This masterclass will empower nonprofit leaders to harness the power of storytelling for organizational success. Participants will learn to identify compelling stories within their organizations that demonstrate real impact, and transform these narratives using essential storytelling elements–vivid settings, relatable characters, and emotional plot arcs—into stories that resonate with donors, sponsors, and grant makers.
Led by writing experts and grant specialists Brenna Humphreys and Teri Bayus, the workshop bridges creative storytelling with practical fundraising application. Participants will develop narratives that not only capture hearts but also meet specific funding requirements. To provide immediate application, selected participants will compete for mini-grants using their newly developed storytelling skills. This opportunity comes at a critical time when many local nonprofits face funding cuts that threaten their survival. By mastering effective storytelling, these organizations can better secure the resources needed to continue their vital community work.
DATES: Friday, September 26, 2025
TIME: 9:00am-12:00pm
FEE: $150
LOCATION: San Luis Obispo Campus Room TBD
| Meet the Presenter | |
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Brenna Humphreys |
Brenna Humphreys owns Concentric 360, a marketing strategy agency dedicated to working with architects and nonprofits. She's an NYU Tisch grad with an MFA in Creative Fiction from Antioch Los Angeles, and has earned advertising awards for creative direction. Her fiction and creative nonfiction have been published in the LA Times, Inman News, Kelp Journal, Southern Missouri Press Proud to Be, and others. Brenna has been an active member of the UCLA Word Commandos and SLO NightWriters. Being a good literary citizen is important to her, so she also serves as President of Central Coast Passport Rotary. She has a blog with her husband about prostate cancer on Substack. When not writing, Brenna spends endless hours walking her enormous dog Odin and trying to master her tennis serve. Find more info at brennahumphreys.com |
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Teri Bayus |
Step into the captivating world of Teri Bayus, where words come alive and worlds are built. With two self-published novels under her belt and a portfolio bursting with two optioned screenplays and four teleplays, Teri's creativity knows no bounds. Dive into The Greatest of Ease, a thrilling tale of her time as a trapeze artist. Delve into her nonfiction gem, The Universal Conspiracy, unraveling the mysteries of the universe and how it conspires to fulfill our dreams. Before the world shifted, Teri graced television screens with Taste Buds, celebrating chefs' talents worldwide. For two decades, she savored the roles of food and film critic, and for six years, she led the Central Coast Writers Conference as its executive director. Through countless writing and marketing classes, her passion for nurturing creativity has touched many lives. Teri and her husband reside in Pismo Beach with a mischievous dog, a giant tortoise, five ducks, and three delightful cats. www.teribayus.com. |