Nonprofit storytellers need to create a connection between their audience and the cause they are trying to promote. They need to use images to tell a story and create an emotional connection between the nonprofit and its supporters. In addition, they need to use powerful words to encourage donations. There are several ways to make this connection. Listed below are three good nonprofit storytelling examples:
Motivates supporters
If you’re looking for nonprofit storytelling examples that will inspire your supporters, consider incorporating different perspectives and narrative structures. The phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” is a powerful phrase to use when it comes to pairing visuals with your nonprofit stories. When used properly, visuals can evoke a range of emotions from your audience and leave a lasting impression. Visuals also help you build your brand, as they bring a human face to the story.
When developing a story that will inspire supporter engagement, focus on using relatable characters. While it may be tempting to talk in the name of your supporters, you should allow them to speak for themselves. Instead of writing a full plot for every story, write short extracts from different parts of the story and pull them together as needed. Nonprofit storytelling examples that motivate supporters should include testimonials and quotes. The main goal is to capture the attention of your audience from the very beginning. After all, we have a short attention span.
Don’t overdo it with information. When you’re presenting your fundraising appeal, avoid using too much jargon and instead use conversational language. Use images, emotions, and a touch of humor, where appropriate. Make it easy for supporters to donate and share your stories on social media. A powerful story will inspire support and motivate your supporters. If you’re unsure about how to create a compelling story, check out these nonprofit storytelling examples.
The Environmental Defense Fund was founded by a group of conservationists in Long Island, New York. Ultimately, the organization played a major role in the nationwide ban of the harmful chemical DDT. Its history of activism, commitment to the underdog, and grassroots organizing can inspire supporters. And don’t forget about the power of stories! They’re the best way to make your supporters feel connected to the cause.
Creates an emotional connection between your nonprofit and its audience
A good storytelling example will focus on a character’s journey. The leading character must undergo a transformation, and the nonprofit should introduce the reader to its plans for helping others. The nonprofit should also invite the audience to participate in the story, using email, social media, and website pages. It will be much more powerful if the audience knows how their contributions will benefit others. The story should have a climax, and a call to action, resulting in an emotional connection between the nonprofit and its audience.
Effective storytelling is the key to building deeper relationships with your supporters and donors. The emotional connection developed through storytelling ties to the hero of the story and the impact the nonprofit makes on the lives of those it helps. A good story will inspire supporters to stay involved in the nonprofit and increase its retention rate. Nonprofit storytelling examples can help you create powerful stories that connect to your audience and lay the foundation for impactful relationships in the future.
Storytelling examples don’t come naturally to most nonprofits, but the most successful organizations make it an integral part of their culture. It should be a regular part of staff meetings, starting with a staff member sharing their own story. Everyone should become comfortable with sharing stories, from the CEO on down. Front-line staff often have the best stories to tell. So, make it a point to train all employees to share their stories.
Once the culture of storytelling is established, the next step is to make it a part of your organizational culture. This means ensuring all staff members understand its use in fundraising and other communications. It should be part of everyone’s job description. Consider creating an annual staff meeting where staff members share their favorite stories from the previous week. And make sure everyone is on the same page: ensuring the safety of all employees is a top priority.
Uses images to tell a story
Adding a single image to a novel can make a dramatic difference. A viewer will be drawn into the story with the first few images. They will not read the rest of the novel if the first image does not grab them. For example, a single image may convey the story of a new relationship. A single photo may also be more powerful than a few pages of text. Moreover, a single image can establish a new relationship between two characters.
To write a compelling narrative, you must first decide the focus of your story. Images should illustrate your story without overwhelming the reader. Using multiple images can confuse your audience and cause them to quit reading. A single image should convey one or two points that balance your narrative and your audience. Remember, that too many images will make your readers feel overwhelmed. Instead, choose a few key images that will enhance the story and make it more readable for your target audience.
When you’re writing a blog post, you should think about the way you use words and images. Words tell a story, adding rhyme and reason. It also adds color to your words. Words can also move people. But when you use a combination of words and images, you will make your story more impactful and memorable. Many bloggers use a combination of both, and while some prefer a greater percentage of words to images, they struggle to get the point across equally.
Connects with humanity
When crafting a story for a nonprofit, keep these tips in mind. Storytelling is an art that has been around for thousands of years, and human beings are hard-wired to share stories with one another. Storytelling is a proven form of nonprofit communication, and is most effective when it centers on people. For example, apartheid would not be as powerful without the story of Nelson Mandela, and flight is inconceivable without the Wright brothers.
In addition to using real stories, nonprofits can also use storytelling frameworks that have been proven to be effective time again. Hero’s Journey, Narrative Framework, and Pixar Pitch are all story structures that have influenced film, literature, and marketing techniques. All of these story structures can be adapted to meet the needs of nonprofits. Hero’s Journey, for example, depicts the donor as a hero. Narrative Framework, meanwhile, portrays the nonprofit as a mentor.
Another powerful nonprofit storytelling example is World Bicycle Relief. This infographic uses five colors to depict facts about the impact of a child’s daily breakfast. It reverses the Problem-Solution storytelling structure and concludes with a call-to-action. These nonprofit storytelling examples are both effective for nonprofit organizations, and are sure to inspire your team. If you’d like to learn more about how storytelling works, watch this video!
When crafting a nonprofit story, use psychology. Humans relate to stories that are relevant to their lives. By understanding this basic human instinct, nonprofit storytelling can connect with people in ways that can impact their lives. A story that is personal and relatable will move people and help your mission achieve its goals. Don’t overlook the importance of human psychology in crafting nonprofit stories. You can start by developing a storyteller from among your staff or volunteers.
