Home

Fundraising doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s built on trust, credibility and the ability to help people clearly see impact Drawing on a background as a news producer and 10 years leading public relations for Cook Children’s Health Care System, this session explores how nonprofit organizations can use storytelling strategically to deepen audience connection and build funding support. Attendees will learn how to identify meaningful stories, what makes a story resonate and how to share impact in ways that are ethical, authentic and audience-centered. The session will also address why reputation management should be an everyday practice, not just a response when something goes wrong. We'll also address why organizations need both a crisis communications plan and the right communications support in place before they need it.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the elements of a compelling nonprofit story
2. Find and share stories ethically and strategically
3. Strengthen fundraising support through proactive reputation management

Kim Brown, APR, is the co-founder of Story and Strategy, a boutique strategic communications firm based in Fort Worth. With nearly two decades in media and public relations, Kim specializes in helping nonprofits find and amplify their voice. Her career spans broadcast journalism, including as news producer at CBS 11, and 10 years at Cook Children's Health Care System, where she helped guide the organization through globally covered crises and led strategic communications on legislative issues affecting millions of Texans. Kim also serves as an adjunct professor in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU, a board member for The WARM Place and a Past President of the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.