Storytelling In Fundraising

Define your why, connect your story to your cause, turn facts into narratives, and engage donors with words and visuals.

What you'll learn

Craft your own story and connect it with your purpose

How to work with numbers and data in fundraising

How to break down numbers and connect them to a story

Pictures in fundraising - do's and don'ts

Requirements

Introductory and interactive course - no need to prepare anything or have prior knowledge

Description

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in fundraising. Facts and figures matter - but what really inspires people to give is a story that connects them to your mission, your cause, and your passion. This course will show you how to craft those stories with clarity and confidence.Whether you are completely new to fundraising or already working in the field, you will learn step by step how to create narratives that move hearts and mobilize resources. We will start with the foundation: your why. You’ll discover how to craft your own story as a changemaker and connect it to the cause you are fundraising for. From there, we’ll dive into how to transform numbers and facts into meaningful, memorable messages - and how to combine them with storytelling techniques to inspire action.Drawing on real examples from Bridging Gaps, an award-winning refugee-led nonprofit, we’ll explore practical storytelling strategies that you can apply right away. You’ll also learn how to use photos effectively to strengthen your message and build trust with donors. As a bonus, I will introduce you to the Bridging Gaps Fundraising Fellowship concept – a practical model for empowering communities through fundraising.By the end of this course, you will have the tools to:Tell your personal story with confidenceLink your story to your organization’s missionTurn data and facts into compelling narrativesUse visuals to engage and inspire donorsIf you are ready to unlock the power of storytelling in fundraising and raise more funds for your cause, this course is for you.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction and crafting your story

Lecture 1 Introduction

Lecture 2 Let's dive in

Lecture 3 How to introduce yourself

Lecture 4 Your personal story

Lecture 5 Connecting your story to your cause

Section 2: Connecting data and numbers with your story

Lecture 6 Breaking down large numbers

Lecture 7 Breaking down donations

Lecture 8 An example from Bridging Gaps: Amito's story

Section 3: Pictures, bonus & wrap-up

Lecture 9 Choose powerful pictures

Lecture 10 Bonus: Creative ways of fundraising - example of the BG Fundraising Fellowship

Lecture 11 Thank you and see you soon!

Fundraising beginners or fundraising experts who want to reconnect with their purpose and learn a storytelling-based approach. Nonprofit staff or founders. Students of international relations, nonprofit management, and similar programs.