Institute for Leaders In Development

Behind Every Mission Is a Fundraiser, Institute for Leaders in Development (ILD). ILD is a groundbreaking institute, created to preserve and grow the vitality of the philanthropic sector in Colorado. This project is dedicated to elevating Colorado’s nonprofit fundraising leaders by providing professional advancement opportunities that promote longevity in the fundraising field, decrease turnover, and strengthen our community.

Every dollar given to ILD is leveraged through volunteer and in-kind support at a ratio of 2:1, multiplying your impact. Your gift helps offset already significantly subsidized tuition costs, ensuring the next generation of fundraising leaders can access this transformative experience.

Here’s how your contribution makes a difference:

$5 fuels early-morning classes with coffee for our dedicated cohort members

$18 honors ILD’s 18 cohorts providing leadership resources and assessment tools

$26 (for the Class of 2026) allows ILD to provide stipends for volunteer faculty

$100+ celebrates the 100+ volunteers it takes to create this unique annual cohort experience

$250 honors the generosity of our alumni network, 16% of whom make annual donations to ILD

$500 in combined gifts unlocks a match from ILD Alumni Leadership

"I support ILD because I believe that investing in the philanthropic workforce is critical to the health and strength of the nonprofits in our community. ILD has been formative in my career, and while serving on the Steering Committee is one way I give back, I know that my philanthropic support helps bolster this important work." - MaryBeth Lawson, ILD ‘16 Vice President of Development, Denver Public Schools Foundation