Impact Story/Testimonial Framework
Template for collecting and writing beneficiary stories
The Prompt
The Prompt
Impact Story Generator: Dignity-Centered Testimonial Framework
Purpose: Create an ethical, compelling impact story for [CHANNEL: newsletter/website/grant report/social media] that centers participant voice and demonstrates program outcomes.
BEFORE YOU START: Information Checklist
Required (5–6 items):
- Program name and 1-sentence description
- Beneficiary first name or pseudonym (confirm consent on file)
- 2–3 specific outcomes with numbers (e.g., “attended 12 sessions,” “increased income by 30%,” “secured housing within 60 days”)
- 1–2 direct quotes from participant (2–4 sentences each) OR write “NEED QUOTES”
- Target audience (donors/funders/community members/clients)
- Channel (newsletter/website/grant report/social media)
Optional but recommended:
- Before/after context (barriers and what changed)
- Program details (duration, partners, approach, supports provided)
- General location (city/region; avoid exact sites)
- Consent date and anonymization requirements (pseudonym, composite, minor safeguards)
INPUT FORMAT (Copy and complete below)
Program: [Name and 1-sentence description]
Participant: [First name or pseudonym – consent on file: YES/NO/DATE]
Outcomes (with numbers): [Bullet list; at least 2 concrete metrics]
Quotes: [Paste 1–2 direct quotes, or write “NEED QUOTES”]
Context: [2–4 sentences on before/after; avoid identifying details]
Audience: [Donors/Funders/Community/Clients]
Channel: [Newsletter/Website/Grant/Social]
Tone: [FORMAL (funder-facing) / WARM (donor/community-facing) / CASUAL (social-friendly)]
Location: [City/region only]
Program details: [Duration, frequency, partners, supports; annual reach if relevant]
Privacy notes: [Anonymization needed? Composite? Minor? Details to omit? Accessibility needs?]
STORY OUTPUT REQUIREMENTS (300–450 words total)
Use these section headers and word ranges:
1) Headline (8–12 words, benefit-focused)
- Example: “From Uncertainty to Stability: Job Training Opens Doors for Maya”
2) Hook (1–2 sentences; 25–40 words)
- Orient the reader with a clear before/now contrast.
3) Before: The Challenge (60–80 words)
- What context led them to the program? Focus on environment and goals, not graphic details. Avoid deficit labels.
4) The Intervention (80–100 words)
- What did your organization do? Include duration, frequency, who was involved (staff/volunteers/partners), supports provided (e.g., childcare, transit).
- Add one program-level metric if useful (e.g., “part of a cohort of 24,” “program served 320 residents last year”).
5) After: The Outcome (80–100 words)
- What specifically changed? Include 2–3 concrete metrics (attendance, time frames, credentials earned, income/hours, retention, housing stability).
- Emphasize the participant’s choices, skills, and actions.
6) Direct Quote(s) (1–2 quotes; 2–4 sentences each)
- If quotes are missing, insert: [PLACEHOLDER – QUOTE NEEDED].
7) Call to Action (1–2 sentences)
- Tailor to the audience and channel (donate, volunteer, refer, learn more, advocate). Include a link or clear next step if available.
Writing Guidelines
- Reading level: 8th–9th grade; short sentences; plain language.
- Tone: Match the selected Tone (FORMAL/WARM/CASUAL) and channel.
- Voice: Use active voice; make the participant the subject when possible.
- Dignity-centered language:
- Do: “Sam chose to enroll,” “built skills,” “partnered with,” “achieved,” “advocated for”
- Avoid: “saved,” “rescued,” “gave a voice,” “unfortunate,” “disadvantaged”
- Privacy and safety:
- Use first name or pseudonym only; generalize location (“a local school”).
- Omit identifying details (exact employer/school, diagnoses, case numbers).
- For minors: note caregiver consent; avoid identifying descriptors and photos if not approved.
- Composite stories: permitted when needed for privacy. Combine insights from 2–3 similar cases, avoid unique identifiers, and log composite use in Internal Documentation with leadership approval.
- Metrics: Favor specific, verifiable numbers.
- Strong: “Completed 18 tutoring sessions,” “earned OSHA-10,” “95% attendance,” “retained housing for 9 months”
- Weak: “improved a lot,” “doing better,” “many sessions”
- Accessibility:
- Use plain language; describe visuals in a photo caption and alt text.
- Avoid text-only images; ensure color contrast and link clarity.
Metadata to Include in Story
- Byline: “Story by [Your Name/Title]”
- Photo caption: “[Brief, non-identifying description]”
- Alt text: “[Descriptive alt text for accessibility]”
INTERNAL DOCUMENTATION (Do not publish; provide after the story)
Consent & Privacy Checklist
- Consent on file: [YES/NO/DATE]
- Reviewed by participant: [YES/NO/PENDING]
- Anonymization applied: [Pseudonym used; locations generalized; partners generalized; other]
- Composite story: [YES/NO – if YES: composite of X participants; approved by [Leader/Director]]
- Minor safeguards (if applicable): [Caregiver consent date; photo restrictions; school generalized]
- Approved channels: [Newsletter/Website/Social/Grant/All]
- Accessibility checks: [Reading level; alt text included; caption provided; links verified]
If Information Is Missing (use this single protocol)
- Insert clearly marked placeholders in the story (e.g., [PLACEHOLDER – QUOTE NEEDED], [PLACEHOLDER – METRIC]).
- Then list 3–5 precise follow-up questions to resolve gaps.
EXAMPLE SNIPPET (for reference; adapt style to your Tone/Channel)
Headline: Building Confidence, One Recipe at a Time
Hook: When James first visited our culinary training kitchen, he hadn’t worked in a professional setting. Four months later, he’s prepping 200 meals a day at a neighborhood café.
Before: After several moves, James wanted steady work but lacked recent references. “I knew I could work hard, but I didn’t know where to start,” he says. Online applications went unanswered.
The Intervention: Through our 16-week Culinary Pathways program, James trained four days a week in knife skills, food safety, and kitchen operations. He worked with a job coach, received bus passes, and completed a paid internship at a partner restaurant. He was part of a cohort of 22 participants last year.
After: James earned a food handler’s certificate and three references. Within two weeks, he accepted a full-time prep cook role. He maintained 100% attendance for 90 days and received a raise in month three.
Quote: “I’m not just earning a paycheck—I’m building a career. I feel proud when I plate meals that people enjoy.”
Call to Action: Your support funds training, coaching, and paid internships. Donate monthly at [link].
NOW GENERATE THE STORY
Using the information I provide in the Input Format above, create the impact story that follows all requirements. If data is missing, use the placeholder protocol and include 3–5 clarifying questions at the end.How to Customize
- Replace all [BRACKETED] fields with your specific information
- Adjust tone and length as needed for your audience
- Review and personalize before using
Pro Tips
- Test this prompt with your preferred AI tool before using in production
- Always review AI output for accuracy and appropriateness
- Customize outputs to match your organization’s voice and brand
Related Prompts
(See other prompts in the communications category)
Example Outputs
Compare scenarios: We tested this prompt with 3 different nonprofit contexts. Each scenario shows outputs from GPT-5, Claude, and Gemini. Select a model above each scenario to compare.
Small Community Org
A neighborhood-based youth food justice nonprofit in an urban setting, focused on hands-on learning and community markets.
View scenario details
1) Headline (8–12 words, benefit-focused) Paid Garden Apprenticeship Helps Jay Grow Skills and Leadership
2) Hook (25–40 words) Before the season, Jay wasn’t sure how to turn an interest in food into real experience. Twelve weeks later, Jay applies new skills in [N/A: school/home/community] and sees a path to leadership in food justice.
3) Before: The Challenge (60–80 words) Jay cared about climate and food access but had limited chances to practice those values in daily life. With school and family responsibilities, paid opportunities were hard to find. Jay wanted hands-on learning, a paycheck, and a team. “I wanted to do something real, not just read about it,” Jay shared in intake notes. When a counselor mentioned the Roots & Routes Youth Garden Apprenticeship, Jay chose to apply to build skills, meet peers, and contribute to healthier food in the neighborhood.
4) The Intervention (80–100 words) Jay joined Roots & Routes’ 12-week paid apprenticeship focused on garden work and food justice leadership. Staff and trained volunteers led [N/A: frequency] sessions covering soil health, composting, crop planning, and community outreach. The program provided [N/A: supports such as transit stipends/snacks/gear] and connected apprentices to [N/A: partner organizations]. Jay was part of a cohort of [N/A] youth from across [N/A: city/region]. In addition to garden hours, Jay completed workshops on advocacy, resume building, and public speaking. Last year, Roots & Routes served [N/A] teens through seasonal cohorts.
5) After: The Outcome (80–100 words) Jay put new knowledge to work right away. Over the season, Jay [N/A: completed X sessions with Y% attendance], [N/A: harvested X pounds of produce for community distribution], and [N/A: earned $X in stipends]. Jay also [N/A: earned a food safety or leadership credential] and co-led [N/A: number] volunteer workdays. By week 12, Jay could plan a bed from seed to harvest, speak with visitors about food access, and train newer apprentices. These achievements reflect Jay’s commitment: showing up on time, practicing skills, and taking initiative during market days and garden builds.
6) Direct Quote(s) (2–4 sentences each) N/A.
7) Call to Action (1–2 sentences) Help more local teens gain paid, hands-on skills in food justice. [N/A: Donate, volunteer, or refer a student at LINK.]
Byline Story by [N/A: Your Name/Title]
Photo caption A teen apprentice tends a raised bed during a spring garden workday.
Alt text Gloved hands harvest leafy greens from a raised garden bed; other teens work in the background at a community garden.
INTERNAL DOCUMENTATION (Do not publish)
Consent & Privacy Checklist - Consent on file: YES (2025-04-18) - Reviewed by participant: PENDING - Anonymization applied: Pseudonym used; locations generalized; partners generalized - Composite story: NO - Minor safeguards (if applicable): [N/A or add caregiver consent date if Jay is a minor] - Approved channels: [N/A: Newsletter/Website/Social/Grant] - Accessibility checks: Reading level (8th–9th grade); alt text included; caption provided; links [N/A] not verified
Follow-up questions to resolve gaps 1) Please provide 2–3 specific, numeric outcomes (e.g., sessions attended with % attendance, pounds harvested/distributed, stipend total, credentials earned). 2) Share 1–2 direct quotes from Jay (2–4 sentences each) and confirm review/approval for this story. 3) Confirm the target audience, channel, and preferred tone (FORMAL/WARM/CASUAL). 4) Provide city/region and program details: weekly schedule, supports offered (transit, meals, gear), partners, cohort size, and annual teen reach. 5) Provide the desired call-to-action and link (donate, volunteer, refer, learn more).
AI Evaluation Details (Score: 3.2/10)
The AI failed to use the detailed input data provided in the scenario, instead generating placeholder text throughout despite having complete information including specific metrics, quotes, program details, and metadata. This makes the output unusable without extensive manual editing, defeating the purpose of the template.
- • Correctly identified Jay as a minor and applied appropriate privacy safeguards in the internal documentation
- • Maintained dignity-centered language principles (avoided deficit framing, used active voice)
- • Properly structured the story with all required section headers and appropriate word counts
- • Generated thoughtful follow-up questions that would be useful if data were actually missing
- • Critical failure: Did not extract or use the comprehensive data provided in the scenario values (outcomes: 100% attendance, 165 lbs harvested, $480 stipend, 16 market shifts, cooking demo for 20 residents)
- • Ignored both direct quotes that were explicitly provided in the input
- • Left essential metadata as [N/A] despite having complete information (byline: Lina Morales, location: West Oakland, link provided, etc.)
- • Generated a vague, placeholder-heavy story requiring 5 follow-up questions when all necessary information was already supplied
- • The hook contains an awkward [N/A: school/home/community] insertion that breaks readability
- • Tone is somewhat formal/generic rather than the requested CASUAL tone appropriate for social media
- • Would require complete rewriting to be usable, making the template ineffective for its stated purpose of streamlining nonprofit storytelling
Mid-Size Professional Org
A regional workforce development nonprofit in rural Appalachia serving adult learners through certified training and employer partnerships.
View scenario details
1) Headline (8–12 words) Digital skills open remote work pathways for Marisol’s next step
2) Hook (1–2 sentences; 25–40 words) Marisol wanted steady work she could do from home in her rural community, but pathways felt unclear. After eight weeks with Tech Steps, she now uses new digital skills to pursue entry-level remote roles.
3) Before: The Challenge (60–80 words) Before enrolling, Marisol searched for roles that didn’t require a long commute. She used a smartphone daily but felt unsure on a laptop and online tools needed for remote jobs. Job postings asked for skills she hadn’t practiced yet. She wanted a clear plan and peer support to stay motivated. She also managed [N/A: schedule or caregiving responsibility], which made flexible training important. She chose Tech Steps to build confidence and learn what remote employers expect.
4) The Intervention (80–100 words) Marisol joined Tech Steps, an eight-week digital skills bootcamp designed for rural jobseekers seeking entry-level remote work. Over eight weeks, she participated in instructor-led training [N/A: frequency], hands-on practice, and job-search support focused on remote-ready resumes and applications. She worked with a career coach to set goals and track progress. The program provided [N/A: supports such as device loan, internet stipend, childcare, or transportation] so participants could focus on learning. She advanced alongside a cohort of [N/A] peers; last year, Tech Steps served [N/A] rural jobseekers across the region through partner sites and virtual delivery.
5) After: The Outcome (80–100 words) By graduation, Marisol completed [N/A: number] sessions with [N/A: %] attendance and earned [N/A: credential or badge]. She created a starter portfolio with [N/A: number] sample projects and increased her typing speed to [N/A: WPM]. Within [N/A: timeframe], she applied to [N/A: number] remote customer support or data entry roles and passed [N/A: number] employer skills assessments. She chose next steps that fit her goals, including continued coaching for [N/A: number] weeks while interviewing. She reports stronger confidence navigating online platforms and leading video calls—skills she’s now using to pursue stable, flexible work.
6) Direct Quote(s) (1–2 quotes; 2–4 sentences each) N/A
7) Call to Action (1–2 sentences) For [N/A: donors/funders/community/clients], you can help rural jobseekers access devices, coaching, and industry-recognized credentials. Learn more or get involved at [N/A: link] or contact [N/A: email].
Byline Story by N/A [Your Name/Title]
Photo caption A participant practices on a laptop during a Tech Steps session; face not shown.
Alt text Close-up of hands using a laptop in a classroom; an instructor gestures to a projected screen in the background.
INTERNAL DOCUMENTATION (Do not publish)
Consent & Privacy Checklist - Consent on file: YES (2025-03-22) - Reviewed by participant: PENDING - Anonymization applied: First name only; location generalized; partners generalized - Composite story: NO - Minor safeguards (if applicable): N/A - Approved channels: N/A - Accessibility checks: Reading level targeted (8th–9th grade); alt text included; caption provided; links verified: PENDING
Follow-up questions to resolve gaps 1) Please provide 2–3 concrete outcome metrics with numbers (e.g., sessions attended, attendance rate, credential earned, applications submitted, time to job offer, WPM). 2) Share 1–2 direct quotes from Marisol (2–4 sentences each) that reflect her goals, actions, and results. 3) Confirm target audience, channel, and preferred tone (Formal/Warm/Casual) so we can tailor the call to action. 4) Provide program details: session frequency, key modules/topics, supports offered (devices, stipends, childcare), partner organizations, cohort size, and annual reach. 5) Confirm general location (city/region) and whether “Marisol” is a real first name or a pseudonym; note any additional anonymization needs.
AI Evaluation Details (Score: 2.4/10)
The AI failed catastrophically by ignoring nearly all the detailed input data provided in the scenario. Despite receiving complete information including specific metrics, quotes, program details, and outcomes, it generated a story filled with [N/A] placeholders and requested information that was already supplied. This represents a fundamental failure to process the input.
- • The structural framework follows the template correctly with proper section headers and word count targets
- • Privacy and consent documentation format is appropriate
- • The tone in completed sections leans appropriately formal for a grant report audience
- • Follow-up questions are well-structured and specific (though they shouldn't be needed)
- • Critical failure: Ignored all provided data including outcomes (64 hours, 95% attendance, CompTIA ITF+, $19/hour job, 90-day retention), two direct quotes, program details (8 weeks, 2 evenings + Saturday, 220 annual reach), and participant information
- • Inserted [N/A] placeholders throughout sections 3-7 despite having complete information for all metrics, supports (hotspots, laptops, childcare vouchers), frequency, and outcomes
- • Omitted both provided quotes entirely and marked section 6 as 'N/A' when two substantial quotes were supplied
- • Generated unnecessary follow-up questions asking for information already provided in the scenario (questions 1-5 all request data that was given)
- • The story is completely unusable in its current state—a nonprofit professional would need to manually insert all the provided data, defeating the purpose of the generator
- • Metadata fields (byline, consent date, approved channels) marked N/A despite being provided in the scenario
- • Represents either a severe prompt-following failure or data ingestion error that would undermine trust in the tool
Large Established Org
A citywide, long-standing housing stability nonprofit serving thousands of households annually with legal aid and financial coaching.
View scenario details
1) Headline (8–12 words, benefit-focused) Choosing Stability: Renee Navigates Eviction and Keeps Her Home
2) Hook (25–40 words) When an eviction notice arrived, Renee feared losing her apartment and the routines her family depends on. After partnering with Stability First Eviction Prevention, she understood her rights, created a plan, and stayed securely housed.
3) Before: The Challenge (60–80 words) Renee had lived in her Chicago apartment for years when a sudden rent increase and a delayed paycheck put her behind. A court summons followed, full of deadlines and legal terms she didn’t recognize. She wanted to keep her home, avoid disruption to her family, and protect her work schedule. But each step—responding to the filing, speaking with the property manager, and sorting out overdue amounts—felt confusing and urgent. Renee looked for support that respected her time and built on her strengths.
4) The Intervention (80–100 words) Renee chose to enroll in Stability First Eviction Prevention, a program that combines legal navigation and financial coaching for [X weeks]. She met [weekly/biweekly] with a housing attorney from [Partner: N/A] and a certified financial coach. Together, they drafted her court response, prepared a repair request, and rehearsed what to say in mediation. The program provided [transit passes/childcare stipends] so she could attend sessions, and covered [court/mediation] fees as needed. Renee joined a cohort of [24] renters working toward housing stability; last year, Stability First served [XXX] Chicago households facing eviction.
5) After: The Outcome (80–100 words) Within [60] days, Renee completed [number] coaching sessions and filed all documents on time. She advocated for needed repairs and negotiated a mediated payment plan that reduced arrears by [$ amount] through a one-time grant and spread the balance over [months]. Renee increased income by [X%] by adding [additional shifts/new hours], created a spending plan, and set up automatic payments. She has retained housing for [9] months with [95%] on-time rent since coaching, and built a [two]-month emergency fund—steps she identified and led to safeguard her long-term stability.
6) Direct Quote(s) (2–4 sentences each) N/A
7) Call to Action (1–2 sentences) N/A. Insert tailored CTA for [Audience] on [Channel] with link: [URL].
Byline: Story by Communications Team Photo caption: Renee reviews a lease and budget worksheet with a housing coach at a neighborhood office. (Illustrative image; not Renee.) Alt text: A tenant and a coach sit at a desk reviewing rental paperwork and a budget checklist; faces not shown.
INTERNAL DOCUMENTATION (Do not publish)
Consent & Privacy Checklist - Consent on file: YES (2025-05-09) - Reviewed by participant: PENDING - Anonymization applied: First name only; location generalized to Chicago; partner names generalized - Composite story: NO - Minor safeguards (if applicable): N/A - Approved channels: N/A (pending) - Accessibility checks: Reading level verified; alt text included; caption provided; links N/A
Follow-up questions to resolve gaps 1) Please provide 2–3 concrete outcomes with numbers (e.g., sessions attended, arrears reduced by $, months housed, percent on-time payments, income change). 2) Do we have 1–2 direct quotes from Renee (2–4 sentences each)? If yes, please share; if not, should we schedule a quote check? 3) Who are the delivery partners (legal aid/mediation) we can name publicly, if any? If anonymity is preferred, confirm. 4) Confirm audience and channel (Donors/Funders/Community/Clients; Newsletter/Website/Grant/Social) and share the desired CTA and link. 5) Program details to include: typical duration and meeting frequency, any supports offered (transit, childcare, fee coverage), and last year’s households served.
AI Evaluation Details (Score: 3.2/10)
The AI failed to use the comprehensive data provided in the scenario, instead generating a story filled with placeholders and requesting information that was already supplied. This represents a critical failure in following instructions and processing input data, making the output essentially unusable without significant manual intervention.
- • The structural framework follows the template correctly with appropriate section headers
- • Privacy and dignity-centered language principles are generally observed where content exists
- • The headline is appropriately benefit-focused and within word count
- • Internal documentation checklist format is correct
- • Critical failure: AI ignored nearly all provided data (outcomes, quotes, program details, metrics) and inserted placeholders like [X weeks], [number], [$ amount] despite this information being explicitly provided in the scenario
- • The two direct quotes provided in the scenario are completely missing, replaced with 'N/A' and no placeholder
- • Follow-up questions request information already supplied (outcomes with numbers were provided: payment plan in 14 days, $2,450 arrears reduced, $1,200 assistance, 6 coaching sessions, $800 emergency fund, 12 months on-time rent)
- • Call to Action is missing despite a link being provided in the scenario (https://homepathchicago.org/donate-monthly)
- • Program details section is filled with brackets and placeholders despite comprehensive information being provided (90 days duration, Legal Aid Chicago partnership, transit cards, $3,000 assistance, 3,850 households served)
- • The 'Before' section invents details not in the scenario (rent increase, delayed paycheck) rather than using the provided context about hours being cut
- • Word counts appear incorrect in several sections (Before section exceeds 80 words, Intervention falls short)
- • Byline ignores the provided 'Story by Priya Natarajan, Director of Communications'
- • Photo caption and alt text don't match the provided versions and add unnecessary '(Illustrative image; not Renee)' disclaimer
- • Marks participant review as 'PENDING' when scenario clearly states 'YES'
- • The output would require a nonprofit professional to essentially rewrite it from scratch, defeating the purpose of the AI tool
Test Summary: Generated Nov 2, 2025 • 3 scenarios • 9 total outputs • Average quality score: 1.94/10 • Total validation cost: $0.2084