5 Storytelling Prompts to Boost Engagement

What if a single story could turn a one-time donor into a lifelong supporter?

Stories can spark emotion, and that emotion can inspire people to act. For younger donors who want real connections and a clear purpose, the right story can be the difference between quickly leaving your website behind and hitting your “Donate” button.

Here are five storytelling ideas to help you create stories that can build a better connection between your nonprofit's cause and next-gen donors. 

1. “The moment everything changed…”

Focus on a turning point. It might be a conversation, a discovery, or a problem that launched your mission. For example: “When Sarah walked into our shelter, everything changed—not just for her, but for our team.” Such moments invite donors to feel the impact and care about what happens next.

1. “Before and after: A journey worth sharing.”

Show how things changed over time. Younger donors want to see real results. For example: “Before he joined our mentoring program, Marcus was failing every class. Now he’s tutoring other students.” Showing real progress helps donors believe in your cause.

1. “What no one saw behind the scenes…”

Take people behind the curtain. Show the real, sometimes messy parts of your work. Many donors, especially younger ones, appreciate honesty and want to see the effort it takes to make a difference. Share your challenges, hard work, and the faces of those who keep your mission going.

1. “This donor changed everything…”

Let your donor be the hero. Highlight how their gift, no matter how small, had a big effect. For example: “Julia’s first $25 donation helped start a scholarship fund that now supports 17 students a year.” This helps other donors picture the difference they can make.

1. “We weren’t sure it would work, but…”

Show how things changed over time. Younger donors want to see real results. For example: “Before he joined our mentoring program, Marcus was failing every class. Now he’s tutoring other students.” Showing real progress helps donors believe in your cause.

1. “What no one saw behind the scenes…”

Start with doubt and end with hope. Show that you took a risk and found success. For example: “We launched our youth job training program with only two volunteers and a borrowed laptop—now we’ve placed over 50 teens in paid internships.” This approach shows that your group is made up of real people who try new things to achieve big goals.