CT Nonprofits Hosts Seasoned Fundraiser

HARTFORD and WILTON, Conn., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- An organization's newsletter is one of the most important tools to maintaining great relationships with donors. Unfortunately, many organizations fail to provide the information donors need. The Connecticut Association of Nonprofits will host a workshop with Tom Ahern, one of North America's top authorities on fundraising, advocacy, and "persuasion" communications, at the Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road in Wilton, CT, on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Tom Ahern has raised $500 million in goals for numerous campaigns, is the author of four well-regarded books on fundraising and communications, and is an award-winning magazine journalist, having won three prestigious Gold Quill awards.

"One of the most effective strategies for fundraising is also one of the most overlooked," said Mark Berardi, Director of Membership & Training of the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits. "Donors want to know how their funds benefit the community. However, research shows that this vital 'accomplishment reporting' is not adequately conveyed in newsletters. This workshop will help any nonprofit write the kind of newsletter its donors are craving."  

The workshop aims to help nonprofits learn how to radically boost retention level and realize the full lifetime value of its donor base. Tom Ahern will discuss how people read, how to craft a powerful headline, how to find the best donor angle for every story and how to increase online giving through newsletter content. He will share his writing tips, such as keeping articles short and keeping newsletters fresh and current. He will also teach attendees how to appeal to donors by effectively highlighting donor recognition and boosting response by making offers.

Executive directors and marketing/development staff are invited to learn Ahern's proven formula for an effective and profitable donor newsletter. The fee is $25. To register, visit http://gdnrc.org/edu_train.

In addition to the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits, both the Fairfield County Community Foundation (http://www.fccfoundation.org/cm/Home.html) and the Greater Danbury Nonprofit Resource Center (http://gdnrc.org/) are hosting this event.

For more information, visit Ahern's website at http://www.aherncomm.com/news.php. To learn more about CT Nonprofits, visit www.ctnonprofits.org or contact Mark Berardi, Director of Membership & Training of the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits at 860.525.5080.

For a complete list of upcoming trainings through our Center for Professional Development, visit www.ctnonprofits.org/education/offerings.

About Connecticut Association of Nonprofits

Connecticut Association of Nonprofits (CT Nonprofits) is the largest membership organization in the state dedicated exclusively to working with nonprofits in Connecticut. As the voice of nonprofits for over 30 years, CT Nonprofits has connected organizations with information, education, advocacy and collaboration, helping members focus their energy on the people and communities they serve. Visit www.ctnonprofits.org for nonprofit information, education, advocacy and collaboration.

Press Contact: Jessica Lyon Ι Co-Communications Ι [email protected] Ι 860.676.4400

SOURCE Connecticut Association of Nonprofits