Workshop: Leveraging AI to Write Appeals

April 23, 2026 11:00am-4:30pm ET

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 understand the basics of structure, composition, and development. At the same time, AI can assist the writing process by helping to initiate ideas, create drafts, and revise copy. Understanding how to properly leverage AI to make the writing process more efficient and productive can ultimately help you write appeals that your prospects will open, appreciate, and respond to with a gift.

Join us on April 23rd for a one-day interactive learning experience where you’ll learn the fundamentals of writing and how to leverage AI to produce more effective appea

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 of appeal writing and how to leverage AI to improve their efforts.

  • Save $100 when you register by Friday, March 27, 2026
  • AGN Members save an additional 30%
  • Receive further discounts when registering multiple attendees from one institution
  • Note: Only one person/login per institutional registration.

Program

(all times are EDT)

10:50am - Sign-In Begins

11:00am - Welcome/Overview of the Day

11:15am - Understanding your Role and your Audience 

Learn about the role of a writer and how to develop a process for approaching your work.

11:45am - Faculty Panel

Hear from expert faculty on how they incorporate AI into their writing process.

12:15pm - Small Group Session 1

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

1:00pm - Break (30 minutes)

1:30pm - Establishing a Framework

Discover how to organize your copy in a way that draws a reader in, builds momentum, and flows smoothly.

1:45pm - Small Group Session 2

Engage in a writing exercise, then discuss the outcomes with your group.

3:00pm - Break (15 minutes)

3:15pm - Refining your Message 

Find out how to craft an “ask” in a way that stands out and motivates prospects to make a gift.

3:30pm - Small Group Session 3

Engage in a writing exercise, then discuss the outcomes with your group.

4:15pm - Bringing It All Together

Hear a final report from the faculty including a summary of key takeaways and next steps.

4:30pm - Workshop Ends

*Note: Only one person/login per institutional registration.

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.

 

Gina Fiorillo

Gina Fiorillo has led programs at New York University, the Rutgers University Foundation, 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.

Megan Poole

Megan has led annual giving and direct marketing programs at the University of Virginia and the University of Florida. Her other experience includes work as a college writing instructor and a high school English teacher. She holds a B.A. in English from Wesleyan College and an M.A. in English from Syracuse University.

 
 

Adam Bradley

Adam has extensive experience in annual giving and educational fundraising. He has led programs at University of Michigan, and has previously led research and recruiting efforts at Qualigence International. He holds a B.B.A. in Marketing and a certificate in strategic leadership from the University of Michigan.
 
 

For more information about this workshop, please contact us at 888.407.5064 or [email protected].