Introducing: Atlantic IMPACT, a Podcast About Storytelling for Nonprofits
Collaborative Cause Consulting is pleased to introduce Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits, a podcast about how nonprofit leaders use storytelling to build trust, deepen engagement, and strengthen support for their work.
Originally launched as Atlantic IMPACT, the podcast has been rebranded to reflect a broader focus on storytelling for nonprofits. The heart of the series remains the same: practical conversations about how organizations can collect, share, and use stories in ways that honour community voices and help people understand the impact of their work.
In the inaugural episode, co-hosts Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson introduce the origin story and mission of the series. They discuss why storytelling matters for nonprofits, how it can support fundraising and community engagement, and why small, everyday stories can be just as powerful as larger impact narratives.
Episode 1
Then they sit down with Erik Ayers, Founder and CTO of GoodSeeker, to discuss the data-backed benefits of storytelling, how small stories help build trust and visibility, and how nonprofits can systematically collect and use stories to engage stakeholders and strengthen supporter relationships.
Listen now, or read on for a few highlights.
The Podcast's Origin and Mission
Tanya Wall shares how the original concept for the podcast came to life after being inspired by a similar initiative by Sam Laprade in Ottawa. The podcast was first launched as Atlantic IMPACT, with a focus on helping Atlantic Canada nonprofits share their missions, create awareness, and strengthen storytelling practices.
Now rebranded as Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits, the series continues that work with a broader focus on nonprofit storytelling, fundraising, trust-building, and community engagement. The goal is to offer practical ideas, amplify nonprofit voices, and help organizations think more intentionally about how stories can connect people to mission and impact.
Small Stories, Big Impact
Erik Ayers from GoodSeeker sheds light on why the small stories within nonprofits matter so much. Instead of focusing solely on big, dramatic narratives, Erik emphasizes capturing the everyday moments that genuinely build trust and engagement. By honing in on small stories, nonprofits can reveal their true impact and connect more meaningfully with their communities and donors. Erik explains that even regular tasks, like discussing what went well after an event or reflecting on how training was applied, can become powerful statements about what an organization stands for.
Building Trust with Storytelling
Erik shares that public trust in nonprofits is declining—only 15% of Canadians say they trust nonprofit organizations. He points to communication gaps as a key factor: many organizations struggle to show their accomplishments or explain how donations are spent. According to the research Erik cites, trust can be rebuilt through transparency—by sharing outcomes, offering a look behind the scenes, and telling authentic stories that connect people to the impact of the work. He also notes that 40% of respondents are willing to be solicited more, and 25% are willing to give more money. Thus, storytelling has the potential to increase an organization’s bottom line.
Subscribe to Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits
Follow Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits on your favourite podcast platform to hear conversations about nonprofit storytelling, fundraising, community engagement, and the systems that help organizations collect and share stories with care.
Coming up on this season of the podcast, we’ll be chatting with four people who are working in community, sharing how story helps them foster connection, impact, and long-term growth. Follow us on your favourite podcast platform to be notified when the next episode drops.
