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Cultivate stories that inspire gifts from the heart

I help nonprofits identify, nurture, and share deeply personal stories that create stronger connections and drive more donations.

What Is StoryGardening?
Talk to Rachel! 
Empathetic interviewing
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Story-centered appeal writing
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Training & coaching
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Year-round support
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Portrait of Rachel Zant

Your master gardener, here to help

For over 20 years, I've been helping nonprofits discover the power of authentic storytelling through my work at Pen with a Purpose.

I've seen how the right story can transform an appeal letter, gratitude report, or case for support. I’ve seen how personal, emotionally rich stories build meaningful connection and inspire people to take action.

I’ve also watched organizations struggle to find those stories when plates are full and deadlines loom.

Maybe this sounds familiar to you...

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Does “storytelling” look like this for your organization?

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A large pink 'X' mark on a black background.
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A pink 'X' mark on a black background.

Scrambling at the last minute to find compelling stories for appeals?

Trying to convince leadership, colleagues, or the board that stories are worth investing in?

Telling the same. old. story. from the same. old. perspective. every single time?

Feeling like your organization's most moving moments aren't making it to donors?

Not knowing where to start with your storytelling, leaving you to scramble every time a new appeal needs to be sent?

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I get it — and StoryGardening was made for you.

Get the stories without the scramble

After decades as a fundraising copywriter, StoryGardening grew out of a simple belief: Your organization already has what it needs to tell authentic, moving stories from the people you serve.

You just need someone to help you find them, nourish them, and share them with the world.

And that’s where I come in with StoryGardening!

More About My Services
Book a Call

What StoryGardening can do for you:

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A rich story bank of meaningful, ready-to-share narratives

A process of storytelling that feels natural and continuous rather than fake and frantic

A team that feels confident about recognizing story opportunities

Stronger donor relationships built on genuine person-to-person connection

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Through empathetic interviews, I help you uncover stories already in bloom and create a sustainable system for cultivating new ones, season after season.

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Let’s grow your StoryGarden together

There are five phases in the StoryGardening cycle, and I can help with as many or as few as you need.

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1

Cultivate your story soil

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2

Sow your story seeds

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3

4

Nurture your stories

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Harvest your stories

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5

Maintain your StoryGarden

Learn More
Book a Call
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Not sure what kind of StoryGardener you are and how I can help you best? Take the quiz to find out!

Take the Quiz!

  • "Exceeded my expectations!"

    “I appreciated having Rachel walk me and my client through the story-gathering process.

    She offered great suggestions on the types of people to talk to — some we might not have thought of on our own. She conducted interviews and provided transcripts of each conversation.

    She then took all of that content and created a Case for Support document that exceeded my expectations for what was even possible!”

    – Karen Mitchell, Fundraising consultant

  • "Brought our donors' stories to life"

    “Rachel did a wonderful job connecting with our donors in such a warm, genuine way.

    She really listened, made the whole process easy and enjoyable, and brought our donors’ stories to life in a way that really highlighted our mission.”

    - Brie Taylor, Planned Giving Manager, HIAS Foundation

  • "Kind and talented!"

    “Rachel is the most kind and talented fundraising writer I have ever met!

    She has done a wonderful job writing in a charming and appreciative voice to Casey House supporters over the years.”

    - Alanna Scott, Chief Development and Marketing Officer, Casey House

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Your donors are waiting to fall in love with your work. All they need is to hear the right story at the right moment — and StoryGardening makes it natural.

Ready to tend to your StoryGarden?

The best way to get a feel for my work ? Schedule a free Cultivation Call.

In about 15 minutes, we’ll have a friendly chat about:

  • Your organization’s storytelling opportunities

  • How we could best work together

  • Next steps if you’d like to move forward

P.S. I should say this now: if your organization is afraid to show some heart or only wants the “good” emotions, then I’m not for you. My process respects the storyholder and welcomes the full range of human emotion — because authenticity is the only way that REAL connection happens.

If you agree, let’s talk!