Fundraising.AI

The Framework

Fundraising.AI

Episode 18

THE PODCAST

Episode 18 - Empathy in Action: Crafting Impactful Narratives with Nick Lynch

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Listen To The Episode

OVERVIEW

Join Nick Lynch, co-founder and CEO of Collidescope.io, in this compelling podcast episode as he delves into the power of storytelling, empathy, and partnership in driving social impact.  

Nick is a dynamic innovator, leveraging his expertise in digital marketing to empower brands to navigate the online landscape. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Nick’s journey as a cancer survivor and Make-A-Wish recipient fuels his dedication to supporting nonprofit causes. Recognizing the digital pivot compelled by the pandemic, Nick’s strategic mindset spurred him to develop Collidescope.io.  

Drawing from his extensive experience in the nonprofit sector and tech industry, Nick shares invaluable insights on how organizations can leverage these pillars to amplify their mission and connect with their audience. From social media and influencer marketing to the transformative potential of AI and data analytics, Nick offers practical advice and real-world examples that resonate with seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. He discusses the genesis of his book, which serves as a roadmap for organizations seeking to harness the power of narrative to drive change. 

Throughout the conversation, Nick emphasizes the importance of meeting clients where they are and tailoring strategies to their unique needs and goals. He shares personal anecdotes and favorite case studies, including a remarkable partnership with the American Lung Association, showcasing the tangible results of a strategic approach grounded in empathy and collaboration. 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

  • [02:03] Journey Through Tech, Marketing, and Social Impact
  • [06:55] Data Dilemmas in Nonprofit and For-Profit Landscapes
  • [09:02] Becoming a B Corp Amid Uncertainty
  • [11:13] The Evolution of Collidescope.io
  • [13:42] Beyond Models: Human Element in AI Transformation
  • [15:50] Driving Impact Through Data: A Case Study with the American Lung Association
  • [22:25] Building Social Impact through Partnerships and Beliefs
  • [25:31] Storytelling for Nonprofit Success
  • [28:06] Nick's Book: Impact Redefined

TIPS AND TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY

  • Start by crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience.
  • Seek opportunities for collaboration with similar nonprofits, influencers, and corporate partners.
  • Infuse empathy into your communications and interactions.
  • Highlight the stories of those involved in your organization's work to create authentic connections with supporters.
  • Track website traffic, engagement, and donations metrics to identify what works and optimize your efforts.
  • Be willing to remix traditional approaches with innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of your audience and the changing landscape.
  • Consider leveraging influencers to amplify your message and reach new audiences.
  • Provide opportunities for supporters to connect in real life and build meaningful relationships.
  • Consider tools for data analytics, social media management, and influencer outreach to optimize your efforts.
  • Highlight the human aspect of your work and communicate the why behind your mission.

FAVORITE QUOTES

  • "The number one thing that I always do in any approach or engagement that we work on is to understand what is the story that you want to tell." - Nick Lynch
  • "So many organizations have been saying the same thing to the same people in the same ways. You have to figure out how I can now tell my story so that people can connect with it today in a way that makes sense." - Nick Lynch
  • "Always starts with storytelling." - Nick Lynch
  • "The book Impact Redefined outlines how you can think about telling stories and connecting people in social moments and in partnerships, as well as using empathy to create soulful opportunities in those storytelling moments for your organization." - Nick Lynch
  • "We love influencers so much because they can take something completely complex and figure out how to tell that story and narrative and create that authentic connection with their audience in 10 seconds, 15 seconds, and 20 seconds, which is remarkable." - Nick Lynch
  • "There's a humongous opportunity for nonprofits to leverage the need around what they're doing to bring people together to have fun." - Nick Lynch
  • "There are three key pillars that emerge as things that were successful in how we were operating. It revolves around the SPE model: social, partnerships and empathy." - Nick Lynch
  • "Create social opportunities and moments, not just online, but for people to gather around and build community around initiatives, causes, or like-minded things." - Nick Lynch
  • "The empathy piece is how we make sure that we understand that there's a human element to all of what we do to elevate the human aspect of our work." - Nick Lynch
  • "When communicating as a nonprofit, we highlight the people actually doing the work and understand why they're doing it. That helps to create a tangible emotional connection between our work and the people we want to bring into our community." - Nick Lynch

Connect with US

Other Episodes You Might Enjoy

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Nathan Chappell

As a thought leader, public speaker, author and inventor, Nathan is one of the world’s foremost experts on the intersection between Artificial Intelligence and philanthropy. Nathan serves as Senior Vice President of DonorSearch AI, where he leads AI deployments for some of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations. Nathan’s subject matter expertise has been featured in several publications, including Fast Company, University of Notre Dame and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy. In 2021, Nathan founded Fundraising.Ai as a member-centric collaboration of nonprofit professionals with a focus on data ethics, data equality, privacy and security, sustainability. Nathan presented the first TEDx on the topic of artificial intelligence and the future of generosity in 2018. Nathan is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and holds a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from University of Notre Dame, an MBA from University of Redlands, a certificate in International Economics from University of Cambridge and a certificate in Artificial Intelligence from MIT.

Scott Rosenkrans

Scott Rosenkrans is the Assistant Vice President of DonorSearch Ai and has been with the organization for three years. He began his journey in the nonprofit sector twelve years ago as a prospect researcher. He quickly became fascinated with data as he noticed the organization that he previously worked for was amassing a wealth of information but was unsure how to efficiently use the data and resources to its full potential. This led him to become interested in predictive modeling and data analytics. During this time, he began to create an immense commitment to delivering tailor-made machine learning models to nonprofits.

The thing that Scott loves most about working for DonorSearch is the ability to prioritize what is best for the client and nonprofit sector above all else. He believes that growth is our most important core value because the DSAi team continuously evolves and brings a unique perspective that provides value to our clients. He stays ahead of industry trends because of his insatiable drive to constantly try out new things.

Favorite nonprofit: Shriner’s Children Hospital because of their extreme commitment to providing exceptional medical care, while also alleviating the financial burdens on families.