Life and Mission

Feb 08 2024 1

Life and Mission Podcast artwork

Storytelling and writing are essential skills for missionaries, ministry and nonprofit leaders. In fact, if you struggle to tell stories, you'll struggle to raise the funds you need. Kay Helm is a writer & editor with experience in missions and the business world. She founded Mission Writers in 2022 to help missionaries write fundraising appeals and powerful stories to share with supporters. In this podcast, she offers tips you can use today to improve your missions & nonprofit writing.

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Nonprofit Newsletter Notes

Feb 08 2024 14 mins

In this episode, I'm answering questions about nonprofit newsletters.How many newsletters should you send?How fancy do they need to be?What else can you do with those stories?Why send a print newsletter by mail when you can send email instead? One key thing you don't want to leave out.------------If you struggle to tell stories, you’ll struggle to raise funds. In t

Tell Stories to Raise Funds

Dec 07 2023 9 mins

Storytelling is an essential skill for fundraisers. What do stories do?Stories help us connect. Compelling stories increase empathy.Stories reflect our values. Stories reveal truths. Stories help us see others in a new way.Stories give us context.If you struggle to tell stories, you’ll struggle to raise funds. In the Mission Writers course:Learn the exact stories that every

Don't Stop Now! Do this to raise funds at year-end.

Nov 07 2023 12 mins

The time between Thanksgiving and December 31 is by far the biggest giving season of the year. People expect you to ask. If you don't, the assumption will likely be that you don't need their money.Here's what you need to do now.If you struggle to tell stories, you’ll struggle to raise funds. In the Mission Writers course:Learn the exact stories that every mini

Unlock the Story Vault: Find the Stories You Need for Fundraising Success

Oct 12 2023 17 mins

You know you need to tell more stories to raise funds - but where do you find these stories? In this episode, I share five ways to find the stories you need.If you struggle to tell stories, you’ll struggle to raise funds. In the Mission Writers course:Learn the exact stories that every ministry, missionary, and nonprofit needs to tell.Master the fundraising story calendar.De

What the Food Network Show "Chopped" Can Teach Nonprofits About Storytelling

Sep 12 2023 6 mins

In the Food Network show Chopped, just before chefs present their first dish to the judges, they must answer the question, “What would it mean for you to win?” It's a question every nonprofit must answer.If you struggle to tell stories, you’ll struggle to raise funds. In the Mission Writers course:Learn the exact stories that every ministry, missionary, and nonprofi

Own Your Expertise

Aug 23 2023 10 mins

Do you think of yourself as an expert? Maybe you should. We need you to share your knowledge and experience with us.-----If you struggle to tell stories, you’ll struggle to raise funds. In the Mission Writers course:Learn the exact stories that every ministry, missionary, and nonprofit needs to tell.Master the fundraising story calendar.Develop and practice essential storyte

Ask for advice from supporters

Aug 10 2023 14 mins

Your supporters want to help. Asking them for advice helps you and engages them at a deeper level. You’ll both be glad you did!Often, when you ask for advice, supporters will tell you exactly how they prefer to be asked for money. The transparency you show in conversations around how you raise funds invites them to also be transparent about how they approach giving. This isn’t

Reduce Friction for Fundraising Success - Part 2

Jul 11 2023 12 mins

In the last episode, we looked at gaps in your storytelling that cause friction. This week, we’re looking at friction in the donation process.If you struggle to tell stories, you’ll struggle to raise funds. In the Mission Writers course:Learn the exact stories that every ministry, missionary, and nonprofit needs to tell.Master the fundraising story calendar.Develop and pra

Reduce Friction for Fundraising Success - Part 1

Jun 28 2023 16 mins

Why aren't people giving? Maybe there's too much friction–little things in your messaging or in your presentation that cause hesitation or second-guessing. This week we look at friction in storytelling, and what to do about it.If you struggle to tell stories, you’ll struggle to raise funds. In the Mission Writers course:Learn the exact stories that every ministry

Every Story is About Change

Jun 14 2023 17 mins

Every story needs change, regardless of the story's focus. By recognizing this and emphasizing it, you can engage and connect with your audience more effectively.If you struggle to tell stories, you’ll struggle to raise funds. In the Mission Writers course:Learn the exact stories that every ministry, missionary, and nonprofit needs to tell.Master the fundraising story c