Episode 213: How to Write Donor Stories That Move People to Give (Using Show, Tell, Ask)

Ever wonder why some nonprofit stories go viral — while others barely get a like? The difference isn’t luck or talent. It’s structure. In this episode of The Million Dollar Nonprofit, Tom Kelly breaks down his signature storytelling formula, Show. Tell. Ask., a simple framework to craft stories that make donors feel something — and inspire them to act.

You’ll learn how to:

✅ Show — Start with a moment, not a mission statement. Pull readers into a vivid scene they can feel.

✅ Tell — Connect that emotional moment to your mission without sounding preachy.

✅ Ask — Invite donors to be part of the story, instead of begging for support.

Tom shares real-world examples from nonprofits that used this framework to triple donations from a single email — all by shifting from “information” to emotion.

If you’re ready to transform how you write stories, this episode will teach you how to turn every update, testimonial, or appeal into something donors can feel.