2024 Education Summit

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM REGISTRATION & CHECK IN

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM STORYTELLING TO SUPPORT YOUR MISSION

Elizabeth Willy, Sr. Dir. of Marketing and Communications, University of Montana Foundation

Telling the right story at the right time can build trust in your organization, increase donor loyalty, and inspire gifts. Effective storytelling, however, takes vision, planning and time. This session will provide you with a framework for building and deploying an impactful storytelling strategy even when those resources are in limited supply. You’ll learn how to begin by assessing your organization’s message and goals; discover how to identify meaningful stories; and understand proven methods for gathering and sharing your content. The session will also cover key ways to set goals and review metrics so you can track the impact of your storytelling efforts.   

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM BREAK

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM BUILDING TRUST AND CONNECTION WITH DONORS AT SCALE

Marcy Allen, Executive Director, Missoula Community Foundation

An insightful 90-minute session on the critical role of trust and connection in successful fundraising. In the first part of the presentation, we will explore the psychology of giving, key strategies for personalization, and the power of storytelling to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with donors, even at scale. Following this, a panel of fundraising experts will share their successful strategies and real-world examples. They will discuss how they build trust, balance technology with personal touch, and measure the effectiveness of their efforts. Elevate your fundraising efforts by learning from those who have mastered the art of connecting with donors.

12:15 PM – 1:30 PM LUNCH

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM CREATING A COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING PLAN

Holly Netz and Bryn Gallagher, Special Olympics of Montana

This presentation offers a step-by-step guide to developing an integrated strategy that aligns with organizational goals. Attendees will learn how to identify target audiences, craft key messages, and choose the most effective channels for outreach. The session will also cover the importance of consistent branding, metrics for evaluating success, and adaptable tactics for limited budgets. This presentation is perfect for nonprofit leaders and marketers looking to enhance their strategic planning and communication efforts.

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM BREAK

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM HOUSEKEEPING/ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVALUATIONS

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM KEYNOTE: THE FUTURE OF PHILANTHROPY

Dr. Eric Van Steenburg, Ph. D.,Associate Professor, Montana State University

No one can truly predict the future of fundraising. But Dr. Eric Van Steenburg and his academic colleagues have examined the trends and investigated previous research to identify the three primary areas that will affect philanthropy’s future: (1) Changing Financial Behavior; (2) Fluctuating Public Policies; and (3) the recent Global Pandemic. In his keynote address, Dr. Van Steenburg will discuss how these three pillars will shape philanthropy for years to come, present research that demonstrates how these are already having an effect on fundraising now and what organizations are doing to manage them, and offer strategic recommendations that organizations and fundraisers can implement now to manage their philanthropic future

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM COCKTAILS/NO HOST BAR

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM DINNER, AFP-MT ANNUAL MEETING AND PRESENTATION OF AFP MT ANNUAL AWARDS 

FRIDAY, OCT. 25

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM WELCOME AND BREAKFAST

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM AI IN ACTION: PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR FUNDRAISERS 

Allsion Strekal, Development Director, Missoula Aging Services

Discover how artificial intelligence can enhance your fundraising efforts. In this session, we will explore practical, real-world applications of AI that can improve donor engagement, streamline operations, and boost fundraising outcomes. Learn how to leverage AI tools for data analysis, personalized communication, predictive analytics, and more. Whether you are new to AI or looking to expand your existing knowledge, this session will provide actionable insights and strategies to integrate AI into your fundraising toolkit effectively. Join us to see how AI can be an invaluable asset for your nonprofit organization.

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM BREAK

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING FOR NONPROFITS 

Keely Morrison, Owner, Planina Social

Explore effective strategies to leverage social media platforms for increasing engagement, building community, and driving donations. Attendees will learn how to create compelling content, utilize analytics, and optimize their presence across various social media channels. The session will also cover case studies of successful campaigns and offer practical tips for maximizing impact with limited resources. This presentation is ideal for nonprofit professionals looking to enhance their digital marketing efforts and connect more meaningfully with their audience.

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM LUNCH AND AFP PRESENTATION

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM VIDEO MARKETING FOR NONPROFITS 

Tim Ljundggren, President, Gentle Thug Media

This presentation delves into the power of video content to engage supporters, tell compelling stories, and drive action. Featuring case studies and practical tips, this session aims to equip nonprofit professionals with the skills to leverage video marketing effectively. Ideal for those seeking to amplify their organization's message and connect emotionally with their audience