Storytelling is a powerful way for nonprofits to connect with their audiences, build relationships, and inspire action. In fact, according to the Stanford Graduate School of Business, stories are remembered up to 22 times more than facts alone. That’s why nonprofit storytelling is an essential tool for connecting potential donors with your mission, and remaining top-of-mind as they consider where to give their time, talent and funds. 

Whether you’re new to nonprofit storytelling, or looking to refine your approach, these six steps will help you get started.

1. List All the Potential Storytellers In Your Community

Sharing the personal experiences of the individuals your mission serves is a fundraising tactic many nonprofits prioritize, and has proven to be successful time and time again. But they are not the only stories worth telling. Have you ever considered the other community perspectives that have great stories to share? 

There are six types of nonprofit testimonials that may seem out-of-the-box, but still have the ability to captivate your audience and ignite their philanthropic spirit:

1. Program Participant Testimonials
2. Volunteer Experiences
3. Donor Testimonials
4. Staff Stories
5. Board Member Perspectives
6. Sponsorship & Corporate Partnership Stories

Individuals from each of these categories offer a unique perspective on your mission. Make a list of who fits into each category that could be a potential storyteller for your organization.

2. Determine Storytelling Prompts That Will Spark Great Conversations

Asking the right questions can make a huge difference for capturing memorable, compelling, shareable content that plays so well on social media, in e-newsletters and beyond! The simple truth is: great questions lead to great stories. And, on the flip side, broad, open-ended questions make it challenging for your storytellers to give you an answer that you can actually use. 

For example, instead of saying “Tell us your story”, consider a targeted prompt like “How has your life been impacted by our organization?” Or, instead of “Tell us about the volunteer work you do”, try a prompt that takes your question one step further like “Tell us about the first time you volunteered with our organization. How did it make you feel?” 

Find more prompts worth asking, here: 20 Storytelling Interview Questions to Capture Great Stories.

3. Consider Which Channels You’d Like to Share Your Stories On

Different communications channels serve different purposes. Consider which ones are best suited for your audience and the type of story you want to share. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are great for reaching diverse audiences. Newsletters, blog posts, and events provide more in-depth storytelling opportunities for people who deeply understand your mission.

But considering your communications channels goes beyond understanding your audience. It is also essential to be upfront with your storyteller about where you plan to share their story because it could impact what they are willing to share. For example, an individual might be willing to share more personal details if you are using their story for a grant report, as opposed to posting their story publicly on social media. 

FOX TIP: Being upfront with your storyteller about your intentions for sharing their story is one of our 5 Keys to Ethical Story Collection for Nonprofits. Take a moment to explore the other 4 keys to ethical story collection.

4. Claim Your Free Canva for Nonprofits Account

Did you know Canva Premium is free for nonprofits? Canva is an easy-to-use graphic design tool, and nonprofit users are able to access an array of design tools and templates at no cost. You can create engaging graphics, social media posts, and videos that will bring your stories to life. If you haven’t already, claim your free Canva for Nonprofits account and start designing compelling visual content that supports your mission.

FOX TIP: MemoryFox is integrated with Canva, which means that every video and photo collected through MemoryFox will also automatically populate within your Canva account. So, all you need to do is drag-and-drop your community stories into your favorite design or branded template! 

5. Develop a Content Calendar for Consistent Storytelling

Consistency is crucial for effective nonprofit storytelling. Create a content calendar that outlines when and where you’ll share stories, ensuring a steady flow of content across all channels. This plan will help you keep track of important dates, events, and notable days while maintaining engagement with your audience. Don’t miss the biggest nonprofit days of the year! Add these 2025 Nonprofit Holidays You Don’t Want To Miss to your content calendar now.

6. Implement a Story Collection Strategy

Now that you have your list of storytellers, great prompts to ask, communications channels chosen, free Canva account claimed, and a content sharing plan – the last piece of the puzzle is story collection! Develop a strategy that makes it easy for your community members to share stories, without the hassle, time commitment and cost of hiring a videographer and interview team. 

Consider using a story collection tool like MemoryFox, designed specifically for nonprofits to collect, organize, and share stories in a streamlined and secure way. With the right system in place, you’ll be able to capture authentic narratives that resonate with your audience and truly bring your mission to life. 

By following these six steps, you’ll be on your way to building a powerful nonprofit storytelling strategy that connects with your audience of current and future donors.