Summer Institute for Advancement Services Pre-Institute Sessions-SBeaver_The Art of Storytelling

SBeaver_The Art of Storytelling_2023

Pdf Summary

This document discusses the importance of storytelling in fundraising and advancement work. The author emphasizes that stories are meaningful, memorable, and impactful, creating personal connections that can alter beliefs and attitudes. The donor is positioned as the hero in these stories, receiving a sense of well-being from acts of charity. The "Creative Equation" of resonance and demonstration is key in motivating donors to give. To find stories, one must listen to and understand donors, aligning their stories with the values of the organization. Photos can also enhance storytelling by creating visual connections and increasing emotional bonds. Consistency is crucial in incorporating storytelling into fundraising efforts, with clear and succinct stories that engage and move donors to action. Tips for effective storytelling include being genuine, avoiding sales language, building characters, engaging all the senses, including a call to action, and utilizing visuals. The impact of visual storytelling is exemplified by the success of nonprofit organization Charity: Water. While stories are important, it is also necessary to provide evidence of impact through supporting data. The document concludes with key takeaways, including the importance of making donors the heroes and looking to peers for inspiration.

Keywords

storytelling

fundraising

personal connections

donor as hero

resonance

demonstration

engaging donors

visual storytelling

supporting data

peer inspiration