The Problem: No Story, No Connection When I began working with a local nonprofit, I found what many of us in fundraising know all too well:Plenty of heart. Strong programs. But no storytelling.No consistent voice.No emotional rhythm.Just one year-end appeal asking for...
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. Consider me your fundraising fairy godmother. With these 5 actionable, next-level...
One Meal, One Message, One Moment That Moved a Donor 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...
One story. One message. One decision to give, not because of an appeal, but because the message mattered. That’s the power of story-driven messaging. In one of my recent projects, I helped an organization craft a donor-centered story for their annual publication. It...
Over the years, I’ve worked with several charitable organizations serving large, rural communities—and if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that fundraising strategies need more than structure. They need heart, nuance, and staying power. I remember the first time...
Over the years as a development professional, one thing has never changed—people give to people. But more than that, they give to impact. And when donors don’t just hear about the mission—but feel the results of their giving—that’s when the magic happens. That’s when...
