BIG DEAL had the best time bringing joy to 3,000+ people who attended the annual Halloween on the Promenade event!

Automation turns your email list into a relationship-building machine---one that nurtures leads, builds loyalty, and drives measurable results even while you sleep!

​Why Email Still Wins
Email is your most powerful owned channel---a direct line to people who’ve invited
you into their inbox. It’s where you can connect, educate, and inpsire action---on
their terms.

A Story Can Spark a Movement
Not long ago, a local nonprofit shared a story about a widow who had lived in isolation due to mobility issues and had been saved from a medical emergency because one of the organization’s caring volunteers had shown up with a hot meal at just the right time. That one story - not a long list of stats - raised more donations than an impact report full of numbers and data.
 
That’s the power of storytelling.
 
In today’s noisy digital landscape, facts and numbers aren’t enough. People are craving connection. Donors are interested in the “why” behind the mission. And that’s exactly where storytelling shines.
 
At Big Deal Company, we don’t just believe in the power of narrative. In our work, we build entire nonprofit strategies around it. From campaign messaging to donor engagement, we use philanthropic copywriting skills to help you tell stories that don’t just inform, but move people to act.

Why Stories Win Hearts When Stats Don’t
Yes, data matters. But stories stick.
 
Research shows that when you share a human-centered story, it lights up emotional and sensory parts of the brain. That creates empathy - and empathy inspires action.
 
Think about it: would you rather hear about “a 38% increase in literacy” or meet Rosa, a grandmother who learned to read bedtime stories to her grandkids? Rosa’s story is certainly more memorable, more relatable—and far more likely to be shared.
 
How can nonprofits harness stories to connect with potential donors? They can anchor their campaigns in real people’s journeys, not faceless facts.
 
Building Blocks of an Unforgettable Story
Nonprofits can follow this simple, yet effective, storytelling framework to create an unforgettable connection:
 
1. Keep It HumanChoose one person as the central character. Audiences connect more with individuals than with abstract groups.
 
2. Use the Three-Act ArcEven short stories need structure:

• Act I: Introduce the person and their situation
• Act II: Show the challenge or change
• Act III: End with transformation - and the role the nonprofit played

 
3. Show, Don’t TellPaint vivid scenes. Use quotes. Let emotions surface naturally.
 
4. Balance Narrative with DataOnce you’ve drawn your audience in, support your story with impact metrics - but don’t bury the heart of it.
 
5. Be Ethical & RespectfulConsent is non-negotiable. Showcase strength and dignity. Never exploit an individual’s vulnerability.
 
6. Reuse and ReformatA good story is versatile: turn it into a social video, blog post, Instagram carousel, or email sequence.

How Big Deal Company Uses Philanthropic Copywriting to Build Winning Campaigns
Philanthropic copywriting isn’t just about good grammar. It’s about shaping emotions, voices, and purpose into campaigns that convert empathy into action.
 
We work hand-in-hand with our nonprofit clients to:

• Extract powerful stories through interviews and archival digging
• Map messaging to specific audiences (donors, partners, volunteers)
• Build storytelling frameworks for everything from year-end appeals to major fundraising campaigns and events
• Test headlines, calls-to-action, and emotional cues
• Provide messaging documents for internal teams and train them in story collections, as well as ethical usage

 
Our Storytelling Toolkit
Want to get started? Here are some go-to tips we recommend:

• Create a story bank. Categorize stories by theme or impact.
• Your staff and volunteers are your biggest ambassadors. They are also the ones on the front lines who witness the impact on a daily basis. Train them on how to collect and share stories.
• Always tie your stories to outcomes: what change was made possible?
• Include images, audio, or video from the beginning - not as afterthoughts
• Revisit stories over time to keep them fresh and update outcomes

 
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning campaigns can go off track. Watch out for:

• Over-sentimentality that feels manipulative
• Story fatigue - repeating the same narrative endlessly
• Tone mismatches with your brand or audience
• Neglecting consent or context for vulnerable communities
• Over-measuring clicks and under-measuring emotional response

 
Your Story is Your Superpower
You don’t need a massive budget to tell powerful stories. What you need is strategy, structure, and empathy.
 
Big Deal Company helps nonprofits uncover the stories already within them. Our team of nonprofit and communications specialists helps shape those stories into messaging that moves people to give, volunteer, and champion a cause.
 
Our team of philanthropic copywriters is ready to partner on your next campaign or messaging upgrade.
 
Ready to unlock your narrative power?
Let’s build a story strategy that makes your mission impossible to ignore.

FAQs: Nonprofit Storytelling Tips
Q: What’s a “story seed”?
A: A moment of change, emotion, or triumph. If it made someone pause or smile, it’s a seed.
 
Q: How long should my stories be?
A: Depends on the channe. 150-250 words for emails, longer for blogs, 60-90 seconds for a social video.
 
Q: Can we balance storytelling with serious data?
A: Absolutely. Use the story to hook interest, and data to build credibility.
 
Q: We’re a small nonprofit - can we afford this?
A: Yes! We offer a variety of packages and options that fit any budget.
 
Q: How do we know if our storytelling works?
A: Watch for increases in opens, shares, donations, and ulaitative feed back like “this story moved me”.
  
Reach out to our team to get started on your storytelling strategies: 970-613-1455. You can also find tips and inspiration on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

BIG DEAL Company has had the pleasure of working with Blue Federal Credit Union for years. One of our favorite events is Discovery Day, which is a full day of learning and engagement across the entire company (about 400 employees)!
This year focused on putting the magic in moments. We tied the theme together with well suited speakers, emcee, entertainment and swag!

What a night! Fiesta 2025 brought together over 250 guests, the incredible sounds of Salsa Forte, and a community united in joy and purpose. Together, we raised more than $45,000 to support children and families in Northern Colorado. 

We are so grateful to every donor, sponsor, and supporter who made this celebration possible. Your generosity helps us continue to build a stronger, more vibrant community—one family at a time.

What a night! Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Grainhouse in Windsor to celebrate the 2025 40 Under Forty honorees. Your energy made it such a fun and meaningful evening. We’re thrilled to recognize these inspiring young professionals who are making a difference across the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado!
​
Host: BizWest
Title Sponsor: The Water Valley Company
Supporting Sponsor: Journey Payroll & HR - CO
Associate Sponsors: Alchemer, The Emporium: An American Brasserie

​We can’t say thank you enough!
Hope Unlocked: Spill the Love was a true success — together, we raised over $60,000! None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our donors, volunteers, sponsors, staff, and the entire community who came together to make it happen.
Your generosity helps Jobs of Hope continue serving men as they rebuild their lives, relationships, and futures.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2025

Donna’s Law Fundraising Campaign Launches to Reduce Firearm Suicide
Grassroots effort seeks $215,000 to make life-saving firearm self-exclusion tool accessible statewide
​
Fort Collins, Colo. – Colorado has taken a major step forward in suicide prevention with the passage of Senate Bill 25-034, the Colorado Voluntary Do Not Sell Act, commonly known as Donna’s Law for Colorado. Governor Jared Polis signed the bill into law on June 2, 2025, making Colorado the fifth state in the nation to enact this life-saving measure.

Colorado has long struggled with high suicide rates, ranking 13th in the nation for gun suicides and eighth for overall suicides. In 2023, 70% of firearm deaths in the state were self-inflicted, and nearly 80% of Colorado veterans who died by suicide used a firearm. Because suicide attempts with a firearm are almost always fatal, giving individuals the ability to voluntarily delay access to firearms can make the difference between life and death.

Donna’s Law allows adults who may be at risk of self-harm to voluntarily, confidentially and reversibly add themselves to a “do-not-sell” list, blocking their ability to purchase firearms. Donna’s Law puts decision-making power directly in the hands of individuals and allows them to protect themselves against their future selves in crisis. The restriction is lifted 30 days after a participant requests to be removed from the list, ensuring both safety and autonomy.

“Even a short waiting period can help save a life,” said Virginia Mack, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and military veteran from Fort Collins. “This tool gives people the ability to protect themselves before it’s too late.”
Mack believes that Donna’s Law could have saved a student she worked with who tragically died by firearm suicide.

The law was named for Donna Nathan, who died by firearm suicide in 2018 after impulsively purchasing a gun in minutes, despite recent inpatient mental health treatment. Her story inspired advocates across the country to push for legislation that empowers individuals to take proactive steps to keep themselves safe.

Colorado joins Washington, Utah, Virginia, and Delaware, which have already implemented similar voluntary self-exclusion programs. The model mirrors other proven harm-reduction strategies, such as Colorado’s gambling self-exclusion program that allows individuals to voluntarily block themselves from casinos and online sportsbooks.

To bring Donna’s Law to life in Colorado, advocates are now raising $215,000 to build a secure online portal where individuals can enroll in the program through the Department of Public Safety. The effort is fiscally sponsored by The Archer Group, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by Healthier Colorado, making all donations tax-deductible.

How to Support Donna’s Law for Colorado:

• Online: Visit donnaslawforco.org to donate securely.
  
  
• By Check: Make checks payable to The Archer Group with the memo SB25-034 and mail to:
   The Archer Group
   303 East 17th Avenue, Suite 405
   Denver, CO 80203

​“Every dollar brings us closer to saving lives,” said advocates. “By supporting Donna’s Law, Coloradans can help ensure that those in crisis have the time and space they need to survive and heal.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Halloween on the Promenade Returns October 26
Beloved Annual Community Celebration Brings Free Family Activities, Safe Trick-or-Treating, and Costume Contests to Loveland
​
LOVELAND, CO – Get ready for the most anticipated Halloween celebration in Northern Colorado! The Promenade Shops at Centerra proudly presents Halloween on the Promenade 2025, a FREE family-friendly extravaganza that promises thrills, chills, and unforgettable memories for all ages.
​
WHEN: Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
WHERE: Promenade Shops at Centerra, 5971 Sky Pond Dr, Loveland, CO 80538
This cherished community tradition invites families, kids, and even four-legged friends to wear their most creative costumes and join tons of neighbors for three hours of non-stop, safe, Halloween fun!

What Makes This Event Unmissable?
Expect an afternoon packed with entertainment that will delight the entire family:
🎃 Costume Contests with Prizes – Show off your Halloween spirit! Contests for both kids and pets with exciting prizes (details coming soon)
🎃 Safe Trick-or-Treating – Children receive complimentary trick-or-treat bags to collect goodies from participating vendor booths and Promenade shops (while supplies last!)
🎃 Free Pumpkins – Courtesy of Bartels Farm (while supplies last!)
🎃 Live Entertainment – Featuring a DJ spinning spooky beats, face painting, a professional balloon artist, and a mesmerizing giant bubble machine!
🎃 Special Guest Appearance – The NoCo Ghostbusters will be on site for photo opportunities!
🎃 Pumpkin Patch – Perfect for those Instagram-worthy family photos
🎃 Inclusive Trick-or-Treating – Look for TEAL PUMPKINS at participating locations offering allergen-free treats, supporting children with food allergies through the Teal Pumpkin Project

A Community Celebration for Everyone
With an expected attendance of 1,000+ community members, Halloween on the Promenade has become a Loveland tradition that brings neighbors together for safe, wholesome fun. Best of all, admission is completely FREE!
​
Furry Friends Welcome! Pets are encouraged to join the festivities in costume (must be leashed at all times).
"Halloween on the Promenade is more than just an event—it's a celebration of our vibrant Loveland community," said organizers. "We're creating a safe, inclusive environment where families can make lasting memories while enjoying all the magic of Halloween."
 
RSVPs Encouraged: EventBrite Registration
Vendor Booth Applications: Apply Here  (a few are still left!)
Event Details: thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com/events
 
Connect With Us
Website: www.thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com
Facebook: @PromenadeShopsatCenterra
Instagram: @promenadeshopsatcenterra
All activities are participate at your own risk. Trick-or-treat bags and pumpkins available while supplies last.
 
About Promenade Shops at Centerra
The Promenade Shops at Centerra is Northern Colorado's premier outdoor shopping destination, offering a unique blend of retail, dining, and entertainment experiences in the heart of Loveland.
 
Celebrate Halloween the Promenade way – where community, creativity, and candy come together!