Free for AFP members; registration requested.

$10 for non-AFP members; registration required.

Not every story works in fundraising appeals. Learn the keys for finding and using the right stories to motivate donors to give. Filled with test results from large-scale copy tests, this session will give you ideas to try on your next campaign. Come away with:
 
·      Practical tips for interviewing, writing and sharing stories. 
·      Keys for mining content that can be used across many channels. 
·      How to write the donor into your organization’s outcomes and victories.
·      How to craft and test the ask (and why subtle wording can make all the difference).
·      Ways to manage COVID fatigue.

.      How to avoid disrespectful language and maintain ethical storytelling.

M&C Bios

MERRITT NEIL, PRESIDENT/PRINCIPAL

Merritt Neil is a direct marketing strategist, copywriter and trainer. She specializes in providing measurable results for clients through a range of marketing channels, print and digital. She regularly consults and writes for both for-profit and nonprofit national organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the University of Kansas Physicians Group and Hospital. 

Merritt serves on the faculty at Rockhurst University, where she developed and teaches the Marketing and Technology Trends course. She is past president of the Kansas City Direct Marketing Association. KCDMA named Merritt “Direct Marketer of the Year” in 2012. She was recently honored as a member of the 2016 40 Under Forty class by Ingram's Magazine. 

Merritt currently serves on the Board of Directors at Nonprofit Connect and the Kansas City Direct Marketing Education Foundation, as well as being the Marketing Chair for the Communications Studies Alumni Board at the KU Edwards Campus. 

She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from Rockhurst University and a Masters in the same discipline from the University of Kansas.

MONICA TIFFANY, CREATIVE DIRECTOR/PRINCIPAL

Monica Tiffany specializes in developing effective communications strategy for companies and organizations. She has written for Shriners Hospitals for Children, National Geographic, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the American Red Cross, to name a few.

Monica served as VP of Marketing and Communications for the Association of Fundraising Professionals — Greater Kansas City Chapter. She is a member of the Reach Out and Read KC Community Council and a past member of the Mid-America Charitable Gift Planners Board of Directors. A Mizzou graduate, Monica also serves on the MU English Leaders Development Board helping to promote the university’s English Department and connect recent graduates with career opportunities. 

As a professional creative director and copywriter, she speaks to both local and national audiences about copywriting, messaging and creative strategy. Prior to joining M&C, Monica spent five years in nonprofit association management.