When is the last time you read the user guide to a new product? How often do you read the dense legal copy at the end of a credit card bill? If you’re like most people, not that often. And the reason is that the copy isn’t that compelling. It’s an information dump.
Nonprofits face similar issues when they try to write a good story for community funding. An easy mistake is thinking that a community funding platform is a perfect opportunity to inform everyone about your nonprofit’s programs.
But to really be effective, donors need to know about your social impact. How much of a difference do you really make? And how can you describe that impact in a simple sentence?
First, you need one clear, compelling story. If your nonprofit’s strength is in the number of people you help, tie that in with a personalized story that helps to humanize your concept. For example, if your nonprofit is an animal rescue, tell your audience about your most amazing animal transformation.
Favoring mixed media to communicate this message can also increase its impact. Pictures and video resonate more than words on a page and often can encourage viewers to stop and read your work. It also encourages more people to share your story.
Consider your audience when creating your story. If your goal is corporate sponsorship, then detail how sponsorships have helped in the past. This can be done best with metrics, so make sure you keep that information organized.
Finally, having a distinct call to action is crucial to success. Show potential donors exactly where to go and what to do. A simple call to action can generate a great deal of interest in your nonprofit, but one must be present. Without it, your compelling story is simply words on a page.
