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What’s the ask?

I’m a sucker for a good story. Yesterday, despite a library book I hadn’t even started, I went to the bookstore and came home with four more novels. Lately, I’ve needed some good space opera to take me far away from our current reality. And it’s that “take me away” part that’s key for me. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: fundraising asks, storytelling Leave a Comment

Why your great story leads to a better world

If you’ve been wondering why I’m making 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 Leave a Comment

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 Leave a Comment

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 1 Comment

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 3 Comments

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