How to Fundraise Using Immeasurable Outcomes
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: fundraising is tough—especially when you’re stuck in “logic model mode.” You know what I’m talking about. You’re so focused on reporting the “measurable outcomes” that you lose sight of what really resonates with donors: the emotional connection, the stories that go beyond the numbers.
Here’s how to flip the script and start fundraising based on immeasurable outcomes:
1. Shift Your Focus
Stop obsessing over metrics like how many people attended your workshop or how many brochures you handed out. Sure, these are important, but they don’t inspire donors to give. What moves people are the personal stories—the change in someone’s life that can’t be boiled down to a percentage.
2. Tell Real Stories
Instead of saying, “We helped 300 kids,” say, “Meet Sarah. She was struggling in school before joining our afterschool program, and now she’s thriving.” Make it personal. Make it human.
3. Invite Donors Into the Story
People give because they want to feel something. Invite them into the narrative. Tell them how their donation will help write the next chapter in Sarah’s story. Focus on the transformational change, not the transactional numbers.
领英推荐
4. Use Visuals
Photos, videos, testimonials—these are what will make your storytelling come alive. A video of Sarah talking about her experience is worth a thousand data points.
Special Note:
Nonprofit storytelling should be ethical and requires consent. Before sharing stories, please ask for permission and give the story's subject the power and autonomy to control if, when, and how their story is used!
Dive deep into nonprofit story telling with my e-book, hands on worksheets, and video lessons.
Final Thoughts:
Fundraising isn’t about hitting numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about creating deep, emotional connections. When you focus on the immeasurable outcomes—the real-life impact your work has—you’ll see a shift in your donor engagement.