Though you may never have put a pen to paper, your nonprofit has a powerful, detail oriented story. The characters are donors, volunteers, clients, board members, staff members, and other bright faces in your community. The plot is sprinkled and layered with events, campaigns, and big projects completed. There’s action, conflict, and many terrific endings as you continue to write and rewrite the ongoing story of the impact you have in the lives of others. Crafting your nonprofit story to keep people interested and invested in your mission should be a top priority for your nonprofit.
To ensure you’re incorporating all the elements of a traditional story in your nonprofit story, begin by looking to your mission statement. Your mission has identified core ideals and aims that your nonprofit upholds in all programs and operations. With a mission statement driving focus, this keeps “characters” invested in your story. Your organization already takes on the mission as a daily reminder of the work you do. With the mission of your nonprofit as your story’s guiding light, supporters can thread your story into theirs and adopt your mission as a part of their own.
After utilizing your mission statement to get constituents invested, look next to your vision statement. This list of goals and outline of long term projects provide key areas for people to get interested in. Having a vision allows you to continually add to your organization’s list of accomplishments and triumphs over the years. Your nonprofit vision gives your story action and passion, the kind of ongoing plot points that keep your characters registering for events, involved as volunteers, and participating in programs that strengthen your community.
Looking to better understand and promote your nonprofit story? Call us at 615-624-4176! Also, for tips on bettering your mission and vision statements, download our Transforming Your Nonprofit Handbook!
Marianna Woodruff is Director of Brand Awareness at DonorLynk, LLC. DonorLynk aims to provide nonprofits with tailored solutions that work for you, not against you.