Day 1, Wednesday, November 10 

8:00-8:30 AM
Registration

8:30-9:00
Opening Session
Welcome, Introductions and Conference Overview

9:00-10:00
Persuasive Writing
You must persuade your donors to take action on your appeal or proposal, but how? Learn the crucial skills you need to determine donor interests, craft compelling messages and produce persuasive fundraising pieces that motivate your donors and prospects.

10:15 AM-12:15 PM
Track Sessions
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:

• Annual Fund
• General Development Writing
• Major Gifts
• Corporations and Foundations

12:15-1:30
Lunch on your own

1:30-5:00
Track Sessions
Participants continue working on and completing writing assignments. Assignments are handed in to faculty for review.

• Annual Fund
• General Development Writing
• Major Gifts
• Corporations and Foundations

5:30-6:30
Networking Reception

6:30
Conference Adjourns for the Day
Dinner on your own

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Day 2, Thursday, November 11

8:00-9:00 AM
Continental Breakfast

9:00-10:00
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• Writing for the President or Dean
  Writing in someone else's voice can be a formidable challenge. Learn tips from the pros on dealing with the pressure, focusing on your goals and providing the tools your president, head of school or dean needs to persuade and impress.
• Writing Case Statements
  Ah, the ubiquitous case statement. Where do you start? What do you include? How can you make your best case for supporting your institution's fundraising priorities? (Hint: it's not about you.) Learn how you can make your case brief, powerful and compelling by appealing to donor motivations.

10:15 AM-12:15 PM
Track Sessions
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.

• Annual Fund
• General Development Writing
• Major Gifts
• Corporations and Foundations

12:15-1:30
Lunch on your own

1:30-5:00
Track Sessions
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.

• Annual Fund
• General Development Writing
• Major Gifts
• Corporations and Foundations

5:00
Conference Adjourns for the Day
Dinner on your own

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Day 3, Friday, November 12

8:00-8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast

8:30-9:30
Faculty Firing Line
After two days of hearing from us, it's your turn in the driver's seat. Bring your thorny problems or burning questions to this session to challenge (or stump) the faculty panel. If we can't provide answers, we at least promise some lively discussion.

9:45-11:30
Track Sessions
Get feedback on Thursday's writing assignment. 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.

• Annual Fund
• General Development Writing
• Major Gifts
• Corporations and Foundations

11:30
Conference Adjourns

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