The Only Story Non-Profits Need to Tell

“Let Me Tell You a Story…”

Six words. That is all it takes to simultaneously relax and engage your audience at the beginning of any conversation, presentation or pitch. It drops guards, engages attention and piques interest. And when it comes to engaging potential donors, that is the exact response for which you are looking.

However, non-profits tend to view their organization’s story as a “nice to have” vs. a “need to have” leaving donor communication muddled, filled with jargon and poorly communicated. What most non-profits fail to see is that a compelling narrative is the key ingredient to successful fundraising. This seems pretty straightforward, right? Well, yes and no.

A good story coveys information. A great story involves transformation of lives and allows donors (who aren’t direct beneficiaries of the donation) to engage with those they are helping in a direct way, even if it is second-hand.

Think about it, in the for-profit world there is a direct exchange of goods and felt value. You trade money for a good or service. You have now received the good/benefit from it and they have the money. Both parties have received value out of the exchange. For a successful interaction with a non-profit donor, a similar exchange needs to take place. But what can a non-profit offer their donors to allow for the feeling of “value for the exchange”?

By offering a donor a clear, relevant story that conveys how their contribution has or will impact lives, the felt value gap is addressed leaving the donor feel they have been a part of something meaningful.

And a donor that feels they have made a meaningful contribution is the best foundation for an ongoing relationship between them and the organization. If you learn to tell THAT story, its the only story you will ever need to tell.

 

 

Welcome to Vogelzang + Strategy + Group

Given you have found your way to the blog, I want to first say thank you.  The fact you are reading this likely means you have spent enough time on the site to dig a little deeper or a friend (who's taste in reading material you like) sent this to you.  Either way.  Thanks for being here.

As this is the intro blog written by the founder of the company I thought I'd give a quick introduction (you know, so its’ not awkward) and tell you a little about logo & website.

My name is Emily.  Hi.  I have lived in NYC for about 9 years.  Though I think that officially makes me a New Yorker, I still hold my West / West Coast roots very dear.  I was raised where there was little oxygen (CO) and get to visit my family near the ocean (CA).  I know, tough.  But NYC has been my home and I can only say I have survived because of the amazing friends I have met in this city who range from reporters, Broadway stars, entrepreneurs, professional cyclists, musicians, authors, interior designers, ministers, architects, designers...well, you get the idea. I could not have been where I am or done what I have done without all of these people.  And I will be forever grateful.

 But as much as NYC is home, I also am a bit of a global nomad.  Seeking new adventures, exploring new cities, and absorbing a culture through the view of a camera.  Which is what you'll see on this site.  All photographs are my own.  Taken from my adventures.  They are images from South Africa, London, Amsterdam, and New York.  I chose to use them (and others you’ll see eventually) but remind myself (and you) that there is beauty in everyplace.  You just have to stop and look out, and sometimes, up.

 Our logo is a nod to my last name, Vogelzang (Birdsong in Dutch). More on that in the next blog....

Til then, onwards.

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“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.’”

— Mary Anne Radmacher