A Narrative Approach to the Philanthropic Conversation

Presented by Norma Cameron, The Narrative Company

While organizations may have a wonderful inventory of stories, it's still sometime challenging for fundraisers to know how to tap into their power.

In other words, knowing how to use them strategically to educate prospective donors about the mission and clearly articulate the crucial role they can play now (and in the future through legacy gifts) to create a combined 'happily ever after' ending.

This session will introduce you to Norma's approach: The Philanthropic Conversation. It comprises a series of stories (including impact, donor and 'visionary future success' stories) and discovery questions in a specific flow that includes the all-important spaces -- for donors to 'step into'. The goal is to help donors see how they can be an active participant in a shared story that realizes your mission and their philanthropic vision.

This is a key component of Norma's overall narrative approach to donor-centred fundraising known as The Philanthropic Flow™. While developed specifically for major and legacy gift programs, it can also be helpful in developing direct marketing/communication collateral.

During the presentation, Norma will explain this approach and provide practical tips and techniques you can use to develop your own line-up of stories and discovery questions. A Q & A on using stories will also be included.