Day 1, Wednesday, April 10

8:00-8:30 AM
Registration

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

9:00-10:00
Persuasive Writing and the Art of Asking
You must persuade your donors to take action on your appeal or proposal. But how? In this session, you'll learn the crucial skills you need to determine donor interests, craft compelling messages and produce persuasive fund-raising 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 Homer Simpson and 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
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 - Group 1
• General Development Writing - Group 2 
•  Major Gifts 

12:15-1:30
Lunch 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 - Group 1
• General Development Writing - Group 2 
• Major Gifts 

5:30-6:30
Networking Reception

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

Day 2, Thursday, April 11

8:00-9:00 AM
Continental Breakfast

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

• 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 here how you can make your case brief, powerful and compelling by appealing to donor motivations. 

• Writing for Donor Relations
  Whether your work is 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.  

10:15 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 - Group 1
• General Development Writing - Group 2
• Major Gifts

12:15-1:30
Lunch on 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 - Group 1
• General Development Writing - Group 2
• Major Gifts

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

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Day 3, Friday, April 12

8:00-8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast

8:30-9:30
Elective Sessions (choose one)

• The Art of the Interview
  Faculty Panel and Role Playing

• Writing for the President or Dean
  Writing in someone else's voice can be a formidable challenge. In this session, you'll 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.

9:45-11:30
Track Sessions
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.

• Annual Fund

• General Development Writing - Group 1
• General Development Writing - Group 2
• Major Gifts

11:30
Conference Adjourns

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