Fall Appeal Jam: Two Part Series

Can you imagine how good it will feel to have the first draft of your appeal finished at the beginning of September instead of rushing it out the door at the last minute? 

Join expert fundraising coach and trainer, Jenn Hayslett to get a jump on your appeal before the fall year-end crunch.

This two-part lively and hands-on series of workshops will give you everything you need to plan your appeal in July so you are ready to rock and roll with your letter in the fall. 

Annual appeal letters are still an important part of the nonprofit fundraising equation - and all too often they are thrown together hastily because you are just too busy in the fall to get it done well. Now there is an answer - the Annual Appeal Jam Sessions! You will start your plan in July and finish your draft in early September. 

Join the Jam Sessions to learn tricks and tips to significantly increase your letter’s success rate by learning to speak directly to your reader using personalization, storytelling, imagery, and direct requests.

Cummings Scholarships are available for this program. Learn more here.  

These are interactive sessions. Please come ready to participate with your screen on. When you sign up, you will receive some pre-work to do before the first workshop that will take you approximately 1 hour to complete. 

In advance of the second workshop, you will be writing a first-draft of your appeal letter and will share it with the instructor to receive expert feedback.

Session 1 - July 18 from 1:00 to 3:30 pm 

Fall Appeal Jam - Starting Your Appeal

This session will help you get your appeal in the mail ON TIME and avoid the classic Annual Appeal SNAFUs!

In this workshop you will:

• Articulate your fall appeal messaging and theme with a focus on impact.
• Practice telling a story to be incorporated into your appeal.
• Clarify your audiences and segmentations.
• Map out your fall appeal timeline.
• Receive instructions and guidelines for writing your first draft.

You will leave with a plan and outline for your fall appeal so you are ready to rock your first draft.

Session 2 - September 12 from 1:00 to 3:30 pm

​Fall Appeal Jam - Rocking your First Draft

Learn how to bring your appeal letter to the next level with personalized feedback on your letter from the instructor and your peers.

In this workshop you will:

• Receive personalized feedback from a seasoned fundraising coach.
• Share the first draft of your fundraising appeal and practice giving and receiving feedback in a supportive environment.
• Use the Effective Appeal Checklist to improve readability and fundraising effectiveness.
• Focus on making a compelling case that shares your organization’s impact.
• Finalize your plan for future revisions, personalization, design, and production.

​You will leave with feedback and suggested revisions on your first draft to raise more money for your organization.