Let’s be honest.
If a donor walked up to you and said, “So, what does your organization actually do?”—could you respond in three clear, confident sentences?
Not a speech.
Not a memory of the outreach last month.
Not a vague “we’re trying to help.”
We mean three sentences that capture:
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The problem you solve
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The approach you use
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The measurable change you’ve made (or plan to make)
At Nolton Africa, we’ve met many founders who are doing amazing grassroots work but struggle to explain the “how” and “so what” behind their efforts. And in today’s development landscape, that is not just a missed opportunity, it’s a deal-breaker.
Here’s the hard truth:
If you can’t explain your impact, you’re not ready for funding.
Here’s what to fix, and what to do instead:
1. You Don’t Have a Clear Theory of Change
Why it’s a problem:
Without a theory of change, you’re not leading a strategy, you’re reacting to problems. Funders don’t just want to know that you’re helping people. They want to know what you’re changing, how you plan to do it, and why your method works.
What to do instead:
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Map out your inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact
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Clearly define your core program areas and who benefits
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Ask yourself: “What changes because we exist?”
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Use your theory of change as the foundation for every pitch, proposal, and partnership
2. You Are Not Tracking or Measuring Results
Why it’s a problem:
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Funders need proof, not potential. If you don’t have baseline data, outcome indicators, or even basic tracking tools, your story has no backbone.
What to do instead:
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Set up a simple Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system
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Define what success looks like (quantitatively and qualitatively)
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Collect data consistently, not just at the end of a project
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Start with small wins: number of people reached, skills learned, mindsets shifted
3. You’re Telling Stories Without Structure
Why it’s a problem:
Stories move hearts but without structure, they confuse funders. Many NGOs rely on emotional stories that don’t tie back to strategy. The result? A feel-good narrative with no funding outcome.
What to do instead:
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Align your stories with your theory of change
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Showcase transformation not just activities (“we trained 30 women” → “30 women now run their own businesses”)
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Include quotes, data, and visuals in your reporting
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Practice your impact summary:
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“We solve [problem] by doing [intervention], which leads to [measurable change].”
Clarity Wins. Every Time.
Being fundable is not about being the loudest in the room—it’s about being the clearest. Funders don’t have time to decode your passion. They need to see strategy, structure, and results in three sentences or less.
At Nolton Africa, we help nonprofits move from emotional storytelling to evidence-backed communication. Whether you’re trying to attract your first donor or scale to global partnerships, we’ll help you build the clarity you need to stand out.
Can You Explain Your Impact in 3 Sentences?
If not, we can help.
Book a strategy session today.
📩 info@noltonafrica.org
🌍 www.noltonafrica.org
