6 Weeks to Confident Asks + Clear Results
Presented by: Holly Kobia, Founder & Principal, Kobia Consulting, LLC
📍 Blacksburg
Tuesdays, August 25 – September 29, 2026
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Blacksburg Qcowork, 105 Roanoke Street E
📍 Floyd
Wednesdays, August 26 – September 30, 2026
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
June Bug Center, 251 Parkway Lane, Floyd, VA 24091
📍 Roanoke/Salem
Thursdays, August 27 – October 1, 2026
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance, 709 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA 24016
Investment: $695 (includes two 1-hour 1:1 strategy sessions + final celebration lunch)
Enrollment limited to 15 executive leaders
Program Overview
For many nonprofit leaders, fundraising brings real anxiety: the discomfort of asking for money, the uncertainty of what works, and the reality that practical training is often hard to find. Too many leaders are expected to raise more, build stronger donor relationships, and lead with confidence—without being given a clear, repeatable approach. Holly Kobia brings a rare perspective to this work: she has been in the trenches as a frontline fundraiser herself, personally made the asks, felt the discomfort, and led teams toward astonishing goals.
Lead the Ask: Executive Fundraising Accelerator is different. This six-week experience is designed to be immediately actionable, giving executive directors and senior nonprofit leaders the tools, language, and confidence to put what they learn into practice right away—not someday, but that same week. Through focused group sessions and personalized coaching, participants will strengthen their fundraising mindset, communicate their mission with clarity, identify and engage top donors, and make the ask with authenticity and ease.
This is not theory—it’s leadership in action. Direct, practical, and built to help your organization finish the year strong and start the next with momentum.
Program Structure
6 In-Person Group Sessions
75–90 minutes each
2 Private 1:1 Sessions
1-hour strategy sessions with Holly Kobia
Final Celebration
Final session includes a celebration lunch
Schedule:
📍 Blacksburg: Tuesdays, August 25 – September 29, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
📍 Floyd: Wednesdays, August 26 – September 30, 2026 | 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
📍 Roanoke/Salem: Thursdays, August 27 – October 1, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
What You'll Gain
A clear, confident fundraising mindset—and the words to back it up
A refreshed case for support tailored to your organization
Tools to identify, prioritize, and engage high-value donors
A proven framework for making the ask that feels natural and successful
A simple 90-day Fundraising Readiness Roadmap to guide next steps
Personalized feedback and accountability through two 1:1 sessions
Who Should Attend
Executive Directors
CEOs
Development Directors
Senior Fundraisers
Board Chairs
Senior volunteers involved in fundraising
Leaders seeking to elevate their organization's fundraising results and confidence before year-end
Why It Works
You'll gain practical tools and immediate wins while uncovering deeper opportunities for growth in your organization's fundraising systems, board engagement, and donor communications.
Most participants leave inspired—and ready to take the next step through tailored consulting or strategy work with Kobia Consulting to keep the momentum going.
What Participants Are Saying
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Fundraising is non-negotiable within the non-profit sector. It's time to become more confident and receive professional guidance, not fluff. Actionable strategies, not brainstorming. Lead the Ask is an investment, but necessary for growth. One gift can be a game-changer for an organization." — Marissa Smith, VP of Membership Engagement, Montgomery Co. VA Chamber of Commerce
"As a complete newbie and reticent fundraiser I am so grateful to have a better understanding and a much better mindset about my responsibilities, what a clear process and strategy looks like and where I can get the support I need to begin well." — Patti Ann Talbot, Executive Director, ChangeMakerYOU
"Go see Holly!" — Program Participant
"There is a process that can help make it easier." — Andrea Muscatello, Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry
About the Facilitator
Holly Kobia is the Founder and Principal of Kobia Consulting, LLC, a Virginia-based firm that helps nonprofits and mission-driven organizations strengthen their fundraising, leadership, and communications strategies. Known for her results-driven yet approachable style, Holly has worked with executive leaders at Virginia Tech, national nonprofits, and community-based organizations to double—and in some cases triple—their fundraising outcomes. She has raised over $100M and led teams of fundraisers, marketing and communications, events, and engagement professionals.
She combines two decades of experience in strategic communications, advancement leadership, and executive coaching to help organizations build confident fundraising cultures and accelerate revenue growth. A former journalist turned senior fundraising strategist, Holly's work has been described as transformational for leaders ready to elevate their message, engage donors more deeply, and lead the ask with clarity and conviction. Beyond consulting, Holly extends her reach through a podcast, blog, and active social media presence, where she regularly shares fundraising advice, encouragement, and best practices with nonprofit leaders—an extension of her generous, accessible leadership style and deep commitment to the sector.
Registration
Space is limited to 15 participants per cohort to ensure personalized attention.
📍 Blacksburg
Tuesdays, August 25 – September 29, 2026
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Blacksburg Qcowork, 105 Roanoke Street E
📍 Floyd
Wednesdays, August 26 – September 30, 2026
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | June Bug Center, 251 Parkway Lane, Floyd, VA 24091
📍 Roanoke/Salem
Thursdays, August 27 – October 1, 2026
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance, 709 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA 24016
🌐 Website
Lead the Ask: The Executive Fundraising Accelerator