The Biggest Storytelling Mistake Nonprofits Make

A fundraising story that raises millions can also put a life in danger. The biggest storytelling mistake nonprofits make isn't about the money you could lose; it's about the irreversible harm you don't even see you're causing.

In this episode of Hey Nonprofits, host Trevor Nelson sits down with ethical storytelling expert Diana Farias to uncover this critical issue. Diana shares the powerful and personal story of how she learned that a successful fundraising campaign can have devastating consequences for a story owner. She reveals why even well-intentioned nonprofits are at risk of ruining their reputation and breaking community trust. Discover how to create a simple and consistent process for gathering stories that protects your clients, honors your mission, and ultimately inspires more giving. This conversation provides a clear framework to help you raise money with both confidence and integrity.

🔗 CONNECT WITH US 🔗

Connect with Diana Farias on LinkedIn:   / dianafariasheinrich  

Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn:   / hey-non-profits-raise-more-money  

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn:   / trevor-nelson-b8922a167  

💙 ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-...

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-...

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:
https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-...

📌 CHAPTERS 📌

0:00 - Perfection is the Enemy of Progress
0:34 - My Journey to Ethical Storytelling
1:14 - My First Assignment: A Massive Success
1:58 - The Overheard Conversation That Changed Everything
2:56 - A Mistake I Vowed Never to Repeat
3:52 - Turning My Mistake Into My Mission
5:51 - Is "Ethical Storytelling" Just a Buzzword?
6:36 - The #1 Person Fundraisers Always Forget
8:20 - Be Clear Over Clever in Your Stories
9:27 - The 12-Story System for Easy Content
11:32 - How to Reuse and Refresh Your Stories
12:44 - Using AI to Build Your Content Library
14:16 - Why I Created the Ethical Nonprofit Summit
18:38 - The 10-Word Mission Statement
20:55 - Are You a Story Owner or a Storyteller?
22:46 - Tell Your Story From a Scar, Not a Wound
25:00 - When The Client Feels Obligated to Say Yes
26:48 - What's Next for Diana and Her Mission
27:43 - Where You Can Find Diana Online