Storytelling for Nonprofits - where playing safe might be costing you

Over the last four years growing and running Story Studio Network, I've had the incredible fortune of working with quite a few large, high impact, nonprofits. The work is uplifting. The teams are all dedicated and incredibly talented and committed.

But I've noticed a trend. We'll get into the storyboard sessions. We'll talk about their views, their missions, their dreams for the organization, their donors and how they want to make an impact.

And then, slowly but surely as we get into being bold, brave and building something new, they almost always pull back into what I will call a safe zone with their story. The comforting blanket of what has always been. The comforting behaviour of focusing on the minutiae instead of the big vision and where you want the organization to be in the next few years.

It's a hard habit to break, I get it. When you're faced with needing to meet targets to justify existing and to continue helping the people you help.

But let's dig into what the consequence of this will be....

Let me ask you something: Is your nonprofit playing it safe? Does this sound like you?

If the answer is yes—or even maybe—you’re leaving impact, relevance, and funding on the table.

In the latest episode of The Fourth Draft, I’m calling it like I see it: Playing it safe isn’t just cautious—it’s costing you.

And this isn’t just about nonprofits. The lessons in this episode apply to anyone trying to communicate, connect, and create impact in today’s world.

Here’s what I tackle in Episode 3:

• Why diluted, sanitized messaging fails to inspire action.
• The emotional spectrum trap: How relying on one type of story—like sob stories—turns your audience off.
• Why clarity and boldness are the new hallmarks of effective communication.

Why This Matters Now.

The stakes are higher than ever. If you’re in the nonprofit world, you’ve likely felt the squeeze—tight budgets, distracted audiences, and a world where trust feels increasingly hard to come by.

But here’s the good news: This isn’t about taking reckless risks. It’s about having the courage to say what you mean and ask for what you need.

As I say in the episode:

"Hope is not a strategy. If you’re playing it safe, you’re not asking for what you actually need."

What Does Playing It Safe Look Like?

• Overloading your messaging with data and reports without a clear call to action.
• Relying on overly emotional appeals that leave your audience feeling guilty but not inspired.
• Avoiding bold, specific asks in favor of “safe” but forgettable messaging.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry—it’s fixable.

How to Shift from Safe to Bold.

Start by asking yourself:

• Are we telling stories that span the full emotional spectrum, or just one narrow slice?
• Are we making our audience work too hard to understand what we stand for?
• Are we clear, specific, and courageous in our asks?

Here’s the key: Your audience doesn’t just want to feel—they want to act. But they can’t do that if your messaging doesn’t tell them how.

Let’s Make the Shift Together.

1. Listen to Episode 3 of The Fourth Draft.
2. Audit your last few communications. Where were you too safe? Where can you be bolder?
3. Hit reply or connect with me on LinkedIn to share your thoughts—I want to hear from you!

Nonprofits—and brands—have the power to drive real change. But only if you stop playing it safe.

Thanks for trusting me to help you rethink what’s possible.

Until next time,

Erin

PS: If you’re a nonprofit wondering how to elevate your media strategy, let’s talk. I work with a limited number of organizations each year to help them create bold, audience-first plans that drive real results. Book a call with me to see if we’re a fit.