Confidence and Clarity: 5 Tips for Successful GTMD Storytelling

For many Minnesotans, the leaves turning red and gold means pulling out sweaters and frantically finishing outdoor projects before the cold arrives. For many fundraisers, however, that same seasonal shift means updating fundraising campaigns and figuring out how to best share their organization’s impactful work during a busy season. It's easy to feel overwhelmed as your to-do list grows and the calendar inches closer to the end of the year. 

Here at GiveMN, we want to make sure nonprofits of all sizes thrive throughout this busy time. That's why we're sharing five key GTMD takeaways from our coaching team to help you feel revitalized and ready to tell your stories during this year's Give to the Max Day.

1. Ask for what you need. People want to help your organization, support your mission, and have the opportunity to enact their values! Making clear and straightforward asks during your GTMD campaign gives them the opportunity to do just that. Plus, as GiveMN’s fundraising coaches often share, creating opportunities for people to support your work and give in ways that align with their values is one of the most effective ways to increase fundraising. 
   
   
2. Your people need to hear from you. Fundraising is about connecting with your community and offering folks a chance to get involved. Tighten up your story, and don’t be afraid to get it in front of people and across multiple channels, from email to snail mail to social media. (In fact, if you're interested in engaging Gen Zers, a strong social media strategy might be the way to go.)
   
   
3. Have confidence in your campaign. Fundraising can feel daunting, but every organization, no matter its size, has great stories, important missions, and passionate people doing the work. 
   
   
4. You are the expert in your work. GiveMN's coaching team can help pull out strategies, encourage you to look at your story in a new way, and give a gut check on whether you're on the right path or not. But, ultimately, the heart of your story and the necessary relationship-building that inspires donors to give is all you! Everyone on your team, from first-time volunteers to seasoned board members, has the potential and the power to be a fundraiser. 
   
   
5. You’re not alone in feeling alone. There are so many small organizations, particularly those with one-person fundraising teams, that feel isolated in their work. GiveMN's  resource hub has tools and templates designed to help support you and amplify your organization's impactful work. GiveMN is here to be your backup fundraising team, and our tools are created to help you work smarter, not harder!

In need of more GTMD support? Check out our free resource hub for organizations, which includes graphics, logos, templates, workbooks, and more!