This document discusses the importance of storytelling for non-profits. It notes that stories help donors understand facts and numbers by creating context. Stories build understanding by connecting where donors are to where the organization wants them to be. Effective fundraising stories show the impact of programs, beneficiary changes, and ask for continued support. They create an emotional connection and engage donors. Creating an annual storytelling calendar and using compelling photos that show before/after situations can enhance stories. An exercise provides hints for crafting a sample story about a single mother helped by a skills program.

1. Story-telling
For
Non Profits
Copyright: Chetna Sharma

2. Quiz
Just communicate the great work you do, with
facts, figures and faces, money will start coming
forever!
-AGREE or DISAGREE?
Copyright: Chetna Sharma

3. Change your words, change your
world
Let’s watch this:
The Power of Words.mp4
Copyright: Chetna Sharma

4.  To create context for your donors to understand facts and
numbers that you tell them
 Stories build a bridge from where your donors are to
where you want them to be in their understanding of your
organisation
Copyright: Chetna Sharma
Why tell a story

5. Fundraising Story
Points to keep in mind while framing the story:
 Show impact of your programme (what your work
achieves)
 Show change in the lives of beneficiaries
Copyright: Chetna Sharma

6. Fundraising Story
Essential elements:
 Before – After (situation of beneficiary before the programme intervention and
after)
 Emotional connect
 Show need (for continued support). And ask
 Engage the donor – your support, your generous contributions
Copyright: Chetna Sharma

7. Creating a story strategy
#Know your Goal – can be raise money, raise awareness
#Know your audience – who is your audience?
#Your message – what do you want them to feel, remember as a result of
your story and what do you want them to do?
#Create a calendar – organise yourself by creating a calendar. Decide
what stories you’ll be telling at different times of the year. Complement this
with campaigns if you are running
Copyright: Chetna Sharma

8. Compelling Images
Do you think Photos tell a story?
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9. Does this say something?

10. Images tell your story
 Use photos to help tell your story - think about
what your organisation does. How can you
capture that in an image.
 Use natural photos, avoid staged photos
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11. Photos capturing your work

12. Photos with emotional impact
 Use photos that create an emotional impact
(human faces are the best)
 Collecting and capturing images should be part
of your regular communications plan
Copyright: Chetna Sharma

13. Human Faces with emotional impact

14. Photo story
 Choose photos that show before and after

15. Story exercise
Based on following hints, please make your own story:
A single mother with three children and no source of
income. Describe her situation - where she lives, difficulties
she faces. Introduce your programme – skill generation,
how this has helped her. What she is doing now - her
income, living standard, situation of her children, why she
needs your continued support?
Copyright: Chetna Sharma

16. Thank You!
Dhanyavaad!
Chetna Sharma:
chetnasos1@gmail.com