Powerful stories can have a powerful impact. They can be an integral part of your fundraising AND year-long advocacy/ awareness campaign.
Libraries often focus on data to measure success. Circulation numbers, live and virtual program participation numbers, technology usage, website clicks and database hits. And while those numbers have importance – it is the people and their stories behind that data that will resonate with donors. Storytelling can provide the context, meaning and purpose that gives a face to that data. A well-crafted story can help donors understand the library’s value – and provide an emotional connection that encourages a donor to give. Donors are more often motivated by feeling than by numbers.
Take a look at the excellent tool kit created by the Pennsylvania State Library below. There are some great ideas here with some wonderful examples to help you develop your library stories. It just might be worth the investment of your time. Remember a good story will support both your fundraising and your advocacy efforts.
In the coming months I’ll be adding more best practices and tools for library storytelling.
COMING SOON! February 2025 – Workshop on Social Impact Storytelling for Your Library. Pat will share tips, tools and insights based on learnings from Georgetown University’s Social Impact Storytelling Certificate Program. More info to come, be sure to sign up for the Friends and Foundation Newsletter for more information.
Here is some thoughtful insights from master fundraiser and storyteller, Jeff Brooks: https://www.moceanic.com/2024/motivating-fundraising-stories/
Here are some storytelling ideas to get you started: InterviewPreparationQuestions_1 – Copy