Nonprofits, are you into Compelling Storytelling?

As a nonprofit, our top priority includes donor engagement, donor retention and fundraising. Isn’t it? Whatever it is that we do, revolves around running campaigns and working towards our more significant purpose.

So what is the common thread here? Sure, storytelling.

Storytelling is the heart of your nonprofit’s campaigns and binds all your tasks so that you move the needle towards your real goal. And while nonprofits are into storytelling for eons, there are often so many things that we miss out on.

Are we taking time to know our donors?

You cannot expect to write a campaign and get everybody interested in it. That’s not how it works. Hence, your starting point could be to see who are those people who might be interested in your current or upcoming campaign. Remember, it all starts with research on your donors, their giving history and how they are associated with your nonprofit. Over time, you will have a donor or database specific to donor’s interests and your tasks will be more predictive and less hypothetical.

Are we communicating bigger goals?

I will give you an example to explain what I mean.

Your donation will help educate a child.

Your donation will help a child turn into a professional tomorrow. It is by providing the power of education that we can eradicate unemployment.

Which one do you think creates more impact?
Always explain the larger purpose of your mission. End goals are essential to creating a sustainable fundraising strategy.

Are we focusing on millennials?

Millennials are the largest workforce today and have the potential of giving more over time. So while creating your stories, don’t rule them out. They are a pool of high-potential donors. If you engage them well, they are a goldmine of opportunities for your nonprofit in terms of recurring and monthly donations, volunteering, getting on your junior board, etc.

Craft unique content that is not just a monologue of ideas from your end. Make it a two-way conversation and give your young donors an opportunity to participate.

Are you social?

Now don’t get me wrong. What I mean is, are you active on your social channels? Nearly half of the world’s population is on social media, and nonprofits successfully engage donors on various platforms. The idea is to get digital and get heard. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Even though social media is a long road ahead, it is the future. And finally, before I wrap up.