Feb 4, 2026
Cayuga County, February 2026 – The Cayuga County Office of Tourism is hosting a complimentary Fund Development Incubator (FDI), a seven session educational series designed to help Cayuga County nonprofit organizations strengthen fundraising skills, improve planning, and build confidence in fund development work. Through a request for proposals process, Tour Cayuga engaged Syracuse-based consultant Charlene Tarver, JD, LL.M. to facilitate the program.
Tarver is the President and CEO of the Women’s Economic Institute, a nonprofit focused on community and economic development and affordable housing, and the principal and managing member of Tarver Consulting Group. A former tax and business attorney, author, and adjunct professor, she brings more than 25 years of experience in fund development and nonprofit leadership, including more than 20 years of executive fundraising work and over $150 million raised for major nonprofit organizations.
The FDI program aims to enhance the capacity of local non-profits to secure grants and develop funds, addressing the diverse needs of organizations in Cayuga County. The curriculum will focus on practical tools and best practices that nonprofit staff and leaders can apply immediately. Topics across the series include fund development fundamentals, building a fundraising plan of action, SWOT analysis and SMART goals, strategic planning, donor and database management, organizational marketing and branding, and strategies for major gifts and planned giving.
Citing a 2019 report on U.S. nonprofits, Tarver highlighted funding challenges faced by nonprofits today, including budget cuts and the need for creative fundraising strategies and emphasized that many nonprofits raise $500,000 or less annually. “Today’s fund development professional must be a highly trained strategist in networking, capital acquisition, and pipelining corporate and individual donors.” Said Charlene about the goals of this incubator program. “I’m excited to be a part of CCCVB’s vision to grow and scale a Cayuga-based non-profit ecosystem.”
The FDI program kicked off with a Mix & Mingle event in November for interested organizations to meet Tarver with program sessions held monthly on the fourth Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. from January to July. Enrollment remains open for additional participants through the second session on February 26. Sessions during the winter months will be facilitated virtually, while beginning with session four on April 23 will be moved to in-person and an August graduation ceremony reception. Nonprofit professionals from across Cayuga County participated in the first session on January 22, 2026, which combined guided instruction with discussion focused on donor engagement, storytelling, and the day-to-day challenges of fundraising work. Organizations interested in joining the Fund Development Incubator can register by completing the enrollment page application or contacting the Cayuga County Office of Tourism directly at: dawn@tourcayuga.com.
About Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) is Cayuga County’s tourism promotion agency. We increase tourism and related revenues through promotion and research-based targeted marketing, and we improve the visitor experience by providing data and training to local hospitality industry providers. We continuously work to increase tourism and improve the visitor experience, which in turn stimulates economic growth and sustains recreational and cultural opportunities in the County.