11 Tips for Using Philanthropic Stories to Enhance Business Growth

Whether it’s donating to a cause, giving their time and resources to those in need or partnering with a nonprofit organization, there are many ways for businesses to get involved in philanthropy. But while the main motivation behind doing good in their community may not have anything to do with scaling their business, telling stories of impact and philanthropy can be a great strategy for boosting business growth. 

The trick lies in how to tell these stories thoughtfully and sensitively in a way that will resonate with consumers across the board. As business leaders and master storytellers themselves, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council have a few tips for getting it right. Below, they offer up their best advice for telling compelling stories of impact that will lead to enhanced growth.

Center Content Around Your Cause

Understand the difference between influence and creating change. Avoid focusing on influencing decisions but rather on sharing what you are trying to change, what cause you are working to help and why. Center stories on your authentic experiences with your cause, giving insights into what sparks your passion and letting the audience know why you’re trusted to represent it. – Cynthia Johnson, Bell + Ivy

Tell Authentic, Human Stories

To tell compelling impact stories that drive growth, focus on authentic, emotionally resonant narratives showcasing tangible change. Highlight individuals, use vivid details and share measurable outcomes. Align with audience values to build trust and differentiate the brand. Tie philanthropy to business goals. Authentic, human stories forge connections, inspire and attract support. – Dylan Fusco, Kamoti

Focus on Doing Good

Before you can tell a compelling story, you must have a compelling story. The more impact your business makes, the more storylines will be available for you to use to captivate and inspire the world! Focus on philanthropy and the story will write itself with ease. – Philip Wolf, Cultivating Spirits

Let Those You Help Drive the Story

In our experience of helping companies tell their stories of philanthropy, we find the most impactful method is for the non-profit organizations to drive the stories. They are the ones that receive the time, effort, donations or sweat equity of the business, so it is much more moving to hear from those your company has supported rather than hear the company talk about itself. – Michelle De Long, Mimi Productions

Share With Sincerity and a Clear Purpose

When it comes to telling stories regarding important topics like social impact and philanthropy, authenticity is key in delivering the right message. Boasting performative acts can harm your reputation rather than enhance business growth. If you want to boost business growth and for your story to be received as intended, then it’s vital to share it with sincerity and a clear purpose. – Jason Peterson, GoDigital Media Group

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Work on Building Customer Relationships

Build relationships with customers to better understand the impact of your services. Only then can you develop narratives rooted in authentic storytelling that can build the credibility of your brand. – Dustin Eide, CanPay

Leverage Numbers and Narrative

Numbers matter because they establish efficacy, but numbers alone rarely stir our hearts or our imaginations. Good impact stories include both numbers and narrative. Remember that most decisions are made emotionally. Tell a story of a specific human being whose life was made better by this work and how they felt about it. What did they say? Then, let the numbers provide a sense of scale. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media

Demonstrate How You Play a Role in the Solution

Present a crystal-clear problem/solution setup, amplifying how you uniquely play a role in the solution. Use tangible stakeholder stories demonstrating how your efforts solve the challenge, make an impact and move a needle. When customers understand your precise role in making an impact (philanthropic or otherwise), they’ll invest more in being part of it via purchasing behavior and brand loyalty. – Scott Curran, Beyond Advisers

Highlight Personal Transformations and Community Benefits

To tell compelling stories of impact and philanthropy, focus on authentic narratives that highlight personal transformations and tangible community benefits. My company uses multimedia, such as videos and testimonials, to bring these stories to life. This works because emotionally engaging stories foster trust and connection, increasing support and investors in the business’s mission and growth. – Sonia Singh, Center of Inner Transformations

Keep It Real and Not Over the Top

Be authentic and keep it real. Stories about people and real successes and struggles allow us to see ourselves in them. Customers can see through over-the-top stories that are overly positive or sales-oriented. – Zena Harris, Green Spark Group

Make Philanthropy a Fundamental Company Value

It’s important to recognize that philanthropy is not “one and done.” For it to succeed, it should be a fundamental value for the organization. Develop a continuous, always-on strategy that involves your team and ensures your customers are engaged and supportive of the positive impact your philanthropic efforts are making. – Michael Klein, Sunset Amusements