We are pleased to welcome donor experts Simone Joyaux and Tom Ahern as our 2021 Creative Exchange presenters! During this half-day, two-part virtual event, they will walk us all through the ins and outs of approaching fund development with success. We will explore ways to find our perfect donors and build authentic relationships, review the dos and don'ts of donor communications, learn the importance of storytelling and much more.
In this special dual* presentation, Simone and Tom will share the "stage" and the day, leading individual presentations to inform and engage you. Get ready for an exciting and entertaining half-day session packed full of information, case studies, networking and Q&A, plus a lot of fun as Tom and Simone share their wealth of information and their winning personalities.
*Each session is two hours long, including fifteen minutes of Q&A time at the end. (PLEASE NOTE! You must attend Session 1 in order to attend Session 2.)
Session 1: Fundamentals for Great Fundraising
Speaker: Simone Joyaux, Joyaux Associates
The fundamentals. There's so much to know when it comes to fundraising, and nonprofit arts organizations frequently don't have the resources or capacity to delve deep into fundraising research. As a result, they are often lacking the history of knowledge needed to create a fundraising strategy. This session will present us with the right stuff to get arts and cultural organizations on track, no matter the size or type. And, you'll also walk away with a comprehensive set of very useful downloadable handouts!
Session 2: Copywriting 101--How to ask a person for a donation
Speaker: Tom Ahern, Ahern Communications
Get ready to learn the fundamental communications principles we all need to successfully communicate with and celebrate current and potential donors. Tom will share the secrets to success when it comes to storytelling and fact sharing about your organization. Be prepared to embrace a new perspective and to ignore what your English teacher taught you.
Want to pay by mail? Send a check with the registration form to 1208 Turner St, Lansing MI 48906 by May 1, 2021.
About the Speakers
Both Ahern and Joyaux are internationally known consultants, authors and speakers. Both have operated their own businesses for 30+ years. And both work with all types and sizes of organizations.
Simone began her work as the Managing Director of the Lansing Center for the Arts in 1975. And then she facilitated the merger between the Center and the Metropolitan Lansing Fine Arts Council. Joyaux then moved to Rhode Island and became the Chief Development Officer of Trinity Repertory Company.
Simone specializes in fundraising, governance, strategic planning, and management. She also regularly serves on boards, often ending up as the board chair.
In 2016, the New York Times called Tom "one of America's most sought-after creators of fund-raising messages."
Tom's specialty: Changing underperforming donor communications programs into major moneymakers, using the latest discoveries in psychology and neuroscience. His services include case development, direct mail, donor newsletter development, donor communications audits and...
Want to pay by mail? Send a check with the registration form to 1208 Turner St, Lansing MI 48906 by May 1, 2021.
For questions about the event program, please contact Taylor Haslett. If you have questions regarding registration, please email Clarice Sheedlo.
The Arts Council of Greater Lansing is pleased to announce its Creative Exchange, an exciting, event serving as a platform to convene artists, arts organizations and other members of the arts and culture sector to share ideas, knowledge, challenges, victories and a whole lot more! We are excited to create an opportunity to bring everyone to the table for workshops, panel discussions, networking, entertainment, lots of learning, and of course, creative exchange!
In 2021, Creative Exchange has pivoted to a virtual setting to accommodate social distancing, and health and safety guidelines. The Arts Council is excited to present a wealth of knowledge in a more relaxed atmosphere where ideas can be shared, and organizations can have a chance to have their own work analyzed and workshopped.
