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By now you probably know that your donors want to understand the impact that your nonprofit is making in the community. They are seeking deeper transparency and measurable metrics that demonstrate that your mission and the work you’re doing is helping society and the people or causes that it serves.

However, there’s an element that cannot be missed, and that’s the storytelling. Yes, it’s essential to communicate with your marketing pieces the quantifiable facts and stats about your group––but not at the loss of telling your story.

Take a look at your marketing material.

Do you think you’ve lost your way in evoking emotion?

The way to reach major donors and individuals is by telling the tried and true story. People still give to people. And, as it has been for generations, if you can emotionally move someone to support or advocate for your organization, it’s because you’ve connected with something in their humanity. The story of your nonprofit is the first thing that you should be communicating because it causes people to take action. The facts and figures then back up the decision to give with rational thought.

Lucky for you, there’s a whole conference dedicated to nonprofit storytelling, and it’s happening right here in my town, Orlando, Florida. The dates are October 15 – 17, 2018 and there’s an early-bird special on tickets if you purchase them by July 13th.

Telling the Story

The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference is an annual conference that helps nonprofits communicate in the most fundamental way possible, telling the story. Every day, there are countless articles published aimed at assisting nonprofits with everything from board governance to fundraising and marketing. There are also many conferences that nonprofit teams can attend throughout the year. But, there is no other event out there that I’m aware of that focuses exclusively on storytelling, which is crucial for building brand awareness.

Topics for 2018

The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference has a great list of issues to help engage and inform attendees. Important topics include:

  • How to make a story based ask.
  • How to craft attention-grabbing headlines for use in emails, social media, newsletters and on your website.
  • How to choose the best stories to compel your donors to give.
  • How to use story-based ads on Facebook to attract new donors.
  • How to use a series of stories to retain donors longer.
  • How to write compelling letters, articles, and posts your donors will love.
  • How to use stories to become more influential at your organization.
  • How to raise your profile in the community using stories.
  • How to create a year-long content calendar.

The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference also records all of the presentations and you can purchase the videos and watch every session. You’re also encouraged to share the videos with your team.

Additional Resources

There are three free resources that you can obtain right now from the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference.

  1. Donor Story Sequence PDF:If you’re wondering how to steward your donors and what to do with them, the Donor Story Sequence, will guide you toward your next steps.
  2. Ask Thank Report Repeat Graphic:Is a simple graphic that will help you build stronger relationships with your supports.
  3. Raising More Money through Better Story Video:The video completes the 3-part resource package by telling you how to raise more money from your donors through storytelling.

 

Author of “Not Your Father’s Charity: Grip & Rip Leadership for Social Impact” (Free Digital Download)

© 2018 Wayne Elsey and Not Your Father’s Charity. All Rights Reserved.