What is BTFRI? 

The Big Ten Fund Raisers Institute (BTFRI) is an intensive retreat where leading professionals gather to explore emerging challenges and trends in higher education philanthropy, learn proficiencies for meeting common goals, and share stories of successful practice.  

BTFRI, a premier leadership forum for higher education executives, launched its inaugural conference in 1963. Designed exclusively for the industry’s most experienced professional leaders, this exclusive retreat opportunity has fostered the careers of notable higher education leaders throughout the U.S.  

Who should attend BTFRI 2023? 

BTFRI will reinvigorate your enthusiasm for higher education development.

If you’re a development leader in higher education who seeks a unique opportunity to discuss the latest ideas and challenges in development among your accomplished peers, we invite you to apply to attend our 2023 conference in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. 

What can you expect at BTFRI 2023? 

BTRFI faculty and presenters will discuss the latest fundraising challenges and share creative ways to take advantage of new opportunities in higher education philanthropy. 

Attendees will have numerous opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences with Institute faculty, presenters, and additional exceptional leaders in advancement to reassess their development strategies and think creatively and collaboratively. 

Every August I make my way to BTFRI. The quality of the conference’s content and collegiality conspire to make it one of the finest professional development opportunities around. It’s well worth the trip from anywhere.

Lynette Marshall
President and CEO, The University of Iowa Center for Advancement; Dean, BTFRI

BTFRI is one of the strongest conferences in the country because of its small size and extraordinary participants. It provides wonderful opportunities for formal and informal interaction.

Rhea Turteltaub
Vice Chancellor, External Affairs, UCLA

From my first experience at BTFRI as an attendee in the Summer of 2011, to now being on faculty, I have appreciated the unique learning experience it provides for senior development leaders. BTFRI provides opportunities for honest conversations and informal networking, and gives us all the chance to step away from our busy careers, to focus on personal and professional development.

Alison Traub
Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations, University of Cambridge

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