Ep. 02 | Donors aren't growing? This could be why
Listen on Apple
Listen on Spotify
Donor Burnout Is Real—But It’s Not the End of the Story
Are you feeling the strain of dwindling donor support? Wondering why people just aren’t giving like they used to? You’re not alone.
Inflation is rising. The economy is unstable. People are overwhelmed by countless nonprofits and causes asking for help. And let’s be honest—some of those ministries are bigger, flashier, and more well-known.
So where does that leave you? You’ve poured your heart into your ministry. You care deeply about the people you serve. You’re wearing all the hats, doing all the things, and still wondering…
“Why aren’t people giving?”
The Excuses Are Valid… But Not the Full Picture
It’s easy to point to external factors:
“People are burnt out on giving.”
“Our donors don’t have extra.”
“Our audience only gives during a crisis.”
“They don’t understand how important our work is.”
Some of those things may even be true. But here’s the hard truth: You can’t control external factors.
You can’t control the economy. You can’t control inflation. You can’t control what bigger ministries are doing. But you can control your message—and that’s where everything changes.
Your Ministry Still Matters
No matter what year it is or what’s happening in the world, the need is still there. And in times of crisis? That need often grows.
The people you minister to still need you.
And donors—yes, even in this economy—still want to help.
The real challenge? They don’t know how.
Or worse, they’re confused about what you actually do and how they can be part of it.
Your Words Are the Bridge
There’s a gap between your ministry and the donor. Your messaging is the bridge that connects the two. If your words aren’t clear, the bridge is broken—and no one crosses.
Ask yourself:
Does my email subject line make it crystal clear what problem I solve?
Does my website headline show who I serve and how?
Does my donor appeal invite someone into a story—not just ask for money?
Confused donors don’t give.
They don’t stick around.
They move on.
ACTION STEP: Audit Your Message
Right now, choose one piece of your messaging:
Your website homepage
Your latest donor email
Your social media bio
Your most recent appeal letter
Now ask:
Is it clear what problem I solve?
Is it clear who I solve it for?
Is there an obvious role the donor can play?
If it’s not absolutely clear in the first few lines, you’re losing people.
And clever phrases or insider taglines don’t help if they require extra explanation. You must be simple, specific, and strategic.
The Secret Weapon: Story
So how do you make your message clearer and more compelling? Use the power of story.
Storytelling isn’t just inspirational—it’s scientific. It activates multiple regions of the brain:
Neurocoupling helps people internalize your message like it’s their own story.
Dopamine release makes the message memorable.
Mirroring helps your listener emotionally experience the journey as if they lived it.
No social media trend or graphic design hack compares to the power of a well-told story.
Shift the Hero: It’s Not About You
This is where most ministries get stuck.
You think your messaging should be about what you do:
“We started in 2014… We have programs in 5 countries… We’ve helped X number of people.”
But the truth is, that’s not what moves donors to action.
Your donor is the main character.
Not your ministry.
When your messaging says:
“Here’s the difference you can make…”
“Here’s how you can solve this problem…”
“Here’s how you can be part of this story…”
That’s when your audience leans in. That’s when they feel invited. That’s when giving becomes personal.
Build Your Ministry Brand Story
Once you learn how to craft your ministry’s brand story—where the donor is the hero,
and your ministry is the guide—you can apply it everywhere:
Website
Emails
Social posts
Donor pitches
Event scripts
Videos
No more guessing. No more “trial and error” writing.
One brand story = consistent messaging across every platform.
Ready to Stop Winging It?
I’d love to help you build your Ministry Brand Story from the ground up.
You’ll walk away with:
A crystal-clear message
A story that resonates
A repeatable structure to use across all your communication
Confidence in what to say and how to say it
🎯 Book a free discovery call:
👉 irisstorytelling.com/getstarted
Don’t Settle for Donor Burnout
Yes, donor burnout is real.
But when your message is clear, strategic, and built around a powerful story…
Donors don’t burn out.
They lean in.
They engage.
They give.
And they stay with you—because now, they’re part of the story too.
-Lisa