Workshop: Writing Appeals

*Note: Only one person/login per registration.

Overview

Writing is one of the most important skills a fundraiser can possess. And while you don’t need to be an award-winning author to write strong appeals, you do need to be able to make the case for support in a clear and compelling way. Developing messages that resonate and selecting words that motivate can make all the difference. By refining your writing skills, your prospects are more likely to read your appeals and respond with a gift.

Join us on October 3rd for a one-day interactive learning experience where you’ll learn how to write effective fundraising appeals for your institution.

Participants will have an opportunity to:

  • Learn about best practices for writing fundraising appeals
  • Actively share, critique, and rewrite real-life examples
  • Network with peers to share ideas and experiences
  • Obtain workshop handouts and other materials
  • Earn CFRE credit
  • And more!

This event is ideal for advancement professionals at educational institutions who wish to learn the nuts and bolts, effective techniques, and current best practices of writing direct fundraising appeals.

Join Sessions

To participate in a live session, please click below on the title of the session you wish to join. When a separate window opens in Zoom, please enter the password listed under the session title. Event audio is available via streaming (through your computer speakers) or you may listen over the phone by calling 929.205.6099 and entering Meeting ID 873 8252 7616. If you have any issues with the audio through your computer, we strongly advise you to dial in using the phone number.

Welcome/Overview of the Day
(Password: WRITING224)
11:00 AM - 11:05 AM Eastern Time

Understanding Your Role as a Writer
(Password: WRITING224)
11:05 AM - 11:15 AM Eastern Time
Learn about your role as a writer and tips for creating a productive writing method.

Getting in Sync With Your Audience
(Password: WRITING224)
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM Eastern Time
Learn how to address different audiences and craft messages that communicate your institution’s stories in a compelling way.

Small Group Breakouts
(Password: WRITING224)
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Eastern Time
Engage in small group discussions, while actively sharing, critiquing, and rewriting sample appeals.

Break
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Eastern Time

Structuring Your Appeal
(Password: WRITING224)
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Eastern Time
Discover how to organize your copy in a way that draws a reader in, builds momentum, and flows smoothly.

Small Group Breakouts
(Password: WRITING224)
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time
Engage in small group discussions, while actively sharing, critiquing, and rewriting sample appeals.

Break
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time

Enhancing Your Ask
(Password: WRITING224)
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time
Find out how to craft an “ask” in a way that stands out and motivates prospects to make a gift.

Small Group Breakouts
(Password: WRITING224)
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM Eastern Time
Engage in small group discussions, while actively sharing, critiquing, and rewriting sample appeals.

Bringing It Together
(Password: WRITING224)
4:20 PM - 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Conclude the day with a summary of lessons learned and opportunities to continue learning.

For more information, please contact us at 888.407.5064 or [email protected]

Facilitators

Meredith Johnston

With over 20 years of experience in annual giving and educational fundraising, Meredith has led programs at Scripps Research, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, and Oklahoma State University. Her other experience includes leading teams through change, developing and leading comprehensive campaigns, and building strong teams while nurturing talent. She holds a B.A. in Literature from the University of North Texas.

Gina Fiorillo

Gina has over 20 years of experience in annual giving and educational fundraising. She currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Annual Giving at New York University and has previously led programs at Rutgers University, Kean University, and Douglass College. She holds a B.A. in English from Douglass College and an M.P.A. from the School of Public Affairs & Administration at Rutgers University.

Amanda Davisa

With over 15 years of experience in annual giving and educational fundraising, Amanda has led programs at The University of Oklahoma Foundation, Oklahoma State University Foundation, Oklahoma City University, University of Missouri - Kansas City, and the University of New Orleans. Her other experience includes work with American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter. She holds B.A. in English and Sociology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an M.P.A. from the University of Missouri - Kansas City.

Dan Allenby  |  Principal & Founder at Annual Giving Network

Dan is an author, speaker, and consultant who has worked with educational institutions for more than 25 years to improve their fundraising results. An internationally recognized expert on annual giving, he is a CASE Laureate and recipient of the prestigious Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence. His book Ideas for Annual Giving offers designs for helping organizations increase their levels of sustainable philanthropic support. Dan has led annual giving and membership programs at Boston University, Tufts University, Georgetown University, and the National Geographic Society. He also served on the faculty for CASE’s Summer Institute in Educational Fundraising and chaired its Senior Annual Giving Professionals Conference and Annual Giving Workshop for five collective terms. He holds a B.A. in History from James Madison University and a M.B.A. from Boston College. Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, writing songs, and getting away to the beaches of Cape Cod. His philosophy is that success comes from focusing on what’s right in front of you.

Event Materials

Please click on the links below to access the workshop materials and additional training tools. 

General Materials

For more information, please contact us at 888.407.5064 or [email protected]