How to Unlock the Power of Storytelling for Your Nonprofit

Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Vanessa Lockshin

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter welcomes storytelling expert Vanessa Chase Lockshin, founder of The Storytelling Non-Profit and author of The Storytelling Non-Profit. Vanessa shares her extensive experience helping organizations craft emotionally resonant, authentic stories that drive fundraising success and donor engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical tips on how to build your organization’s narrative strategy and share stories in a way that deeply connects with your audience.

Vanessa walks through the core elements of powerful storytelling, how to maintain authenticity, create meaningful donor calls-to-action, and why story planning is crucial to long-term communications success. The episode also covers balancing trauma-informed storytelling with impact, the role of conflict in narratives, and how to adapt stories for various platforms from email to Instagram reels.

Key Topics Include:

• What differentiates a true story from a testimonial or summary
• How to hook your audience with emotional and engaging storytelling elements
• Techniques for building authentic, trauma-informed stories that maintain dignity
• Crafting calls-to-action that are clear, tangible, and drive donations
• Planning an annual storytelling strategy aligned with your organization’s goals
• When and how to reuse stories effectively across platforms and over time
• Leveraging short-form video and AI tools for engaging social media storytelling

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Vanessa Chase Lockshin’s website: The Storytelling Non-Profit
• Vanessa’s book: The Storytelling Non-Profit on Amazon
• AI video tool: Arbor – for creating nonprofit-focused short-form videos

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox – Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

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