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What Dr. James means when he recommends you harness the power of storytelling in major gifts fundraising

iMarketSmart

2] It might be external, public, and commercial. In fundraising, story works to motivate the donor. This helps because we know, intuitively, when a story works. This also helps appeal to the widest range of donors. It not only helps get the big gift. It also helps deliver a donor experience worth that gift.

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3 Big Reasons Why An ‘Ask’ Is Mostly About Your Donor’s Hero Story (Not Your Organization’s)

iMarketSmart

These establish motivation from the main character’s original identity. Without this, even a catastrophic threat won’t motivate action. To motivate dramatic action, the problem must be disruptive. Otherwise, it won’t motivate action. The narrative arc. Story moves through a narrative arc. The inciting incident.

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Dr. James explains why the feeling “People like me make gifts like this” is so powerful in major gifts fundraising

iMarketSmart

Givers benefit from their enhanced public reputation. Givers get no benefit from their public reputation. Some gifts may help reputation, while others won’t. This helps link the challenge to a victory. The gift helps my group. And it helps my standing within the group. It helps the donor move to a “yes.”

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Why you must deliver value in fundraising, not just take the money and run

iMarketSmart

The noble dream Small nonprofits have needs. And besides, the struggling nonprofit is doing good things; it deserves a big gift. Suppose a friend asks for your help. The manager says, “Things are tight right now. The manager hesitates. It is now,” laughs the manager. Often, it’s obvious. But it’s fine.

Values 89
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Giving vs. Sharing: The Power of Community in Major Gifts Fundraising

iMarketSmart

Giving helps “those people.” Sharing helps “us.” The gift helps those in another country rebuild after an earthquake. In contrast, reciprocal altruism is stable. This is altruism. This is reciprocal altruism. Meanwhile, the reciprocal altruism players will be sharing with each other. It’s not equal.

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Why you must deliver value in fundraising, not just take the money and run

iMarketSmart

The noble dream Small nonprofits have needs. And besides, the struggling nonprofit is doing good things; it deserves a big gift. Suppose a friend asks for your help. The manager says, “Things are tight right now. The manager hesitates. It is now,” laughs the manager. Often, it’s obvious. But it’s fine.

Values 52
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Understanding Why People Give (hint: it’s not what you think!)

Get Fully Funded

And more importantly, what makes someone give to YOUR nonprofit? Understanding the psychology behind giving can help you understand the donor’s motivation, which will help you plan your next campaign, your next fundraising event, or your next face-to-face ask. Some give because they want to help others.