Appeal Writing

*Note: Only one person/login per registration.

Overview

Welcome to AGN’s Appeal Writing workshop! This virtual event will take place online using Zoom and will begin on Tuesday, April 18th at 11:00AM EST. You will be able to access each general session 5 minutes prior to its start time. To join the event, review the information and zoom links on the "Join Sessions" tab.

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.

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!

If you need technical or customer support at any time prior to or during the event, please contact our dedicated support representative at 888.407.5064 or [email protected].

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 833 8875 8929. 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: WRITING23)
11:00 AM - 11:05 AM Eastern Time

Getting in Sync With Your Audience
(Password: WRITING23)
11:05 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: WRITING23)
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: WRITING23)
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: WRITING23)
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: WRITING23)
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: WRITING23)
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: WRITING23)
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]

Faculty

Amanda Davis

Amanda has over 15 years of experience in annual giving and educational fundraising. She currently serves as the Foundation President & Chief Advancement Officer at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has previously led programs at the University of Oklahoma Foundation, Oklahoma State University Foundation, 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.

 

Gina Fiorillo

Gina has over 20 years of experience in annual giving and educational fundraising. She currently serves as Senior Director, Annual Giving & Stakeholder Engagement at Rutgers University Foundation, and has previously led programs at 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.

 

Meredith Johnston

Meredith has over 20 years of experience in annual giving and educational fundraising. She currently serves as Vice President of Philanthropy at Scripps Research and has previously led programs at 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.

 

Tracey Palmer

Tracey Palmer is the Principal/Writer/Editor for Palmer Communications. For more than 20 years, she has specialized in writing, editing, coaching, and project management--helping schools and colleges tell their stories, connect with their constituents, inspire their communities, and raise money. A recipient of CASE's Crystal Apple award for outstanding teaching and a CASE laureate, Tracey is also a regular presenter at industry writing conferences. She is the founder of Chicks Who Write, a professional networking group for women who write in greater Boston. Tracey holds a BA in American literature from the George Washington University and an MA in communication from Suffolk University.

 

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]