The document provides tips for Rotary clubs to boost annual giving through effective storytelling. It discusses how storytelling can inspire donors by connecting them to how their donations enable grants that impact communities. Stories that highlight impactful grant projects and the people involved are most memorable. Sharing real stories from a club's district or global grants can increase donor retention and new donations. The document recommends collaborating with committees to research and share short, focused stories that showcase local impact and make a clear ask for support.

1. BOOST YOUR ANNUAL GIVING
THROUGH STORYTELLING

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You will learn…
How the Annual Fund
makes grants possible
Why stories inspire
donors to give
Tips for creating
effective stories

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The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund

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The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund
World Fund
Provides funding for grants and program opportunities
Area of Focus
Support for grants within a specific area of focus
SHARE
Primary source of funding for district & global grants

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Annual Fund - SHARE
District Designated Fund World Fund

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Rotary Grants

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Rotary Grants

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Global grant District grant
Cost $30,000 minimum No maximum or minimum
Funding World Fund, DDF, cash DDF
Application Online Managed by district
Area of focus Project aligns with
area(s) of focus
No area of focus requirement
Partnership Host and international
partnership
No partnership required
Sustainability Required Not required
Measurability Required Not required
Scholarships Graduate and post-graduate No study level requirement
Global Grant vs. District Grant

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Humanitarian
Projects

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Humanitarian
Projects

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Humanitarian
Projects

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Scholarships

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Vocational
Training
Teams

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Vocational
Training
Teams

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District
Grants

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District
Grants

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District
Grants

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Meaningful stories…
• Connect members to
Rotary and the
Foundation
• Assure donors their
money is spent wisely
• Inspire new or
continued giving

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Connect giving and grants through stories

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Connect giving and grants through stories

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Connect giving and grants through stories
A fact wrapped in a story
is 22 times more
memorable than a fact
told in isolation

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Connect giving and grants through stories

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Connect giving and grants through stories

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Why storytelling matters
Only 29% of
first time donors
repeat their gift
If donors are
retained past
their first year,
retention rate
jumps to 60%

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Storytelling in fundraising
• Promote impact
• Create urgency
• Focus on the donor
• Make an ask

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Methods of success
• Collaborate with Public Image Committee
• Foundation Committee’s focus on education
of Annual Fund usage
• Use of specific examples of district grants
• Our individual passion for the Foundation

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Methods of success
• Recurring Foundation Committee meetings
• All committee members are speakers
• Literature and training materials
– Shop.Rotary.Org
• Include Assistant Governors and Club
Presidents
• Include Club Foundation Chairs
• Research before visit

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Storytelling

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Storytelling

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Storytelling: Martha’s story

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Storytelling: Martha’s story

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Storytelling: third-deadliest flood in West Virginia history

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Storytelling: third-deadliest Flood in West Virginia history

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Storytelling: Third-deadliest Flood in West Virginia history

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Storytelling: focus on passion to increase giving

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Storytelling checklist
Use all available resources
Tailor
your
message
Focus on
impact
Showcase
local
“heroes”
Make an
ask

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Storytelling: focus on passion to increase giving
• District grants or Global grants?
• Find the Club’s passion and provide support
and resources to support.
• Think globally, act locally.

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Question #1
What is the easiest way to
make an impact with club
members so they take
action quickly (and this
doesn't fall down the to-
dos)?
From Heather Legge, Rotary
Club of Omaha, NE

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Questions #2
How do we make our
Foundation’s Global work
relevant to individual club
members?
From Richard Courson, Rotary
Club of Ala Moana, Oahu, HI

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Questions #3
How can I add regular
storytelling to an already
busy club program? How
often?
From Olga Lusganova, Rotary Club
of Vladivostok-ECO, Krai, Russia

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Questions?

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Alex’s final thoughts
Storytelling makes giving personal.
Making giving personal instills ownership.
Ownership instills pride.

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Story Resources
Grant Center
Rotary Brand
Center
Rotary
Leader
Social Media
The Rotarian
Magazine
Rotary
Voices Blog
Rotary
Videos
Newsletters