Steps to telling and elevating YOUR story.

1. Hero

• Who is at the center of the story?
• This could be a program participant, a family, a community, or even the donor.
• Prompt: “Who benefited from our mission, and how can we make them relatable?”

2. Challenge

• What obstacle or hardship did the hero face?
• Be specific and human—donors connect with real struggles.
• Prompt: “What problem existed before our organization stepped in?”

3. Solution

• How did your organization (and donors) provide support?
• Highlight the program, service, or intervention that made a difference.
• Prompt: “What action did we take that changed the trajectory of the story?”

4. Impact

• What was the outcome?
• Share tangible results (confidence gained, jobs secured, families supported).
• Prompt: “What transformation happened because of donor support?”

5. Invitation

• End by inviting the donor into the story.
• Position them as co-authors of future success.
• Prompt: “How can the donor continue to play a role in this narrative?”

Example

• Hero: A Special Olympics athlete.
• Challenge: Struggled with confidence and inclusion.
• Solution: Training, competition, and community support funded by donors.
• Impact: Athlete gained self-esteem, built friendships, and inspired others.
• Invitation: “Your gift helps more athletes like [Name] discover their strength and shine.”