Wednesday, Mar. 4
12 – 3 p.m. ET
Virtual workshop format with peer-to-peer engagement and applied learning
This session builds on donor retention data and stewardship planning by focusing on how impact storytelling strengthens long-term engagement. Participants will explore how to move from transactional updates to invitation-based communication that clearly shows donors what their participation makes possible.
Fundamental learning outcomes:
- Understand the role of impact storytelling in improving donor retention
- Explore how to frame fundraising and stewardship as participation in shared values
- Identify practical tell a story throughline from cultivation through stewardship
- Complete a framework for creating an invitation-based story and stewardship plan
Schedule: Engaging Your Donors – The Invitation Story Framework for Fundraising
| 12:00 – 12:10 pm ET | FFE Advance: What to Expect |
| 12:10 – 12:50 pm ET | The Invitation Mindset: Why Impact Drives Retention • What donors actually want to know after they give • Why unclear impact leads to donor attrition • Reframing fundraising as participation, not transaction • Connecting identity and belonging to donor engagement |
| 12:50 – 1:00 pm ET | Screen Break |
| 1:00 – 1:45 pm ET | Designing a Stewardship Plan That Shows Impact • Identifying donor segments that need intentional impact communication • Matching message, medium, and timing to donor expectations • Mapping impact touchpoints across the academic year • Aligning stewardship efforts with measurable retention goals |
| 1:45 – 1:55 pm ET | Screen Break |
| 1:55 – 2:50 pm ET | Engaging Donors Through Impact Storytelling • Moving beyond statistics to show real change • Using the “impact loop” to close the communication gap • Repurposing existing content into meaningful donor updates • Strengthening collaboration between development and donor relations |
| 2:50 – 3:00 pm ET | Final Questions and Resources FFE Closing |
Meet the Facilitator: T. Clay Buck, CFRE
Next River Fundraising Strategies
Clay Buck (the “T.” is silent) has been raising money in the nonprofit world for more than 30 years. He’s done just about every job in fundraising—from writing grants in a windowless office to leading entire development teams—and he brings that full-spectrum experience to every client, classroom, and keynote. Today, he’s the Founder and Principal of Next River Fundraising Strategies, where he helps nonprofits develop generosity with data-informed strategy, system-level thinking, and storytelling that actually connects. He’s also the creator of The Fundraiser’s Planner, and co-host of the Fundraising is Funny podcast.
Clay holds a BA from the University of Georgia and an MFA from Michigan State University. He’s a CFRE, a certified Master Trainer and Coach, and holds a Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology (with Distinction) from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. He teaches fundraising, strategy, and storytelling at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was recognized with the Outstanding Faculty Award. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from AFP Las Vegas—though he insists he’s still got plenty of mileage left. He lives in Las Vegas with his husband and two Golden Retrievers who are terrible at obedience but excellent at donor-centric asking—especially when food is involved.
