Insights

I recently wrote about storytelling, emphasizing the importance of amplifying stories without fabricating them. However, a reader called me out, suggesting it is better to “present, don’t exaggerate.” Their suggestion raises the question of …

Is storytelling manipulative, especially when it stirs emotions for donations? This begs a vital question about ethical storytelling: are you a communications manipulator at your nonprofit? Heck, if storytelling is manipulative, we need to …

You've done all the textbook steps to shape your organization—the mission statement polished, team-building activities executed, and even the company swag disseminated. Yet something's still off. You have all the ingredients, but the cake …

Focusing on a central character—or the "Heart" of the story—can significantly heighten a film's emotional impact and effectiveness, especially in short formats ranging from 3-20 minutes. In emotive video storytelling, the notion often arises: …

Are you scratching your head, wondering why your climate action plan doesn't echo as deeply as you'd like? You're following guides, like how to center racial justice in your climate action planning, but something …

Frameworks are invaluable. They offer us the confidence to craft stories that resonate, especially in the challenging nonprofit landscape. But here's some food for thought—could popular formulas like StoryBrand inadvertently perpetuate white saviorism for …

Tailoring your call-to-action (CTA) according to your relationship stage with your audience can significantly boost effectiveness. In another article on call-to-action, we discussed why effective CTA for nonprofits would guide your audience's next steps. …

Why do people not act after engaging with your stories or other content? Your message was clear and inviting, but there was slim action. It's not your message but the effectiveness of your call …

It's fiscal planning time! As your nonprofit gears up for some video storytelling, one big question looms: How much should you budget? This actionable guide takes the guesswork out of video budgeting and aligns …

Recently, we discovered Community Centric Fundraising (CCF) and cannot unsee it or 'unhear' other nonprofit folks talking about it, and that's for good reasons. What is Community Centric Fundraising (CCF) CCF isn't just another …

Have you ever said or thought this, "We don't have a lot of time and brain space to tell a story that deeply personally communicates.”? In that case, your connection with donors, beneficiaries, and …

Have you ever purchased something because it was the cheaper option, but it was the worst experience? Those unnecessary headaches are avoidable when considering the hidden value or lack thereof. This is also true …