Telling Your Nonprofit’s Story

How do you tell your nonprofit’s story? Do you have a compelling story but no audience? A sad story is a good story that no one hears. Telling the good story of your nonprofit organization can be a challenge but here are ways to share your nonprofit story.

Who knows about your volunteers and staff going above and beyond to serve the people who need what your organization provides? Who knows that people are grateful for what you do? You are changing lives for the better, but you struggle to keep your donors and to identify new ones. Why? Because you are not sharing the story of your good work. You are not letting your donors know that they are making an impact by contributing to your nonprofit.

The people who work for nonprofit organizations are very good at living the mission of their organization and providing critical services to the community, but we are not good at sharing the impact of our work. It’s ok to brag and share our successes.

Some people might feel that to share the stories of our successes is bragging and that we should be humble. I believe there is room for humility as we share client stories and testimonials from volunteers and board members. How can people support your work or utilize your services if you don’t let the broader community know what you are doing?

Here are some questions to keep in mind as you devise your communications or marketing plan.

· Do your donors identify with the clients you serve?

· Do your stories tell the need and show the impact of your work?

· Are you promoting your good work and showing your agency as a champion?

· Is there a beginning, middle and end to your story that demonstrates results?

· Are you incorporating client stories and testimonials from volunteers and board members?

Is there someone on your team or a volunteer who can be responsible for your outgoing communications? There needs to be a dedicated person who crafts content and regularly shares your message. You should always be telling your story, explaining the why of your mission and the need for funding. Let your board, other volunteers and staff help fill this need so that everyone will know the positive impact you are making in your community.

Cheers,

Michelle Crim, CFRE

Dynamic Development Strategies can help. We offer coaching and fundraising services for our nonprofit clients. We specialize in startup and smaller nonprofits because we understand your challenges. Please contact us for more information. https://www.dynamicdevelopmentstrategies.com/