At Misty Saves the Day, we don’t think of ourselves as traditional social media managers. We’re social media storytellers. That’s especially important for social media for nonprofits.
For nonprofits especially, we’ve learned that posting for the sake of posting isn’t enough. These organizations are advancing missions, serving communities, and changing lives. Our job is to translate that impact into stories people actually feel, remember, and want to support. We want to share stories that bottle up the feeling of helping people, and inspire others to join in with each organizations efforts.
We’ve had the privilege of working with very different nonprofits—each with a unique audience, goal, and voice. While we won’t be naming the nonprofits directly, we are going to share three examples to show exactly how storytelling (not just scheduling posts) helps social media move a nonprofit’s mission forward.
Storytelling Over Scheduling: Our Nonprofit Philosophy
Nonprofits already do meaningful work. The challenge is helping that work land with people scrolling past hundreds of posts a day.
That’s where storytelling comes in and this is what we have found stops the scrolling:
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We lead with people, not platforms.
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We highlight impact, not just information.
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We balance education, emotion, and approachability.
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We humanize the mission so it feels real and not an abstract idea.
Whether the organization is science-based, conservation-focused, or community-driven, the strategy stays the same: connect the mission to the human experience behind it.
Case Study #1: Making Science Human
A nonprofit deeply rooted in scientific research that works to translate complex genetic and molecular discoveries into real-world clinical advances for people affected by serious brain and developmental disorders, still needs social media!
Instead of only sharing publications or research updates, focusing on the people behind the science.
What’s worked:
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Stories from families whose lives have been impacted by the organization’s work.
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Short-form videos spotlighting scientists and why they do what they do.
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Personal journeys—what inspired them, how they found the field, and what keeps them motivated.
Some researchers talked about a high school science club that changed everything. Others shared how shadowing a parent in social work sparked an interest in mental health. Some spoke openly about witnessing mental health crises in their own families.
Those stories transformed highly technical work into something deeply human.
Next, we’re leaning even further into humanizing their lab. Balancing serious, mission-driven posts with moments of joy:
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Scientists sharing how they relieve stress.
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Behind-the-scenes clips while waiting on experiments.
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Light, on-brand reels that show curiosity, humor, and heart.
The result? A feed that still honors the science, but reminds people that real humans are behind the breakthroughs.
Case Study #2: Turning Data Into Purpose
Another nonprofit that works in biodiversity conservation, using science, data, and technology to inform stewardship decisions so ecosystems can thrive.
Their challenge wasn’t credibility, it was accessibility.
Science and data are powerful, but on social media they need context. Our approach focused on:
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Translating complex concepts into digestible stories.
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Showing why conservation data matters in everyday life.
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Connecting global biodiversity goals to tangible outcomes.
- Introducing different species that they are wanting to preserve or save from extinction.
- It has been important to share the success stories as well. What one bird species that was on the verge of extinction in Hawaii, and it’s success in it’s population rising and coming out of an endangered level.
Instead of overwhelming audiences with information, we framed posts around impact and relevance, helping followers understand how good data leads to better decisions, healthier ecosystems, and long-term stewardship. Showing them that what they are supporting is making a difference, makes them engaged and coming back to support the cause more.
The story isn’t just about science, it’s about why protecting biodiversity matters to all of us. And when it matters to people, they will engage, support and follow along for updates.
Case Study #3: A Bakery With a Bigger Purpose
A nonprofit that also sells products is a very unique situation. A bakery that also serves as an employment and training space for individuals with developmental disabilities offers a story like no one else. It is clear that their audience wants to see the employees, and cheer them on. They are flooded with praise when they see an employee doing a great job.
This account requires a careful balance:
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Sharing menus, seasonal treats, and coffee shop offerings.
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Driving foot traffic and holiday preorders.
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Highlighting the mission and the people behind the counter.
We tell stories about:
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New skills employees are learning.
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Favorite items they love to bake.
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Milestones and longevity at the bakery.
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The pride that comes with meaningful employment.
During the recent holiday season, preorders for cakes, cookies, and party trays were a major focus. The posts that performed best didn’t just show the products, they showed employees preparing them, packaging orders, and getting ready for events.
Customers didn’t just see something they could buy.
They saw who their purchase supports.
This strategy is always a balancing act. From products, people, holidays, to daily operations. It consistently comes back to one thing: the mission.
When people see the real impact this bakery is making in its community, they don’t just become customers. They become supporters and cheerleaders of it’s employees.
Why Storytelling Works for Nonprofits
Across all three organizations, one truth holds steady:
People don’t just connect with causes, they connect even more with stories.
Storytelling:
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Builds trust.
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Makes complex work approachable.
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Shows impact without needing to oversell.
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Turns awareness into action.
That’s why we don’t just manage feeds. When they first sign on with us, we create an in-depth marketing plan. We get to know their mission and why they do what they do. Continuing to meet with our nonprofits monthly, ensures that we are staying mission driven and story focused. We also stay in the loop so we are always in touch with the heart behind the mission.
We craft narratives that help nonprofits move from mission-driven to mentioned, shared, and supported.
Because when the story is told well, the mission speaks for itself.
If you are a nonprofit organization that needs intentional help with your social media, contact us at misty@mistysavestheday.com
We want to move your mission forward, share your story and inspire people to join in.
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