Tell It! (Or Better Yet ... Don't!)

There’s no better way to build interest, increase engagement and get gifts than letting your supporters, beneficiaries and partners do the talking via testimonials. You’ve seen testimonials for every type of program, issue and organization imaginable. They’re brief quotes from members of your nonprofit’s network — donors, beneficiaries, clients, volunteers, members or community stakeholders — that clearly and briefly express how your organization’s work has benefited their lives or those of their families or communities. Still, few organizations use testimonials to full effect.

Take a look at these model testimonials that could be the lynchpin of your next appeal. These powerful examples are drawn from nonprofit fundraising campaigns and websites:

Donor: I had the opportunity to witness the growth and development of children in need when I volunteered at Berea Children’s Home and Family Services while in college. The children had experienced so much hurt from the past. This season, our families just really wanted to make a difference … so we all made gifts to BCHFS. [We] could not be more satisfied and confident knowing that our gifts positively impact children’s lives.

Client: I came into the hospital a very nervous hip replacement patient. I left confident and relaxed, comfortable with my ability to care for myself and my family … You cared for me intensely when I needed care, and let me care for myself when I was ready. What more could a rehabilitation patient ask for?

Volunteer: The hours that I spend volunteering for HOM are the best part of my week. I always look forward to coming into the office and seeing other volunteers and the delightful staff, and I especially cherish the times when I go visit patients. I feel that discovering Hospice has been one of the greatest events in my life.