Want to get your supporters pumped? Try a “Share Your Story” page on your website.
A “Share Your Story” page gives you an ongoing (or short term) opportunity to collect inspirational stories that support your mission, move decision makers toward change, and motivate donors to give to your cause.
“Share Your Story” shows supporters that they matter, that you are listening, and that change, hope, and help are all possible. Sometimes, “Share Your Story” pages help people connect with each other, building invaluable communities of support and human connection.
I love using “Share Your Story” submissions for fundraising appeals. The stories are authentic, emotional, and directly to the point — no wonky language, institutional mumbo jumbo, or insider baseball.
Real people. Real problems. Real solutions.
Check out these “Share Your Story” pages and let them inspire you to open up this opportunity to your supporters.
6 Tips Before You Click
- Tell supporters exactly what you will and won’t do with the information you collect.
- Encourage supporters to share more than just their words — photos, videos, and artwork can tell powerful stories of need, perspective, and benefits of your work.
- Gain permission AGAIN if you plan to use a supporter story in fundraising. Supporters often don’t mind you using their story for advocacy purposes but feel uneasy about fundraising.
- “Build it and they will come” is not a marketing strategy. You must promote your “Share Your Story” page!
- Don’t forget to share the stories – a blog post, map, or mosaic will do the trick!
- You don’t have to get as fancy as the four examples below. Sometimes a simple form will do just fine.
Enjoy!
1) Define American’s “How Do You Define American?”
2) Do Something’s “I Beat Bullying”
3) National Alliance on Mental Illness’s “Say Anything” 
4) March of Dimes’ “Share Your Story”
