Expert insights. Personalized for you.
Addressing negative online comments about your nonprofit – something that every single nonprofit social media manager has had to deal with at one point or another. . Do we have to address them or can we just delete them? The short answer to dealing with negativity online? . MORE
You can get clarity on important elements of your work processes, like who needs to be consulted and who has the final decision, using a simple roles and responsibilities framework. This person has information or resources needed by “R” to complete the work. MORE
Sometimes, bad things happen to good organizations. Because of this, even the best-run nonprofits need to have a crisis communications plan. But you can be ready to respond quickly and appropriately. Here’s how: Create a crisis team. Be ready to move quickly. MORE
In our sector, week in and week out it seems there is a new “hot topic” to be focused on. Artificial intelligence, donor-centricity, peer-to-peer giving, the list goes on and on. The growth in charitable giving to (and from) DAFs is remarkable (and indisputable). MORE
I LOVE goal-setting – and then making an action plan to CRUSH my goals – and the New Year is one of the best times to do it! Getting out brightly colored markers and a new calendar makes me happy, just as when I got my back-to-school supplies as a child! MORE
Usually those entities want the general public to use their logo, etc, as such use can mean free publicity. But the fact is, almost any organization that took the time to develop a color scheme, logo, or other materials also worked with their design consultants to develop a style guide. MORE
So I made the decision to go with “line” based on a Google Trends search. When we revamped our blog categories earlier this year, I used Google Trends when I was waffling about which terms to use. Have you used Google Trends to settle an argument about word choices? MORE
After months of talking about his desire to get an opinion piece published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, he achieved his goal. Even when you post to a seemingly friendly venue, anonymous commenters are often ready to pounce. And some of them will want to challenge you. MORE
You want others to get the word out about you and your cause. You want them to be talking about you. Everyone wants to know how to make that happen. If your message doesn’t resonate with your audience, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done to that point. To get people talking about you (in a good way), your message needs to be both talkable” and “walkable.” MORE
Being a brand new feature, Facebook is trying to make Stories easier to share and more appealing to their users. So in order to fully take advantage of this new feature, nonprofits need to get their communities to create Fundraisers on their behalf. MORE
So I found this article by Gail Perry to be very enlightening. In it, she explains how to tackle the delicate process of annual gift solicitation of board members. Interestingly, the key to the solicitation happens behind the scenes. But you’ll really want to check out her article because she also includes some “DON’Ts” that you will want to read. Show them why they need to give. Click to tweet! MORE
One of my first questions for any new nonprofit client is: How good is your data? I’m not asking if they have data, but how good is it? As a marketer, I want to build communication strategies that are founded on research and real insights from everyday donors. Rachel Clemens. MORE
Jim Collins, author of the best-selling book Good to Great , has three big recommendations for all organizations: Get the right people on the bus. I think nonprofits tend to fail when it comes to “getting the right people in the right seats.” Attend to needs. MORE
We are often trying to accomplish many different things with nonprofit content, and depending on the goal and the intended reader, the style of writing will change. That’s why we’ve assembled some great advice from professional editors about how to coach writers in the workplace. MORE
When resources are limited and pressure is high, it’s easy to fall into bad habits with our communications. This is especially true in the nonprofit world, where communicators are constantly having to raise enough money to keep the lights on while also achieving the mission. MORE
Every communications director has a to-do list a mile long, and it gets longer every day. What’s the secret to keeping that list in check? It’s all about creating a workflow for ideas BEFORE they make it onto your editorial calendar or to-do list. MORE
But your work as a nonprofit communicator is essential to your nonprofit’s success. And it’s time for you to prove it by showing them what actually works (and what doesn’t). Join us tomorrow and learn how to prove how essential your work is during our next two-part webinar series: Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Communications Work. One of the only webinars on this topic that truly got to the heart of this work.” MORE
Here’s one big point from the interview I figured you’d want to read (in case you don’t have time to listen to the whole thing). Getting to know your supporters is a humongous key to success. How many minutes they spend on a certain page. MORE
Forge Your Path to Success with a Professional Development Plan. Join us this Thursday for our next BUDGET-FRIENDLY webinar: For Nonprofit Communications Staff Only: How to Create Your Professional Development Plan. How to Rate Your Own Skills. How to Set Goals. MORE
I believe this has led many nonprofits to focus instead on continuously acquiring more donors. Simply stated, it’s easier for a staff member to sign another purchase order to send out more junk mail or to blast out more spam than to engage deeply with their current donor base. MORE
It keeps getting harder for nonprofits to get news coverage — particularly in local markets where media organizations are slashing their reporting staffs and shrinking their news holes. If you’re looking to grab some headlines before the end of the year, you need to act soon. MORE
In January, Inside Philanthropy interviewed legendary fundraiser Jerold Panas to discover his secrets of attracting wealthy supporters. Go in person to get the most generous contributions. Avoid dining with donors in restaurants; they make it hard for you to focus on them. Bring two, three, four or more to meetings with donors as long as they have something to add. Remember to ask. Related Posts: >>The Rule of 7 vs. 3 to 1 Fundraising. >>Is MORE
How many times did you get distracted already today? It’s no secret that we need to communicate quickly, briefly and on point to grab the attention of folks in a near constant stage of distraction. For most of us, the answer is “not as much as I would like to.”. MORE
According to the Wall Street Journal , people put their wealth in lots of places, but not in liquid assets. So it makes sense to aim in that direction. So, here are 3 simple strategies to help you fish where the fishing is good: 1. Most money is not cash. MORE
A post shared by ACLU (@aclu_nationwide) on Apr 30, 2019 at 4:43pm PDT So don’t use “we have nothing to photograph” as an excuse to ignore Instagram. The post How to Rock Instagram without Photos appeared first on Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog. MORE
It’s very important to us that you take care of yourself. You have people to help and planets to save! And for more tips on how you can better handle the end of the year, read the articles below. They Don’t Have to Stress Out Your Team by Jennifer Moss. MORE
You know how to brand a nonprofit. While delivering your mission and trying to control expense. While … Continue reading → CONTEXT: Tricks, Tips & Taboos PROTECTION: Guarding & Repairing Brands Uncategorized brand management brand protection crisis communications cutting costs how to brand nonprofit management nonprofit morale nonprofit stewardshipIn today’s economy, protecting that brand is equally important. MORE
In the world of for-profit businesses there are myriad books , webinars , and even conferences you can attend to help you become a “process” master. Yet, when it comes to nonprofit organizations the literature is fewer and farther between. How to improve or implement a new process. MORE
Looking at it this way means that everything that happens with the donor is strategically and relationally knitted together to create a major gift pipeline since the end objective is to serve a donor’s passions and interests in a manner that encourages them to give to their potential.” MORE
There’s a ton of information out there about how to ask for a donation. So I thought I’d help with what I believe is the simplest way to prep for your next big ask. Possibly talk to your friends about your answers (the experienced and successful ones). MORE
We recently had this question pop up on our All-Access Pass Holder’s private Facebook Group: “How do you respond to negative or misinformed reviews of your organization on Facebook? Do you respond to each one? I invite them to a personal dialog. MORE
But there are times when your in-house resources simply aren’t enough and you need to hire some outside help. But it doesn’t have to be. Without the right help, you run the risk of damaging your nonprofit’s reputation and its ability to raise money. MORE
Here’s what’s happening at Nonprofit Marketing Guide this month: Online Training: October 5: How to Create a Thank-You Video for Supporters Before Thanksgiving with Kivi Leroux Miller. Learn everything you need to create a great thank-you video just in time for Thanksgiving. MORE
Do you want to raise more money and connect with more supporters this year on the global day of giving, #GivingTuesday? This year #GivingTuesday is December 3, and it’s never too early to start planning for a successful campaign! MORE
Yes, it may seem like a shiny new object to chase around. 2) In a landscape of stagnant social media platform growth and engagement, Instagram Stories (where the Donation Sticker lives) continue to be a marketing beacon of hope. This is the wrong question to ask. MORE
Are you struggling to inspire your readers? You need to write like you’re in a conversation as opposed to a lecture. Who wants to be lectured to? Like it or not, the world just isn’t as formal as it used to be. Does it sound natural to you? MORE
This is a great way to help our board members (and staff) remember each important step in the solicitation process. Maybe mention how the money was spent or what difference it made. S – Story – Tell a story that talks about an area of interest to your donor. MORE
To go from plain ol’ content to content marketing, you need to do two things: First, put that content into a format that people will find attractive and relevant. Second, use that content to further your marketing objectives. You put out a lot of content, but you are really just talking to the same people all the time. How could you change the format of that content to attract new people? Or 3 Steps to Take When. ? MORE
We are very excited to have donor research expert Adrian Sargeant join us for a brand new webinar this month on donor loyalty. Adrian will show you the latest research and findings from the world of donor retention and how you can apply it during a BRAND NEW WEBINAR you won’t want to miss: How to Build Donor Loyalty: Lessons from Testing and Research. He knows how to increase the lifetime value of your donor database. MORE
Over 10 years ago, when I sold direct marketing services and printing to nonprofits in the DC region, I made a huge sign and put it above my cubicle’s desk to ensure that I’d read it each morning. Why the only thing to fear is fear itself. I know, change is hard. MORE
Fundraising expert Tom Ahern believes that the answer may be as simple as not having a marketing plan to ask for those bequests. A simple plan might include: Writing a vision statement that lets donors know how their bequest will help the organization for future generations. MORE
When Cathy White shared with our Mentoring Program participants the collaborative process she went through to create her communications strategy, I knew other communications directors would be interested in hearing about it too. Taking the Next Draft Back to the Teams. MORE
This week I’ve spent several days working over our marketing metrics here at Nonprofit Marketing Guide, especially related to email engagement. But to really connect your email engagement to your bigger organizational goals, you need a lot more information. MORE
One of our nonprofit clients just landed a great opportunity to appear live on a cable network to talk about her organization’s mission. I’m confident she’s going to do a great job. As with most forms of communication, you want to avoid using jargon. MORE
How To Related Topics Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JANUARY 9, 2020
When Cathy White shared with our Mentoring Program participants the collaborative process she went through to create her communications strategy, I knew other communications directors would be interested in hearing about it too. Taking the Next Draft Back to the Teams.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
So I made the decision to go with “line” based on a Google Trends search. When we revamped our blog categories earlier this year, I used Google Trends when I was waffling about which terms to use. Have you used Google Trends to settle an argument about word choices?
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
MAY 15, 2019
A post shared by ACLU (@aclu_nationwide) on Apr 30, 2019 at 4:43pm PDT So don’t use “we have nothing to photograph” as an excuse to ignore Instagram. The post How to Rock Instagram without Photos appeared first on Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
APRIL 25, 2019
After months of talking about his desire to get an opinion piece published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, he achieved his goal. Even when you post to a seemingly friendly venue, anonymous commenters are often ready to pounce. And some of them will want to challenge you.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JANUARY 23, 2020
Sometimes, bad things happen to good organizations. Because of this, even the best-run nonprofits need to have a crisis communications plan. But you can be ready to respond quickly and appropriately. Here’s how: Create a crisis team. Be ready to move quickly.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
One of our nonprofit clients just landed a great opportunity to appear live on a cable network to talk about her organization’s mission. I’m confident she’s going to do a great job. As with most forms of communication, you want to avoid using jargon.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
DECEMBER 9, 2019
It’s very important to us that you take care of yourself. You have people to help and planets to save! And for more tips on how you can better handle the end of the year, read the articles below. They Don’t Have to Stress Out Your Team by Jennifer Moss.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
APRIL 10, 2019
You want others to get the word out about you and your cause. You want them to be talking about you. Everyone wants to know how to make that happen. If your message doesn’t resonate with your audience, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done to that point. To get people talking about you (in a good way), your message needs to be both talkable” and “walkable.”
iMarketSmart
JUNE 27, 2018
Over 10 years ago, when I sold direct marketing services and printing to nonprofits in the DC region, I made a huge sign and put it above my cubicle’s desk to ensure that I’d read it each morning. Why the only thing to fear is fear itself. I know, change is hard.
iMarketSmart
NOVEMBER 2, 2016
So I found this article by Gail Perry to be very enlightening. In it, she explains how to tackle the delicate process of annual gift solicitation of board members. Interestingly, the key to the solicitation happens behind the scenes. But you’ll really want to check out her article because she also includes some “DON’Ts” that you will want to read. Show them why they need to give. Click to tweet!
iMarketSmart
AUGUST 4, 2017
Jim Collins, author of the best-selling book Good to Great , has three big recommendations for all organizations: Get the right people on the bus. I think nonprofits tend to fail when it comes to “getting the right people in the right seats.” Attend to needs.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
OCTOBER 24, 2018
We are very excited to have donor research expert Adrian Sargeant join us for a brand new webinar this month on donor loyalty. Adrian will show you the latest research and findings from the world of donor retention and how you can apply it during a BRAND NEW WEBINAR you won’t want to miss: How to Build Donor Loyalty: Lessons from Testing and Research. He knows how to increase the lifetime value of your donor database.
iMarketSmart
FEBRUARY 8, 2016
There’s a ton of information out there about how to ask for a donation. So I thought I’d help with what I believe is the simplest way to prep for your next big ask. Possibly talk to your friends about your answers (the experienced and successful ones).
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
OCTOBER 24, 2019
When resources are limited and pressure is high, it’s easy to fall into bad habits with our communications. This is especially true in the nonprofit world, where communicators are constantly having to raise enough money to keep the lights on while also achieving the mission.
iMarketSmart
DECEMBER 16, 2015
I believe this has led many nonprofits to focus instead on continuously acquiring more donors. Simply stated, it’s easier for a staff member to sign another purchase order to send out more junk mail or to blast out more spam than to engage deeply with their current donor base.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
FEBRUARY 27, 2019
But there are times when your in-house resources simply aren’t enough and you need to hire some outside help. But it doesn’t have to be. Without the right help, you run the risk of damaging your nonprofit’s reputation and its ability to raise money.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
APRIL 23, 2019
We are often trying to accomplish many different things with nonprofit content, and depending on the goal and the intended reader, the style of writing will change. That’s why we’ve assembled some great advice from professional editors about how to coach writers in the workplace.
J Campbell Social Marketing
JANUARY 13, 2020
Addressing negative online comments about your nonprofit – something that every single nonprofit social media manager has had to deal with at one point or another. . Do we have to address them or can we just delete them? The short answer to dealing with negativity online? .
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
OCTOBER 16, 2018
But your work as a nonprofit communicator is essential to your nonprofit’s success. And it’s time for you to prove it by showing them what actually works (and what doesn’t). Join us tomorrow and learn how to prove how essential your work is during our next two-part webinar series: Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Communications Work. One of the only webinars on this topic that truly got to the heart of this work.”
iMarketSmart
DECEMBER 5, 2019
In our sector, week in and week out it seems there is a new “hot topic” to be focused on. Artificial intelligence, donor-centricity, peer-to-peer giving, the list goes on and on. The growth in charitable giving to (and from) DAFs is remarkable (and indisputable).
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
OCTOBER 25, 2018
It keeps getting harder for nonprofits to get news coverage — particularly in local markets where media organizations are slashing their reporting staffs and shrinking their news holes. If you’re looking to grab some headlines before the end of the year, you need to act soon.
J Campbell Social Marketing
OCTOBER 18, 2019
Being a brand new feature, Facebook is trying to make Stories easier to share and more appealing to their users. So in order to fully take advantage of this new feature, nonprofits need to get their communities to create Fundraisers on their behalf.
iMarketSmart
JUNE 14, 2017
According to the Wall Street Journal , people put their wealth in lots of places, but not in liquid assets. So it makes sense to aim in that direction. So, here are 3 simple strategies to help you fish where the fishing is good: 1. Most money is not cash.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
OCTOBER 24, 2017
Every communications director has a to-do list a mile long, and it gets longer every day. What’s the secret to keeping that list in check? It’s all about creating a workflow for ideas BEFORE they make it onto your editorial calendar or to-do list.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
MARCH 5, 2018
Forge Your Path to Success with a Professional Development Plan. Join us this Thursday for our next BUDGET-FRIENDLY webinar: For Nonprofit Communications Staff Only: How to Create Your Professional Development Plan. How to Rate Your Own Skills. How to Set Goals.
J Campbell Social Marketing
NOVEMBER 1, 2019
Do you want to raise more money and connect with more supporters this year on the global day of giving, #GivingTuesday? This year #GivingTuesday is December 3, and it’s never too early to start planning for a successful campaign!
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
MARCH 7, 2018
One of my first questions for any new nonprofit client is: How good is your data? I’m not asking if they have data, but how good is it? As a marketer, I want to build communication strategies that are founded on research and real insights from everyday donors. Rachel Clemens.
iMarketSmart
JULY 21, 2017
In January, Inside Philanthropy interviewed legendary fundraiser Jerold Panas to discover his secrets of attracting wealthy supporters. Go in person to get the most generous contributions. Avoid dining with donors in restaurants; they make it hard for you to focus on them. Bring two, three, four or more to meetings with donors as long as they have something to add. Remember to ask. Related Posts: >>The Rule of 7 vs. 3 to 1 Fundraising. >>Is
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
OCTOBER 2, 2017
Here’s what’s happening at Nonprofit Marketing Guide this month: Online Training: October 5: How to Create a Thank-You Video for Supporters Before Thanksgiving with Kivi Leroux Miller. Learn everything you need to create a great thank-you video just in time for Thanksgiving.
J Campbell Social Marketing
DECEMBER 16, 2019
I LOVE goal-setting – and then making an action plan to CRUSH my goals – and the New Year is one of the best times to do it! Getting out brightly colored markers and a new calendar makes me happy, just as when I got my back-to-school supplies as a child!
Getting Attention
MAY 17, 2016
How many times did you get distracted already today? It’s no secret that we need to communicate quickly, briefly and on point to grab the attention of folks in a near constant stage of distraction. For most of us, the answer is “not as much as I would like to.”.
iMarketSmart
JULY 27, 2016
Here’s one big point from the interview I figured you’d want to read (in case you don’t have time to listen to the whole thing). Getting to know your supporters is a humongous key to success. How many minutes they spend on a certain page.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JUNE 6, 2018
Are you struggling to inspire your readers? You need to write like you’re in a conversation as opposed to a lecture. Who wants to be lectured to? Like it or not, the world just isn’t as formal as it used to be. Does it sound natural to you?
J Campbell Social Marketing
MAY 1, 2019
Yes, it may seem like a shiny new object to chase around. 2) In a landscape of stagnant social media platform growth and engagement, Instagram Stories (where the Donation Sticker lives) continue to be a marketing beacon of hope. This is the wrong question to ask.
Non Profit Marketing 360
AUGUST 14, 2012
Usually those entities want the general public to use their logo, etc, as such use can mean free publicity. But the fact is, almost any organization that took the time to develop a color scheme, logo, or other materials also worked with their design consultants to develop a style guide.
NonProfit Branding
MAY 1, 2012
You know how to brand a nonprofit. While delivering your mission and trying to control expense. While … Continue reading → CONTEXT: Tricks, Tips & Taboos PROTECTION: Guarding & Repairing Brands Uncategorized brand management brand protection crisis communications cutting costs how to brand nonprofit management nonprofit morale nonprofit stewardshipIn today’s economy, protecting that brand is equally important.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
MAY 4, 2017
You can get clarity on important elements of your work processes, like who needs to be consulted and who has the final decision, using a simple roles and responsibilities framework. This person has information or resources needed by “R” to complete the work.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
FEBRUARY 21, 2019
To go from plain ol’ content to content marketing, you need to do two things: First, put that content into a format that people will find attractive and relevant. Second, use that content to further your marketing objectives. You put out a lot of content, but you are really just talking to the same people all the time. How could you change the format of that content to attract new people? Or 3 Steps to Take When. ?
A Small Change
JULY 22, 2014
This is a great way to help our board members (and staff) remember each important step in the solicitation process. Maybe mention how the money was spent or what difference it made. S – Story – Tell a story that talks about an area of interest to your donor.
iMarketSmart
SEPTEMBER 25, 2019
In the world of for-profit businesses there are myriad books , webinars , and even conferences you can attend to help you become a “process” master. Yet, when it comes to nonprofit organizations the literature is fewer and farther between. How to improve or implement a new process.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
MAY 7, 2015
We recently had this question pop up on our All-Access Pass Holder’s private Facebook Group: “How do you respond to negative or misinformed reviews of your organization on Facebook? Do you respond to each one? I invite them to a personal dialog.
iMarketSmart
NOVEMBER 2, 2018
Looking at it this way means that everything that happens with the donor is strategically and relationally knitted together to create a major gift pipeline since the end objective is to serve a donor’s passions and interests in a manner that encourages them to give to their potential.”
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
SEPTEMBER 5, 2018
Fundraising expert Tom Ahern believes that the answer may be as simple as not having a marketing plan to ask for those bequests. A simple plan might include: Writing a vision statement that lets donors know how their bequest will help the organization for future generations.
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