How to Communicate Your Charity’s Impact to Funders Without the Jargon
When you’re deeply involved in the day-to-day work of your charity, it can be hard to step back and describe that work to someone else, especially a funder. And even when you do, it’s easy to fall into jargon or assume people already understand the “why” behind what you do.
But funders, whether they’re local authorities, grant panels, or individual donors, need clarity. They want to see the difference you’re making in real terms, without needing to decode sector speak.
This blog will help you strip back the buzzwords and speak clearly, confidently, and impactfully about the incredible work you’re doing.
1. Start With People, Not Processes
Instead of diving straight into programme names or frameworks, begin with the human side. Who do you support? What are their challenges? What changes when they engage with your charity?
Poor example: “We deliver a trauma-informed, multi-agency model of early intervention...”
Good example: “We help young people who are at risk of exclusion feel safe, listened to, and supported to stay in school.”
Real people. Real outcomes. That’s what sticks.
2. Use Plain, Relatable Language
Funders don’t need you to simplify your work, they need you to explain it in a way that’s accessible. Imagine explaining your impact to someone outside the sector, like a friend or community member.
Swap these out:
- “Stakeholder engagement” → “Working with families, schools, and local partners”
- “Outcomes-based framework” → “We track how young people grow in confidence and independence”
- “Service users” → “Young people we support”
Plain doesn’t mean boring, it means understood.
3. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Saying you make a difference isn’t the same as showing it. Funders want to see the proof. Share mini case studies, quotes, or snapshots that highlight a transformation.
You don’t need dramatic success stories, small wins are powerful too:
- A young person who now attends school regularly
- A parent who feels more supported
- A care leaver who secured a college place
4. Use Numbers That Matter
Yes, funders want to see measurable outcomes, but don’t overload them with stats. Choose a few key numbers that clearly support your message.
For example:
- “85% of the young people we supported last year re-engaged with education”
- “We supported 42 children and families across 3 boroughs in 2023”
Pair numbers with real-world meaning, and keep them connected to the human impact.
5. Be Honest About Challenges
Authenticity builds trust. Funders know that doing this work is hard. Acknowledge what’s difficult, but show how you’re working through it.
“We faced challenges with staff recruitment, but introduced a new training and mentoring programme to build internal capacity.”
This shows transparency, leadership, and commitment, not weakness.
6. Invite Ongoing Engagement
Make it easy for funders to stay connected. End your communications with clear next steps, whether that’s arranging a meeting, reading your impact report, or following your work online.
“If you’d like to hear more about how we’re supporting young people in [region], we’d love to invite you for a visit or share our latest report.”
Final Thought
You don’t need fancy language to communicate powerful work. You need clarity, honesty, and a focus on the people you serve. When you speak from the heart with evidence to back it up, funders will listen.
At Louise., we help youth and children’s charities refine their messaging, write impact reports, and create communications that feel real and resonate. If you need support telling your story without the jargon, we’d love to help.
