Storytelling + Crowdfunding
Introduction
Alison Carlman
Emma Hersh
Senior Manager of Marketing + Communications
Senior Program Manager
GlobalGiving is the first and largest global crowdfunding community. We connect nonprofits, donors, and companies in nearly every country around the world. We make it possible for local organizations to access the funding, tools, training, and support they need to become more effective and make our world a better place.
So what’s crowdfunding, anyway? And why should I care?
Sustainable
Local Solutions
New Donors
“The power of crowdfunding isn’t in the funding, it’s in the crowd.” MARI KURAISHI GlobalGiving Co-Founder + President
Why GlobalGiving? And how do I join?
$213M Total All-Time Volume
165 Countries
14,264 138 Projects supported
Companies
International organizations can use GlobalGiving to get US and UK tax benefits for their donors
GlobalGiving works tirelessly to bring new donors and funding opportunities to our partners
Many of GlobalGiving’s partners are small and new to crowdfunding, and we provide plenty of training and support to help them!
Organizations on the platform have access to a wide variety of fundraising tools.
No cost to join or access tools. Instead, GlobalGiving 15% fee on donations. But most nonprofits experience 0% net fee after we’ve driven extra funding to their projects.
How to Join 1. Complete the online application 2. GlobalGiving will review the application within 30 days 3. After approval, create a project page 4. Fundraise for your program! (We’ll help you make a plan!)
Stories are powerful.
56% of individuals who respond to a nonprofit call-to-action were motivated by compelling storytelling
The Social Impact Storyteller’s
Triple Bottom Line
How do our stories empower the people we intend to help? Will you let them speak for themselves?
How do our stories create a healthier social sector? Do they make people feel hopeful and powerful?
Do our stories move people to give? Do they help us build long-term relationships with supporters?
Let’s Try it Out.
How Successful Was This Story?
Harness Storytelling to Maximize Your Crowdfunding Three Tips from GlobalGiving
#1: Put your story in writing Brevity is key
4.2 seconds
The amount of time most donors review a page before deciding whether to donate.
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2
3
4
Use photos.
Get straight to the point.
Make it clear.
Don’t forget the ask!
Close-up photos of a single person or animal work best.
Put the most important information the first three sentences.
Use bullets and lists to catch skimming eyes.
Include a clear call-to-action.
#2: Rely on your network Help your advocates become storytellers
The best way to reach “the crowd� is through your existing network. Start by mapping your network and identifying your potential fundraising advocates.
Fundraising advocates Your voice in the crowd Step 1: Pick Your Team
Identify your advocates and set goals.
Step 2: Give Them Tools
Step 3: Say Thanks. A Lot.
Train your advocates to tell your story. Make it easy: provide sample emails, social media posts, and other content.
Follow-up with your advocates regularly. At the end of the campaign, thank them!
#3: Email like a pro Email is your most powerful fundraising tool
GlobalGiving emails typically generate 7x more donations that social media posts.
Your email strategy •
Customize – address each potential donor by name. Use a tool like MailChimp or EMMA to manage your mass emails.
•
Segment – send different messages to different audiences (geography, demographics, past donation history).
•
Personalize– highly personalize your emails to high-potential donors.
High-Quality Photo
One short story
Clear call-to-action
Obvious donation link
Learn more, share your story, and start crowdfunding.
Read our full crowdfunding guide: www.globalgiving.org/crowdfundamentals Apply to join GlobalGiving: www.globalgiving.org/apply Contact us to learn more: emerging@globalgiving.org
Questions?
thank you