How to Tell Your Nonprofit's Story Without Exploiting Clients

A compelling story should help people understand the need and the work without taking dignity or control away from the people being served.

Start with consent

A photograph or personal experience is not yours to use simply because it happened during a program. Obtain appropriate permission and explain where and how information may appear.

Avoid the rescue narrative

People are not helpless characters created to make donors feel generous. Describe the challenges honestly while recognizing agency, community strengths, and the role of participants.

Use more than personal stories

Program data, operational realities, community context, and the voices of staff and volunteers can also demonstrate the importance of a mission.

Choose words carefully

Avoid sensational descriptions or unnecessary private details. Ask whether the story would feel respectful if the person featured were sitting beside you.

Build a review process

Check facts, verify consent, and give staff clear guidance on privacy and images. When applicable, seek input from the people whose experiences are represented.

Put it into practice

A useful editorial test: would you be comfortable showing the published piece to the person whose life it describes?

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