Top 15 FAQ's: StoryBrand for Nonprofit Ministries

We've been using Storybrand for ministry applications for years now.  And when we encounter nonprofit ministry leaders how have heard of Storybrand, the most common question is if Storybrand is relevant to the work of their organization.  The short answer: YES!  

It's natural to have a lot of questions regarding how Storybrand would or could work in the context of a christian ministry organization.  So this week, I created a list of common questions that I get on the topic consistently over the years.  

Thoughtful questions are good questions!  Hopefully the responses below will help you better understand why and how you might begin to use Storybrand.  If you need help, let's talk!

15 FAQS About Using Storybrand Framework For Nonprofit Ministry Communications

1. Q: What is Storybrand, and how can it benefit my nonprofit or ministry?

   A: Storybrand is a framework that helps organizations clarify their message, connect with their audience, and inspire action. By leveraging the power of storytelling, Storybrand provides a clear, step-by-step process for crafting a compelling brand narrative that resonates with your target audience. For nonprofits and ministries, Storybrand can be particularly helpful in breaking through the noise and clutter of today's crowded media landscape. By helping you identify your unique value proposition, understand your audience's needs and desires, and communicate your mission in a way that inspires and motivates, Storybrand can help you:
   • Increase engagement and build deeper connections with your supporters
   • Attract new donors, volunteers, and advocates to your cause
   • Communicate your impact in a clear, compelling way
   • Create a consistent, memorable brand identity across all your channels and touchpoints
   While the specific results will vary depending on your organization's unique goals, resources, and context, many nonprofits and ministries have found Storybrand to be a valuable tool for clarifying their message and increasing their impact.
   
   

2. Q: How does Storybrand help clarify my organization's message?

   A: At the heart of Storybrand is the idea that every organization has a story to tell - a powerful narrative that can inspire and motivate people to action. But all too often, that story gets lost in a sea of jargon, complexity, and competing messages. Storybrand helps you clarify your message by providing a simple, proven framework for organizing your communication around the key elements of a compelling story. This framework, known as the Storybrand 7-Part Framework, consists of seven core elements:
   
   
   1. The Character: The hero of the story, which in the case of your organization, is your target audience or ideal supporter.
   2. The Problem: The challenge or pain point that your character is facing, which your organization exists to solve.
   3. The Guide: The wise, empathetic mentor who helps the character overcome the problem - in other words, your organization.
   4. The Plan: The step-by-step solution or path that the guide provides to help the character achieve their goal.
   5. The Call to Action: The specific, concrete action that the guide asks the character to take in order to achieve success.
   6. Success: The positive, transformational outcome that the character experiences as a result of following the guide's plan.
   7. Failure: The negative consequences that the character will experience if they fail to take action and solve the problem.
   By organizing your communication around these seven elements, Storybrand helps you create a message that is clear, concise, and emotionally resonant. It helps you focus on the needs and desires of your target audience, position your organization as the guide who can help them achieve their goals, and inspire them to take action and support your mission.
   
   

3. Q: Can Storybrand principles be applied to faith-based organizations?

   A: Yes, Storybrand principles can absolutely be applied to faith-based organizations. In fact, many Christian nonprofits and ministries have found Storybrand to be a powerful tool for communicating their message in a way that is both authentic and effective. At its core, Storybrand is about tapping into the timeless power of storytelling to connect with people on a deep, emotional level. And as anyone familiar with the Bible knows, storytelling is central to the Christian faith. From the parables of Jesus to the epic narratives of the Old Testament, the Bible is filled with powerful stories that have shaped the lives and beliefs of people around the world for centuries. By using the Storybrand Framework to clarify your message and communicate it through the lens of story, you can connect with your audience in a way that is both true to your faith and effective in inspiring action. You can position your organization as the guide who helps people live out their beliefs, overcome challenges, and experience the transformation that God desires for their lives. Of course, as with any communication tool, it's important to use Storybrand in a way that is authentic and aligned with your organization's unique values, mission, and theology. But when used thoughtfully and strategically, Storybrand can be a valuable resource for faith-based organizations looking to increase their impact and make a difference in the world.
   
   

4. Q: How can Storybrand help my organization connect with major donors and key supporters?

   A: Connecting with major donors and key supporters is one of the most critical challenges facing nonprofit and ministry leaders today. These are often the people who have the greatest capacity to support your work financially, and who can help take your mission to the next level. But they are also some of the most discerning and sought-after individuals in the philanthropic world, with many competing demands on their time, attention, and resources. 
   
   Storybrand can help you connect with major donors and key supporters by providing a framework for communicating your message in a way that is clear, compelling, and emotionally resonant. By positioning your organization as the guide who can help them achieve their philanthropic goals and make a meaningful difference in the world, you can inspire them to invest deeply in your mission. One of the key ways that Storybrand can help you connect with major donors is by focusing on the transformation that their support can help create. Major donors want to know that their investment is making a real, measurable impact on the causes and communities they care about. By communicating the specific, life-changing outcomes that their support can help achieve, you can tap into their deepest motivations and inspire them to give generously. 
   
   Another way that Storybrand can help you connect with major donors is by creating a sense of urgency and momentum around your work. Major donors want to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves - a movement that is making a real difference in the world. By communicating the stakes of your work and the critical role that their support can play, you can create a sense of excitement and energy that inspires them to take action. 
   
   Of course, every donor and supporter is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to building these relationships. But by using Storybrand to clarify your message, communicate your impact, and inspire your supporters to action, you can lay the foundation for deep, lasting, and impactful partnerships with the people who matter most to your mission.
   
   

5. Q: What are the key elements of the Storybrand framework, and how do they apply to my nonprofit or ministry?

   A: The Storybrand Framework is a powerful tool for clarifying your message and communicating it in a way that resonates with your audience. At its core, the framework consists of seven key elements that map to the universal structure of a compelling story. By organizing your communication around these elements, you can create a message that is clear, concise, and emotionally resonant. Here are the seven key elements of the Storybrand Framework, along with how they apply specifically to nonprofits and ministries:
   
   
   1. The Character: In a nonprofit or ministry context, the character is your target audience or ideal supporter. It's the person you are seeking to engage and inspire with your message. To create a compelling message, you need to understand your character's needs, desires, and challenges, and position your organization as the guide who can help them achieve their goals.
   2. The Problem: Every good story starts with a problem that the character needs to overcome. In a nonprofit or ministry context, the problem is the challenge or pain point that your target audience is facing - the thing that is preventing them from living out their values and making a difference in the world. By clearly articulating the problem and the stakes involved, you can create a sense of urgency and motivation for your audience to take action.
   3. The Guide: In a story, the guide is the wise, empathetic mentor who helps the character overcome the problem and achieve their goal. In a nonprofit or ministry context, your organization is the guide. You are the expert who understands the problem and has the solution that can help your audience make a meaningful difference. By positioning yourself as the guide, you build trust and credibility with your audience and inspire them to follow your lead.
   4. The Plan: Every good guide has a plan - a clear, step-by-step path that the character can follow to overcome the problem and achieve success. In a nonprofit or ministry context, your plan is the specific, actionable way that your audience can get involved and make a difference. It might be volunteering, donating, advocating, or spreading the word about your work. By providing a clear plan, you make it easy for your audience to take action and join in your mission.
   5. The Call to Action: The call to action is the specific, concrete action that the guide asks the character to take in order to achieve success. In a nonprofit or ministry context, your call to action might be making a donation, signing up to volunteer, or sharing your message with friends and family. By providing a clear, compelling call to action, you inspire your audience to take the next step and get involved in your work.
   6. Success: In a story, success is the positive, transformational outcome that the character experiences as a result of following the guide's plan. In a nonprofit or ministry context, success is the tangible, measurable impact that your work has on the lives of those you serve. It's the children who are fed, the families who are housed, the communities that are transformed by your work. By communicating the success of your work, you inspire your audience to see the impact they can have and the difference they can make.
   7. Failure: Finally, failure is the negative consequences that the character will experience if they fail to take action and solve the problem. In a nonprofit or ministry context, failure is the cost of inaction - the suffering that will continue, the lives that will be lost, the potential that will go unrealized if your audience fails to get involved. By communicating the stakes of failure, you create a sense of urgency and motivation for your audience to take action and join in your mission.
   By organizing your communication around these seven elements, the Storybrand Framework can help you create a message that is clear, compelling, and emotionally resonant. It can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level, inspire them to take action, and ultimately, achieve your goals and make a meaningful difference in the world.
   
   

6. Q: How can I use Storybrand to create a website that effectively communicates our mission and impact?

   A: Your website is one of the most powerful tools you have for communicating your mission, engaging your supporters, and driving action. But in today's crowded digital landscape, it's not enough to simply have a website - you need a website that is clear, compelling, and optimized for impact. Storybrand can help you create a website that effectively communicates your mission and impact by providing a framework for organizing your content and guiding your visitors through a clear, logical journey.
   
   Here are some specific ways you can use Storybrand to create an effective website:
   
   
   1. Clarify your message: Start by using the Storybrand Framework to clarify your overall message and value proposition. What is the problem you are seeking to solve? Who is your target audience? How are you uniquely positioned to help them achieve their goals? By answering these questions, you can create a clear, compelling message that will guide the rest of your website content.
   2. Create a clear call to action: Every page of your website should have a clear, compelling call to action that guides your visitors to take the next step. Whether it's making a donation, signing up for your email list, or learning more about your programs, your call to action should be prominent, specific, and tied to the overall goals of your website.
   3. Use visuals to tell your story: Visuals are a powerful way to communicate your mission and impact in a way that resonates with your audience. Use high-quality images and videos to showcase the people and communities you serve, the transformation you create, and the impact of your work.
   4. Make it easy to navigate: Your website should be easy to navigate, with clear menus and intuitive pathways that guide your visitors to the information they need. Use the Storybrand Framework to organize your content around the key elements of your story, and make sure each page has a clear purpose and call to action.
   5. Optimize for search and social: Finally, make sure your website is optimized for search engines and social media, so that people can easily find and share your content. Use relevant keywords in your page titles, headers, and meta descriptions, and include social sharing buttons on each page to encourage your visitors to spread the word about your work.
   By using Storybrand to create a website that is clear, compelling, and optimized for impact, you can more effectively communicate your mission, engage your supporters, and drive action toward your goals.
   
   

7. Q: Can Storybrand help me create a clear and concise mission statement for my organization?

   A: Yes, Storybrand can be a valuable tool for creating or refining your organization's mission statement. A clear, compelling mission statement is essential for communicating the purpose and value of your work to your stakeholders, and for guiding your decision-making and priorities as an organization. 
   
   To create a mission statement using Storybrand, start by identifying the key elements of your story: the problem you are seeking to solve, the solution you offer, and the transformation you create. Then, use this information to craft a concise, memorable statement that communicates the essence of your work in a way that resonates with your audience. 
   
   For example, a Storybrand-inspired mission statement might look something like this: "We help [target audience] overcome [problem] by providing [solution], so they can [transformation]."
   
   By following this simple formula, you can create a mission statement that is both clear and compelling, and that effectively communicates the value of your work to your stakeholders.
   
   

8. Q: How can I use Storybrand to develop a strong brand identity for my nonprofit or ministry?

   A: A strong brand identity is essential for building trust, credibility, and recognition with your audience. But for many nonprofits and ministries, developing a cohesive and compelling brand can be a challenge, especially with limited resources and competing priorities. Storybrand can help you develop a strong brand identity by providing a framework for clarifying your message, identifying your unique value proposition, and communicating your story in a way that resonates with your audience.
   
   Here are some specific ways you can use Storybrand to develop your brand:
   
   
   1. Clarify your message: Use the Storybrand Framework to identify the key elements of your story, including the problem you solve, the solution you offer, and the transformation you create. This will help you create a clear, consistent message that communicates the value of your work to your audience.
   2. Identify your unique value proposition: What sets your organization apart from others in your field? What unique benefits do you offer to your stakeholders? Use Storybrand to identify and communicate your unique value proposition in a way that is compelling and memorable.
   3. Develop your visual identity: Your visual identity, including your logo, colors, and imagery, should reflect your brand story and communicate your values and personality to your audience. Use Storybrand to guide your visual branding choices and create a cohesive, recognizable look and feel across all your channels.
   4. Create consistent messaging: Once you have clarified your message and developed your visual identity, make sure to communicate it consistently across all your channels, from your website and social media to your print materials and events. Consistency is key to building a strong, recognizable brand that resonates with your audience.
   By using Storybrand to develop a strong brand identity, you can create a cohesive, compelling narrative that communicates the value of your work and inspires your stakeholders to take action.
   
   

9. Q: Can Storybrand help me craft email campaigns that effectively engage and mobilize our supporters?

   A: Email is one of the most powerful tools you have for engaging and mobilizing your supporters. But with so many emails competing for attention in your supporters' inboxes, it can be challenging to create campaigns that stand out and inspire action. Storybrand can help you craft email campaigns that effectively engage and mobilize your supporters by providing a framework for creating clear, compelling messages that resonate with your audience.
   
   Here are some specific ways you can use Storybrand in your email campaigns:
   
   
   1. Clarify your message: Use the Storybrand Framework to identify the key elements of your message, including the problem you are addressing, the solution you offer, and the call to action you want your supporters to take. This will help you create clear, focused emails that communicate the value of your work and inspire your supporters to get involved.
   2. Use a compelling subject line: Your subject line is the first thing your supporters will see when your email hits their inbox, so it's essential to make it compelling and relevant. Use Storybrand to craft a subject line that communicates the key benefit or transformation your email offers, and that motivates your supporters to open and read more.
   3. Tell a story: People are wired to respond to stories, so use Storybrand to craft a narrative arc in your email that engages your readers and inspires them to take action. This might include sharing a success story from your work, highlighting the impact of your supporters' contributions, or painting a picture of the transformation you are seeking to create.
   4. Include a clear call to action: Every email should have a clear, specific call to action that tells your supporters exactly what you want them to do, whether it's making a donation, signing a petition, or volunteering their time. Use Storybrand to craft a compelling call to action that communicates the value and impact of the action you are asking your supporters to take.
   By using Storybrand to craft clear, compelling email campaigns that engage and mobilize your supporters, you can build deeper relationships with your audience and inspire them to take action toward your mission.
   
   

10. Q: How can I apply Storybrand principles to my organization's social media strategy?

    A: Social media is a powerful tool for engaging with your audience, building brand awareness, and driving action toward your mission. But with so much noise and competition on social media platforms, it can be challenging to create content that stands out and resonates with your followers. Storybrand can help you apply storytelling principles to your social media strategy, creating content that is clear, compelling, and optimized for engagement.
    
    Here are some specific ways you can use Storybrand in your social media strategy:
    
    
    1. Clarify your message: Use the Storybrand Framework to identify the key elements of your message, including the problem you solve, the solution you offer, and the transformation you create. This will help you create social media content that is focused, relevant, and aligned with your brand story.
    2. Use visuals to tell your story: Visuals are essential for capturing attention and engaging your followers on social media. Use Storybrand to guide your visual storytelling, creating images and videos that communicate your message and inspire your audience to take action.
    3. Engage with your followers: Social media is a two-way conversation, so make sure to engage with your followers by responding to comments, asking questions, and encouraging feedback. Use Storybrand to craft prompts and calls to action that invite your followers to share their own stories and experiences related to your mission.
    4. Measure and optimize your performance: Use social media analytics to track your performance and identify what types of content resonate most with your audience. Use this data to optimize your social media strategy over time, creating more of the content that engages your followers and drives action toward your mission.
    By applying Storybrand principles to your social media strategy, you can create content that is clear, compelling, and optimized for engagement, building deeper relationships with your followers and inspiring them to take action toward your mission.
    
    

11. Q: Can Storybrand help me create a more engaging and persuasive fundraising message?

    A: Fundraising is essential for most nonprofits and ministries, but it can be challenging to create fundraising messages that stand out and inspire donors to give. Storybrand can help you create fundraising messages that are clear, compelling, and emotionally resonant, inspiring your donors to support your mission with their time, talent, and treasure. 
    
    Here are some specific ways you can use Storybrand to create a more engaging and persuasive fundraising message:
    
    
    1. Clarify the problem you are solving: Use the Storybrand Framework to clearly communicate the problem your organization is seeking to solve, and why it matters to your donors. This will help you create a sense of urgency and importance around your work, inspiring your donors to take action.
    2. Position your donor as the hero: In the Storybrand Framework, the donor is the hero of the story, not your organization. Use this principle to craft fundraising messages that position your donor as the key agent of change, showing them how their support can make a tangible difference in the lives of those you serve.
    3. Communicate the transformation: Use Storybrand to paint a vivid picture of the transformation your work creates, showing your donors the impact their support can have on the world. This might include sharing stories of lives changed, communities transformed, or progress made toward your mission.
    4. Make a clear ask: Every fundraising message should have a clear, specific ask that tells your donors exactly what you want them to do, whether it's making a one-time gift, becoming a monthly supporter, or attending a fundraising event. Use Storybrand to craft a compelling call to action that communicates the value and impact of the support you are requesting.
    By using Storybrand to create fundraising messages that are clear, compelling, and emotionally resonant, you can inspire your donors to support your mission with their time, talent, and treasure, driving real impact and change in the world.
    
    

12. Q: How can I use Storybrand to develop a clear and compelling vision for my organization's future?

    A: A clear, compelling vision is essential for guiding your organization's decision-making, inspiring your team, and attracting supporters to your cause. But developing a vision that is both aspirational and achievable can be a challenge, especially in the face of competing priorities and limited resources. Storybrand can help you develop a clear and compelling vision for your organization's future by providing a framework for clarifying your message, identifying your unique value proposition, and communicating your story in a way that inspires and motivates your stakeholders.
    
    Here are some specific ways you can use Storybrand to develop your vision:
    
    
    1. Clarify your long-term goals: Use the Storybrand Framework to identify the long-term goals and aspirations of your organization. What problem are you ultimately seeking to solve? What transformation do you hope to create in the world? By clarifying your long-term goals, you can create a vision that is both inspiring and achievable.
    2. Identify your unique value proposition: What sets your organization apart from others in your field? What unique benefits do you offer to your stakeholders? Use Storybrand to identify and communicate your unique value proposition in a way that is compelling and memorable, and that positions your organization as the key agent of change in your field.
    3. Communicate your story: Your vision should be grounded in your organization's story, communicating the journey you have taken so far and the destination you are seeking to reach. Use Storybrand to craft a compelling narrative that communicates your vision in a way that is clear, inspiring, and emotionally resonant.
    4. Engage your stakeholders: Your vision is not just for your internal team, but for all your stakeholders, including your donors, volunteers, and partners. Use Storybrand to communicate your vision in a way that engages and inspires your stakeholders, inviting them to be a part of the journey and the transformation you are seeking to create.
    By using Storybrand to develop a clear and compelling vision for your organization's future, you can create a roadmap for success that inspires and motivates your team, attracts supporters to your cause, and drives real impact and change in the world.
    
    

13. Q: Can Storybrand help me create more effective print and digital marketing materials for my nonprofit or ministry?

    A: Marketing materials are essential for communicating your message, engaging your audience, and driving action toward your mission. But creating effective marketing materials that stand out and resonate with your audience can be a challenge, especially with limited resources and competing priorities. Storybrand can help you create more effective print and digital marketing materials by providing a framework for clarifying your message, identifying your unique value proposition, and communicating your story in a way that inspires and motivates your audience.
    
    Here are some specific ways you can use Storybrand in your marketing materials:
    
    
    1. Clarify your message: Use the Storybrand Framework to identify the key elements of your message, including the problem you solve, the solution you offer, and the transformation you create. This will help you create marketing materials that are focused, relevant, and aligned with your brand story.
    2. Use visuals to tell your story: Visuals are essential for capturing attention and engaging your audience in your marketing materials. Use Storybrand to guide your visual storytelling, creating images and graphics that communicate your message and inspire your audience to take action.
    3. Make a clear call to action: Every marketing piece should have a clear, specific call to action that tells your audience exactly what you want them to do, whether it's making a donation, signing up for your email list, or attending an event. Use Storybrand to craft a compelling call to action that communicates the value and impact of the action you are requesting.
    4. Be consistent: Consistency is key to building a strong, recognizable brand that resonates with your audience. Use Storybrand to ensure that all your marketing materials, from your website and social media to your print collateral and events, are consistent in their messaging, visuals, and calls to action.
    By using Storybrand to create more effective print and digital marketing materials, you can communicate your message in a way that is clear, compelling, and optimized for engagement, building deeper relationships with your audience and inspiring them to take action toward your mission.
    
    

14. Q: How can I use Storybrand to better communicate the impact of my organization's work to our donors and supporters?

    A: Communicating the impact of your work is essential for building trust, credibility, and support with your donors and supporters. But it can be challenging to communicate impact in a way that is both meaningful and measurable, especially in the face of complex social issues and limited resources. Storybrand can help you better communicate the impact of your organization's work by providing a framework for clarifying your message, identifying your unique value proposition, and communicating your story in a way that inspires and motivates your audience.
    
    Here are some specific ways you can use Storybrand to communicate impact:
    
    
    1. Clarify your outcomes: Use the Storybrand Framework to identify the specific outcomes and transformations your work creates in the lives of those you serve. This might include changes in knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, or circumstances that are directly related to your mission.
    2. Use stories to illustrate impact: Stories are a powerful way to communicate impact in a way that is both meaningful and memorable. Use Storybrand to craft stories that illustrate the transformative impact of your work, showing your donors and supporters the tangible difference their support makes in the world.
    3. Provide data and evidence: While stories are important, it's also essential to provide data and evidence to support your claims of impact. Use Storybrand to communicate your impact in a way that is both compelling and credible, providing concrete metrics and outcomes that demonstrate the effectiveness of your work.
    4. Connect impact to your mission: Your impact should be directly tied to your mission and vision, demonstrating how your work is advancing your long-term goals and creating lasting change in the world. Use Storybrand to connect your impact to your mission, showing your donors and supporters how their support is helping you achieve your ultimate vision for the future.
    By using Storybrand to better communicate the impact of your organization's work, you can build trust, credibility, and support with your donors and supporters, inspiring them to continue investing in your mission and driving real change in the world.
    
    

15. Q: Are there any specific considerations when applying Storybrand to Christian ministries?

    A: While Storybrand principles are applicable to all types of organizations, there are some specific considerations to keep in mind when applying them to Christian ministries.
    
    Here are a few key things to consider:
    
    
    1. Align with your theology: Your brand story and messaging should be grounded in and consistent with your theological beliefs and values. Use Storybrand to clarify your message in a way that is authentic to your faith tradition and resonates with your target audience.
    2. Emphasize transformation: At the heart of the Christian message is the idea of transformation - the life-changing power of the gospel to bring hope, healing, and redemption to a broken world. Use Storybrand to emphasize the transformative impact of your ministry, showing how your work is bringing people closer to God and creating positive change in their lives and communities.
    3. Position God as the ultimate hero: While Storybrand positions the customer or donor as the hero of the story, in a Christian context, God is the ultimate hero. Use Storybrand to position your ministry as a guide or mentor, helping people discover and embrace God's transformative power in their lives.
    4. Use language that resonates: The language and terminology you use in your brand messaging should be accessible and relevant to your target audience, while still being grounded in your theological beliefs and values. Use Storybrand to craft messaging that speaks to the felt needs and aspirations of your audience in a way that is both compelling and authentic.
    By keeping these considerations in mind when applying Storybrand to your Christian ministry, you can create a brand story and messaging that is both effective and faithful, inspiring and equipping people to grow in their faith and make a difference in the world.
    
    
    

As you might sense, Storybrand is a powerful tool that can in fact help nonprofit and ministry leaders clarify their message, connect with their audience, and create real impact in the world. By applying the principles of storytelling to every aspect of your organization, from your marketing and fundraising to your programs and culture, you can create a brand that stands out, inspires action, and changes lives.

If you're a ministry leader who is struggling to effectively communicate your message and engage your audience, we're here to help. Our team works with organizations just like yours, and we're passionate about helping you unleash the power of story to achieve your mission. So if you're ready to take your nonprofit or ministry to the next level, let's talk!