Okay, let’s be honest. Everybody knows that to motivate donors to give (to motivate anyone to do anything, really) you have to tell stories. Facts and statistics don’t work. Brilliant arguments don’t work. Super-clear explanations don’t work. If you want people to pay attention to what you’re saying -- and then take the action you want them to take -- you gotta tell a story!
But there’s something hardly anyone knows yet: To really make fundraising work, you have to tell the right story. The story that speaks to the donor’s heart and mind and helps them connect their values -- and their money -- to your cause. The real story for fundraising.
This practical, hands-on session will show you how to discover your fundraising stories. And how to tell them with grace, drama, and effectiveness!
Your presenter, Jeff Brooks, has been telling fundraising stories for decades. Not only that -- he’s been testing them. He’s found what works and what doesn’t, and he’s ready to tell you!
During This Nonprofit Webinar Recording You Will Learn:
Why donors give -- and how you can give them what they need
- Donors are seeking personal significance
- Donors want to put their values into action
- 3 types of nonprofit storytelling: bad to great
- Three things you owe every donor
How to tell stories for asking
- The story NOT to tell (that almost everyone tells you is the right story)
- What every donor is waiting to hear
- The balancing act between complacency and skepticism
How to tell stories for thanking and reporting back
- Four things donors need to hear from charities (that they rarely hear)
- How your acknowledgments can help build your long-term relationships with donors
- Three steps that will make your newsletter the best part of your fundraising program
Writing tips for vivid and effective stories
- The most important word in the storyteller’s dictionary
- Three ways to put the donor in every story (and two ways to keep them out)
- The magic of mirror neurons to pull your donor into any story you tell.
You’ll Get These BONUS Materials:
- Outline of a successful story-based fundraising message
- Outline of a successful newsletter story
- Prompts to help you get your story started
- Where’s the puppy? -- reminder poster for storytellers
What Attendees Said about This Nonprofit Webinar:
“Present was super knowledge, personable and offered different insights than what I have heard before. Super valuable! Thank you!”
Boris Zamyatin
“Jeff Brooks presents information in the same engaging way he advises we present our communications to donors. The time and money spent on his webinars are well worth it for experienced fundraisers and new fundraisers. Everyone can benefit from reminders of things we know, or learn techniques that are new to us.”
Katheryne Goodman, Rush Homes
“I really enjoyed the webinar today. Jeff is very knowledgeable and gave me great ideas on how to motivate donors to give.”
Loretta Kingston, Kawartha Art Gallery
“Relevant information, presented in an approachable, practical manner. Presenter is well-versed in this area and clearly teaches to the points. One of the most helpful webinars for me so far.”
Juliann Thomason
“This was a fantastic reminder to think from the donor's perspective, and walked through very practical steps to ensure we do that in all of our communications. Thank you!”
Chandra Luczak, UNICEF USA
“This webinar shifted my thinking and offered new skills to communicate from the perspective of a donor - very valuable!”
Bevan Linsley, Aquidneck Community Table
“I was so impressed that the presenter had feedback to our answers to his questions! It was so exciting to get live feedback.”
Madeline Coffey, Piedmont Environmental Alliance
“I really appreciated seeing comparisons of unsuccessful fundraising language, with a few small word changes you can have successful language, as well as the great tips on writing fundraising letters.”
Stacy kelley, CASA of the South Plains
“I am new to fundraising, so this was extremely helpful to start thinking about the best way to capture interest from donors through stories, versus learning from trial and error.”
Petra Brannon, Leadership ISD
“After 35 years in fundraising, I thought I knew it all. But this webinar showed me that this old dog could learn new tricks!”
Rebecca Heal, Utah Youth Village
“I have participated in numerous webinars in which I felt that the knowledge I already have was being enhanced or expanded. This webinar challenged the very core of the way my organization has been operating for 18 years.”
Deborah Austin, REACHUP Inc.
“This was a wonderful webinar that can apply to all sorts and sizes of non-profit organizations. It was a great combination of visuals, the right amount of information, and short and to the point.”
Kathie Belton, Sheridan Community Land Trust
“Thought the webinar gave basic, clear and concise strategies our organization can use immediately to improve communication with our donors. Will monitor results to see if there is an increase in the number of donations and amounts donated. The presenter was interesting, easy to listen to, and had a good pace of the presentation.”
Susan Keena
About Your Topic Expert:
Jeff Brooks has served the nonprofit community for nearly 30 years, working as a writer and creative director on behalf of large and small nonprofits, including CARE, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, World Vision, Feeding America, Project HOPE, and dozens of urban rescue missions and Salvation Army divisions. He has planned and executed hundreds of campaigns in direct mail, print, radio, the internet, and other media that have motivated millions of donors to help make the world a better place.
He blogs at futurefundraisingnow.com, and is the author of three books: The Fundraiser's Guide to Irresistible Communications, The Money-Raising Nonprofit Brand, and How to Turn Your Words into Money. He lives in Seattle.
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