On today’s episode we are talking about storytelling and why so many organizations are struggling with this. Our guest today is Vanessa Chase Lockshin, the President of The Storytelling Non-Profit and the author of The Storytelling Non-Profit: A practical guide to telling stories that raise money and awareness. Listen in as we discuss Vanessa’s techniques for teaching non-profits how to raise awareness by telling their stories.

Topics discussed this episode:

• Reasons why non-profits have trouble telling their stories
• How overthinking can trip up people in organizations
• Why a culture that lacks collaboration makes storytelling difficult
• Importance of using a natural tone and cadence in fundraising copywriting
• Writing from a micro level vs. a macro level
• Starting small with content audits
• Data gathering to create audience personas
• How stories help donors see the impact of their donation

Resources:

Blackbaud

 

Blackbaud - Twitter #nofilternonprofit

 

Blackbaud - Facebook

 

The Storytelling Non-Profit

 

Vanessa Chase Lockshin - Twitter

 

The Storytelling Non-Profit: A practical guide to telling stories that raise money and awareness

 

npENGAGE

 

Quotes:

 

“Introduce donors to the big picture without overwhelming them. ” Vanessa Chase Lockshin

 

“Create context for donors to understand and relate to the cause using narrative” Vanessa Chase Lockshin

 

“Lack of collaboration can make it difficult for people in non-profits to find stories to tell.” Vanessa Chase Lockshin