In a small, rural town nestled between rolling hills, there was a nonprofit organization that helped abused children reclaim their hope for the future by providing the education and resources they needed to thrive. Despite their noble cause and the great work they were doing, they struggled to gain enough attention to sustain adequate funding.
One day, Sarah, a dedicated volunteer, decided to change their approach. She met with a young boy named Adam, who had faced numerous challenges resulting from the abuse he sustained. With the support of the non-profit, Adam found stability and rekindled his passion for learning. Adam was even a junior volunteer at the organization.
Sarah shared Adam’s story through a series of social media posts and a few short videos. She highlighted his personal journey from hardship to hope, emphasizing the role the non-profit organization had played in the transformation.
The story quickly gained traction. People were moved by Adam’s resilience and the tangible impact of the organization’s efforts. Donations poured in, and volunteers signed up to help. The community and adjacent communities rallied around the organization, inspired by the real-life story of a boy who had overcome adversity with their help.
Why was this story so effective?
The answer is simple- brain science!
Clear narratives allow our brains to cut through extraneous distractions.
In nerd speak- When we read or hear a story, the neurons in our brain begin to fire in the same pattern as the storyteller, a process known as “neural coupling.” When this happens, dopamine is released, making it easier to remember the story.
This is what happens when grant committees read our grant proposals. They filter through data, organizational jargon, more data, logic models, and BOOM! Here is a touching story about how their money can make a difference to a real person in real time.
There is power in that. When the grant committee discusses the merits of the proposals later on, the story will stick and differentiate your proposal from the pile of others.
I will follow up at a later time to talk about the art of telling a story, so stay tuned.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants