Why do some extraordinary causes struggle to get people to care?

It may not be the mission.

It may be the story.

In this episode of You Are What You Give, Avi sits down with Bridget Cook-Burch, bestselling author, storyteller, and “The Book Whisperer,” to explore why storytelling isn't simply a communications skill. It can determine how far a leader - and an organization - is capable of going.

Bridget has worked with thousands of people to uncover and communicate their stories. And she argues that the most important story may not be the one you tell donors.

It's the story you tell yourself.

Together, Avi and Bridget explore why our internal stories can place limits on our ambitions, how a founder's personal journey can become the beginning of a much larger movement, and why great nonprofit storytelling eventually has to make room for other people to become part of the story.

They discuss:

• Why a great mission doesn't sell itself
• The stories leaders tell themselves about what's possible
• How storytelling builds trust
• Why conflict can be an essential part of an authentic story
• How donors and volunteers begin to see themselves inside a mission
• Why founders shouldn't remain their organization's only storytellers
• How writing a book can clarify your own story and strengthen your leadership
• Why organizations need to “inspire the narrative” rather than allow others to define it for them

If you're leading a nonprofit, raising money, building a movement, or simply trying to understand the contribution you're capable of making, this conversation offers a very different way to think about the stories we tell.

Connect with Bridget:
Visit YourInspiredStory.com. Bridget also invited listeners to connect with her on Instagram under her name, Bridget Cook-Burch https://www.instagram.com/bridgetcookburch/, and shared information about her Inspired Writers Retreat for people ready to develop their own books and stories.

And as always, thank you to Victoria Hearst, whose generosity helps make You Are What You Give possible.

Why would someone give away $100,000 in professional marketing services to a single nonprofit every year?

For Marivi Bryant, the answer is simple:

Great organizations deserve great storytelling.

After more than 25 years helping mission-driven organizations and national brands communicate their value, Marivi founded HOME Agency with a bold commitment: each year, the agency donates $100,000 in branding and marketing services to one nonprofit through its Mission Meets Action Award (and yes - you can apply here https://wearehomeagency.com/mission-meets-action-award/).

But this conversation isn't just about one award.

It's about one of the biggest challenges nonprofits face today:

Many organizations are changing lives—but struggling to communicate their impact.

In this episode of You Are What You Give, Avi and Marivi explore:

• Why great missions aren't enough
• The difference between mission and impact
• What every nonprofit website should communicate within the first 15 seconds
• Why marketing and fundraising must work together
• How boards can strengthen nonprofit communications
• Why investing in your story is investing in your mission

If you're a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, board member, consultant, or donor, this conversation offers practical ideas that can immediately strengthen how your organization communicates and grows.

To learn more about HOME Agency, the Mission Based Action Award, or to apply for the annual $100,000 pro bono initiative, visit WeAreHomeAgency.com or connect with Marivi Bryant on LinkedIn.

And as always, thank you to Victoria Hearst, whose generosity helps make these conversations possible.

What happens when you care so deeply that you want to help everyone?

For Morgan DeNicola, that question isn't theoretical. It's personal.

After a life-changing visit to an orphanage in Africa, Morgan returned home convinced she couldn't simply go back to business as usual. That experience led her family to establish the DeNicola Family Foundation, where she now works to inspire a new generation of philanthropists while confronting one of giving's greatest challenges:

You can't say yes to everything.

In this episode of You Are What You Give, Avi and Morgan explore what it means to build relationships instead of transactions, why transparency matters to younger donors, and how the best philanthropists balance compassion with discernment.

Together they discuss:

• How one encounter changed the course of Morgan's life
• Why younger generations are asking different questions about giving
• Moving beyond writing checks to building relationships
• How to inspire others to become givers
• Why every philanthropist eventually has to say "no"
• How passion sustains long-term generosity without losing sight of purpose

One of Morgan's most memorable observations is simple:

"Be empathetic—not apathetic."

If you'd like to connect with Morgan or learn more about the DeNicola Family Foundation, visit https://www.morgandenicola.com/ or connect through their Instagram and Facebook pages, where Morgan personally responds to many of the messages she receives.

And as always, thank you to Victoria Hearst, whose generosity helps make these conversations possible.