Welcome to Impact Unleashed, your go-to source for deep dives into the untapped potential of nonprofits and their remarkable ability to create a lasting impact. I'm your host, Sarah Mayer, and today we’re exploring one of the most powerful stories a nonprofit can tell: What makes you different?

In a world where donors have countless options for their charitable contributions, it's crucial to stand out. This isn’t just a branding exercise; it's about clarity. It’s about knowing your lane and owning it with confidence. Think about it: there are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of nonprofits working in the same realm, whether it be feeding the hungry, mentoring youth, providing shelters, or promoting the arts. From an outsider’s perspective, it may seem like everyone’s doing the same thing.  

But here’s an honest truth: donors, partners, and community members need to understand what makes you the right choice.  

Not just because you care – everyone cares. Not just because you’re local – there are probably others that are local too. It’s about what you do differently and better in your own unique way. 

Let me share a story to illustrate this. We had a client, let's call them the Bright Futures Foundation. Bright Futures works in youth development, but they weren't the only organization in town doing this. In fact, their area was saturated with afterschool programs. Despite their passion, people, and results, they felt invisible in the crowd. 

Our team dug deep and discovered that while most organizations were focusing on homework help and recreation, Bright Futures was focusing on building youth leadership and economic mobility. They weren't just keeping kids off the street; they were teaching them how to lead a community meeting, open a bank account, and apply for funds. Their secret? A trauma-informed, youth-led model with built-in family engagement. This was the story they weren’t telling. Once they led with that difference, they attracted new funders, partnered with schools, and became the go-to entity for youth voice and empowerment. 

So, what’s your edge? Do you have a unique approach or serve a hard-to-reach population? Perhaps your methodology is backed by solid results. Maybe you’re the only organization in your community doing culturally specific mental health work, or you combine art and advocacy in ways no one else does. Or, maybe you employ the individuals you serve, creating impact on both sides of the equation. Whatever your difference is, don't bury it. Lead with it. That’s how you stand out, get funded, and most importantly, amplify your impact. 

Here’s your challenge for this week: write your 'how we’re different' story. Not just a bulleted list, but an actual story. If you don’t have the book, "The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell" by Paul Smith, I’ll guide you through the process.  

1. Reflect on a time when either you or someone else used a competitor's product or service and had a bad experience. How does it differ from the experience you provide? 
2. Consider your most positive customer stories or nonprofit stories. 
3. Talk to some of the people you serve. Ask them how you are different. 
4. Use these experiences to craft your story. Think of one client, one project, and one moment that showcases your unique edge in action. 

Then, share it with your board, on your website, and in your donor meetings. When you own your difference, you don’t have to beg for attention – you earn it. 

That’s it for today’s episode of Impact Unleashed. If this post helped you see your uniqueness in a new light, share it with someone in your nonprofit circle. Remember, your mission may be shared, but your approach is one of a kind. Tell that story and let the rest do the marketing for you. 

Until next time, keep making bold moves and unleashing impact in your unique way. 

Conclusion:

Thank you for joining us on this journey in Impact Unleashed. If you haven’t signed up for our newsletters and wonderful resources, please visit nonprofitimpactunleashed.co. I look forward to connecting with you in our next episode. Keep making an impact!