25 Ideas, Clues, and Tips to Find Storytellers who can help your Nonprofit Grow

1. Program Beneficiaries (New or Impacted Recipients) – After receiving services or support, beneficiaries are often eager to share how the nonprofit’s work has positively impacted their lives.
2. Donor Milestones – Celebrate donors after major donations, or when they reach significant milestones like recurring donations over 6 or 12 months. This is an ideal time to ask them to share why they give.
3. Volunteers (New and Long-Term) – Volunteers, especially those newly engaged or long-term supporters, often have rich stories to share about their motivation to get involved and the impact they've seen firsthand.
4. Event Participants – Individuals who attend or participate in nonprofit events (gala attendees, 5K participants, or awareness campaigns) are primed to share their experiences and what drew them to support the cause.
5. Grant Awardees or Program Recipients – If your nonprofit offers grants or aid, those who receive them often have powerful stories of transformation and gratitude to share.
6. Board Members – Board members are deeply invested in the nonprofit’s success. They can share compelling stories about their connection to the mission, the vision for the future, and the impact they have witnessed.
7. Major Fundraisers – Highlight individuals or teams who organized successful fundraising events for your nonprofit. Their stories of passion and persistence can inspire others to take action.
8. Corporate Partners or Sponsors – Businesses that support the nonprofit through partnerships or sponsorships often have a story about why they aligned with your cause and how it reflects their values.
9. Interns or Fellows – Those who have completed internships or fellowship programs with your nonprofit are often excited to reflect on what they’ve learned and how the experience has shaped their career or values.
10. Alumni of Programs – Past program participants or graduates of your nonprofit’s initiatives often have reflective stories about the long-term impact the nonprofit has had on their lives or communities.
11. Recurring Donors (Monthly/Quarterly) – Donors who give regularly can share why they believe in your nonprofit and what keeps them committed over time. This builds trust and showcases sustained support.
12. Campaign Champions or Ambassadors – Individuals who actively promote your nonprofit’s campaigns through social media or word-of-mouth advocacy can share the story behind their involvement and what motivates them to spread the word.
13. Volunteer Leaders or Coordinators – Those who manage or lead volunteer programs have seen the work up close and can tell stories about the passion and dedication of the volunteer community.
14. Peer-to-Peer Fundraisers – Individuals who raise funds for your nonprofit through peer-to-peer platforms are often willing to share the story of why they took on this role and what the experience meant to them.
15. Beneficiary Families – Families of individuals who have been impacted by your nonprofit’s services or programs can provide an outside perspective on the ripple effect your organization has on communities.
16. Advocacy Participants – Individuals involved in advocacy campaigns, whether they’ve lobbied or raised awareness, can share personal stories of why they’re passionate about the cause and how they’ve contributed to your mission.
17. Nonprofit Staff (Frontline Workers) – Staff members who interact with beneficiaries or manage programs often have powerful stories of impact from the day-to-day work they do.
18. Community Partners – Nonprofits often collaborate with other local organizations or community groups. These partners can tell stories of how working together has amplified the impact on the community.
19. Successful Grant Recipients – If your nonprofit secures grants, foundations, or other institutional donors may be willing to share why they chose to fund your mission and what outcomes they hope to see.
20. Retiring or Departing Leaders – When leaders retire or leave the nonprofit, they can share reflective stories about the journey they’ve had with the organization and the legacy they hope to leave behind.

Integrating These Ideas:

• Timing is everything: Like with corporate stakeholders, being proactive after key events (donations, milestones, program completion, etc.) can yield enthusiastic storytellers.
• Diverse voices: Capture stories from a wide range of stakeholders to showcase different perspectives and levels of engagement.
• Empathy: Approach each story request with an understanding of the personal connection and impact behind it. Offer appreciation before asking for a story.

These triggers can help foster a robust culture of storytelling within the nonprofit and create content that resonates deeply with donors, volunteers, and other key audiences.

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