If you’ve ever been moved by a commercial, remembered a nonprofit’s story years after a gala, or bought a product because the brand’s story resonated with you—you’ve already experienced the power of storytelling marketing.
But what exactly is it, and why does it work so well?
Too often, events become a substitute for strategy. They drain time, energy, and focus away from the year-round relationship-building that leads to meaningful giving. It’s no wonder donor retention has dipped below 20% in recent years. We’ve been sprinting from one hustle to the next, without the space to steward.
Your brand messaging is the foundation of how people experience your organization or business.
It’s more than a tagline or logo—it’s the consistent, compelling way you communicate who you are, what you do, and why it matters. Without it, your audience may feel unsure, disconnected, or overlook your value altogether.
You’ve spent six months planning the gala. You picked the linens, proofed the programs, and confirmed the caterer. It’s going to be beautiful. But deep down, you’re asking: Was it worth it?
If you’ve ever wondered whether your event-heavy calendar is actually advancing your mission, this post is for you.
A Case for Support is more than a funding pitch. It’s your organization’s narrative backbone—the “why it matters” behind the work you do. It offers funders, board members, and community champions a clear window into your heart, your impact, and your plans for the future.
Sustainable fundraising is built on clarity, preparation, and intentional strategy.
One of the most effective strategies for long-term success is donor segmentation—organizing donors into groups based on shared traits such as giving history, interests, and capacity. Segmentation equips nonprofit leaders to engage donors in ways that are personal, timely, and aligned with the donor’s motivation to give.
If your newsletters feel like updates no one reads—or your appeals sound more like invoices than invitations—it might be time to lead with a better story.
One that draws people in, makes them feel something, and shows them how they belong in the mission.
I’ve spent 20 years helping nonprofits engage donors, build relationships, and move from “ask” to action.
Do you want to exceed your fundraising goals before your next board meeting? There’s no time like now to reset—but getting unstuck can feel like climbing a mountain without a map.
The numbers say it all: When donors read a story about a specific child in need, they give more. Much more. In a well-known study, people who read a personal story gave $2.38 on average—more than double the $1.14 given by those who only read statistics.
Why? Because numbers inform, but stories move us.
We process data in our heads. But stories? We feel those in our hearts.