DESCRIPTION:

Co-led by specialists in grant writing and multimedia storytelling, this session will show participants the importance of crafting a strong, central organizational narrative that can be adapted across various platforms and audiences—from grant proposals and donor appeals to staff onboarding and internal culture-building. Using case studies, visual frameworks, and interactive discussion, attendees will explore practical ways to align storytelling across departments, tailor messages for different stakeholders, and approach storytelling as a powerful tool for connection, community engagement, and organizational resilience.

WHO SHOULD JOIN:

This Nonprofit Cafe session is ideal for marketing, communications, and development staff. All Gallatin County nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers who are interested in shaping a clear, central narrative for their organization are encouraged to attend.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Kyler Ernst is the owner and creative director of Write Good, an Emmy-winning marketing agency that makes branded content for nonprofits across Montana. With a background in filmmaking and creative writing, he aims to make projects that go beyond self-promotion and serve as gifts to the community: videos, stories, and campaigns that validate an organization's identity and reward its audience for paying attention. Kyler grew up in Helena and lives in Bozeman with his wife and son. He also serves on the board of Befrienders, a local nonprofit, helping further their mission of providing companionship to seniors in the community.

As a Grant Specialist with The Dotted i since 2017, Hannah Cortez has successfully secured funding for numerous clients through strategic project development, crafting compelling grant proposals, and building funder relationships. Additionally, as the Director of Outreach & Education, she has dedicated over 150 hours to teaching grant writing to nonprofit professionals across the Northwest. Her background in human development, education, and community health informs her well-rounded approach to grant seeking, ensuring nonprofits have the knowledge and resources to thrive. As the daughter of a journalist, her investigative spirit lends itself to thorough research and identifying the details that will sell your organization's story!

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If there is anything One Valley Community Foundation can do to make this session more accessible for you, please contact Chloe Loeffelholz at chloe@onevalley.org or 406-587-6262 x 70.