The Essence of Good Fundraising,

It’s no secret that storytelling is at the heart of good fundraising. I would even argue that it’s at the heart of what makes us human.

The Essence of Good Fundraising

A big part of my job is to tell stories and I love doing it. But the actual greatest joy of my work is hearing them.

I am always in awe of the people who have the courage to share their experiences with us.

People who’ve lost someone they love. People who’ve survived life-threatening illness or injury. And people who give their time, passion, and heart to making the world a better place.

I worked in-house at a big charity for many years and I remember how hard it was to find the right story to go with the right fundraising ask at the right time. Often we were asking someone to relive the absolute worst moments of their life.

I cried with mothers who’d lost their children and went with them to the places where they’d spent their loved ones’ final months.

One amazing woman I met had lost her daughter at just 14 years old. This mum turned her grief into an incredible drive to help other families and began advocating for the importance of blood donations.

Because of the power of her story, I overcame my own 30-year fear of needles and became a regular blood donor. I keep a giant love heart with her daughter’s name on it on my office wall and wear a shirt bearing her name every time I give blood.

When someone is brave enough to share their story with me, I consider it a gift and am always grateful to receive it.

So if you and I ever meet, please, tell me your story.