The Storytelling Fundraiser

The Brain, Behavioral Economics, and Fundraising Story

By: Russell James

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In this book, Professor Russell James shows how the latest research findings can help you tell better stories that raise more money. You’ll learn what words and phrases to use – and what to avoid. You’ll see how to improve your fundraising results using the latest findings from neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics along with ancient principals from the art of storytelling. Whether you want more donors or larger gifts, this book will help by showing the underlying principles and practical tactics that will motivate donors and bring more money to your cause.

1 At the heart of philanthropy is story
2 Understanding fundraising story with a brain scanner
3 Can I see your character? When fundraising story is in the details
4 Math problems in fundraising story: Motivations and barriers
5 Solutions in fundraising math: Story first, math second
6 The secret to fundraising math: Gifts of wealth not income
7 Subtraction in fundraising math: Make cost feel smaller
8 Advanced fundraising math: Multiply the experience, divide the cost
9 The psychology of the massive donation: Foundations, funds, trusts, and endowments
10 Using family words not formal words in fundraising story
11 Charity efficiency, overhead, and fundraising story: A tale of two worlds
12 Restricted gifts and fundraising story: Conflict and compromise between two worlds
13 Understanding fundraising as story: The identity-challenge-victory story cycle
14 Understanding the ask as story: The “inciting incident” in fundraising story
15 Putting a victory in the fundraising ask: What changes if I give?
16 Putting a challenge in the fundraising ask: You want me to do what?
17 Finish the story or lose the donor: Delivering victory with impact reporting