Rising Stars 2026

The Rising Stars cohort is built for mid-career donor relations professionals with 3–5 years of experience and a clear vision for what’s next. If you're ready to move from strong contributor to emerging leader, this program is your next step.

Over the course of 10 months, you’ll dive into a transformational experience designed to deepen your expertise, expand your impact, and prepare you for your next leadership opportunity. It’s a thoughtful balance of practical training and professional growth.

• Five, 60-minute online meetings featuring focused learning, thought-leadership in the following areas: 

  • Leading With Strengths 

  • Transitioning from Team Member to Team Leader

  • Leading Up, Sideways, and All Around

  • Strategy Development

  • The Future of Donor Relations

  • Advocating For That Next Opportunity

• Five, 60-minute small group ideation and crowd-sourced problem solving sessions hosted by DRG facilitators and/or Distinguished Leaders alumni.