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.

​As an events and marketing company committed to supporting nonprofits, we understand the critical role sponsorships play in the success of your events. Securing sponsorships not only provides financial support but also cultivates partnerships that amplify your cause, expand your reach, and provide opportunity for future support.
 
The current sponsorship climate is challenging: We’re seeing fewer sponsors at lower amounts and fewer donations. To help you boost sponsorships for your nonprofit events, we've curated some innovative strategies designed to elevate your sponsorship game.

​Tailored Partnership Packages
Craft personalized sponsorship packages that align with each sponsor's values and objectives. Highlight the unique ways their support can make a tangible impact on your cause.

Specific Perks vs. Vague Labels
Avoid themed sponsorship levels like “lion” vs. “jaguar” or “cultivator” vs. “planter” – these terms don’t convey meaning or hierarchy to potential sponsors. Today’s savvy sponsors want straightforward explanations of their return on investment. If you stick with the traditional silver, gold, and platinum sponsorship tiers, remember to list tangible benefits.
 
Sponsorship tiers tied to one aspect of your event are increasingly popular. For example, a “bar sponsor” may invest $5,000 to sponsor your event’s bar in exchange for branded cocktails named after your sponsor and customized napkins and bar signage featuring the sponsor’s logo.

A 'safety sponsor' may support your festival with an investment to be the sole naming sponsor for the ride share pick up area and water station.

Providing exposure and value are of utmost importance.
 
Enhanced Digital Presence
Leverage the power of digital platforms to showcase sponsor visibility. Develop engaging content, such as sponsor spotlights, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or dedicated social media campaigns, highlighting sponsors' contributions and involvement.
 
Collaborative Experience Opportunities
Create opportunities for sponsors to actively engage with event attendees. Interactive booths, sponsored activities, or workshops aligned with sponsors' expertise can deepen attendee interaction and leave a lasting impression. Encourage sponsors to share their knowledge or products in ways that enrich the event experience.

Impactful Storytelling
Craft compelling narratives that emphasize the shared values between your nonprofit and potential sponsors. Showcase real stories of impact, illustrating how sponsorships directly contribute to making a difference in the community. Personalized storytelling can create an emotional connection and resonate deeply with potential sponsors. Effective brand storytelling enhances nonprofit marketing efforts.
 
Data-Driven Insights
Utilize data analytics to demonstrate the tangible returns on investment for sponsors. Provide post-event reports showcasing key metrics, attendee demographics, and engagement insights. Show your sponsors how many monthly visitors will see their logo on your website or how many followers will see your social media post thanking them for supporting your mission.
 
Concrete data illustrating the reach and impact of their sponsorship can attract and retain sponsors for future events.
 
Year-Round Engagement
Establish ongoing communication with sponsors beyond the event. Offer year-round partnership opportunities that extend beyond event day. This could include exclusive networking events, co-branded campaigns, or acknowledgment in regular newsletters to maintain the relationship and demonstrate ongoing value. Don’t miss out on potential year-round donors who may prefer a long-term partnership to a single event investment.
 
Sustainable and Ethical Branding
Showcase how your event aligns with sponsors' corporate social responsibility goals. Incorporate eco-friendly practices, ethical sourcing, or charitable initiatives that resonate with sponsors who prioritize social impact.

Innovative sponsorships thrive on creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both your nonprofit's mission and your potential sponsors' needs. By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate meaningful partnerships that go beyond financial support, creating a lasting impact and expanding the reach of your cause.

At BIG DEAL Company, we're dedicated to helping nonprofits elevate their events and secure impactful sponsorships. Contact us today to explore how we can collaborate to make your next event a resounding success.

​The art of storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool for small businesses to effectively market their products or services. Storytelling in marketing simply means using a story, or narrative, to communicate your message to your audience. Read on to find out how brand storytelling can enhance your small business marketing.

Creating Emotional Connections
Storytelling is a means of connecting with your audience as you exchange information with them. It makes business communications relatable and memorable. When done well, it creates an emotional connection to your brand.
 
Emotions play a vital role in decision-making, and storytelling is a powerful tool to evoke emotions in your audience. Through compelling narratives, small businesses can evoke a range of emotions, such as joy, empathy, or inspiration. When customers emotionally connect with a brand, they are more likely to remember it and choose it over competitors.
Sharing stories about how the business positively impacted a customer's life or helped them overcome a challenge creates a strong emotional bond. Testimonials and case studies are excellent examples of storytelling that showcase real-life experiences and the emotional connection a customer has with a product or service.

Encouraging Engagement
Engagement is crucial for the success of any marketing strategy, and storytelling helps in fostering a sense of community among customers. By sharing stories and encouraging customers to share their own experiences, small businesses can create a network of engaged customers who actively support and promote the brand.
Utilizing social media platforms to share stories and encourage discussions allows businesses to connect with their audience in a more interactive and engaging way.

​Humanizing Your Brand
One of the fundamental ways storytelling enhances small business marketing is by humanizing the brand. Sharing stories about the people behind the business, their struggles, triumphs, and motivations – when appropriate – helps to create a genuine and personal connection with the audience. It transforms a faceless entity into a relatable and empathetic one, ultimately fostering trust and loyalty.
For example, sharing a story about the founder's passion for the business and how it all began can resonate with customers who appreciate the dedication and hard work that went into building the brand.

Building Trust
Genuine authenticity and trust play crucial roles in the realm of marketing. When customers have confidence in your brand, they're inclined to engage with your business, advocate for your offerings, and foster enduring brand loyalty over time.
 
Establishing trust with your target audience hinges on delivering an authentic message. Your brand narrative should remain faithful to your true identity, avoiding fabrication or exaggeration. Transparency and authenticity signal your brand's commitment to honesty and openness in its operations, cultivating customer confidence and reinforcing their connection with your brand.
 
Yielding Better ROI
Storytelling harnesses the profound influence of human emotions, rendering your brand more relatable and dependable. We tend to choose brands we are familiar with, fond of, and trust. Consequently, brand storytelling yields a superior return on investment.
Customers relish the opportunity to see themselves as heroes or trendsetters, significantly increasing their likelihood of choosing your brand over those that unabashedly self-promote.

 
By humanizing the brand, creating emotional connections, establishing a unique identity, educating the audience, and fostering engagement, storytelling can significantly enhance small business marketing. In today's competitive business landscape, storytelling has emerged as a vital tool for small businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

BIG DEAL Company’s experienced small business marketing team is ready to tell YOUR brand’s story.
 
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