Fundraising Essentials: Strategy, Storytelling & Stewardship

A Hybrid Three-Part Series with Liz Albert

[ In Person · Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield ] [ Virtual · via Zoom ] [ 3 Sessions · Sept–Nov 2026 ]

This Fall, join us for a 3-part series designed to take you from fundraising fundamentals to a stronger, more compelling year-end campaign and beyond. Each session builds on the last: you’ll learn the core concepts in September, start drafting your actual appeal in October, and then deepen your storytelling and donor stewardship in November. Attend one session or all three — each stands alone, but together they will help build your confidence and knowledge during the most important fundraising season of the year.

Who it’s for: nonprofit staff and board members, new to fundraising or looking for a refresher.

Liz Albert

President, Liz Albert Strategic Fundraising · Nonprofit Fundraising Coach, Bonterra/Network for Good

Liz Albert spent over fifteen years as a development director at Mass Audubon, a large statewide nonprofit, where she launched and closed more than 25 capital campaigns and connected with donors at every level to inspire giving. In 2021 she founded Liz Albert Strategic Fundraising, helping nonprofits raise more through major gifts, campaigns, and organizational fundraising strategy, and she now coaches nonprofit clients nationwide as a Fundraising Coach for Bonterra/Network for Good. Liz is a familiar face in the Berkshires, having led past NPC sessions including “From Mission to Message: Fundraising Fundamentals for Board Members” and year-end appeal writing workshops.

Important Announcement: A New Pricing Model

Pay equity is a serious issue for nonprofits, and at NPC, we want to respect the diversity of our community. In honor of that diversity, all workshop programming now uses a sliding-scale pricing structure — The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice (“The Green Bottle Method”), developed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. All tiers receive the same offering; every payment is valued equally. No documentation or explanation is needed — just the code at checkout.

We trust you to choose your own tier. Questions about the model? Please reach out! Info@npcberkshires.org

Fundraising Essentials — Pricing

Choose the level that reflects your current capacity — no explanation needed.

The Three-Part Series

Part 1 – Foundations

Fundraising Basics Everyone Should Know

Thursday, September 17, 2026 · 8:30–10:00 AM · Hybrid

This session covers the core concepts every staff and board member should understand about fundraising — from building a culture of philanthropy to the fundraising cycle to legacy giving. Whether you’re new to fundraising or want a refresher on best practices, you’ll leave with the foundational knowledge you need to create a strong fundraising program and the confidence to build authentic donor relationships.

Part 2 – Hands-On

Writing for a Donor Audience: Start Your End-of-Year Appeal Today (Lunch & Learn)

Thursday, October 15, 2026 · 12:00–1:30 PM · Hybrid

This is a hands-on session! Keeping in mind the fundamentals from Part 1, you’ll learn the components of a good solicitation letter and how to write with a donor-centered lens, look at real examples of letters that work, and start drafting your organization’s year-end appeal right in the room. You’ll walk away with a working draft and a template for your end-of-year campaign.

Part 3 – Advanced

Storytelling and Stewardship

Friday, November 20, 2026 · 3:00–4:30 PM · Hybrid

You’ve got the basics down and a draft appeal underway — now learn how to use stories to bring your fundraising to the next level. This session covers storytelling at every scale, from your organization’s case for support to the impact stories that bring your work to life. We’ll talk through where each type of story belongs, and how thoughtful storytelling and stewardship keep donor relationships strong long after the ask.

Ready for a stronger year-end campaign?

Attend one session or all three — pricing is sliding-scale for every option.