From Strategy to Storytelling: Aligning Development to Marketing to Inspire

Strong fundraising doesn’t start with a single campaign—it starts with alignment. When development and marketing teams work in silos, organizations risk inconsistent messaging, missed opportunities, and donor fatigue. But when these two functions collaborate, they create powerful campaigns that build trust, inspire giving, and drive meaningful impact.

This event brings together nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and marketers to explore how strategy and storytelling go hand in hand. You’ll leave with practical tools and fresh insights to bridge internal gaps, strengthen donor engagement, and turn your organization’s mission into a movement.

Opening Speaker:Better Together: Building Stronger Campaigns Through Marketing & Development AlignmentWe’re honored to welcome Michele Moll, Executive Director of RSVP’s Nonprofit Assistance program, as our opening speaker. Under her leadership, RSVP’s VEC (Volunteer Executive Consultants) initiative helps nonprofit organizations across the region grow capacity in areas like strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, board development, and operations. In her event presentation you’ll discover practical strategies to unify your fundraising and marketing efforts.

Closing Panel:Storytelling as Strategy: Inspiring Action Through Mission-Driven NarrativesA panel of nonprofit storytellers and strategists will share how to elevate your message into a movement. Topics include:

• Aligning marketing and development around a unified story.
• What makes a story compelling enough to spark giving, volunteering, or advocacy.
• Balancing donor-centered and mission-centered storytelling.
• Where nonprofit storytelling is headed next with new platforms and donor expectations.

Moderator: 

Jacqueline Renan - Creative Inzpire Agency

Panelists:

Justin Heimbecker, Executive Director, Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation

Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director, AIA Philadelphia | Design Philadelphia

Why Attend?

You’ll walk away with:

• A clear framework for aligning development and marketing teams.
• Practical examples you can apply to your next campaign.
• Insights into using storytelling as a strategic tool, not just a tactic.
• Connections with peers and experts who share your passion for impact-driven communication.

Event Agenda

8:30-9:00 AM - Light breakfast and networking

9:00-9:05 AM - Introductions

9:05-9:35 AM - Michelle Moll “Better Together: Building Stronger Campaigns Through Marketing & Development Alignment”

9:35-10:10 AM - Panel Discussion “Storytelling as Strategy: Inspiring Action Through Mission-Driven Narratives”

10:15-10:30 AM - Questions and closing remarks  

Coffee, tea and light refreshments along with light breakfast items will be available before and during the event. 

This event is wheelchair accessible.

Also check out other Arts events in Villanova, Business events in Villanova.