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If you’re in charge of running a nonprofit organization, you’re probably wearing several not-so-glamorous hats, spinning numerous full plates and stretching dollars like they’re taffy. In short, it’s a challenge. Sit down, put your feet up and browse through these articles that will give you new ideas, practical suggestions, education and support for running your nonprofit in the most efficient way possible. Learn about everything from how to engage your board to updating your mission statement to coping with a changing political climate.
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6 Words Your Nonprofit Uses That Drive Donors Away
Pamela Kilzer on 03/27/2018Some words—which may seem innocent enough—can be detrimental to raising money for your cause. Let’s look at these six words your nonprofit organization uses that drive donors away.
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5 Easy Ways to Attract Millennials to Your Nonprofit
Lisa Thompson on 03/20/2018Smart nonprofits know that a young adult who becomes engaged today could contribute thousands of dollars over their lifetime. The question is, how do you attract this generation & get them to connect emotionally?
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What the #MeToo Movement Means for Your Nonprofit
Jay Wilkinson on 03/07/2018Sexual harassment scandals have rocked high-profile organizations like the Humane Society and the Red Cross in recent months, and are shedding light on how the #MeToo movement is clearly not just a Hollywood issue.
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Why, When and How to Change Your Mission Statement
Pamela Kilzer on 02/13/2018As a nonprofit organization, your mission statement is a valuable component of your purpose. Is it time for your organization to reevaluate your mission statement? We’ll explore the why, when and how of changing it.
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6 Misconceptions About Nonprofits
Pamela Kilzer on 01/30/2018What are some misconceptions society might have about nonprofit organizations, & what can your nonprofit do to better inform outsiders on those myths? Fear not, these misconceptions are simply that—misconceptions.
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Nonprofit Management: Diversifying Your Board of Directors
Pamela Kilzer on 01/23/2018Establishing a board of directors sets a foundation for the future. Diversifying your nonprofit’s board means more than having a good mix of people—it means taking intentional steps toward diversity in your leadership.
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7 Major Benefits of Nonprofit Collaboration
Pamela Kilzer on 12/19/2017Nonprofit collaboration allows various organizations to join together and make even bigger strides in bettering their community and improving the world. Here are seven major benefits of nonprofit collaboration.
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4 Critical Elements For Your Year-End Appeal Letter
Josh Gregg on 12/14/2017We design, print and mail year-end appeals every year, and we know the pressure facing nonprofit pros. We recommend you focus on these four things for appeals that, well, appeal.
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Why Networking Matters for Your Nonprofit
Pamela Kilzer on 12/12/2017Networking builds relationships between individuals, businesses and yes—even nonprofit organizations. So why are building these relationships important? Consider these five notions about the value of networking.
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How to Use Surveying to Improve Your Nonprofit
Pamela Kilzer on 11/28/2017When your nonprofit uses surveys to reach out to potential and current constituents, you gain insight into what supporters look for and the success of your programs. Because what can be measured can be managed.
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How to Ask for Exactly What Your Nonprofit Needs
Pamela Kilzer on 11/21/2017How can you walk the line of gently—but honestly—telling constituents exactly what you need from them? Today we dive in and learn the art of asking for what your nonprofit needs starting with your organization’s story.
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10 Ways to Continue Your Education for Free
Jay Wilkinson on 10/10/2017If you’re interested in growing professionally but your nonprofit doesn’t have the funds to support continuing education, no worries—here are ten ways you can keep learning and growing without forking over loads of cash.
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Four Things to Consider Before You Forge a New Partnership for Your Nonprofit
Dana Ostomel on 08/29/2017Many companies want to give back to their communities for a variety of reasons, and they often look for nonprofits to partner with. Your organization could be the perfect one for a business or corporation in your community.
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Sharing Wellness in Your Nonprofit
Pamela Kilzer on 08/22/2017How can your nonprofit organization make sure the staff and volunteers feel supported as well as appreciated? When it comes to caring for mind and body at work, protecting yourself and your staff becomes essential.
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Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Next Conference
Lisa Thompson on 08/08/2017The key to attending a conference is to get the most you can out of each event. Here are five ways to get more than just some cool swag out of your next conference while investing time & energy and engaging with strangers.
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Should Your Nonprofit Take a Stand on Current Issues?
Pamela Kilzer on 06/27/2017A lot of gray area exists when it comes to controversial topics. What can your nonprofit say or not say? Should your nonprofit even get involved? Learn about some of the pros & cons that can come along with taking a stand.
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How Fake News Impacts Your Organization
Travis Eubanks on 06/20/2017Instead of waiting to defend your cause, telling and showing your audience the facts and scientific evidence before they are bombarded with false information can help prepare them to dispel any fake news they may come across.
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Working with University Students to Get Marketing Help
Mardi Elwood on 06/06/2017College students are eager and ready to not only give you ideas to help you grow your nonprofit, but learn things from you as well. Here are a few benefits that come with working with universities to get marketing help.
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How to Find Your Organization’s Voice
Lisa Thompson on 03/21/2017Whatever voice your nonprofit organization adopts for messaging, here are some best practices for communication. Follow these to connect with your constituents. It plays a significant role in how people view your charity.
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How Writing a Book Can Help Your Nonprofit
Jay Wilkinson on 02/28/2017Have you ever thought about writing a book? Writing & publishing has never been easier. It’s not an overnight venture, but it isn’t as difficult as you may imagine thanks to self-publishing, e-books & on-demand printing.
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Starting a Nonprofit: Which Type Will You Be?
Jay Wilkinson on 02/14/2017The United States has more than 1.6 million nonprofit organizations. There are many sub-groups under the nonprofit umbrella, if you’ve ever considered starting such an organization, it’s good to know a about what they are.
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Six Ways to Help Your Nonprofit Adjust to a New Political Climate
Lisa Thompson on 02/08/2017Every national, state & local election has the potential to impact communities & nonprofit organizations. To best prepare for what’s ahead, there are some things you can do to be proactive to protect your nonprofit’s interests.
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How to Motivate and Engage Your Board of Directors
Pamela Kilzer on 01/24/2017It can be easy to let your nonprofit board fall to the wayside and become stagnate. How can you get your trustees more involved? Here are some ways to motivate and engage your organization’s board of directors.
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Tragedy and Crisis: How Your Nonprofit Should Respond to Bad News in the World
Lisa Thompson on 12/06/2016Social media provides an opportunity for brands to express everything from outrage to sympathy when innocent lives are lost and terrible things happen to good people—should you add your voice to the crowd or be silent?
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How to Create a Style Guide for Your Nonprofit
Lisa Thompson on 11/29/2016It’s more important than ever that your communications be consistent in both look & feel. You want your audience to identify your brand at a glance & recognize your voice quickly, or you may get lost in the crowd.
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How to Make Your Next Meeting Less Painful
Jay Wilkinson on 11/22/2016Organizational meetings may be considered necessary, but what if you could make them a force for good? Some workplaces have taken steps to up the value of their meetings & get their team excited about gathering together.
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How to Help Your Donors Reject the Overhead Myth
Jay Wilkinson on 11/15/2016Believe it or not, the overhead myth still exists, and people who donate or are thinking of donating still scrutinize nonprofits organizations, wondering what percentage of their gift actually goes toward the “cause.”
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Six Questions to Ask Before You Start a Nonprofit
Jay Wilkinson on 10/25/2016If you’ve considered starting your own nonprofit organization, you should know Firespring has your back—we’re in the business of equipping nonprofits to carry out their mission and spread the word about their cause.
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Creating a Checklist to Plan Your Events
Pamela Kilzer on 10/11/2016When it comes to raising funds for your nonprofit organization, successful fundraising events provide a substantial contribution. Following these tips to help your events run smoothly, gain constituents & raise donations.
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4 Simple Things to Keep Volunteers Coming Back
Kelsey Varisco on 06/21/2016With how much work it takes to attract dedicated volunteers, what can we do to ensure they keep coming back? Here are three simple things you can do to make a great first impression and increase volunteer retention.
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Blurred Lines: How Nonprofit Organizations & For-Profit Corporations Can Both Impact Our World
Jay Wilkinson on 06/17/2016The line between nonprofit organizations and for-profit corporations used to be very clear. With the rise of benefit corporations and Certified B Corps, the two worlds are melding together now more than ever before.
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First Steps to Developing a Volunteer Management Process
Kelsey Varisco on 06/14/2016Volunteers play a critical role in event success and regular programming for nonprofits. Developing a strong volunteer management process can enable your organization to make a bigger impact on your community.
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How to Craft a Concise Mission Statement
Lisa Thompson on 05/24/2016An effective mission statement is even more important now than ever. When you consider writing (or rewriting) your nonprofit’s mission statement, please make sure to remember to keep these three elements in mind.
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How to Prepare to Make a Big Ask
Jay Wilkinson on 05/13/2016Even if you’ve done enough fundraising to feel comfortable soliciting money, there’s still something about “the big ask” that can cause a few butterflies. Before you reach out to your donor, ask yourself these three questions.
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How to Create a Marketing Persona for Your Nonprofit
Lisa Thompson on 05/10/2016Personas are not something you create for the outside world—they’re a tool you use behind the scenes to understand your target audience and how to motivate them to support your organization. Here’s how to begin.
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How to Build Your Board of Directors
Jay Wilkinson on 04/29/2016Whether you’re starting a nonprofit or in the process of rebuilding your board, choosing the right board members is crucial to your success. Let’s look at the who, what and whys of putting together your board of directors.
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4 Things I Learned About Storytelling That Helped My Literacy Nonprofit Make an Even Bigger Difference
Kelsey Varisco on 04/26/2016When nonprofits use storytelling, it illustrates progress and serves as a public declaration of identity. In 2015 at my literacy nonprofit, I learned four ways storytelling greatly helped our program improve and succeed.
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Does Your Nonprofit Need a Rebrand?
Lisa Thompson on 04/15/2016Marketing can convince someone to give you a donation; branding will determine whether or not that person becomes a donor for life. Here are four reasons most nonprofit organizations go through a rebranding process.
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Eight Ways to Create a Culture On Purpose
Jay Wilkinson on 04/12/2016Each nonprofit has a unique culture, but if you don’t take intentional steps to create a culture you want, you may end up with one you don’t want causing attrition. Purposefully create the right culture with these eight steps.
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Complainers Gonna Complain And Why That Can Be Good for Your Nonprofit
Lisa Thompson on 03/28/2016Try as you may, it’s impossible to please everyone—there will always be people who issue a complaint about your cause or organization. But this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Here’s the upside to having online critics.
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Five Ways to Make Your Nonprofit More Trustworthy
Lisa Thompson on 02/22/2016Even if you feel like you’re doing all you can to earn your donors’ trust, there may be a few simple steps you can take to go the extra mile. Here are five ways to instill confidence and make your constituents proud to support you.
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How to Find a Story Worth Telling
Lisa Thompson on 02/18/2016One of the most powerful marketing tools for nonprofits is a great story. Follow these five simple guidelines for finding a story that not only engages and inspires, but also supports the message you want the world to hear.
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3 Easy Ways to Build Relationships with Your Volunteers
Randy Hawthorne on 01/21/2016In planning for your next big giving season, it’s easy to forget the volunteers who provide vital services and bring passion to your nonprofit. Here are three tactics to show volunteers their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.
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Three Ways to Become a Thought Leader
Jay Wilkinson on 12/01/2015Positioning yourself as a thought leader means when you share your views on issues you champion, your opinions are taken as authoritative and influential. Here are three items to focus on regarding thought leadership.
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Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Privacy Policy (and what to include)
Lisa Thompson on 11/02/2015It’s important to position yourself as a safe and trusted organization. Your privacy policy cannot be an afterthought—it needs to be prominent and written so the average user can understand it without hiring a lawyer.
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How to Find Your Brand’s Voice and Make Sure It Gets Heard
Lisa Thompson on 10/08/2015Content marketing gives your nonprofit a voice in the noisy online world. The question is, does your audience recognize it? The voice that you write in plays a significant role in how people view you.
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How to Build Your Nonprofit’s Culture (One Brick at a Time)
Randy Hawthorne on 08/18/2015Company culture isn’t just for startups and businesses; it’s a fundamental part of every nonprofit’s DNA. Your culture helps to define your brand and, in part, determine the type of people who should be part of your organization.
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How to Manage Your Nonprofit’s Online Reputation
Jay Wilkinson on 08/13/2015Like it or not, what other people think about you matters. While you can’t prevent negative reviews, you can take control of your brand’s online rep.
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How Nonprofits Can Master the Art of Storytelling
Posted by Josh Gregg on 05/27/2015Most great stories begin with “once upon a time” and end with “happily ever after,” because every good story captivates its audience, takes them on an unforgettable journey and leaves the reader with a sense of closure and satisfaction—and your nonprofit’s approach to storytelling shouldn’t be any different.
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Google For Nonprofits: Make The Most of Google Grants
Ashley Kumpula on 05/20/2015You might be surprised to find out that Google, the mother of all search engines, has a program specifically created for nonprofit organizations. Google for Nonprofits includes a free membership and access to Google Grants, which provides nonprofits with $10,000 per month to advertise on Google.com.
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Three Steps to Becoming a Thought Leader in Your Field
Posted by Jay Wilkinson on 05/18/2015We hear the term “thought leader” thrown about often, but what does it really mean? Here’s a definition I like: Someone whose views on a subject are authoritative and influential.
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Celebrating International Grant Professionals Week
Posted by Jay Wilkinson on 03/16/2015For International Grant Professionals Week we’re giving a shout-out to celebrate the work of grant professionals who serve as administrators, consultants, managers, grant makers and writers for nonprofits worldwide.
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The Fallacy of Nonprofits Doing More with Less
Posted by Jay Wilkinson on 02/10/2015This fallacy has cost far too many organizations too much money. It’s based on misdirected thinking that says you should make marketing decisions based on cost, not on value, and focuses on the price tag, not the return on investment.
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Nonprofit Website Mistakes: The Problem with Failing to Research and Plan
Posted by Jay Wilkinson on 12/22/2014I understand how difficult it is for a nonprofit organization to do a proper amount of planning and research. Budgets are tight, resources are limited, your staff is small—I get that. But planning and research is crucial before building a new nonprofit website.