship Explores how sponsorship fits into your funding model, especially when engaging companies or corporate partners. 

Not every question will apply. You can mark responses as “Not applicable” based on your role or focus.

Begin Your Journey
Begin Your Journey

If you’re ready to stop fundraising and start inspiring generosity, this is where we begin.