more than facts alone. (Stanford Graduate School of Business) Why is visual storytelling so important? You'll Raise More Funds Fundraising campaigns that incorporate video receive 114% more funding than campaigns that don't. (Classy)
more than facts alone. (Stanford Graduate School of Business) Why is visual storytelling so important? Video Is What the People Want 72% of donors say they're "very likely" to donate after watching a video about a nonprofit's work. (Blackbaud) You'll Raise More Funds Fundraising campaigns that incorporate video receive 114% more funding than campaigns that don't. (Classy)
they are comfortable. 4. Use prompts with strength-based messaging. 5. Show the storyteller the finished product. 1. Give your community the microphone. 3. Be upfront about how you intend to use the story.
the gathering, you prime generosity & participation. Tell the story of how your staff & volunteer efforts paired with donor dollars help your mission go further. WHY IT WORKS People support when they feel belonging and see transformation, especially when connecting future impact to current work. Remind people why they’re in the room.
personal connection between staff/board and donors, making donors feel valued and appreciated. The “Virtuous Cycle” of fundraising = Ask ⟶ Thank ⟶ Report Impact ⟶ Repeat WHY IT WORKS
the most persuasive forces in human psychology: social proof. We look to others like us to decide what’s trustworthy and worth supporting. Reminding others that they’re part of a community sparks belonging. WHY IT WORKS
accomplishments celebrates big milestones. Showcasing that impact builds momentum heading into the next year. Previewing what’s to come unifies community through a roadmap for change - it activates anticipation, purpose, and builds collective momentum. It motivates shared ownership of the future by inviting supporters into the next chapter and encouraging their role as co-author of the story. WHY IT WORKS
than executives. Volunteer experiences humanize impact and raise awareness of your engagement in the community. Bonus: doubles as a volunteer recruiting tool! WHY IT WORKS
the individual in their next stage of life, they realize the hours they gave mattered. This sense of meaning keeps community engaged, inspired, and coming back. Program testimonials show ROI in human terms by connecting tangible outcomes to donor, staff, supporter, or mentor investment. WHY IT WORKS
don’t have to be scripted or professionally edited, and they make your mission feel alive and personal. Showcasing progress over time builds sustained connection. It offers a peek behind the scenes, inviting donors, volunteers, and supporters to journey alongside you and to feel part of the story unfolding. WHY IT WORKS
guide & encourage youth Then & Now Features Revisit alumni or program grads years later to show long-term ripple Education & Awareness Teach about the issues you address with stats & stories Messages From the Field Show work in action in the place where it happens Meet Our Team Spotlight staff, board, or volunteers to humanize your community You Made This Possible Spotlight compelling achievements or milestones that funding fueled Partner, Advocate & Family Focus Introduce the people & orgs who are your collaborators, highlight family perspectives Behind the Scenes Prepping for an event, running programs, or a staff/volunteer “day in the life of”
stories I'm looking for? What prompts inspire my community tell their story? STEP 2: Inputs What stories help me reach my goals? What types of content help me tell my story? STEP 1: Outputs What goals am I trying to reach through storytelling? What do I want to create with my video content? Building a Video Campaign
org). How did it make you feel? Tell us about the volunteer work you do. Tell us your story. What first inspired you to support our community and mission? Instead of: Try: Ask great questions, get great stories
are you supporting our cause tonight?" "What moment or impact story stood out most to you?" "How do you see your contribution making a difference?" 🍽 Donor Dinners "What first inspired you to connect with our mission?" "What motivates you to continue supporting our work?" "What’s the biggest impact you anticipate our work having in 10 years?"
being part of this organization?" "What’s your proudest moment while being involved with us?" "What’s the biggest hope you have for our community?" ⛳ Golf Outings & Sports Tournaments "What’s been your highlight today?" "Why do you think supporting this cause through sports is meaningful?" "Who are you playing for or thinking about today?" Simple Prompts for Event Stories
campaign description an example of what content you're looking to capture Update the sharecode, Download the QR code Make your event day signage Print your QR code materials Send out pre-event communication Draft post-event communication During the Event Designate day-of photo takers Remind participants - both at check-in & throughout the event - that you’re collecting mission moments Create a Story Page to share collected content live After the Event Send follow-up communication (email, SMS, etc). Include a message of thanks and gratitude with a call to action! (donate, spread the word, volunteer, join our mission...) Share collected content with your community Event Checklist CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE! Checklist & Prompts
videos online are 1 minute or less Restate the Question Give the viewer context within your answers Find Good Lighting Make sure your light source is not behind you & try natural light Consider Your Angles Straight on or slightly above your face is best Choose a Background, Deliberately Avoid messy, distracting backgrounds. Consider the great outdoors! Prioritize Crisp, Clear Audio People will forgive a grainy video, but not one they can’t hear! Consider Your Outputs When Filming This will impact if you want to record vertically or horizontally Be Authentic & Relax! Don’t worry about saying the “perfect” thing. Just be your authentic self!
[email protected] linkedin.com/in/nataliesmonroe 10% OFF: JURASSIC10 (for Growth & Campfire tiers, valid thru 3/31/26) Get Started! (or join a 1:1) If you would benefit from using MemoryFox at your event