I wanted to let you know that tomorrow at 2:30 pm (ET), I'll be presenting Nonprofit Storytelling: How to tell better stories and raise more money as part of the Nonprofit Webinars series. It's free. You'll learn a lot. So you should register now.
Also, just in case you can't attend (which really would be a shame), I'm offering the 30 second synopsis in 10 bullets or less, below.
Storytelling is one of the most important parts of any fundraising endeavor. Few people will negate that fact. But sadly, too many nonprofits do it badly, and they live in denial. A good story is made of several key components:
- Characters you can relate to
- A plot you can believe in (and that’s relevant)
- Well-executed presentation
- A call to action that moves you
"That's lovely Elizabeth," I hear you mumbling, "But where in the world do I FIND these key components?"
Ah, that's a very good question, and it comes with a one-word answer: EVERYWHERE. The hard part is learning to see (and hear) the stories. To gather your stories, try these tricks:
- Start at home––look around you
- Talk to the people you serve
- Be nosy—ask questions that touch the heart
- Don't be afraid to tell the truth
So how do YOU tell stories? Let me know.





