Impact 101: Making It Count for Donors and Grantors

Impact. It’s the “i” word that dominates nonprofit conversations. But what does it really mean? In this episode, we unpack the buzzword and explore how nonprofit and charitable leaders can define, measure, and communicate impact in ways that inspire donations.

Whether you're preparing a grant proposal, launching a fundraising campaign, or simply trying to explain your mission to a potential donor, this episode offers a practical guide to making your impact story resonate.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why “impact” is more than just outputs, and how to define it clearly

• How to balance data with storytelling to build trust and emotional connection

• What donors and grantors actually want to hear (and how to say it)

• Creative ways to visualize your impact for reports and campaigns

• Considerations for sharing impactful stories

• Tips for sharing progress in real time to deepen donor engagement

Resources:

• Building Your Nonprofit Case for Support: The Basics

• 7 Ways to Tell Stories Ethically 

• 9 Strategies for Increasing Donations to Your Small Nonprofit

If you’ve got a story about how your organization showcases impact, we’d love to hear it! Send us a voice note or email, and we might feature it in a future episode.