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2026 Fall Conference 

In It for the Long Haul:
Building a Sustainable Cause

THURSDAY, October 29, 2026 
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 

OhioHealth Foundation
David P. Blom Administrative Campus
3430 OhioHealth Parkway
Columbus, OH 43202 

Donors aren’t the only people who want to leave a legacy. How can healthcare philanthropy leaders build teams, causes, and relationships that stand the test of time and will benefit future generations? While the unpredictability of today’s economic, social, and political landscape means that many fundraising organizations must be reactive and flexible, it’s also important to future-proof your organization with some long-term strategies.

Schedule of the Day:

8:30 am

9:00 am

9:30 am

9:45 am

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11:00 am

11:15 am

 

 

 

12:00 pm

1:00 pm

 

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2:00 pm

2:15 pm

 

3:15

3:30 pm

Doors Open, Registration & Continental Breakfast 

 

Conference Kick-Off & Opening Remarks 

Ohio AHP Annual Meeting

 

Cherian Koshy 
Built to Last: The Science of Donor Relationships That Endure

Why do people give generously in one moment, hesitate in another, and sometimes delay acting even when they deeply care about the cause? The answer is rarely a lack of generosity. It is often the conditions surrounding the decision.

Drawing from neuroscience, behavioral science, and the research inside the USA Today bestselling book Neurogiving, Cherian Koshy explores how trust, identity, emotion, memory, belonging, and cognitive friction shape donor behavior over time. Healthcare philanthropy leaders will look beyond individual asks and campaigns to understand how the experiences they create influence whether generosity grows, stalls, or disappears.

This highly practical keynote connects the science of donor decision-making to building lasting relationships. Attendees will examine how to create donor relationships that can withstand changing economies, shifting generations, new technologies, and evolving expectations while helping supporters see philanthropy as an enduring expression of who they are and the legacy they want to leave.

Because sustainable philanthropy is not built by persuading people to care more. It is built by creating the conditions that allow generosity to endure.

Break

Cherian Koshy cont. 
Built to Last: The Science of Donor Relationships That Endure

Lunch  

"From Asking to Advising"

The future belongs to professionals who can serve as philanthropic thought partners, helping donors navigate complexity, pinpoint their passions, and maximize impact. In the best cases, it’s already happening. In this session, Benefactor Group founder Laura MacDonald challenges philanthropy leaders and fundraisers to reframe their role and focus on how donors think and how giving fits into their broader financial goals. Benefactor Group senior consultant Susan Brekelmans will moderate a panel of healthcare philanthropy professionals to share their experiences in partnering with donors on philanthropic strategy. Panelists are Jodi Bopp, Vice President, Advancement at Boundless; Bernice Martin Lee, CEO at the Epilepsy Foundation of America; and Shirley Leonard, Senior Director, Principal Gifts at NEOMED.

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​Break 

"Investing in Yourself: Building a Career for the Long Haul"  

This panel brings together fundraising professionals representing a range of tenures and career stages to share how they have navigated challenges, embraced growth opportunities, and built resilience throughout their professional journeys.

Through candid conversation and personal experiences, panelists will explore how resilience can be intentionally woven into both personal and professional pathways. Attendees will gain insight into sustaining passion, adapting to change, overcoming setbacks, and developing the habits and mindsets necessary for long-term success in mission-driven work.

Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned leader, this session will offer practical takeaways for strengthening your capacity to thrive, grow, and continue making an impact over the long haul.


Wrap-up Comments 

Conference Adjourns 

Registration will close at the end of day on

Wednesday, October 28th.

 

OAHP Members - $200 to attend

Non-Members - $275 to attend 
 

Thank you to our Sponsors:

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