Asset Framing
The Psychology of Framing: Why Your Words Are Literally Shaping Your Donors’ Brains
What neuroscience and narrative research tell us about the stories we’re telling and the ones we’re not. Last week, we asked a deceptively simple question: Why do we define our organizations by what they’re not? This week, I want to take that question deeper into the science of why framing matters so profoundly, and what…
Read MoreLeadership, Trust & Surviving in Uncertain Times
This is the final installment of our 3 part series on what I learned from @Candid webinar, “Nonprofit Sustainability: Build Strategies That Actually Work.” You can read part 1 here and part 2 here. Today I’m sharing what the speakers had to say about surviving in uncertain times — from delegation to self-care to community…
Read MoreHow to Tell Dignity-Driven Stories: A Practical Guide to Asset Framing
A step-by-step guide to telling stories that honor dignity, spark connection, and inspire support By now, you’ve learned what asset framing is, why it matters, and how it transforms real organizations. The final step is learning how to apply it—simply and powerfully—to your own storytelling, proposals, and campaigns. Whether you’re writing a grant, designing a…
Read MoreStrength Begets Strength: The Real-World Impact of Asset Framing
You’ve learned what asset framing is and why it matters. But what does it actually look like in practice? Let’s explore how a few organizations have used this approach to reshape narratives—and transform outcomes for their communities. 1. In-Depth Example: BMe Community — Reframing Black Narratives of Genius For decades, media and philanthropy often described…
Read MoreWhy Asset Framing Matters: From Deficit to Dignity
The science, psychology, and heart behind redefining your narrative Last week, we introduced asset framing — a storytelling approach that begins with strengths, not struggles. Today, we’re digging into why that shift matters so much — not just emotionally, but psychologically and strategically. What Asset Framing Really Means Coined by Trabian Shorters, asset framing is…
Read MoreYour Story, Your Strength — An Introduction to Asset Framing
How storytelling can redefine how funders, partners, and communities see you What happens when someone’s humanity is reduced to a label — “broken,” “needy,” “at risk”? In a powerful stand-up clip, comedian Josh Johnson explores how easy it becomes to dismiss people once we strip away their value and individuality. He’s talking about comedy —…
Read More