Storytelling for Fundraising
The first impression we all have of listening to stories is as a child and usually by our favorite grandparent. The reason we love it so much is that it reminds us of simpler times. It’s amazing that the art of simply telling a story can have an impact on us emotionally. This art of storytelling is astonishing.
What is Storytelling?
Storytelling is a cultural activity that connects us to one another. It’s the best way to make friends, pass on traditions and we can all agree on the nostalgia it’s capable of putting us through. It preserves culture, education, instills moral values and the narrative it provides can be used in the art of writing and entertainment. Crucial elements of storytelling include plot, characters, and a narrative point of view. Our stories make us who we are as human beings, what influences us, and connect us to every living and nonliving being around us. Listening to others tell their stories triggers our emotions and we begin to relate or sympathize. Telling stories is a fundamental part of being human.
Can it be used for Fundraising?
Stories are the heart of fundraising. What makes this activity important is that it provides us with a purpose. We are prone to looking for a hero in the stories we hear. We root for that guy to win. No matter the obstacles, the consequences, we just want a happy ending for them. This mutual feeling brings us together as a community. A community that sees through the eyes of a human who’s struggling and can agree on his victory. But more often than not, these heroes are the ones who sacrifice their individuality in order to get by. If that is happening, then there’s something wrong going on behind the curtain and this is where the saviors step in. Disguised in the name of organizations and donors, some volunteers who love to spend their time helping out the bigger cause. And all this, through the art of storytelling.
What type of stories could be used for Fundraising?
There are a bunch of stories that can be told while fundraising:
- What made the founder start the organization? What was it that impacted them so powerfully that they made it a mission?
- Why is the rest of the team involved? Why do they care?
- What change had they brought about since they started?
- The struggle stories of the people for whom the organization was built.
- What is the reason for their lack of privilege?
- What ordeals they had to face because of their situations?
- What sacrifices they had to make ends meet?
- How and why every donation counts and what change is being made?
- What moves the donors that they willingly contribute generously?
If each of the above questions is answered through a scenario of strain, it’s bound to touch us emotionally and more than that, it gives us a sense of responsibility for the community.
Contributed By- Manisha Chalia, Content Writer @ Mitti Ke Rang
At Mitti Ke Rang, we started with a COVID-19 community support fundraising, as an emergency response to provide a safety net to families. This will help them survive in the lockdown period. We aim to directly support these families by providing a minimum wage, through transferring the same into their accounts or partner with local NGO, Organisation, Fellow, or a Volunteer and support them with groceries.
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