Flipping the Script: Using Narrative Strategy to Improve Messaging and Prevent Donor Attrition (with Josh Gryniewicz)

NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange

Engaging people as loyal donors and advocates for change is the heart of our job as fundraisers. However, the conventional messaging formula of problem -> solution -> ask is turning off some supporters, especially the younger generations. In this episode, we explore a fresh approach called Narrative Strategy that will help you deliver the right message to the right audience, inspiring greater commitment to your mission.

Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free

Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [e-mail].

Additional Resources

IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library: https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources

Interrupting Violence by Cobe Williams and Josh Gryniewicz https://geni.us/interruptingviolence

Narrative Framework Tutorial (from Odd Duck) https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/167757/themes/3609847/downloads/4c50fd-87e5-045-8ecd-ca75dfc27fac_Odd_Duck_Narrative_Framework_Tutorial.pdf

Units of Narrativity graphic (from Odd Duck) https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/167757/themes/3609847/downloads/678cec-28-10bf-501-eaf3d517b766_Odd_Duck_Narrative_Ecosystem.pdf

[NPFX] When Your Nonprofit's Case for Support Just Isn't Working https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/when-your-nonprofit-s-case-for-support-just-isn-t-working

[NPFX] How Nonprofits Can Stop the Spread of Fake News & Misinformation with Storytelling https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/how-nonprofits-can-stop-the-spread-of-fake-news-misinformation-with-storytelling

[NPFX] Engaging Audiences with Effective Messaging & Storytelling — What Works on Tough Issues https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/engaging-audiences-with-effective-messaging-storytelling-what-works-on-tough-issues

Make the Donor the Hero of Your Fundraising Story https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/make-the-donor-the-hero-of-your-fundraising-story

Josh Gryniewicz, founder of Odd Duck, a storytelling for social change consultancy, has spent his career in nonprofit. He served as the communication director for Cure Violence, an internationally renowned violence prevention program featured in the award-winning film The Interrupters. Josh helmed the rebrand of Integrate Health, a global health initiative in West Africa, helping increase their budget by nearly $1 million. Most recently, Josh led communication efforts for Data Across Sectors for Health (DASH), a program focused on national multi-sector data sharing to address social determinants of health. He is the co-author of the national bestseller, Interrupting Violence, a moving story of redemption and social change. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgryniewicz/ https://oddduck.io/

Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/