Nonprofits need fundraising to function. Organizations that exist for social good rely on donations to accomplish their life-saving missions. The number one question we’re asked is “how do we spread the word about what we do and get more donations?” It’s a valid question. But before we help crack the code, you’re probably wondering who we are.
Fifty & Fifty is a marketing agency that uses creative thinking and expertise for good. We work with charities all over the world as they launch, pivot, and grow – helping with everything from outreach and communications objectives to smashing fundraising goals. We’re passionate about social causes that help vulnerable individuals, families, and communities who find themselves in unsafe or unhealthy conditions. We’re also the strategic marketing agency of choice for many global nonprofits including the United Nations Development Programme and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Here at Fifty & Fifty we believe in emotional storytelling. When you’re not motivated by money as much as purpose and passion, you appeal to donors by pulling on their heartstrings. We don’t mean that in a gimmicky way (although “clicktivism” has its time and place), but an authentic one. In fact, studies show that people who feel more sympathy and worry for others are more likely to donate.
So how can you make your NPO fundraising story more emotional? Here are our top 5 ways:
1. Share their names
2. Focus on one person and dive deep
It’s even better to hone in on just one person because it’s much easier for us to imagine ourselves in their shoes. What’s their story? How has your NPO helped them? Can you get a direct quote and share that on your social media or in your newsletter?
3. Include pictures (bonus points for video!)
Nothing shows the impact of meaningful work like photos of the people who directly benefit. People love putting faces to names. Video content is even better. For example, this incredible woman went viral on TikTok helping the children in her Zambian village.
4. Put something tangible behind each donation amount
Show your donors what $10 can do, such as purchasing one notebook for a student. Show them what $100 can do as well. Perhaps it can fund three months’ worth of their school supplies. It helps donors visualize their impact and shows them how their contribution helps on an individual level.
5. Share your brand story, too
Explaining the history of how and why your organization got started is a great way to gain interest—especially if someone on the team was personally affected by the same circumstances you are working to fix.
Our client Pallet Shelter is the perfect example – many of their employees have experienced homelessness themselves and can relate to their recipients.
These 5 tips for emotional nonprofit storytelling just scratch the surface of a few of our tried and true methods. Fine-tuning our clients’ fundraising messages and telling a more effective, inspirational story is one of our core strengths.
Get in touch with Fifty & Fifty to see how we may help you support your social cause with fundraising storytelling!
