Are you telling your donors the right story in the right way?
In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Dr. Russell James, author of “The Storytelling Fundraiser,” about storytelling and behavioral economics and how they affect fundraising.
In their conversation, Russell addresses:
- Insights on the storytelling arc as it pertains to fundraising
- How fundraisers can craft a compelling story
- How storytelling affects the brains and the actions of donors and potential donors
About our guest
Dr. Russell James is a professor in the School of Financial Planning at Texas Tech University, where he directs the on-campus and online graduate program in planned giving. After more than a quarter century spent as a planned giving fundraiser, an estate planning attorney in private practice, a major gifts fundraiser/college president and now as a university professor researching charitable giving and fundraising, his focus now is to make and share words, pictures and discoveries that help others to encourage generosity.
Russell’s work has been cited in outlets such as The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, U.S. News & World Reports, CNN, NBC News, Bloomberg News, ABC News, USA Today and The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and his publications have appeared in more than 40 academic journals.
Russell’s research methodologies include econometric analysis of large datasets, functional magnetic resonance imaging (neuroimaging), skin conductance response and online and in-person experiments. His teaching includes classroom and online graduate instruction, webinars, seminars, educational videos and keynote presentations at national conferences for fundraisers, financial planners and estate planners.
Prior to his career as an academic researcher, Russell was the director of planned giving for Central Christian College in Moberly, Missouri, for six years and later served as president of the college for more than five. During his presidency, the college successfully completed two major capital campaigns, built several new debt-free buildings and more than tripled enrollment.
