Consultant proposes "no-ask" flagship event to raise commission visibility and funder ties

Morgan Dawson, a philanthropy consultant, advised the commission on how to enter philanthropy networks and increase visibility without turning the commission into a fundraising organization. She recommended a "no-ask" flagship event that invites funders and community partners to a learning-focused room; the approach emphasizes relationship-building and visibility rather than immediate solicitation.

"You all should be in those rooms," Morgan told the commission, arguing that inviting funders to small, non-transactional events can create long-term investment and partnerships. She urged staff to design plug-and-play event templates and consider partners who can share implementation workload so an annual flagship becomes sustainable and low-burden after an initial heavier lift.