EMPOWERED User Conference logo

AUGUST 5-7
View the Session Schedule with course descriptions, user level, and prerequisites below.

TUESDAY AUGUST 5

Afternoon

3:00 – 4:00

4:15 – 5:00

5:00 – 6:00

6:00

Conference Check-In

Function-Focused Icebreakers

Join these facilitated icebreaker sessions to connect with peers in similar roles, providing an opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges, and build valuable connections before the conference kicks off.

Opening Session

Welcome Reception – The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit

Explore & Dine

Enjoy dinner on your own and explore the city.

1:00 – 3:00

3:00 – 4:00

Conference Check-In

Function-Focused Icebreakers

Join these facilitated icebreaker sessions to connect with peers in similar roles, providing an opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges, and build valuable connections before the conference kicks off.

Donor Relations

Administration

Grants Management

Finance & Accounting

New akoyaGO User

Private Foundations

4:15 – 5:00

5:00 – 6:00

6:00

Opening Session

Welcome Reception – The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit

Explore & Dine

Enjoy dinner on your own and explore the city.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Breakfast

Keynote & Breakout Sessions

GOsupport Express

In between sessions, drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

Lunch

Keynote & Breakout Sessions

GOsupport Express

In between sessions, drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

Dinner & Social – Outdoor Adventure Center

Donor Relations

Administration

Grants Management

Finance & Accounting

All akoyaGO Users

Donor Relations

Administration

Grants Management

Finance & Accounting

All akoyaGO Users

8:00 – 9:00

9:00 – 10:00

10:00 – 10:15

Breakfast

General Session

GOsupport Express

In between sessions, drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

10:15 – 11:15

Processing Donations with GOdonate

akoyaGO without Accounting users

Explore GOdonate from both the donor and foundation staff perspectives in this scenario-based training. Follow the journey of a donor using the gift basket experience, from selecting funds to completing a transaction. Then, switch perspectives to process donations as foundation staff, ensuring smooth management and accurate record-keeping. This session will provide a step-by-step walkthrough of transaction processing, equipping you with the knowledge to optimize the donation experience for all users.

Objectives

1. Experience the full donor journey using the new GOdonate Gift Basket (donation cart) feature

2. Learn how to process and manage donations efficiently as foundation staff

3. Understand transaction workflows from submission to completion

Mastering Time Management with Tasks & Activities

Open to all akoyaGO users

Recommended: System Customizer Role

Take control of your daily workflow with structured task management in your CRM. This interactive, scenario-based session will guide you through organizing tasks and activities effectively. Using real-world user stories, participants will learn to create and customize key task views, integrate them into a personalized dashboard, and develop a system for weekly task tracking. Whether attending one session or building upon a consecutive session, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to streamline your workload.

Objectives

1. Learn best practices for managing daily and weekly tasks in the CRM

2. Create custom task views to optimize productivity

3. Build a task management dashboard tailored to your workflow

Understanding a Multi-Phase Application Process in GOapply

GOapply Admin Role

GOmanager Security Group

Unlock the full potential of GOapply’s multi-phase application process with a step-by-step walkthrough of best practices and recent enhancements. This session will explore how to structure an application journey, from initial submission to final reporting. Learn how to advance applications through key stages, create requirements, and automate notifications to keep applicants informed. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for setting up an efficient, user-friendly multi-phase opportunity.

Objectives

1. Gain insight into the structured steps of a multi-phase application in GOapply

2. Explore notification examples for each stage, including reminders and confirmations

3. Learn best practices for creating and managing requirements

4. Understand recent enhancements designed to improve the applicant experience

Audit? More Like “GOT IT!”

Business Central Essentials License

Finance User

Join industry professionals and akoyaGO staff as they discuss tools and strategies for preparing for audit. Review Business Central functions and resources to feel prepared for your next financial audit.

Objectives

1. Learn how an experienced CPA prepares for an audit

2. Discuss strategies for maintaining data to ensure audit preparation is smooth

3. Review reports commonly requested by auditors

User Group: New Users

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

10:15 – 11:15

Processing Donations with GOdonate

akoyaGO without Accounting users

Explore GOdonate from both the donor and foundation staff perspectives in this scenario-based training. Follow the journey of a donor using the gift basket experience, from selecting funds to completing a transaction. Then, switch perspectives to process donations as foundation staff, ensuring smooth management and accurate record-keeping. This session will provide a step-by-step walkthrough of transaction processing, equipping you with the knowledge to optimize the donation experience for all users.

Objectives

  1. Experience the full donor journey using the new GOdonate Gift Basket (donation cart) feature

2. Learn how to process and manage donations efficiently as foundation staff

3. Understand transaction workflows from submission to completion

Mastering Time Management with Tasks & Activities

Open to all akoyaGO users

Recommended: System Customizer Role

Take control of your daily workflow with structured task management in your CRM. This interactive, scenario-based session will guide you through organizing tasks and activities effectively. Using real-world user stories, participants will learn to create and customize key task views, integrate them into a personalized dashboard, and develop a system for weekly task tracking. Whether attending one session or building upon a consecutive session, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to streamline your workload.

Objectives

1. Learn best practices for managing daily and weekly tasks in the CRM

2. Create custom task views to optimize productivity

3. Build a task management dashboard tailored to your workflow

Understanding a Multi-Phase Application Process in GOapply

GOapply Admin Role

GOmanager Security Group

Unlock the full potential of GOapply’s multi-phase application process with a step-by-step walkthrough of best practices and recent enhancements. This session will explore how to structure an application journey, from initial submission to final reporting. Learn how to advance applications through key stages, create requirements, and automate notifications to keep applicants informed. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for setting up an efficient, user-friendly multi-phase opportunity.

Objectives

1. Gain insight into the structured steps of a multi-phase application in GOapply

2. Explore notification examples for each stage, including reminders and confirmations

3. Learn best practices for creating and managing requirements

4. Understand recent enhancements designed to improve the applicant experience

Audit? More Like “GOT IT!”

Business Central Essentials License

Finance User

Join industry professionals and akoyaGO staff as they discuss tools and strategies for preparing for audit. Review Business Central functions and resources to feel prepared for your next financial audit.

Objectives

1. Learn how an experienced CPA prepares for an audit

2. Discuss strategies for maintaining data to ensure audit preparation is smooth

3. Review reports commonly requested by auditors

User Group: New Users

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

11:15 – 11:30

GOsupport Express

In between sessions, drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

11:30 – 12:30

Managing Donor & Fundholder Cultivation: From Prospect to Partner

akoyaGO + Accounting (Donor Management area)

Build stronger donor relationships by understanding the full lifecycle of donor and fundholder cultivation. This scenario-based session will follow a prospect’s journey from initial interest to active fundholder, highlighting key touchpoints. Learn how to track and manage each stage in your CRM, leverage tools like GOfund for donor engagement, and streamline the fund setup process. Walk away with a roadmap for turning prospects into long-term partners.

Objectives

1. Follow a donor’s journey through key stages, from prospect to fundholder

2. Learn how to track and manage donor cultivation within your CRM

3. Explore best practices for guiding prospects through the fund setup process

4. Understand how to provide fundholders with access to GOfund and encourage ongoing contributions

Automating Notifications with Process Workflows

System Customizer role

Recommended: Participated in system customizer training

Save time and enhance communication by automating key notifications with process workflows. This session will walk through real-world scenarios, demonstrating when and how to use workflows to notify staff, send award emails, track status changes, and deliver reminders. Attendees will gain hands-on experience building workflows in the editor, crafting email templates, and applying best practices to ensure clear, timely messaging.

Objectives

1. Learn how to automate notifications for staff and applicants at key points in a process

2. Explore workflow examples, including award notifications, status updates, and reminders

3. Build workflows step-by-step using the workflow editor

4. Create effective email templates with best practices for clarity and engagement

Best Practices for Launching GOapply Cycles

GOapply Administrator

GOmanager Security Group member

A successful GOapply cycle starts with planning and execution. This session will walk through the essential steps for launching an application cycle with confidence, from finalizing opportunity settings to communicating with applicants. Learn best practices for setting deadlines, configuring requirements, and ensuring a successful experience for both applicants and reviewers. By following a structured approach, you’ll set your cycle up for success and minimize the need for mid-cycle adjustments.

Objectives

1. Review key steps to take before launching a GOapply cycle

2. Learn how to configure opportunity settings, deadlines, and requirements

User Group: Finance & Accounting

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

Data Entry Best Practices: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Open to all akoyaGO users

Accurate and efficient data entry is the foundation of a well-organized system. This session will cover essential best practices to streamline your workflows, minimize errors, and improve data consistency. Learn simple but effective techniques to save time, ensure data integrity, and maximize the value of your CRM. Whether you’re entering new records, updating existing ones, or performing bulk data actions, this session will equip you with the skills to work smarter, not harder.

Objectives

1. Learn key data entry techniques to improve efficiency and accuracy

2. Explore time-saving tools and shortcuts within your CRM

3. Understand how to maintain data consistency and avoid common errors

4. Develop habits to keep your database clean and organized for long-term success

11:30 – 12:30

Managing Donor & Fundholder Cultivation: From Prospect to Partner

akoyaGO + Accounting (Donor Management area)

Build stronger donor relationships by understanding the full lifecycle of donor and fundholder cultivation. This scenario-based session will follow a prospect’s journey from initial interest to active fundholder, highlighting key touchpoints. Learn how to track and manage each stage in your CRM, leverage tools like GOfund for donor engagement, and streamline the fund setup process. Walk away with a roadmap for turning prospects into long-term partners.

Objectives

1. Follow a donor’s journey through key stages, from prospect to fundholder

2. Learn how to track and manage donor cultivation within your CRM

3. Explore best practices for guiding prospects through the fund setup process

4. Understand how to provide fundholders with access to GOfund and encourage ongoing contributions

Automating Notifications with Process Workflows

System Customizer role

Recommended: Participated in system customizer training

Save time and enhance communication by automating key notifications with process workflows. This session will walk through real-world scenarios, demonstrating when and how to use workflows to notify staff, send award emails, track status changes, and deliver reminders. Attendees will gain hands-on experience building workflows in the editor, crafting email templates, and applying best practices to ensure clear, timely messaging.

Objectives

1. Learn how to automate notifications for staff and applicants at key points in a process

2. Explore workflow examples, including award notifications, status updates, and reminders

3. Build workflows step-by-step using the workflow editor

4. Create effective email templates with best practices for clarity and engagement

Best Practices for Launching GOapply Cycles

GOapply Administrator

GOmanager Security Group member

A successful GOapply cycle starts with planning and execution. This session will walk through the essential steps for launching an application cycle with confidence, from finalizing opportunity settings to communicating with applicants. Learn best practices for setting deadlines, configuring requirements, and ensuring a successful experience for both applicants and reviewers. By following a structured approach, you’ll set your cycle up for success and minimize the need for mid-cycle adjustments.

Objectives

1. Review key steps to take before launching a GOapply cycle

2. Learn how to configure opportunity settings, deadlines, and requirements

User Group: Finance & Accounting

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

Data Entry Best Practices: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Open to all akoyaGO users

Accurate and efficient data entry is the foundation of a well-organized system. This session will cover essential best practices to streamline your workflows, minimize errors, and improve data consistency. Learn simple but effective techniques to save time, ensure data integrity, and maximize the value of your CRM. Whether you’re entering new records, updating existing ones, or performing bulk data actions, this session will equip you with the skills to work smarter, not harder.

Objectives

1. Learn key data entry techniques to improve efficiency and accuracy

2. Explore time-saving tools and shortcuts within your CRM

3. Understand how to maintain data consistency and avoid common errors

4. Develop habits to keep your database clean and organized for long-term success

12:30 – 1:15

1:15 – 1:45

Lunch

General Session

1:45 – 2:00

GOsupport Express

In between sessions, drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

2:00 – 3:00

User Group: Donor Relations

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

Teams, Security, and Onboarding: Managing Staff Access & Transitions

akoyaGO Administrator

Access to Power Platform Admin Center to assign security roles (determined by MS 365 roles)

Ensure secure and efficient staff management by understanding how to properly assign security roles, teams, and permissions within your system. This session will focus on out-of-the-box security roles, explaining the differences between Teams vs. Admin roles and when to apply layered custom security settings. Learn best practices for onboarding new employees, offboarding departing staff, and maintaining system security during staff transitions. Additionally, explore standard responsibilities for Database Admins to manage staff turnover and perform annual database maintenance.

Objectives

1. Understand OOB security roles and when to use them

2. Learn the differences between Teams vs. Admin roles and how to layer permissions

3. Explore best practices for onboarding and offboarding employees securely

4. Establish Database Admin responsibilities for managing staff transitions

 

Managing Reviewer Elements Throughout the Grant Cycle

GOapply Admin Role

GOmanager Security Group

Building on the Understanding a Multi-Phase Application Process in GOapply session, this hands-on workshop focuses on the reviewer experience throughout the grant cycle. Using the same scenario-based approach, you’ll walk through a submission and learn when and how to incorporate reviewers, assign them to groups, send reminders, calculate scores, collect comments, and finalize approvals. This session will equip you with best practices to ensure an efficient and well-organized review process.

Objectives

1. Learn when and how to introduce reviewers at different stages of the grant cycle

2. Walk through assigning reviewers to groups and managing access

3. Understand how to calculate scores, collect comments, and facilitate decision-making

4. Finalize approvals and ensure a seamless review process from start to finish

GL Budgets in Business Central

akoyaGO + Accounting

Business Central full user license

Learn how to set up GL Budgets in Business Central using prior-year data or new entries. This session will cover Excel integration for exporting and importing budget data, as well as how to apply filters and dimensions to enhance financial analysis. Gain a clearer understanding of budget management tools and best practices to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Objectives

1. Explore methods to set up new GL Budgets from scratch

2. Understand how to apply filters to GL Budgets for better analysis

3. Learn to use dimensions to categorize and analyze budget data effectively

 

Mailing Lists Workshop: Build & Optimize Your Outreach

Open to all akoyaGO users

Take your outreach to the next level with GOapply’s new mailing list functionality. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to create targeted mailing lists based on specific views and criteria. To get the most out of this session, come prepared with a mailing list in mind that you want to build. Ensure you have defined criteria for at least one specific mailing list and have a template in MS Word format for reference. Whether you’re reaching out to donors, applicants, or fundholders, this session will provide practical guidance to help you segment and refine your lists for more effective communication.

Objectives

1. Learn how to use the new mailing list functionality effectively

2. Build a targeted mailing list based on specific filters and views, ready for your next campaign

 

2:00 – 3:00

User Group: Donor Relations

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

Teams, Security, and Onboarding: Managing Staff Access & Transitions

akoyaGO Administrator

Access to Power Platform Admin Center to assign security roles (determined by MS 365 roles)

Ensure secure and efficient staff management by understanding how to properly assign security roles, teams, and permissions within your system. This session will focus on out-of-the-box security roles, explaining the differences between Teams vs. Admin roles and when to apply layered custom security settings. Learn best practices for onboarding new employees, offboarding departing staff, and maintaining system security during staff transitions. Additionally, explore standard responsibilities for Database Admins to manage staff turnover and perform annual database maintenance.

Objectives

1. Understand OOB security roles and when to use them

2. Learn the differences between Teams vs. Admin roles and how to layer permissions

3. Explore best practices for onboarding and offboarding employees securely

4. Establish Database Admin responsibilities for managing staff transitions

 

Managing Reviewer Elements Throughout the Grant Cycle

GOapply Admin Role

GOmanager Security Group

Building on the Understanding a Multi-Phase Application Process in GOapply session, this hands-on workshop focuses on the reviewer experience throughout the grant cycle. Using the same scenario-based approach, you’ll walk through a submission and learn when and how to incorporate reviewers, assign them to groups, send reminders, calculate scores, collect comments, and finalize approvals. This session will equip you with best practices to ensure an efficient and well-organized review process.

Objectives

1. Learn when and how to introduce reviewers at different stages of the grant cycle

2. Walk through assigning reviewers to groups and managing access

3. Understand how to calculate scores, collect comments, and facilitate decision-making

4. Finalize approvals and ensure a seamless review process from start to finish

GL Budgets in Business Central

akoyaGO + Accounting

Business Central full user license

Learn how to set up GL Budgets in Business Central using prior-year data or new entries. This session will cover Excel integration for exporting and importing budget data, as well as how to apply filters and dimensions to enhance financial analysis. Gain a clearer understanding of budget management tools and best practices to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Objectives

1. Explore methods to set up new GL Budgets from scratch

2. Understand how to apply filters to GL Budgets for better analysis

3. Learn to use dimensions to categorize and analyze budget data effectively

 

Mailing Lists Workshop: Build & Optimize Your Outreach

Open to all akoyaGO users

Take your outreach to the next level with GOapply’s new mailing list functionality. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to create targeted mailing lists based on specific views and criteria. To get the most out of this session, come prepared with a mailing list in mind that you want to build. Ensure you have defined criteria for at least one specific mailing list and have a template in MS Word format for reference. Whether you’re reaching out to donors, applicants, or fundholders, this session will provide practical guidance to help you segment and refine your lists for more effective communication.

Objectives

1. Learn how to use the new mailing list functionality effectively

2. Build a targeted mailing list based on specific filters and views, ready for your next campaign

 

3:00 – 3:15

GOsupport Express

In between sessions, drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

3:15 – 4:15

GOfund for Private Foundations

akoyaGO without Accounting

Private foundations have unique needs when it comes to fund management, and GOfund offers powerful tools to simplify the process. This session will explore how private foundations can leverage GOfund for Donor-Initiated Grants, Trustee-Initiated Grants, employee giving programs, and other designated giving strategies. Learn how to configure GOfund to streamline workflows, ensure compliance, and enhance stakeholder engagement.

Objectives

1. Explore GOfund capabilities tailored for private foundations

2. Highlight process improvements from a PF client currently using GOfund

3. Review configuration options and best practices for setup

User Group: Administrator

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

Automating Data Entry with Dynamics 365 Tools

System Customizer

Join us for an insightful session on leveraging Dynamics 365 to automate and simplify data entry processes. This course will explore various tools and techniques, including workflows and Power Fx formula fields, to enhance efficiency and accuracy in data management. Participants will gain a broad understanding of how to configure and utilize these features to optimize their data entry workflows, making it easier to manage information within your organization.

Objectives

1. Understand the basics of automating data entry using Dynamics 365.

2. Learn how to set up and configure workflows to streamline data processes.

3. Gain knowledge on using Power Fx formula fields to manipulate and manage data.

Dashboards & Reports for Annual Reporting: Turning Data into Insights

System Customizer for creating system dashboards

All akoyaGO user roles to create personal dashboards

Transform raw data into meaningful insights with dashboards and reports tailored for annual reporting. This session will guide you through best practices for filtering and analyzing data, creating visuals that highlight key metrics, and structuring reports that provide clear, impactful takeaways. Explore real-world examples and learn how to build dynamic dashboards that showcase the information that matters most to your organization.

Objectives

1. Learn how to filter and organize data for annual reporting.

2. Gather ideas from fellow industry professionals on how to use dashboards for efficiency

Letter Templates Workshop: Build & Automate Your Communications

System customizer for system views

Open to all akoyaGO users

Learn to build a letter template with the akoyaGO CRM Letters Entity in this hands on workshop. Come prepared with a mail merge word document that you hope to use as a letter template for future mailings.

Objectives

1. Create a tailored system view for Letters to organize and manage templates

2. Format Word documents to properly insert and configure merge fields

3. Build, save, and publish a Letter Template for use in future mailings

3:15 – 4:15

GOfund for Private Foundations

akoyaGO without Accounting

Private foundations have unique needs when it comes to fund management, and GOfund offers powerful tools to simplify the process. This session will explore how private foundations can leverage GOfund for Donor-Initiated Grants, Trustee-Initiated Grants, employee giving programs, and other designated giving strategies. Learn how to configure GOfund to streamline workflows, ensure compliance, and enhance stakeholder engagement.

Objectives

1. Explore GOfund capabilities tailored for private foundations

2. Highlight process improvements from a PF client currently using GOfund

3. Review configuration options and best practices for setup

User Group: Administrator

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

Automating Data Entry with Dynamics 365 Tools

System Customizer

Join us for an insightful session on leveraging Dynamics 365 to automate and simplify data entry processes. This course will explore various tools and techniques, including workflows and Power Fx formula fields, to enhance efficiency and accuracy in data management. Participants will gain a broad understanding of how to configure and utilize these features to optimize their data entry workflows, making it easier to manage information within your organization.

Objectives

1. Understand the basics of automating data entry using Dynamics 365.

2. Learn how to set up and configure workflows to streamline data processes.

3. Gain knowledge on using Power Fx formula fields to manipulate and manage data.

Dashboards & Reports for Annual Reporting: Turning Data into Insights

System Customizer for creating system dashboards

All akoyaGO user roles to create personal dashboards

Transform raw data into meaningful insights with dashboards and reports tailored for annual reporting. This session will guide you through best practices for filtering and analyzing data, creating visuals that highlight key metrics, and structuring reports that provide clear, impactful takeaways. Explore real-world examples and learn how to build dynamic dashboards that showcase the information that matters most to your organization.

Objectives

1. Learn how to filter and organize data for annual reporting.

2. Gather ideas from fellow industry professionals on how to use dashboards for efficiency

Letter Templates Workshop: Build & Automate Your Communications

System customizer for system views

Open to all akoyaGO users

Learn to build a letter template with the akoyaGO CRM Letters Entity in this hands on workshop. Come prepared with a mail merge word document that you hope to use as a letter template for future mailings.

Objectives

1. Create a tailored system view for Letters to organize and manage templates

2. Format Word documents to properly insert and configure merge fields

3. Build, save, and publish a Letter Template for use in future mailings

4:15 – 4:30

GOsupport Express

In between sessions, drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

4:15 – 5:30

5:30 – 8:30

Free Time

Dinner and Social Event – Outdoor Adventure Center

THURSDAY AUGUST 7

8:00 – 9:00

Afternoon

Breakfast

Keynote & Breakout Sessions

GOsupport Express

In between sessions, drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

Lunch

GOsupport Express

Drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

Donor Relations

Administration

Grants Management

Finance & Accounting

All akoyaGO Users

Donor Relations

Administration

Grants Management

Finance & Accounting

All akoyaGO Users

8:00 – 9:00

9:00 – 10:00

10:00 – 10:15

Breakfast

General Session

GOsupport Express

In between sessions, drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

10:15 -11:15

Optimizing and Maintaining Your GOfund Site

akoyaGO + Accounting Admin

GOmanager Security Group user

Take control of your GOfund setup by customizing key features to enhance fundholder engagement. This session will cover how to tailor the Recommend a Grant form, develop clear FAQs, and manage important documents to streamline the grant recommendation process. Learn best practices to ensure a seamless experience for both staff and fundholders.

Objectives

1. Review all GOfund Enhancements in the last year

2. Understand how to build a tailored Recommendation Form

3. Inspiration from other users on how to maintain your GOfund Site
Leveraging Integration Tools to Improve Efficiency: An Open Conversation

akoyaGO users utilizing full Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, etc.)

Recommended: Administrators

Discover how fellow foundations are using Microsoft tools natively integrated with the akoyaGO CRM to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows. This client driven session features real-world examples from organizations that have successfully leveraged these tools in their day-to-day operations. Since akoyaGO does not provide direct support for these integrations, this session is an open discussion and exploration of how clients are making the most of these capabilities.

Objectives

1. Hear firsthand experiences from clients using Microsoft tools with akoyaGO

2. Explore real-world use cases for improving efficiency and collaboration

3. Learn from peers about challenges, successes, and creative solutions

User Group: Grants Management

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

This is the End (of the Fiscal Period)

Business Central Essentials License

Finance user

Attendees will review the best practices for closing the fiscal year, including creating new fiscal periods, closing revenues and expenses into net assets, and closing periods to posting. We’ll also discuss how akoyaGO processes such as auto balance, reapportionment, and net asset sweep affect the final financials.

Objectives

1. Review essential steps for closing the books at month- and year-end

2. Understand when automated processes run and their impact on fund balances

BILL Integration for Private Foundations
 

akoyaGO without Accounting

Streamline your payment processes with BILL (formerly Bill.com) integration in akoyaGO. This session is designed for private foundations looking to enhance their financial workflows with seamless payment processing and tracking. Learn how the integration works, key features, and best practices for managing approvals, payments, and reconciliations efficiently.

Objectives

1. Understand how BILL integrates with akoyaGO for clients without Business Central

2. Gain insights into automation features to reduce manual work

 

10:15 -11:15

Optimizing and Maintaining Your GOfund Site

akoyaGO + Accounting Admin

GOmanager Security Group user

Take control of your GOfund setup by customizing key features to enhance fundholder engagement. This session will cover how to tailor the Recommend a Grant form, develop clear FAQs, and manage important documents to streamline the grant recommendation process. Learn best practices to ensure a seamless experience for both staff and fundholders.

Objectives

1. Review all GOfund Enhancements in the last year

2. Understand how to build a tailored Recommendation Form

3. Inspiration from other users on how to maintain your GOfund Site
Leveraging Integration Tools to Improve Efficiency: An Open Conversation

akoyaGO users utilizing full Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, etc.)

Recommended: Administrators

Discover how fellow foundations are using Microsoft tools natively integrated with the akoyaGO CRM to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows. This client driven session features real-world examples from organizations that have successfully leveraged these tools in their day-to-day operations. Since akoyaGO does not provide direct support for these integrations, this session is an open discussion and exploration of how clients are making the most of these capabilities.

Objectives

1. Hear firsthand experiences from clients using Microsoft tools with akoyaGO

2. Explore real-world use cases for improving efficiency and collaboration

3. Learn from peers about challenges, successes, and creative solutions

User Group: Grants Management

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

This is the End (of the Fiscal Period)

Business Central Essentials License

Finance user

Attendees will review the best practices for closing the fiscal year, including creating new fiscal periods, closing revenues and expenses into net assets, and closing periods to posting. We’ll also discuss how akoyaGO processes such as auto balance, reapportionment, and net asset sweep affect the final financials.

Objectives

1. Review essential steps for closing the books at month- and year-end

2. Understand when automated processes run and their impact on fund balances

BILL Integration for Private Foundations

akoyaGO without Accounting

Streamline your payment processes with BILL (formerly Bill.com) integration in akoyaGO. This session is designed for private foundations looking to enhance their financial workflows with seamless payment processing and tracking. Learn how the integration works, key features, and best practices for managing approvals, payments, and reconciliations efficiently.

Objectives

1. Understand how BILL integrates with akoyaGO for clients without Business Central

2. Gain insights into automation features to reduce manual work

 

11:15 -11:30

GOsupport Express

In between sessions, drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

11:30 – 12:30

User Group: Donor Relations

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

Managing Duplicates: Prevention & Cleanup Strategies

akoyaGO Admin User

akoyaGO + Accounting Admin User

Duplicate records can create confusion and inefficiencies in your system. This session will cover proactive strategies to prevent duplicates using data policies and views, as well as how to identify, manage, and merge duplicate records effectively. Learn how to edit duplicate detection rules, run duplicate detection jobs, and ensure data integrity across your foundation’s database.

Objectives

1. Prevent duplicates using data policies and views

2. Understand how duplicate detection rules work and how to customize them

3. Learn how to run duplicate detection jobs to identify existing duplicates

4. Gain hands-on experience in merging records safely and efficiently

5. Establish best practices for maintaining clean and accurate data

Building GOapply Opportunities with the Simple Form Builder

GOapply Admin Role

GOmanager Security Group

Learn how to efficiently create and customize GOapply opportunities using both the Simple Form Builder and Advanced Editor. This session will guide you through the differences between the two tools, best practices for structuring applications, and how to optimize forms for ease of use. Whether you’re building a straightforward application or a more complex multi-phase process, you’ll gain meaningful insight on how to streamline your setup.

Objectives

1. Understand the differences between the Simple and Advanced Form Builder

2. Learn how to create and configure GOapply opportunities
Financial Reporting Workshop

akoyaGO + Accounting

Business Central full user license

Gain hands-on experience building custom financial reports in this interactive workshop. Walk through building a financial report with a custom row definition, column definition, and dimensional analysis. akoyaGO resources will be available to provide guidance, answer questions, and help you apply what you’ve learned to your own reporting needs.

Objectives

1. Learn how to create and edit financial reports within the system

2. Explore dimensional reporting for deeper financial insights
Best Practices for Configuring Your System

System Customizer role

Recommended : Participated in system customizer training

Set up your system for long-term success by understanding the difference between configurations and customizations and when to use each. This session will explore best practices for making changes that align with system supportability, including responsible customizations, leveraging tooltips, and utilizing email templates. Learn what is considered a “do not touch” area, what changes might make your system unsupportable, and how to assess risk levels before making modifications.

Objectives

1. Understand the difference between configurations and customizations

2. Learn when and why to always use email templates

3. Identify high-risk customizations and when to avoid them

4. Explore tooltips and other built-in tools for guided system use

5. Develop a framework for making responsible system modifications

 

11:30 – 12:30

User Group: Donor Relations

User groups are designed to hear from you, providing an opportunity to ask questions, engage with peers, and share feedback and best practices. These interactive discussions allow you to connect with fellow users, exchange ideas, and gain insights from different perspectives. Facilitated by akoyaGO Account Executives, these sessions create a collaborative space to explore challenges, solutions, and innovations in using akoyaGO.

Managing Duplicates: Prevention & Cleanup Strategies

akoyaGO Admin User

akoyaGO + Accounting Admin User

Duplicate records can create confusion and inefficiencies in your system. This session will cover proactive strategies to prevent duplicates using data policies and views, as well as how to identify, manage, and merge duplicate records effectively. Learn how to edit duplicate detection rules, run duplicate detection jobs, and ensure data integrity across your foundation’s database.

Objectives

1. Prevent duplicates using data policies and views

2. Understand how duplicate detection rules work and how to customize them

3. Learn how to run duplicate detection jobs to identify existing duplicates

4. Gain hands-on experience in merging records safely and efficiently

5. Establish best practices for maintaining clean and accurate data

Building GOapply Opportunities with the Simple Form Builder

GOapply Admin Role

GOmanager Security Group

Learn how to efficiently create and customize GOapply opportunities using both the Simple Form Builder and Advanced Editor. This session will guide you through the differences between the two tools, best practices for structuring applications, and how to optimize forms for ease of use. Whether you’re building a straightforward application or a more complex multi-phase process, you’ll gain meaningful insight on how to streamline your setup.

Objectives

1. Understand the differences between the Simple and Advanced Form Builder

2. Learn how to create and configure GOapply opportunities
Financial Reporting Workshop

akoyaGO + Accounting

Business Central full user license

Gain hands-on experience building custom financial reports in this interactive workshop. Walk through building a financial report with a custom row definition, column definition, and dimensional analysis. akoyaGO resources will be available to provide guidance, answer questions, and help you apply what you’ve learned to your own reporting needs.

Objectives

1. Learn how to create and edit financial reports within the system

2. Explore dimensional reporting for deeper financial insights
Best Practices for Configuring Your System

System Customizer role

Recommended : Participated in system customizer training

Set up your system for long-term success by understanding the difference between configurations and customizations and when to use each. This session will explore best practices for making changes that align with system supportability, including responsible customizations, leveraging tooltips, and utilizing email templates. Learn what is considered a “do not touch” area, what changes might make your system unsupportable, and how to assess risk levels before making modifications.

Objectives

1. Understand the difference between configurations and customizations

2. Learn when and why to always use email templates

3. Identify high-risk customizations and when to avoid them

4. Explore tooltips and other built-in tools for guided system use

5. Develop a framework for making responsible system modifications

 

12:30 – 1:15

1:15 – 1:45

Lunch

Product Roadmap & Closing Session

1:45 – 2:30

GOsupport Express

In between sessions, drop by an open station for a quick, one-on-one conversation with an akoyaGO team member.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Make Your Voice Heard at EMPOWERED 2025: Submit a Conference Session Proposal by April 18!

Your experience, insights, and impact matter. EMPOWERED is a space where foundations connect, share, and shape the future of philanthropy together. Each year, our attendees tell us they value learning from their peers just as much as they do from industry experts. This is your opportunity to take the stage and inspire others with your journey.

We invite you to submit a proposal to speak at EMPOWERED 2025, whether as a keynote presenter or as part of our breakout sessions.

Keynote Opportunities

We are looking for dynamic client voices to take part in the following keynote opportunities:

  • Michigan Client Spotlight: Highlighting impact and philanthropy in Detroit and surrounding communities
  • Rural & Urban Perspectives: A client panel exploring trends and impact stories
  • Client-Led Keynote: Share your organization’s impact in a way that resonates with fellow foundations

We also welcome additional keynote topics that align with philanthropy, innovation, and impact.

Tatiana Hernandez Community Foundation Boulder County

Breakout Session Contributions

Are you leveraging akoyaGO in a way that’s driving real change for your foundation? We’re seeking clients to share their experiences with specific features and functionalities within our breakout sessions. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase how your foundation is using:

  • CRM/GMS: Managing relationships and tracking impact effectively
  • GOapply: Enhancing applicant and reviewer experiences
  • GOfund: Optimizing donor management and stakeholder engagement 
  • GOdonate: Streamlining donation processes and fundraising initiatives 
  • Business Central: Strengthening operations with financial and fund management tools
These contributions will serve as real-world examples in our breakout sessions.

SUGGESTED BREAKOUTS

We designed our content courses with your staff roles in mind (Grants Managers, Finance Team, Administrators, Donor managers, and new users). We created this chart of suggested courses based on feedback we received from User Groups and interactions with users. These are mere recommendations based on our planned content, we encourage you to choose the courses that you feel will bring you the most value!

THURSDAY JULY 18

Grants Management

Finance and Accounting

Administrators

Donor Relations

New akoyaGO User

9:15 – 10:15

Any session can apply

Any session can apply

akoyaGO CRM for Administrators and Customizers 301

Any session can apply

akoyaGO CRM Basics 101

10:30 – 11:30

GOapply – New Features and Functions

GOdonate – New Features and Functions

Visualize Grantmaking with Power BI

GOdonate – New Features and Functions

GOapply – New Features and Functions

1:30 – 2:30

GOapply – Scholarship Processes

Communications Between CRM and Business Central

Any session can apply

GOfund – New Features and Functions

Any session can apply

2:45 – 3:45

Tailoring the Staff Experience in Power Apps

Visualizing and Reporting Financials in Business Central

Database Maintenance and Data Policy

Any session can apply

Database Maintenance and Data Policy

FRIDAY JULY 19

Grants Management

Finance and Accounting

Administrators

Donor Relations

New akoyaGO User

9:15 – 10:15

Any session can apply

Checks and Balances in Business Central

akoyaGO Automations for Time Savings

akoyaGO Automations for Time Savings

Any session can apply

10:30 – 11:30

GOapply – Advanced Builder

Change Management and Process Review

akoyaGO Email Templates and Communications

akoyaGO Email Templates and Communications

Change Management and Process Review