United Midcoast Charities successfully hosted its October LEARN@UMC workshop, Unlocking Success: Choosing the Right Fundraising Counsel for Your Organization, bringing together nonprofit leaders, board members, and development staff for a highly engaging and practical learning experience.

Led by Sarah Emerson, Senior Vice President at CCS Fundraising, the session provided attendees with clear, actionable guidance on how to evaluate and select the right fundraising consultant for their organization. Participants walked away with a stronger understanding of when and why to engage outside counsel, how consultants can complement in-house development teams, and what criteria matter most when assessing organizational fit.

The workshop was widely praised for its interactive format and real-world relevance. Emerson shared concrete examples from her extensive career, helping attendees connect strategic concepts to the everyday realities faced by small and mid-sized nonprofits. Her approachable and thoughtful presentation style created a welcoming environment that encouraged questions, discussion, and peer learning throughout the session.

Nonprofits in attendance reported gaining practical tools and increased confidence to make informed decisions that support long-term fundraising success. The session reinforced the value of strategic partnerships and underscored how the right guidance can strengthen sustainability and impact.

This workshop was part of UMC’s ongoing LEARN@UMC series, which is designed to provide timely, high-quality professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of nonprofits serving Midcoast Maine communities.