Want More Engaged Donors? Take Them Backstage!

Have you ever been to a live stage performance? From your seat in the audience, everything looks smooth and polished. But behind the curtain? It’s often controlled chaos—costume changes happening in record time, last-minute prop fixes, and tech crews working like ninjas to keep the show running.

Going backstage is a completely different experience. It feels exclusive—like you’re getting a special peek at how the magic happens. 

So, here’s the big question: How can you take your donors—the biggest “fans” of your nonprofit—backstage?

A Simple Backstage Moment That Changed Everything

I’ll never forget one of the most impactful videos I ever sent to our supporters when I was serving in full-time missions. It was a simple, 2-minute video I shot on my phone while walking from my apartment to my office in Barcelona.

In the video, I showed a few people I passed every day and shared how they could be praying for them. I pointed out our favorite coffee shop. I even threw in a quick stop at our neighborhood grocery store.

Honestly? I originally made the video for some family members. But after watching it, I thought, “I wonder if our support team would enjoy this?”

So, I sent it.

They loved it.

It helped them see our work in a new way—suddenly, it wasn’t just “missions work” happening overseas. It was real life, with real people. They felt more connected. And that deeper connection led to stronger relationships and more giving.

How Can You Take Your Donors Backstage?

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just think about small, simple ways you can pull back the curtain on your work:
✔️ A quick video showing what a typical day looks like
✔️ A photo of your team behind the scenes getting ready for an event
✔️ A voice memo sharing a short but powerful story from our work. 

Your donors want to feel connected to your nonprofit. Giving them a little backstage access can make all the difference.

So—what’s one small way you can bring your donors behind the scenes today?

Don’t overthink it! And if you need help brainstorming, let’s chat. Click BOOK A CALL with me. I’d love to help!

Matt Stockman

Hi, I’m Matt Stockman. I’ve got over 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, and have raised 10’s of millions of dollars for individuals and organizations of all shapes and sizes (including all the money for my own family's overseas missions work), and I have learned a lot over the years.

Let me put all this knowledge and experience to work helping you, so that you can grow your nonprofit to be healthy and sustainable for the future. My mission is simple: to equip you with the tools, insights, and expertise to grow your nonprofit and achieve the impact you’ve always envisioned.

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