This post is for my nonprofit leaders. As you prepare for holiday giving or other annual giving campaigns, how are you sharing your wins with your donors and stakeholders?
Did you know that capturing testimonials in print or on video is an excellent tool for telling your organization’s story? Why? Because it offers a first hand view of what your clients, sponsors, partners, and other stakeholders are thinking about your mission, your brand, and most importantly, your impact.
It doesn’t require much overhead and if done periodically, can provide a meaningful and immediate way to gauge if you are meeting your goals and objectives. It’s also a brilliant method of storytelling that provides content you can use over and over again.
Best of all, it can be done in a few simple steps:
– Do a Q&A interview via email or phone and post their responses.
– Have them submit a 30-second video testimonial for digital use.
– Record an interview via Zoom or Vimeo and post online.
– Hire a freelance journalist or writer to conduct the interviews for you. Pro tip: If you can capture the interviews on video, the impact is even greater!
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to interview guests for Charlotte nonprofit Care Ring. In a pilot for their conference podcast Maternal Wellness Matters, I used my journalistic skills to highlight the great work they’ve done to provide accessible health care to needy mothers and children in the Charlotte metro. I’ve included one of those interviews for your viewing pleasure below. In this episode, Nichole Patterson, the mother of one of their former clients, shared how the organization’s assistance changed the trajectory of her then-teen daughter’s life as she navigated motherhood at a young age.
Video credit: Duvale Murchison