Get Involved
The 6-Week Philanthropy
Kickstart Challenge
A 6-week action-oriented programme, where you’ll learn to raise additional funds for your organisation.
The Challenge
The 6-Week Philanthropy Kickstart Challenge is designed to help non-profit CEOs enhance their fundraising efforts. Through a structured program, leaders will learn to secure philanthropic donations, build lasting relationships with donors, and develop an actionable fundraising plan.
Our Goal
The challenge aims to empower CEOs by giving them the tools and strategies they need to raise more funds with less time and effort. Ultimately, we help participants focus on their mission while ensuring they have the resources to thrive.
Who is it for?
This challenge is for non-profit CEOs who are ready to elevate their fundraising game. It's ideal for leaders looking to increase their impact without an extensive network or brand recognition.
Get Involved
What is the Philanthropy Kickstart Challenge?
What to Expect
A 6-week action-oriented programme, where you’ll learn to raise additional funds for your organisation.
Week 1
Visionary Leader Energy
Get clear on where you are going and how philanthropy will help you get there.
Week 2
Start With Why
Articulate the problem you solve and use story to emotionally engage and connect with donors.
Week 3
Nail Your Pitch
Describe everything you do in a compelling way that leaves donors asking 'How can I help?'
Week 6
Building Community
Increase your momentum and get long term results by surrounding yourself with a supportive community.
Week 5
How to Ask
Turn nice conversations into clear requests for support (without offending anybody).
Week 4
Who to Ask
Start growing your prospect list, reaching out to potential supporters and getting meetings in the diary.
How The Challenge Works
You'll learn our 5-step system for raising funds in less than 2 hours a week
This challenge is designed to turn you into a fundraising powerhouse with minimal effort. If you follow our 5-step roadmap—you'll learn to connect with the right donors, craft a compelling pitch, and master the art of the ask.
What You Get When You Join The Challenge
A 6-week action-oriented programme, where you’ll learn to raise additional funds for your organisation.
Daily actionable insights
Receive daily actionable insights to keep you on track with your fundraising goals.
Weekly Group Coaching
Interact with Darren and the Onwards Community. This is a good time to ask questions.
Exclusive tools & templates
Receive a range of tools proven to improve the fundraising process and enhance donor engagement. You'll get email templates, pitch templates, accountability group chats and more.
Bonuses:
- Asking Cheat Sheet: so you can turn nice conversations into support
- Accountability WhatsApp group: to share challenges and successes
- Onwards App: Watch content anywhere you have your phone or laptop
What's holding you back?
You Already Have What You Need to Succeed
You’re already leading a successful non-profit. You’ve got the vision, relationships, and story—now, you just need the tools to translate that into donations.
The Big Barriers
Time, Fear, Knowledge, Network, Ownership
No time? Fear of asking? Unsure how to find donors? We tackle all of these roadblocks head-on, so you can stop hesitating and start fundraising.
Why Philanthropy Beats Traditional Fundraising
Higher returns, fewer restrictions, and stronger relationships
Strategic philanthropy is more effective than traditional fundraising methods like grants or mass emails.
Our Clients' Success Stories
CEOs just like you have raised hundreds of thousands of euros using our methods. See how they’ve transformed their organizations by unlocking philanthropic support.
Helping Helium Arts raise an additional €250k
After struggling to secure donations, Helium Art's non-profit transformed its approach through the 6-week challenge, resulting in a 50% increase in donor engagement and successful pitches to major funders. resulting in a 50% increase in donor engagement and successful pitches to major funders.
"Darren's support has given me the knowledge and confidence to use my existing network to find high net worth donors, where I thought I had none. The course and the ongoing support through the Momentum group coaching over the past year is directly responsible for us raising a quarter of a million euro over three years."
Helene Hugel
Helium Arts
Additional funds raised
Improving The B!G Idea's fundraising strategy
After struggling to secure donations, Helium Art's non-profit transformed its approach through the 6-week challenge, resulting in a 50% increase in donor engagement and successful pitches to major funders. resulting in a 50% increase in donor engagement and successful pitches to major funders.
"Darren's support has given me the knowledge and confidence to use my existing network to find high net worth donors, where I thought I had none. The course and the ongoing support through the Momentum group coaching over the past year is directly responsible for us raising a quarter of a million euro over three years."
Kim Mackenzie-Doyle
The B!G Idea
Additional funds raised
Revitalising Grow Remote's Stagnant Fundraising Strategy
After struggling to secure donations, Helium Art's non-profit transformed its approach through the 6-week challenge, resulting in a 50% increase in donor engagement and successful pitches to major funders. resulting in a 50% increase in donor engagement and successful pitches to major funders.
"Darren's support has given me the knowledge and confidence to use my existing network to find high net worth donors, where I thought I had none. The course and the ongoing support through the Momentum group coaching over the past year is directly responsible for us raising a quarter of a million euro over three years."
Miriam Spollen
Grow Remote
Additional funds raised
Client Testimonials
Check out our client testimonials. We pride ourselves on our ability do deliver exceptional results.
"Darren's practical and demystifying knowledge of Philanthropy is second to none. It gives me great confidence as a leader and philanthropic fundraiser to have him in my circle."
Kim Mackenzie-Doyle
The B!G Idea
Additional funds raised
"For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of philanthropy or to make a meaningful impact, Darren's guidance and the Kickstart Challenge are invaluable."
Miriam Spollen
Connections Arts Centre
Additional funds raised
"I believe that Darren Ryan is the most important and impactful person in social enterprise in Ireland today."
Tracy Keogh
Grow Remote
Additional funds raised
As a graduate of Darren’s Philanthropy Course, I can certainly recommend it to others. Darren has tremendous expertise and his commitment to supporting non-for-profit leaders to be successful in the area of philanthropy is very inspiring and enabling.
Caoimhe de Barra
CEO Trócaire
Additional funds raised
"Darren's support has given me the knowledge and confidence to use my existing network to find high net worth donors, where I thought I had none."
Helene Hugel
Helium Arts
Additional funds raised
"Since completing the course, our fundraising success rate has increased substantially. I’d highly recommend the Philanthropy Kickstart Challenge to any non-profit leader looking to significantly boost their fundraising efforts!"
Kris Healy
CEO Spadework
Additional funds raised
Get Started Today
We are now looking for eight non-profit CEOs to join the next cohort of the Philanthropy Kickstart Challenge.
The course will launch on the 24th of June and finish on the 1st of August. Weekly group coaching calls will be held on Thursdays at 4pm GMT / 11am EST / 8am PST.