Management & Operational Advice
Branding Nonprofits: Six Steps to Branding like a Business
Not too long ago, my marketing director and I realized our organization needed a branding makeover. We needed to enhance our external perception of the organization that captured our purpose, mission and values. And with our 50th anniversary fast approaching, we realized the time was ripe for a stronger brand identity. We first began by […]
Mixing Oil and Water: Social Media and Nonprofits
Social media and nonprofits often feel like oil and water. While there are some amazing examples of how to engage potential donors and activists through social networks (KONY and Charity Water come to mind), smaller organizations without massive media budgets continue to struggle. While an organization may have limited resources, time, or be older and […]
Nonprofit News
Fundraising Tips – How to Target Businesses for Donations
The business community is an excellent source of funds for nonprofit organizations. Develop a strategy for asking for funds from businesses 1) Identify businesses in your community Get lists from your Chamber of Commerce. (Joining the Chamber is a good idea.) Include businesses which are employers of board members of other volunteers Include all businesses […]
How To Create An Effective Social Media Campaign For a Nonprofit Organization
Creating a social media campaign for a non-profit organization can be a daunting task. As a twenty-five year fundraising veteran, I am all too familiar with the challenges that face those who have to develop and launch a social media campaign that will generate new donors and consistent funds being raised. It is key to […]
Nonprofit News & Opinions
Improving Programs of Nonprofit Organizations
One essential technique to assure that your nonprofit agency is excellent is to take numerous steps to make certain every program is excellent. Here are some steps: I. Budgeting Make sure every program has a current and accurate budget. All agency receipts and expenditures would be allocated to each program. For example, if a secretary […]
Tough Economy Calls for Innovation, Nonprofits Raising Funds with Online Thrift Stores
There is a Ford dealership that just celebrated being in business for one hundred years. Quite an accomplishment when one considers how many tight economic times they had to go through to still be thriving. But anyone that visits their showroom can see the secret to their success and longevity. One entire wall is dedicated […]
Nonprofits Need to Have an Excellent Board
Every nonprofit organization should start with an excellent board. First, gather a group of individuals who share the same passion in the mission of the agency. It does not make a difference whether the group feeds the hungry, shares investment strategies or produces plays. Every single board member must believe in the importance of the […]
Crisis Management – Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best
There are very few certainties among charities and NGO’s, but one thing that’s just as sure as 990 filings is that at some point, some time, your group will face a crisis. Perhaps a spokesperson or executive said something ill-advised and it got picked up, or maybe a staffer made a mistake. These things happen […]