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 April 17th 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.

Note: Only one person/login per institutional registration.

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 889 1725 7672. If you have any issues with the audio through your computer, we strongly advise you to dial in using the phone number.

Welcome/Writing Effective Appeals
(Password: Writing125)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Eastern Time

Learn how to address different audiences and craft messages that communicate your institution’s stories in a compelling way.

Small Group Discussion 1
(Password: Writing125)
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Eastern Time

Introduce yourself, get to know others, and reflect on lessons learned in the opening session.

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

Take time to prepare for the next session.

Small Group Discussion 2
(Password: Writing125)
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Eastern Time

Share, critique and rewrite real-world examples as submitted by each member of the group.

Break
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM Eastern Time

Take time to prepare for the next session.

 

 

Small Group Discussion 3
(Password: Writing125)
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern Time

Share, critique and rewrite real-world examples as submitted by each member of the group.

General Session: Bringing it all Together
(Password: Writing125)
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Eastern Time

Hear key takeaways, lessons learned, and words of advice from the workshop’s expert faculty.

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

Faculty

Dan Allenby  (Host) |  President & 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.

Mae Parker

Mae Parker has led programs at the College of Education at the University of Iowa, Grinnell College and Earlham College. Mae holds a B.A. in Business and Nonprofit Management from Earlham College and an M.A. in Executive Development for Public Service from Ball State University. She received a Certificate in Fundraising Management from Indiana University.

Anne Merrill

With more than 25 years of experience in higher education and non-profit communications, Anne has led editorial, creative and content efforts for major universities and worldwide philanthropic organizations. She currently serves as Associate Vice President of Advancement at Appalachian Trail Conservancy and has previously served as a lead communications professional at Georgetown University, Boston College and the Holocaust Museum. She holds a B.A. in English from Yale University and an M.A. in French Literature from the Boston College.

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]