8:00–8:30 AM Conference Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30–9:00 Welcome and Conference Overview Welcome! Join us to meet the conference faculty members and discuss how to get the most out of your time at the conference.
9:00–10:00 Persuasive Writing You must persuade your donors to take action on your appeal or proposal. But how? Learn the essential skills you need to determine donor interests, craft compelling messages and produce persuasive fundraising pieces that motivate your donors and prospects. The art of asking isn't anything new-just ask Aristotle (yes, that Aristotle, the philosopher). In this session, we will revisit the ancient Greeks (plus Mr. Spock), pick out the pieces to persuasion and the formulas for influencing others, and create a foundation for the writing that lies ahead.
10:15 AM–12:15 PM Writing Groups: Session I
Strong fundraising pieces tell stories we can relate to, that appeal to us, and that motivate us. Learn the steps to ensure your institution's case is compelling and clear. Based upon selected case studies, you will complete a writing assignment for your chosen audience.
General Development Writing
Writing for Major Gifts
Writing for Annual Giving
Corporate and Foundation Relations
12:15–1:30 Lunch on Your Own
1:30–2:45 Electives (choose one)
Writing for Corporations and Foundations A session for participants not in the CFR Writing Group track. Need funding for scholarships, a curricular initiative, an institutional partnership, or possibly an outreach project? Not sure where to look or how to write a proposal or what to include? Never fear! In this session, we’ll cover grant writing basics: an overview of resources for grant seekers, good practices in developing and writing grant proposals, types of proposal submissions and budget development.
Writing for Digital Media (offered again Thursday at 9:00) It’s not just other nonprofits or institutions you’re competing with online--the copy you create is up against social posts, 40% clothing discounts, news headlines, and of course, cat memes. Learn how to craft copy that will cut through the clutter, reframe your message for different channels and audience segments, and decode performance metrics. We’ll also dig into how email, social, landing pages, and yes, print can work together in harmony so that the voice of your organization rises above the chatter. Come prepared to share your successes, too!
3:00–5:00 Writing Groups: Session II
Participants continue working on and completing writing assignments. Assignments are handed in to faculty for review.
General Development Writing
Writing for Major Gifts
Writing for Annual Giving
Corporate and Foundation Relations
5:00–6:15 Raising A Glass to...Us! Join conference speakers and your colleagues to network and socialize after the first day of the conference. Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a welcome drink.
6:15 Conference Adjourns for the Day Dinner on your own
8:00–9:00 AM Continental Breakfast
9:00–10:15 Electives (choose one)
Writing for Digital Media(repeated from Wednesday at 1:30) It’s not just other nonprofits or institutions you’re competing with online--the copy you create is up against social posts, 40% clothing discounts, news headlines, and of course, cat memes. Learn how to craft copy that will cut through the clutter, reframe your message for different channels and audience segments, and decode performance metrics. We’ll also dig into how email, social, landing pages, and yes, print can work together in harmony so that the voice of your organization rises above the chatter. Come prepared to share your successes, too!
Writing for Donor Relations Whether you work in annual giving, major gifts, or corporations and foundations, you must be an effective steward of the gifts you receive from your donors. Learn more about cultivation, stewardship, and donor relations–what makes an effective program for improving your fundraising results? What constitutes an effective donor relations program? Is there something more than a gift acknowledgement letter? Find out at this session.
10:30 AM–2:15 PM Writing Groups: Session III
Get feedback on your writing assignment and improve your writing techniques. You will continue writing exercises to fine-tune skills that will improve your final product, whether it's a story, appeal letter or proposal.
General Development Writing
Writing for Major Gifts
Writing for Annual Giving
Corporate and Foundation Relations
12:15–1:30 Lunch on Your Own
1:30–5:00 Writing Groups: Session IV
Get feedback on your writing assignment and improve your writing techniques. You will continue writing exercises to fine-tune skills that will improve your final product, whether it's a story, appeal letter, or proposal.
General Development Writing
Writing for Major Gifts
Writing for Annual Giving
Corporate and Foundation Relations
5:00 Conference Adjourns for the Day Dinner on your own
8:00–9:15 AM Continental Breakfast & Conference Quiz Bowl You learned a lot this week, what will you take with you and what questions do you still have? Feed your brain and nurture your writing passion. Grab a breakfast item and then join the CASE Faculty at 8:30 to test your knowledge of Persuasive Writing fundamentals with a fun trivia game including “fabulous” prizes!
9:30–10:30 Writing Groups: Session V
Review Thursday's writing assignments and receive feedback. Faculty will present an overview of solutions and best practices. If time allows, faculty will meet briefly with individual participants to provide feedback on individual writing assignments.
General Development Writing
Writing for Major Gifts
Writing for Annual Giving
Corporate and Foundation Relations
10:45–11:45 Building Your Very Best Case Just Do It. The Ultimate Driving Machine. No, it’s not education—it’s Nike, BMW. But don’t be fooled: it’s a campaign nonetheless. These are themes that articulate a big vision—one that is then supported by subsequent communication. A campaign for your institution is no different. It also needs to articulate a big vision that then all follow-up communication supports—case statements, proposals, websites, etc. How do you do that? Make your case short, powerful and compelling. And appeal to donor motivations (rather than talking about yourself). This session will map out a game plan.
11:45 AM–NOON Bringing It All Back Home
Relationships will also be key to your implementing the ideas and insights we've learned during our time together in Boston. How can youpersuade your colleagues, your supervisor, your president or head of school to adopt new and compelling practices — that just might disrupt or challenge the status quo? For our closer, we'll invite all faculty up front to engage with you in an active conversation on the topic, and any other issues you'd like to air or share before we depart.
