“Our guiding purpose isn’t just providing students with funding but giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams, and telling them in no uncertain terms we believe in you,” said Bob Ballard, President, and CEO of Scholarship America. He opened the conference as the first in an engaging lineup of keynote speakers and workshop leaders.

He recognized the similarities between his organization and Kids’ Chance, emphasizing the importance of listening, sharing, and evolving as you grow. “They are the keys to expanding your impact without losing sight of your mission. [They’re also] the secret to building a national organization that keeps people engaged. [in a] true community.”

That’s why it’s so important for everyone in the Kids’ Chance community to come together once a year through the National Conference.

To capitalize on the virtual format of the event this year, the conference was produced with three tracks: Build Community, Strengthen Governance, and Expand Fundraising.

“We wanted to give state organizations the opportunity to send more than one representative,” said Vicki Burkhart, Kids’ Chance of America Executive Director. “That way, the fundraising chair could focus on one day, and the marketing chair could focus on another. It also allowed us to offer different types of content from keynotes to hands-on breakout sessions.”

Nick Westergaard, Strategist and Author at Brand Driven Digital, led off the Build Community track with his keynote, How to Build a Trust Brand Now. The other sessions that day explored video and newsletters. The Strengthen Governance track featured The Leadership Factor - The Future of Giving delivered by Crystal Thompkins, National Director, Gift Planning Services, BNY Mellon Wealth Management. The rest of the day dove into leadership responsibilities and engagement. Last but certainly not least was the Expand Fundraising track which kicked off with The Road to Sustainability with Sheila Bravo, President and CEO at Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement. We also covered individual giving and diversifying fundraising.

In addition to sessions that enable our states to better meet our mission, the conference provides our entire community the opportunity to connect, share resources, and highlight our accomplishments.

The Robert M. Clyatt Award Presentation is once such a moment. This year, Robert Keefe received the award, delivering moving remarks on the Kids’ Chance mission and how it has grown.

“Our little village grew to be a town and then a city and now a nation. Thousands of people across the country plan and run fundraisers, send out newsletters, and solicit donations -- and importantly they bring others into the village,” said Bob. “This award reminds us of what we can accomplish when we work together to make our society better by educating kids.”

Another opportunity comes in the form of state report-outs. With the 50 state benchmark right around the corner, there’s a lot to hear, but the progress across the country proved dynamic and exciting.

At the end of the day, Kids’ Chance is all about the kids, whose stories were shared throughout the conference. “I’m so glad to be involved with Kids’ Chance,” said Jennifer Wright from Kids’ Chance of Florida. “I love that it’s a way of giving back to the insurance industry which supports many of our careers. These kids have faced adversity and kept going no matter what. They will be tomorrow’s leaders.”

The conference will be hosted in person by Kids’ Chance of North Carolina next year from April 28 -30, 2022. Make sure you mark your calendars to join us!