Funding is tighter and more competitive than it has been in years. Funders are bombarded with requests and content, and navigating an uncertain policy environment requires a trusted voice. In this climate, the nonprofits that stand out are the ones that tell the story of their impact in a way that makes foundations and donors take notice and give.
That story starts with a clear point of view (POV). In this ResultsLab Coffee Collective, guest speaker Seth Klukoff, Principal of Eoan Strategies, shared five tips for sharpening your POV, in a conversation moderated by Jaclyn Sablosky, VP, Growth + Partnerships at ResultsLab.
What a POV Is (and Isn’t)
A POV is not your mission or vision statement, or any other published statement. It is your stance, your story, and your reason for being. It lives everywhere and can evolve over time.
Just as important: developing a POV is an organizational activity, not a communications activity. A siloed approach yields low ownership.
Step 1: Address the Shaping Questions
- What is your organization’s origin story? Which stories about your impact do you find inspirational, and why?
- What values does your organization hold, and how do they show up in your impact?
- Why is your organization needed today, for your audiences and your communities?
- How is your organization distinct from others in your field?
- What future does your organization want to build, and why are you critical to building it?
Step 2: Review with These 5 Tips
- Inform with Knowledge. How clearly does your knowledge of an idea, service, or issue come through to current and potential funders? Sub tip: Don’t get lost in the weeds.
- Shape with Evidence. What facts and data undergird that knowledge? Sub tip: Cultivate your “data headlines.”
- Develop with Passionate Belief. How authentic does your belief in your work come across? Is your voice evident? Sub tip: Elevate your origin story.
- Identify the “What.” Why is your organization’s work important, and to whom? Sub tip: Don’t worry about bragging.
- Address the “So What.” Why should the audience care, and what should they do? Sub tip: Build in the ask.
Consistency Matters More Than a Perfect Statement
You can write a formal POV statement, but it isn’t essential. What matters most is consistency: embed your POV everywhere, all the time.
Putting Your POV into Action with Funders
Tailor your messages by asking how your POV aligns with a donor’s vision and legacy, or with a foundation’s mission and funding areas, and whether your impact can inform their current or planned funding decisions.
Think of it as a “message house”: your POV is the roof, three core messages are the pillars (with the ask embedded in them), and supporting stories are the foundation.
Where Data Fits In
Tip #2 is where outcomes data earns its keep. A strong POV tells funders why your work matters; your data headlines show them it’s working. When the two line up, your impact story is both compelling and credible.
Watch the full conversation here.
ResultsLab works with nonprofits across the U.S. to build impact measurement systems and data-informed decision-making practices. If you’d like to talk through how your data can strengthen your story of impact, get in touch.