Ascend Academy
Ascend Academy is our learning lab for change agents—designed to equip leaders, creatives, and mission-driven organizations with the tools to define, deepen, and drive their impact. Through hands-on courses and curated learning experiences, participants gain clarity, strategy, and community to elevate their work and expand their reach.
July 2025 – Storytelling for the Bag: From Narrative to Funding
This Ascend Academy course is designed to help change agents transform their story into strategy. Through a five-week journey, participants will explore how to craft compelling narratives that not only reflect the heart of their work but also drive funding, partnership, and engagement. From understanding the core elements of a mission-driven story to designing simple branded assets and engaging with funders directly, this course offers both clarity and tactical tools to elevate your voice and secure the resources you need to grow your impact.
The cost is $150 per person with a discount rate of $125 for two or more per organization.
Week 1 (July 1)
Crafting Your Signature Story
Learn how to build your core narrative using Mission, Impact, and Urgency.
- What story are you really telling?
- Understand your audience + emotional drivers
- Structure your signature story using proven frameworks
- Practice live and get feedback
Week 2 (July 8)
Pitch Practice: Talking About Your Work with Confidence
Master how to deliver your story with clarity, conviction, and connection.
- Shaping your “About Us” for conversation, not confusion
- Personal vs. organizational voice: when and how to use them
- Pitch do’s and don’ts
- Peer-to-peer pitch practice
Week 3 (July 15)
Designing to Tell the Story
Make your story look as good as it sounds.
- Why design matters in storytelling and fundraising
- How to use Canva to create clean, compelling materials
- Walkthrough: building a branded one-pager, letterhead, and simple content template
- Tips on staying visually consistent with limited resources
Week 4 (July 22)
Funders Panel: What We Look for in Your Story
Hear directly from funders about how storytelling influences giving.
- What makes a proposal or brand stand out
- How to communicate your impact to funders
- Open Q&A with panelists from philanthropy, business, and government
Week 5 (July 29)
Think Tank: Story Strategy Work Session
Bring it all together with guided peer and facilitator feedback.
- Share your one-pager, pitch, or deck
- Get feedback on your story presentation
- Refine based on funder insights + best practices
- Walk away with an actionable storytelling toolkit