The Pixar Formula: How Great Storytelling Fuels Fund-A-Need Success

There’s no set checklist for running a successful Fund-A-Need appeal. Every cause is different, every audience is unique, and every event has its own energy. But there is one universal truth of fundraising: great storytelling is the key to success.

A Fund-A-Need isn’t just about asking for donations—it’s about taking your audience on an emotional journey. Whether it’s a heart-wrenching story of struggle or an uplifting tale of perseverance, the goal is to move people to give. The moment when the auctioneer says, “Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t know about you, but I am moved beyond all measure of empathy for this organization and the incredible work they do. Who will open the bidding with a generous donation in the amount of $10,000?” - for that moment to be poignant - you need to pull out the big guns. 

There is no bigger gun than the master of emotion himself - Walt Disney.

If you’ve ever watched a Pixar or Disney movie, you’ve experienced the power of masterful storytelling. These films grip your heart from the very beginning, pulling you into the characters’ struggles and keeping you invested for the full journey—because you need to see how it ends.

This formula isn’t only for Hollywood to employ. It’s the exact blueprint you should follow for a compelling Fund-A-Need appeal.

Every great emotional story follows a simple structure:

1. A bright beginning – Life is good.
2. A sudden disaster – A problem disrupts everything.
3. A struggle for redemption – The hero faces obstacles and hardship.
4. A glimmer of hope – A turning point that hints at victory.
5. A triumphant ending – The hero overcomes the struggle, and all is well.

The most important point here is that a compelling Fund-A-Need story must end with hope. No matter how emotional or heartbreaking the journey, donors need to see that their contributions will create real change. If the story ends in despair—with no solution, no redemption—people won’t feel inspired to give. They’ll feel helpless.

This is why Disney movies always end on a high note. Finding Nemo doesn’t conclude with Marlin losing his son forever. Snow White wakes up. Ratatouille’s rats escape and live their dreams. Audiences at a Fund-A-Need appeal should feel the same, leaving feeling uplifted and inspired. Even for the most difficult causes, such as hospice care, the focus is on dignity and comfort, not just loss. Donors want to know their dollars make a difference—whether by funding research, providing shelter, or changing a life.

Charles Revson, founder of Revlon, famously said, “I sell hope in a bottle.” That’s exactly what a Fund-A-Need appeal must do: sell hope, inspire action, and leave donors feeling confident they’ve contributed to something valuable and meaningful.