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Why your great story leads to a better world

If you’ve been wondering why I make such a fuss about stories, read on. Here’s the thing. Insiders (that would be you, nonprofit hero) understand all the details. We eat, sleep, and drink our organizations’ missions – the “why” of our work. But almost none of your donors or might-be donors do. They have their […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, Fundraising, storytelling

Transform your interview process into storytelling magic

The best stories are personal If your organization wants to communicate well with donors – in a way that moves them to feel connected to your mission – you’ll need stories. Stories are how we relate… and have been forever. It’s a human thing. Consider Neanderthal cave art. Even before we were Homo sapiens, we […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, storytelling

HOW to tell me a story

If you’re a fundraiser, telling a good story is a skill you need. Why? The simplest answer is that stories – not facts – are how we make decisions. But there are lots of delicious layers to that answer. Stories are how we relate Facts – especially statistics – light up a part of our […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, storytelling

If you want to raise more money, tell me a story

Storytelling rightfully gets lots of attention After all, human beings communicate through stories – and always have. You probably know someone who is a terrific storyteller. I’ve got a friend with a real gift for it. It doesn’t matter whether she’s telling me about a life-or-death situation or a trip to the grocery store. Either […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications, storytelling

Can you build a relationship on paper?

Paper? I think you can. So, I was born in the Stone Age. I grew up without personal computers, mobile phones, or social media. A phone call to the next town was expensive. I kept in touch with my cousin in Ohio and friends I met at camp with letters on paper. Later, I traded […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communication, donor relationships, donor retention

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