The Big Ten Fund Raisers Institute
Conference and Retreat
July 31—August 3, 2027
Grand Geneva Hotel
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
What is BTFRI?
The Big Ten Fund Raisers Institute (BTFRI) brings together leaders in higher education development for a multi-day immersive conference in beautiful Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. With traditions founded upon sharing successes and thinking critically through challenges, the BTRFI forum remains a unique and valuable learning experience for those working in philanthropy within academia.
Each year, BTFRI welcomes 40 development leaders to engage in meaningful discussions about professional trends and challenges with esteemed peers.
To date, more than 2,000 alumni have participated in BTFRI, including 50 faculty members, some of whom currently hold leadership positions across the country.
Who should attend?
BTFRI will reignite your passion for higher education development.
If you’re a development leader in higher education seeking a unique opportunity to discuss the latest trends and challenges among your accomplished peers, we invite you to apply to attend our conference in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Historically, the 40 hand-selected attendees hold roles ranging from director to associate vice president, and each attendee is invited to participate only once.
What can you expect at BTFRI?
During this conference, BTRFI faculty, along with special guests, will lead sessions that explore emerging challenges and evolving trends in higher education philanthropy. These engaging, content-rich sessions foster open dialogue between attendees and BTFRI faculty.
However, what truly sets BTFRI apart are the evening social activities including a scenic boat cruise on Lake Geneva, an alfresco dinner on the golf course at the Grand Geneva Resort, and a memorable closing ceremony at Pier 290.
Previous attendees have noted that you will want to silence your phone and set aside email to fully embrace quality time spent with BTFRI faculty and peers in the higher education community.
For more than 50 years, BTFRI has been organized by a team of distinguished faculty leaders. BTFRI’s current faculty include senior leaders from several prominent institutions.
Access the registration page to determine whether BTFRI could be a good fit for you.
Already attending BTFRI? Find travel and accommodations information here.
Words from past attendees . . .
I have been lucky enough to have attended several professional conferences in my career, but BTFRI was the most immersive and provided the most direct access to leaders in the industry. The interaction with my colleagues from across the Big 10 and country was an invaluable experience. I would highly recommend this conference.
David Belieu
Senior Director of Development-UNO Advancement
University of Nebraska Foundation
BTFRI fundamentally changed how I think about higher education advancement. It offered an elevated perspective on modern leadership, equipping me to navigate complexity, overcome obstacles, and think more strategically about the future. Along the way, I built lasting friendships and professional relationships that continue to enrich my work today. Without question, it was the best professional development experience of my life. I feel more comfortable in my skin, as a leader, now that I have gone through BTFRI.
Tony Pomonis
Assistant Vice President, Transformational Giving
University of Central Florida
I am so thankful I was able to attend BTFRI 2025. The content was informative and timely, and I greatly enjoyed connecting with my peers from across the world. The best part, and what sets BTFRI apart, is its faculty: accomplished advancement leaders who bring the highest level of insight and experience. Each session was meaningful and challenged you to think differently about strategy and leadership in higher education philanthropy.
Samara Preisler
Executive Director of Development, Moritz College of Law, The Ohio State University
Attending the BTFRI was an invaluable professional development experience. The opportunity to learn from faculty with diverse backgrounds and career paths provided meaningful perspective on the many ways to grow and succeed in higher education advancement. I especially appreciated the time they took to engage in personal conversations, sharing insights about their own career trajectories and leadership journeys. The conference highlighted the latest research, data, and trends shaping the future of higher education development. Equally valuable was the opportunity to connect with peers from highly successful fundraising institutions and discuss common challenges and innovative solutions. These candid conversations fostered both learning and collaboration. I left the conference with new knowledge, practical strategies, and a stronger professional network that will enhance my effectiveness as a fundraiser.
Kimberly Reese
Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Xavier University
BTFRI is a one-of-a-kind professional learning and engagement opportunity. The sessions go beyond surface-level subjects, and really dive deep into a range of topics relevant to the advancement profession. The connections and quality time spent with BTFRI faculty and peers across higher ed was so meaningful— and not to mention, all of this takes place in beautiful Lake Geneva! It was an unforgettable experience.
Lindsay Walker
Executive Director of Development, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, ASU Foundation for a New American University
BTFRI was very impactful and balanced. It is needed more than ever by development leaders during these challenging times. The faculty went above and beyond to teach from their perspectives and experiences and to connect with attendees.