Purpose

United Ways across the country are facing new challenges in revenue generation. This cohort helps executive teams accelerate growth by equipping mid-to-large United Ways with the strategies, tools, and support to grow and diversify revenue.

• Cohort Approach

  • 8 virtual sessions over four months (90 minutes each)

  • Cohort of executives from six-to-eight mid/large United Ways

  • Expert facilitators and instructors as well as facilitated peer learning

  What is Included:

  • Two seats for executive team members. It is recommended that one executive team member completes the full cohort, and is joined on a session-by-session basis by their peers who lead the related content areas.

    • For example, a Chief Revenue Officer may participate in the full cohort, but will be joined by the Chief Marketing Officer during the brand-related sessions, by the Chief Financial Officer during resource modeling sessions, and by the CEO or Chief of Staff during org strategy and alignment sessions.

  • Access to all session materials and outcomes documents for the full executive team.

• Who should join?

  • CEOs, COOs, RDVPs/CDOs, and other senior Leaders of mid-to-large United Ways

  • UWs in regional hubs and mid-sized communities looking to grow revenue and regain momentum

  • Leaders looking to grow revenue raised via traditional means and to build new revenue streams

• Vanguard Experience Outcomes

  • A peer-reviewed revenue growth strategy

  • Practical tools for digital fundraising, corporate solutions, and donor diversification

  • Stronger understanding of brand/marketing as a revenue driver

  • An alumni network of peers for continued support

Sessions

• Sessions 1–3: Foundations of Modern Fundraising

  Donor diversification, partnerships, major gifts, revenue strategy & team building.

  Facilitator: Paul DeBassio, former RDVP & CDO at United Way in Boston and Chief Revenue Officer at United Way Worldwide

• Session 4: Organizational Strategy as Revenue Engine

  Aligning teams, boards, and partners behind a bold goal and strategy.
  

  Facilitators:

  Michael Brooks, Partner, Gamut; 10 years with United Way

  Brian Cox, Partner, Gamut; 8 years with United Way

• Session 5: Industry Trends in Fundraising

  Trends, donor behaviors, and sector shifts to stay ahead of the curve.

  Facilitator: Sterrin Bird, Former Chief Development Officer, United Way & March of Dimes.

• Session 6: Digital Engagement for Revenue Growth

  Strengthening online giving, donor journeys, and engagement campaigns.

  Facilitator: Brian Cox, Partner, Gamut; 8 years with United Way

• Session 7: Innovation & Selling Solutions

  Leverage United Way’s role to sell solutions to partners and funders.

  Facilitator: Edwin Goutier, Chief Innovation Officer; 10+ years at United Way of North Central Florida and United Way Worldwide

• Session 8: Brand & Marketing: Building an Irresistible Brand

  Craft an irresistible brand that converts awareness into engagement and revenue growth.

  Facilitators:

  Cynthia Round, former Chief Marketing Officer at NYC’s Metropolitan Museum of Art; EVP, Brand at UWW

  Brian Cox, Partner, Gamut; 8 years with United Way

Join us this for the Spring 2026
Revenue Leaders Vanguard Experience

Enrollment Cost:

$20,000 per United Way, which includes two cohort seats and full executive team access to materials.