Nonprofit Tech for Good

JULY 14, 2014

'The following is an excerpt from Mobile for Good: A How-To Fundraising Guide for Nonprofits. In 2013 the number of nonprofits that hired part-time or full-time new media managers increased fourfold. As nonprofits have gotten better at implementing multichannel communications and fundraising campaigns and improving their tracking and reporting systems, many nonprofits have come to the conclusion that creating a paid part- or full-time new media manager position is worth the financial investment

Management 111

Management Public and Nonprofit Management Nonprofits Technology 111

Fundraising Coach

JULY 29, 2014

'Today it''s my pleasure to share with you a post on finding new donors for your nonprofit. A few weeks ago, Bob McCarthy and I were emailing about the formulas to look at when getting new donors. So I asked him to write a blog post about it! Read it both to learn the formulas and to pick up the language of the direct mail industry. Bob is a direct response/direct mail copywriter and consultant.

Fundraising 108

Fundraising Fundraising Marketing Marketing 108

The Agitator

JULY 16, 2014

'On Monday we reported on the American Cancer Society (ACS) and its project over the past year to re-examine the role of direct mail in its fundraising program. ACS is committed to a sophisticated multi-channel marketing approach, in which direct mail remains a key work horse, and in which the full potential value of each donor (financial and otherwise) is recognized.

Activism 107

Activism Values Marketing Marketing 107

Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog

JULY 10, 2014

'Here’s yet another great example of how remaking your tired old traditional annual report into something more modern can reap great rewards. Paula Watson-Lakamp, Communications Manager at Poudre River Public Library District , shared how they pared down their 32-page (!!) annual report into an infographic that created more member engagement, especially on social media.

Public and Nonprofit Management 99

Public and Nonprofit Management Nonprofits Communication Management 99

Nonprofit Marketing Blog

JULY 1, 2014

'Editor’s note: I’m pleased to introduce Network for Good’s Chief Giving Officer, Jamie McDonald , as a contributor to The Nonprofit Marketing Blog. Jamie will be sharing her insight on philanthropy and trends in giving, as well as updates from the field. During this year’s Millennial Impact Forum (also known as MCON), thousands of leaders in philanthropy, social enterprise, and technology joined together for two days of inspiration from our next generation of leaders.

Social Enterprise 92

Social Enterprise Social Enterprise Participation and motivation Culture 92

Getting Attention

JULY 16, 2014

'Since 1996, Karla Capers has been working for advocacy organizations, figuring out ways to use the internet to raise visibility for progressive issues, engage people in campaigns, and try to make the world a better place. Note from Nancy: I came upon Karla’s terrific guidance for re-engaging folks on the Progressive Exchange list serv, and got her permission to repost here.

Activism 80

Activism Values Marketing Marketing 80

Nonprofit Tech for Good

JULY 27, 2014

'At long last a mobile app has launched that allows Americans to easily donate to any U.S.-based nonprofit in just a few taps. By partnering with Guidestar and Network for Good , donors can now give to their favorite nonprofits and manage their giving portfolio in one simple, very smart mobile app called the Give App. Launched on July 13, donors search the GuideStar database inside the app for their favorite nonprofit, enter their credit card information which is then stored for all future donat

Fundraising 110

Fundraising Fundraising Nonprofits Management 110

The Agitator

JULY 15, 2014

'In Part 7 of our Barriers to Growth series, I noted that the inability or unwillingness to take a hard and realistic look at an organization’s fundraising potential represents a significant barrier to meaningful growth. Why?

Fundraising 103

Fundraising Fundraising Nonprofit Management Management 103

Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog

JULY 14, 2014

'Lindsay J.K. Nichols. Here’s the latest installment in our series on the “Day in the Life” of nonprofit communicators, where we ask you to describe your day in your own words. Lindsay J.K. Nichols is the senior director of marketing and communications for GuideStar , a nonprofit that powers philanthropy and is widely considered the leading source of nonprofit information.

Communication 93

Communication Social Entrepreneurship Philanthropy Entrepreneurship 93

Nonprofit Marketing Blog

JULY 25, 2014

'Wine and cheese tasting. Fancy dinner. Reception. What do all these events have in common? They are generic. Any nonprofit can host these events. They are not special to your donors. They are not especially meaningful. To paraphrase Lynne Wester, The Donor Relations Guru, in our popular Nonprofit 911 webinar : Donors gave you money. They can buy themselves dinner.

Fundraising 74

Fundraising Fundraising Nonprofits 74

Getting Attention

JULY 9, 2014

'Guest blogger Tom Furtwangler manages digital communications and social media for a large international development nonprofit based on the west coast. There’s a headline arms race on the web these days. Upworthy’s “curiosity gap” approach to click-enticing headlines is now widely imitated and even parodied. You know what I mean: those “You won’t believe…” headlines that we don’t believe anymore.

Nonprofits 77

Nonprofits Communication Marketing Marketing 77

Nonprofit Tech for Good

JULY 6, 2014

'Each time @NonprofitOrgs reaches a 100K-follower benchmark, Nonprofit Tech for Good donates to various nonprofits. It’s a way to give back, but its also a system used to periodically review how nonprofits are innovating their online giving process. In this last round of donations – $25 to 28 nonprofits ($700 for reaching 700K followers), some progress has been made since the last round of donations made at 600K followers.

Communication 108

Communication Fundraising Fundraising Nonprofits 108

Fundraising Coach

JULY 15, 2014

'Here''s a short video explaining one of the most important aspects of fundraising: shutting up. When you''ve done all the researching, engaging, and you''ve just made the ask.the decision is out of your control. And that''s ok. In my fundraising training , I recommend picturing Mr. T at this moment. He''ll help keep you from confusing your donor and losing money for you nonprofit.

Fundraising 104

Fundraising Fundraising Nonprofits 104

The Agitator

JULY 24, 2014

'Agitator readers know I have this obsession with online video. Only yesterday I was writing about it. Sooner or later, one of you will take me to task and tell me to get over it already. But every time I get ready to wax eloquent over putting the donor at the center of fundraising, or testing subject lines in your email appeals, or upping your retention game, another online video comes along and I’m back in the rut.

Retention 101

Retention Communication Fundraising Fundraising 101

Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog

JULY 8, 2014

'Leili Khalessi. I’ve had a wonderful time getting to know Leili Khalessi over the last six months as she participated in our Communications Director Mentoring Program. I think I learned as much from the experience as she did! I see too many nonprofit communications directors who are treated like gophers, or the catch-all dumping grounds for work no one else in the office wants to do.

Culture 85

Culture Leadership Communication Marketing 85

Nonprofit Marketing Blog

JULY 16, 2014

'At this week’s Social Media for Nonprofits conference in Washington, DC, Avi Kaplan , Director of Online Strategy for Rad Campaign , challenged organizations to think about how they can break through the noise on social media when we live in a BuzzFeed world. Avi says the key to standing out is to focus on the right audience in the right context with awesome content.

Collaborations 74

Collaborations Universities Management Nonprofits 74

Getting Attention

JULY 30, 2014

'Freelance communications strategist Jeremy Porter shares his knowhow in his e-newsletter , his blog (where this article first appeared) and via Twitter. For people to care about global warming it needs to be made relevant. This guide shows the language that’s simple and uncontroversial. In Nebraska, there’s a father thinking about his children’s health and education.

Health 75

Health Food Associations Communication 75

Mission Minded

JULY 7, 2014

'People don’t like to talk about competition in the nonprofit world. Competition suggests a dog-eat-dog fight to the finish that would have one valuable nonprofit entity edging another out of the marketplace. Instead, we want to see do-gooders working nicely together to collaboratively accomplish shared goals, but typically this line of thinking leads nonprofit leaders […].

Collaborations 74

Collaborations Marketing Marketing Nonprofits 74

Fundraising Coach

JULY 28, 2014

'Fundraising training has never been more affordable! You may have already heard the news: The Fundraising Coach will now be directing The Nonprofit Academy! And I couldn''t be more thrilled!! Started by Kirsten Bullock, The Nonprofit Academy has become one of the most affordable venues for ongoin fundraising training. In addition to the monthly webinars, members have access to monthly members-only calls, a members only forum, and the entire Online Vault.

Fundraising 102

Fundraising Fundraising Nonprofits 102

The Agitator

JULY 21, 2014

'I seem to have accumulated a number of email related articles in — where else — my email in-box, so here’s a bit of a clean-out. First, a good overview of how your emails are being opened. This study from Campaign Monitor , which looked at 1.8 billion opens (be sure to check out the ‘Read More’), actually credits ‘only’ 41% of email opens to mobile devices.

Marketing 101

Marketing Marketing Fundraising Fundraising 101

Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog

JULY 30, 2014

'Laurel Dykema. When we get stuck for blog post ideas, it’s nice to have Laurel Dykema around to step in for us with her great posts. If you don’t have a Laurel in your life, try these story starters to get your ideas flowing. ~Kristina. Guest Post by Laurel Dykema of Mission India. A blinking cursor. A blank page. You have a new great story to write—about someone your nonprofit has helped.

Poverty 82

Poverty Communication Marketing Marketing 82

Nonprofit Marketing Blog

JULY 2, 2014

'Pressure. You feel it. I feel it. Every nonprofit communicator and fundraiser out there feels it. Social media pressure, that is. Whether the source of this anxiety (Am I keeping up? Do I have a billion Facebook likes or Twitter followers? Is my Instagram strategy driving action?) is your immediate boss, board chair, or colleague in programs, it’s there.

Marketing 72

Marketing Marketing Communication Fundraising 72

Getting Attention

JULY 8, 2014

'Please post your open nonprofit marketing positions here. Administrative Assistant, The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County (San Luis Obispo, CA). Communications Officer , The Raikes Foundation (Seattle, WA). Digital Engagement Officer , International Rescue Committee. (New York, NY). Digital Marketing Specialist , The Harwood Institute (Bethesda, MD).

Nonprofit Administration and Development 72

Nonprofit Administration and Development Marketing Marketing Foundations 72

Care2

JULY 8, 2014

'This is our final installment of Nonprofit 2.0 keynotes. In the last couple of weeks, we were able to recap Majora Carter and Craig Newmark. And we finally have the workshop session notes up for you to check out. Michael Smith, the Director of the White House''s Social Innovation Fund , spoke to the Unconference after lunch. His topic? Be Fearless.

Nonprofits 75

Nonprofits Culture 75

iMarketSmart

JULY 25, 2014

'1. Have an announcer point out who among the attendees is already in the Legacy Society (ask permission first). 2. Mention, “if you are wondering what legacy giving is all about, it’s easy, just ask me or a Legacy Society Member.” 3. Put check boxes asking if the invitee has already left a gift or might consider doing so on the response forms (such as RSVP’s). 4.

Fundraising 65

Fundraising Fundraising 65

The Agitator

JULY 2, 2014

'I have no idea how much traction the CNN story on the New York Attorney General’s settlement will get. Nor whether it will trigger any, many or no donor inquiries to your organization or your clients. Nonetheless, good Boy Scout that Tom is, I’ve adopted his motto: “Be Prepared.” So, here’s some Agitator advice on dealing with the question of fundraising costs and ethics.

Ethics 101

Ethics Fundraising Fundraising Nonprofit Management 101

Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog

JULY 9, 2014

'We’ve added another advice and tips page to the website – this one covers online fundraising. So whether you are just getting started with raising money online or if you are looking for more advanced ideas, we’ve got you covered. Haven’t accepted online donations before? We’ll show you where to start with getting your website and email list in shape.

Public and Nonprofit Management 80

Public and Nonprofit Management Fundraising Fundraising Management 80

Nonprofit Marketing Blog

JULY 14, 2014

'(Part two in our series on the Millennial Impact Project). Millennials: A powerful force for change. Earlier this month, I shared my perspectives on the 2014 Millennial Impact Report and MCON14. Hopefully, that post got you thinking about how Millennials are shaping our culture and social sector in profound new ways. As a refresher, this is a summary from Derrick Feldmann , President of Achieve, on the growing significance and power of Millennials: Approximately 80 million Millennials live in t

Culture 70

Culture Leadership Energy Recruitment 70

Getting Attention

JULY 22, 2014

'Please post your open nonprofit marketing positions here. Communications Associate , Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation (Princeton, NJ). Communications & Policy Director , American Forest Foundation (Washington, DC). Communications Director , Rebuild by Design (New York, NY). Communications Director , William Mitchell College of Law (Saint Paul, MN).

Marketing 70

Marketing Marketing Healthcare Law 70

NonProfit Hub

JULY 16, 2014

'As nonprofits we’re often focused on the difficulties we face on our end—logistics, recruiting, finding jobs suited for each volunteer’s unique set of skills, etc. But we tend to overlook the difficulties volunteers face when trying to get involved with a NPO. In understanding what aspects of volunteerism frustrate them the most, perhaps you’ll have better luck at finding them.

Volunteerism 70

Volunteerism Volunteerism Recruitment Management 70

Care2

JULY 16, 2014

'Nonprofits have been able to track gather important data about their audiences interactions with their website via Google Analytics. Facebook pages have also offered some insightful data on audience engagement. Twitter has been a bit late to the party, providing very limited data unless you invested in their ad platform. Just recently however Twitter rolled out their mew Analytics platform, making it accessible to everyone.

Communication 65

Communication Nonprofits 65

The Agitator

JULY 29, 2014

'Look no further than how strategy is typically thought of by most nonprofits and their consultants and you’ll quickly understand why poor or no strategy is a major barrier to growth. First, what a meaningful strategy that leads to growth is NOT. Strategy that leads to growth is NOT asking three different copywriters to draft three versions of a renewal series.

Retention 99

Retention Associations Management Fundraising 99

Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog

JULY 23, 2014

'You know that donor-centered communications are vital to getting and keeping your supporters. During the coaching and feedback sessions for our fundraising writing e-clinics with Tom Ahern , he uses this little trick to instantly see how many times nonprofits address the supporter specifically by seeing how many times they use the word “you” in their writing.

Communication 80

Communication Fundraising Fundraising Nonprofits 80

Nonprofit Marketing Blog

JULY 30, 2014

'As of September 2013, 73% of online adults use social networking sites. If your nonprofit isn’t active on at least one social network, now is the time to get moving! A quick Google search will provide you with tons of best practices and tips for using social media but in this video , you’ll find that I stuck to actionable tips that go beyond the latest fad or algorithm to help your nonprofit excel (and have fun) with social media.

Activism 69

Activism Nonprofits 69

Getting Attention

JULY 29, 2014

'Please post your open nonprofit marketing positions here. Communications Manager , Central Asia Institute (Bozeman, MT). Communications Manager , Grace Place for Children and Families (Naples, FL). Communications Manager , Out & Equal Workplace Advocates (San Francisco, CA). Communications Operations Manager , Public Policy Institute of California (San Francisco, CA).

Public and Social Policy 70

Public and Social Policy Public and Nonprofit Management Public Policy Marketing 70

NonProfit Hub

JULY 31, 2014

'Steven Shattuck is VP of Marketing at Bloomerang. As a HubSpot Certified inbound marketer, he is a contributor to Nonprofit Hub, National Council of Nonprofits, Ragan, Social Media Today, Search Engine Journal, The Build Network, HubSpot, Content Marketing Institute and Business2Community. Steven has spoken at national and local conferences, and is frequently interviewed by media outlets for his expertise in digital marketing. _.

Recruitment 69

Recruitment Volunteerism Volunteerism Public and Nonprofit Management 69

Care2

JULY 29, 2014

'What do nonprofits need to get more comfortable and adept at using digital fundraising and engagement tools? And how can funders help build their capacity to do that? These are the questions that the Public Interest Projects —an intermediary that works with hundreds of donors and their grantees working on social justice issues had in mind when they conducted their survey with more than 400 nonprofits and 100 grantmakers.

Foundations 65

Foundations Technology Activism Fundraising 65