July Roundtable & Social – Telling the Why: Storytelling Strategies That Build Nonprofit Brands

 AFP Roundtable and Social
at Nod Hill Brewery, Ridgefield

Join us for our latest Roundtable Discussion at Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield! Meet us in the Garden; the Biergarten The back-to-back events will take place on Wednesday, July 16th.

The Roundtable is from 4:30 pm-5:30 pm and is a “members-only” benefit. There is no fee. Our topic is Telling the Why: Storytelling Strategies That Build Nonprofit Brands.

How do you tell a nonprofit’s story in a way that moves people…and moves them to act?

Join us for a dynamic conversation between two experts who bring unique perspectives to nonprofit branding: a seasoned video storytelling consultant and a marketing leader from United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. Together, they’ll unpack how story and strategy come together to shape brand identity, build donor trust, and spark community engagement. Whether you’re just starting to think about your nonprofit’s messaging or looking to elevate your brand, this session will offer practical insights, real examples, and creative inspiration.

This event is designed for the perfect collaboration between fundraising and marketing, so we encourage you to bring a colleague from your communications or marketing team along!

Our Roundtables are designed for you to freely ask questions and exchange ideas.

The Social will run from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm and is open to members, guests, and future members. This is a great time to mix and mingle, exchange cards, make friends, and build new relationships. It is also the perfect setting to learn about new opportunities in nonprofits or get more involved with AFP!

The registration fee of $25 for all and includes your first drink! Ridgefield’s Toozy Patza will be supplying Pizza and Anti Pasta – “Best thin crust pizza around!”

Our Moderators:

Surline Jolicoeur – Senior Marketing Manager, United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut   

Surline is a mission-driven marketing professional with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling and creating content that makes a difference. With expertise spanning video production, graphic design, SEO, website optimization, data analytics, and email marketing, she brings a versatile and strategic approach to digital engagement. Surline is known for aligning creative work with organizational goals and delivering measurable impact. A lifelong learner and innovator, she continually seeks new ways to elevate brand storytelling and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

Matthew Reynolds – Founder, Rustic Roots

Matthew Reynolds is the founder of Rustic Roots, a social impact storytelling agency that has partnered with over 110 nonprofits nationwide to create compelling videos that bring missions to life. With more than a decade of experience in nonprofit communications, he helps organizations use story-driven content to deepen donor connection, increase engagement, and drive fundraising.
 
He also serves on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fairfield County Chapter and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of NYC. His work centers on ethical, mission-centered storytelling that moves people to action.

 

 

Register Here

 

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

 

 

 

 

Kirkwood Cultivate specializes in data-driven, customized direct response programs that expand donorship, increase revenue, and improve ROI.

We offer both strategic and tactical skills for blending data with messaging and imagery to create communications that are more relevant and personal and carry a higher impact with donors and prospects.

Our production and data-support services are part of a company-owned facility. Our team of professionals represents years of fundraising expertise, including campaign strategy, copywriting, graphic design, digital, direct mail, production, and fulfillment experience—as well as the understanding of newer cross-media strategies and tactics and the execution skills they require.

Real data. Real stories. Real Donors. Real results.

Nils Morgan

www.OneKirkwood.com
PO Box 544 | New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 252-5097 | Office
(914) 525-0050 | Cell

Details

Date: Wednesday, July 16th

4:30pm – 5:30pm Roundtable: Storytelling Strategies That Build Nonprofit Brands
5:30pm – 7:30pm Social
Location: Nod Hill Brewery, 137 Ethan Allen Highway, Ridgefield, CT 06977

Social Fee

EVERYONE – $25

Register Here

 

Thank you to Our 2025 Education Series Sponsor: