Fundraising Essentials: Strategy, Storytelling & Stewardship (Full 3-part Series)

Fundraising Essentials: Strategy, Storytelling & Stewardship

A Hybrid 3-Part Series for Nonprofit Staff & Boards

In Person- Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield / Virtual Participation via Zoom

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

Part 1: Fundraising Basics Everyone Should Know

Thursday, September 17th, 8:30-10:00am (Hybrid: In-Person, Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield and on Zoom)

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: Writing for a Donor Audience: Start Your End-of-Year Appeal Today!
Thursday October 15th, 12:00-1:30pm (Hybrid: In-Person, Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield and on Zoom)

This is a hands-on session! Keeping in mind the fundamentals we covered in Part 1, you’ll learn about the components of a good solicitation letter and how to write with a donor-centered lens. You’ll look at real examples of letters that work and then 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: Storytelling and Stewardship
Friday, November 20th, 3:00-4:30pm (Hybrid: In-Person, Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield and on Zoom)

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

A New Approach to Workshop Pricing

We believe professional development should be accessible to nonprofit professionals regardless of what they or their organizations can afford.

Beginning this fall, all NPC workshops will use a three-tier sliding scale, adapted from Alexis J. Cunningfolk’s The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice (the “Green Bottle Method”).

The idea is simple: choose the rate that best reflects your current resources. Every participant receives the same program, regardless of what they pay. No application, documentation, or explanation is required.

THE FULL GREEN BOTTLE — Choose this rate if you or your organization can comfortably pay the full cost of the program. Paying at this level helps NPC keep lower-cost options available to others.

THE TIPPED GREEN BOTTLE — Choose this rate if paying the full price would put meaningful pressure on your personal or organizational budget.

THE LOW GREEN BOTTLE — Choose this rate if cost would otherwise prevent you from participating.

There is no “right” tier. We trust you to choose the one that makes participation sustainable for you.

Have questions or thoughts about the new pricing model? Please reach out to Samantha