Nonprofit Storytelling: Purpose, Audience, and Context

Explore how nonprofit organizations can develop more intentional storytelling practices that reflect purpose and engage audiences.
About this Event

Please note this is an in-person seminar.

Stories help nonprofit organizations communicate impact, build relationships, and connect people to a mission. Yet effective storytelling requires more than sharing experiences or outcomes. It requires thoughtful consideration of purpose, audience, and context.

This interactive seminar will explore the role of storytelling in nonprofit work and examine how organizations can develop stories that are authentic, audience-aware, and aligned with organizational values. Participants will consider the opportunities and challenges of storytelling in today's environment, including how stories shape understanding, influence engagement, and support stronger connections with stakeholders.

Topics of Discussion:

• The role of storytelling in advancing mission, engagement, and organizational goals
• Understanding audience, purpose, and context when developing stories
• Ethical considerations and responsibilities in nonprofit storytelling
• Approaches for creating stories that are authentic, relevant, and aligned with organizational values

Who Should Attend:

This seminar is ideal for nonprofit professionals who contribute to communications, fundraising, community engagement, advocacy, program delivery, or organizational leadership. It may be particularly valuable for staff responsible for sharing organizational stories, communicating impact, and building relationships with donors, partners, volunteers, and community members.

Registration:

• General Admission: $150
• Read CNM's Refund Policy

Facilitator Bio

Mel deVivar (she/her) - Founder and Design Director,

Mel is on a mission to make marketing and communications feel more accessible, approachable, and real. She works alongside mission-driven nonprofits and BIPOC entrepreneurs, helping them share their stories with clarity and confidence.

Before stepping into the design world, Mel spent 15+ years in higher education creating learning experiences rooted in equity and inclusion. That foundation continues to shape her work today as a user experience designer.

She knows firsthand that design—like education—can be shaped by power and gatekeeping. That’s why she believes in co-creating with her clients, building with them (not just for them) in ways that feel empowering and aligned.

A Bay Area native, you can find Mel at live shows, trying new restaurants, or deep into her latest K-drama.