Developing Directors
the coaching solution for fundraisers
Explore ProgramsDeveloping Directors is a fundraising learning and coaching program to help the next generation of fund development leaders meet and exceed their goals through time-tested strategies, and turnkey systems that fuel revenue generation.
Founded by Lillian Archer and Alana Green, Developing Directors shares forty years of fundraising and nonprofit experience. We are passionate about mentoring the next generation of nonprofit fundraisers. Our exclusive, integrative learning program provides the benefits of on-site and high-level strategic consulting engagements with one-on-one coaching for a fraction of the cost.
Learn More About UsPrograms
Enroll in seasonal learning programs to build your fundraising knowledge, deepen organizational bandwidth, and increase fundraising revenue.
2025 Offerings
🎉 January 22: Thank You, Now What
Fundraising doesn’t end when the gift is received, or even after the thank you note is sent—it’s the beginning of a deeper relationship with your donors. This webinar will explore how to craft meaningful stewardship plans that build trust, show impact, and inspire continued support. After a 90-minute group session, you’ll receive up to 3 hours of 1:1 coaching to tailor your stewardship approach for your organization’s unique needs.
đź“‹ May 20: Design Your Annual Work Plan
A strong annual work plan is your roadmap to success, ensuring your team stays focused and aligned with your goals. We’ll guide you through creating an actionable plan that balances your mission-driven priorities with realistic timelines and resource management. Following the group webinar, participants will have access to 1:1 coaching sessions to refine their plans and make them actionable in their organizations.
🧑‍💼 June 6: Party of One: Executive Director Fundraising Perspective
Executive directors often wear multiple hats, including lead fundraiser—a role that can feel isolating and overwhelming. In this webinar, we’ll provide strategies for balancing leadership responsibilities with effective fundraising, including building a strong donor pipeline and leveraging your unique position. After the session, participants will receive individualized coaching to develop realistic fundraising plans that fit their organization’s size and resources.
đź’° September 19: Year-End Appeal (Group 1)
Due to demand we are offering our founding webinar three times! Year-end giving presents organizations with a unique opportunity to hit a majority of your fundraising goal in the last days of the year. A strong year-end strategy that is planned early is the key to success. Our webinar will guide you through the timelines, segmentation, and follow-up strategies for your most effective fundraising campaign. After a 90-minute group session, you will receive up to 3 hours of 1:1 coaching to customize and apply learnings for your organization’s year-end appeal.
đź“Š September 26: Year-End Appeal (Group 2)
Due to demand we are offering our founding webinar three times! Year-end giving presents organizations with a unique opportunity to hit a majority of your fundraising goal in the last days of the year. A strong year-end strategy that is planned early is the key to success. Our webinar will guide you through the timelines, segmentation, and follow-up strategies for your most effective fundraising campaign. After a 90-minute group session, you will receive up to 3 hours of 1:1 coaching to customize and apply learnings for your organization’s year-end appeal.
✉️ October 10: Year-End Appeal (Group 3)
Due to demand we are offering our founding webinar three times! Year-end giving presents organizations with a unique opportunity to hit a majority of your fundraising goal in the last days of the year. A strong year-end strategy that is planned early is the key to success. Our webinar will guide you through the timelines, segmentation, and follow-up strategies for your most effective fundraising campaign. After a 90-minute group session, you will receive up to 3 hours of 1:1 coaching to customize and apply learnings for your organization’s year-end appeal.
Program Benefits
What You Will Gain
- Strategies to boost results
- A timely, organized plan
- Professional development and networking
- Intimate learning with coaches and peers
Curriculum Highlights
- Practical, relevant, and timely content
- Timeline and benchmarks
- Segmentation strategies
- Writing for effective appeals
- Personalized coaching
FAQs
Who will benefit from the Developing Directors program?
We believe in developing Directors at all levels — Executive Directors, Directors of Development, Board of Directors, and more. Cohort 1 is geared towards anyone who is managing a year-end campaign and relying on year-end fundraising success. The program is suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced fundraisers alike. Together, you will benefit from integrative group and individual learning from experienced coaches and create connections with peers.
What does the coaching package include?
In addition to the 90 minute Year-End Appeal webinar, the coaching package includes up to 3 hours of 1:1 coaching with Developing Directors Founders, Lillian or Alana. You can use this time to talk through your organization’s individual fundraising needs, challenges, and opportunities — leveraging our years of experience designing and implementing successful year-end campaigns.
What topics will be covered at the webinar?
You will learn practical, relevant skills to help you organize your year end fundraising campaign. From how to engage major donors to direct mail appeals — this will be a one stop shop to get organized for the most important fundraising moment of your fiscal year.
For further information, please contact: lillian.b.archer@gmail.com
About The Directors
Lillian B. Archer
Lillian is a thought leader in philanthropy and fundraising. She has led and designed annual fund efforts and capital campaigns for causes spanning education, healthcare, arts and culture, and advocacy. Her proficiency in major gifts fundraising, sharp strategic planning skills, and adept project management of campaigns have made her a sought-after partner for nonprofit organizations with annual budgets of $300,000 to nearly $50 million.
Alana Zavett Green
Alana is a strategic development professional committed to social impact. She has dedicated her career to nonprofit community outreach and engagement through effective fundraising, board development, event coordination, and program execution. As the Founder and Principal of The Ask, LLC, Alana is proud to consult for and partner with local and national social service organizations.
Current & Previous Clients
- San Francisco Parks Alliance
- Step One School
- Richmond Promise
- First Graduate
- Fiscal Management Associates
- Nuestra Casa De East Palo Alto
- National Alopecia Areata Foundation
- San Francisco Girls Chorus
- Walk San Francisco
- United Irish Societies of SF
- Marin Art and Garden Center
- Sutro Stewards
- Tennis Coalition San Francisco
- Congregation Kol Shofar
- Davis Street Community Centers
- St. Anthony’s Foundation
- New Century Chamber Orchestra
- Studio 70 / JCC of Berkeley
What Our Clients Say
“We no longer had an executive director but knew we had to fundraise. Lillian came to our rescue. She analyzed our donor base then developed an action plan for our year end appeal and annual event. She set benchmarks and met with our entire board to help steer the process. Without Lillian we probably would have folded our organization and walked away. Lillian's experience and guidance was fantastic and kept us going!”
Martha Ehrenfeld, Board Co-Chair, Tennis Coalition SF
“It was a pleasure to work with Alana! She stepped in without losing a beat and absorbed a huge amount of information about our current projects and donors in a short amount of time. She is full of helpful suggestions to improve our long-term development strategy and donor pipeline into the future. We'd be thrilled to work with her again!”
Richard Longsdorf, Executive Director, New Century Chamber Orchestra
“Lillian helped Sutro Stewards increase individual donations at all levels. She continues to make herself available for follow up questions and consultation, which has made all the difference!”
Ildiko Polony, Executive Director, Sutro Stewards
“Alana leads with passion, creativity, and exceptional organization. Alana is incredibly generous with her time, expertise, and network, while her mission-driven approach and development skills shine. She's forward-thinking, detail-oriented, and unafraid to make bold asks. Alana's energy, generosity, and kindness make her an invaluable partner, and I’m grateful for all she brings to JFCS.”
Lois Wander, Associate Director of Development, JFCS, Marin and Sonoma Counties
“Lillian is easy to work with, skilled in working with volunteers, gracefully goes with the flow, and very timely. She can take what seems to be a daunting project and make it all manageable”
Kaia Burkett, Executive Director, Congregation Kol Shofar