Nonprofit Marketing And Communications
Uncover the keys to impactful marketing and compelling communications with our extensive collection of educational videos–tailored to meet the needs of nonprofits. Immerse yourself in learning about effective branding, content strategy, social media engagement, and beyond. Each of these lessons, guided by seasoned nonprofit professionals, will provide you with a deeper understanding of the unique marketing landscape nonprofits navigate, and equip you with practical skills to communicate your mission convincingly. You’ll learn how to amplify your organization’s voice and make it resonate with potential donors, volunteers, and the communities you serve. Dive deep into topics like creating inspiring narratives, building influential marketing campaigns, and leveraging the digital world to reach broader audiences.
Learn how United Way leverages partnerships to annually reclaim tens of millions in refunds for San Diegans, dramatically impacting lives by providing stability, reducing stress, and fostering community strength.
This lively chat with Nancy Sasaki, CEO of United Way of San Diego County, is about the transformative power of financial literacy. Nancy explains how United Way recognized financial stability as essential for community health. She begins with, “Financial security helps people feel stable and secure, and the pandemic clearly showed how critical this is.”
Discussing their extraordinary collaborative effort through the Earned Income Tax Credit coalition with over 45 organizations, Nancy speaks to the surprising reality for underserved communities: “People who don't make much money often don’t think they'll get taxes back, but they absolutely can.”
This enlightening conversation brilliantly connects community needs, financial empowerment, and nonprofit innovation.
#FinancialLiteracy #CommunityImpact #UnitedWay
In this conversation we speak with Marty Bird, Director of Marketing at JMT Consulting, about successful nonprofit conference marketing strategies. Marty reveals insights from 16 years of organizing "Innovate," a premier event bringing together nonprofit finance professionals.
The conversation explores how JMT has strategically evolved its conference over time, leveraging partnerships and innovative marketing to position itself as a thought leader in nonprofit finance. This fast-paced dialog, with host Julia Patrick, provides a robust blueprint for nonprofits seeking to reinvigorate their event strategies post-pandemic.
Emphasizing the importance of networking at in-person conferences, Marty shares, "The networking opportunities are endless...finance professionals can discuss personally with us or with their peers; they don’t feel so alone."
Marty speaks to the significance of careful sponsor selection and the meticulous matching of clients with relevant sponsors, to enhance the experience for everyone involved. He also talks about the value of hiring experienced event planners and staying agile to adapt content to industry changes, saying, "We're giving them permission to talk to one another—to relate—and sometimes that's all it takes with introverted individuals."
If you’re thinking or planning an ‘in-person’ event or conference, you’ll want to pay close attention to Marty’s savvy advice!
#NonprofitEvents #ConferenceMarketing #nonprofitmarketing
Ever wonder what happens when creativity, heart, and savvy branding come together? Julia ‘Patrick’ and Kay ‘McDonald’ team up on Saint Patrick’s Day to deliver a spirited exploration of nonprofit cause marketing, shining a spotlight on the sparkling world of Charity Charms. As Julia quips, "What do you get when you have a McDonald and a Patrick coming together on Saint Patrick's Day? This is gonna be a barn burner!" True to her words, this conversation will ignite a spark of inspiration for you.
Kay McDonald, founder and CEO of Charity Charms, ‘charmingly’ explains her innovative approach: turning nonprofit logos into wearable stories that connect supporters, nonprofits, and businesses. She highlights, "We encourage the charity to align with a corporation to underwrite their program," demonstrating the mutual benefits of purposeful collaboration. Julia adds, "As a business owner, we're always looking for ways we can align ourselves to things we believe in."
From binary bracelets teaching STEM to young girls with the Dottie Rose Foundation, to empowering domestic violence survivors alongside Arizona Facial Plastics, Kay’s partnerships prove that branding can be both powerful and purposeful.
Together, Julia and Kay dive into the essentials of strategic alignment, contracts, branding benefits, and the evolving expectation that businesses must contribute meaningfully to social good. Packed with humor, wit, and actionable insights, this session will charm anyone passionate about partnering business with social impact.
#CauseMarketing #NonprofitInnovation #PurposeBranding
Are you ready to transform your nonprofit’s social media game—even if you have limited time, minimal staff, and an already overflowing plate? In this sparkling conversation, host Julia Patrick sits down with Kate Myers Emery, Senior Digital Communications Manager at Candid.org, to pull back the curtain on how to leverage sparse resources for maximum impact. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the endless “content beast,” Kate offers an exciting new approach: treat your existing material like an all-you-can-eat buffet—select bite-sized pieces, repurpose them creatively, and share them repeatedly with fresh twists. After all, most of your audience never even sees your post the first time around!
Throughout this episode, Kate explains that social media isn’t just about flashy graphics or catchy captions—data matters, and so does careful experimentation. She walks us through how Candid systematically tests new platforms (like TikTok or Threads), sets clear goals for each experiment, and decides whether the return on investment is worth the time and mental bandwidth. By adopting this mindset, you’ll never again feel pressured to be everywhere all at once. Instead, you’ll have the freedom to focus on what truly moves the needle for your unique organization.
One of the biggest revelations? “You need to repeat because 93% of them didn’t see it the first time around.” By embracing repetition—and giving yourself permission to repost your best content—your nonprofit can spark deeper engagement and cultivate a more informed, motivated supporter base. Kate’s insights and success prove you don’t need a massive staff or a full-time social media guru to excel; all you really need is creativity, consistency, and a willingness to learn from your experiments.
Now is the time to revamp your strategy and turn your social media channels into powerful storytelling tools. Whether you’re aiming to boost donations, recruit volunteers, or simply raise awareness, this discussion is packed with actionable tips that will help your NPO stand out from the digital noise. Dive in and discover how “less” can truly be “more” when it comes to nonprofit social media!
Nonprofits, take note: Crisis is not a possibility; it’s an inevitability. And when it hits, your communication strategy can either reinforce your credibility or destroy it. In this powerhouse conversation, Kiersten Hill, Director of Nonprofit Solutions at FireSpring, lays out an unfiltered, practical, and downright essential playbook for crisis communication.
Let’s be clear: saying “No comment” is the worst move you can make. As Kiersten puts it, “The last thing you ever want to say is ‘no comment.’ It automatically makes you look guilty.” Instead, she urges organizations to take control, acknowledge the situation, and craft a response that is strategic, transparent, and mission-driven.
Beyond just reacting, Kiersten emphasizes that proactive communication with board members, donors, and the public is the best defense against misinformation and panic. She champions a mindset shift: invest more in marketing and communication during a crisis, not less! If your instinct is to cut budgets and go silent, you’re setting yourself up for long-term damage.
For every nonprofit leader out there, this is a must-watch. Because let’s face it—crises don’t wait for you to be ready.
#CrisisCommunication #NonprofitLeadership #nonprofitComms
How do you transform a simple document into a powerful storytelling tool that inspires donor action? That’s exactly what cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall tackled on this week’s Fundraisers Friday episode on How to Use Case Studies in Fundraising.
Case studies aren’t just dry reports filled with data; they are dynamic narratives that celebrate an organization’s impact. As Tony put it, “A case study is a celebration of the work and the accomplishments of your organization.” Rather than seeing them as another bureaucratic task, nonprofits should recognize them as strategic storytelling tools that capture purpose, execution, and impact.
The fast-paced conversation highlights the importance of humanizing data with powerful testimonials—from clients, volunteers, or even city officials—adding credibility and emotional depth. Julia points to this shift in nonprofit storytelling: “The sense was if you don’t have images of devastation, you won’t light a fire under anyone—but now we’re seeing hopeful, positive images of impact.”
Another key takeaway you’ll find? Who owns the case study? While some organizations leave this to research teams, Tony emphasized the role of marketing in crafting an engaging, visually compelling narrative. Plus, if nonprofits lack resources, they can partner with universities, business associations, and even SCORE (Gov’t agency) to leverage external expertise.
The duo wrapped up with a powerful call to action: case studies aren’t just about the past—they should be forward-thinking tools that drive engagement, build donor trust, and inspire action. Whether used for grant applications, board reports, or major donor conversations, these documents must prove why the organization’s work matters.
In the dynamic world of nonprofit fundraising, where digital tools and transactional techniques often dazzle, Sherry Quam Taylor sounds a clarion call back to the essentials—deep, transformational relationships. As we roll into 2025, Sherry delivers a message to fundraisers to ‘refocus on the fundamentals of building meaningful donor connections, rather than chasing the latest tech-driven trends’.
Throughout this compelling conversation with host Julia Patrick, Sherry dissects the misconceptions of modern fundraising, emphasizing that while technology and events have their place, they shouldn’t overshadow the power of one-on-one relationships. Too many nonprofit professionals, she warns, have become "glorified admin fundraisers," trapped by the allure of automation and transactional efficiency at the cost of real genuine engagement.
"We want 50 to 75% of your annual revenue coming from relationships," Sherry offers up . . . "Donors give their best gift because of relationships, not because of flashy campaigns."
She challenges NPO leaders to analyze their time and effort allocation, pushing for more data-driven decision-making when it comes to fundraising events. One interesting case study she describes, revealed that less than 20% of a gala’s revenue came from outside donors, prompting the NPO to take a hard look at their ROI.
Continuing, Sherry introduces a powerful paradigm shift—leveraging brand authority on platforms like LinkedIn to attract mid-to-major-level donors. "We can’t hide anymore. Our donors need to see us as the thought leaders we are," she says.
You’ll agree that Sherry’s insights can push the sector toward a more sustainable, relationship-centered fundraising model, so that nonprofits not only survive but thrive in the coming years.
What happens when data, dedication, and passion collide? A revolution in nonprofit impact measurement! Host Julia Patrick welcomes Adam Luecking, CEO and co-founder of Clear Impact, for an unprecedented live reveal of the 'Social Sector Hero' of the Year 2025!
After months of evaluating 60+ nominees from 15+ countries, they announce a game-changing leader in social impact-- the well-deserved winner is FurnitureBank.org!
Dan Kershaw, the Executive Director, and his team, redefine what it means to create lasting change, ensuring that homes become more than just four walls—they become spaces of dignity and comfort.
Furniture Bank not only provides essential home furnishings but also promotes sustainability by diverting thousands of pounds of furniture from landfills each year. Their impact is immediate and tangible—donated items are often placed in homes within 72 hours, making a real difference in the lives of families, refugees, and individuals transitioning out of homelessness. As Dan puts it: "It’s about creating a home, not just housing."
Adam elaborates on the importance of Furniture Bank’s measurable impact: "Their impact was clear and compelling, and the data showed their transformative outcomes for those they serve." Dan highlights the often-overlooked issue of furniture poverty: "The need for food banks is well known, but who thinks about furniture banks? The type of poverty we address happens behind closed doors."
This recognition of Furniture Bank showcases the power of data-driven decision-making in the nonprofit sector. Adam describes how ‘Clear Impact Scorecard’ equips organizations like Furniture Bank with tools to measure success, refine strategies, and communicate their results effectively.
It’s a testament to how data-driven strategies can revolutionize nonprofit success, proving that numbers tell a powerful story—one of hope, transformation, and measurable impact. Watch, learn, and be inspired! And maybe apply for the award next year for your nonprofit?
In the world of nonprofits, the journey often begins with a single moment—an unexpected turn that forever alters the trajectory of one's life. For Karen Olson, founder and CEO Emeritus of Family Promise, that moment came when she reached out to a homeless woman outside Grand Central Station with a simple act of kindness—a ham and cheese sandwich and a heartfelt conversation. That exchange illuminated a path she had never envisioned, leading her from a corporate marketing career to a life dedicated to addressing family homelessness in America.
In this recent conversation with host Julia Patrick, Karen shares how an impulse to connect with a stranger ultimately transformed not only her own life but also the lives of countless families across the country. "I knew at that point I had crossed an invisible line," she recalls. "I’d always wanted to help people, but I wasn’t sure how. Meeting Millie changed that—I saw her humanity, and it moved me to action."
That action led to FamilyPromise.org, an organization that now spans nearly 200 affiliates nationwide, providing critical support services, housing solutions, and volunteer-driven assistance to families experiencing homelessness. But as Karen shares, homelessness is often misunderstood. "For many people, homelessness is the man lying on the subway grate or the woman pushing a shopping cart," she explains. "But actually, 35% of all people experiencing homelessness are members of families—and they are invisible."
Through Family Promise, Karen has harnessed the power of small acts of kindness, demonstrating how even the simplest gestures—like an early-morning latte given by a volunteer to a struggling mother—can have profound effects. "You never know how people can be moved by small acts of kindness," she reflects . . . . . "That’s what changes lives."
Karen’s story serves as both a call to action and a reminder: Change does not require grand gestures—it begins with recognizing another’s humanity, taking that first step, and allowing purpose to unfold.
Rather than focusing on overdone predictions, this conversation unveils groundbreaking insights about donor trust and the role of AI and influencers in the sector. In this compelling episode discussing unexpected trends shaping nonprofit fundraising, host Julia Patrick welcomes Melaina Chromy, Senior Manager of Brand Marketing at Bloomerang.
They begin with AI's increasing prevalence. As Melaina starts with, "Over half of all nonprofits in the U.S. are using AI to write and inform their digital fundraising." While AI offers immense efficiencies, it also presents challenges. A third of donors hesitate to give if they know AI is in use. To mitigate this, Melaina talks about transparency, suggesting nonprofits create an AI usage statement or include metrics like time saved in annual reports.
This fun and timely chat then shifts to influencer and peer-to-peer fundraising. “An influencer doesn’t have to be a celebrity,” Melaina remarks. “It could be the mayor of your town or a local blogger with a dedicated following.” This democratized approach to influence can transform outreach strategies, connecting organizations with untapped audiences.
With several practical examples and actionable ideas, Melaina brings home the importance of storytelling, trust-building, and leveraging modern tools to connect you with your donors.
#FundraisingTrends #DonorTrust #NonprofitInnovation
Charity: Water, an organization renowned for its innovation and global impact, is setting the standard for philanthropy in the nonprofit world. In this illuminating discussion, Christa Steltzmuller, CTO of Charity: Water, shares her unique insights into how technology drives their mission to end the water crisis. From leveraging VR storytelling to empower donors with a direct connection to their impact, to running a lean, technology-enabled team, Charity: Water exemplifies how innovation can amplify nonprofit effectiveness.
As Christa explains, “We lead with user experience when thinking about technology. It’s about starting with the story and the emotion, and letting the tools follow.” Their approach ensures that every donor and beneficiary interaction is meaningful, personalized, and impactful!
You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Charity: Water’s hybrid model, which prioritizes collaboration with local partners to implement context-appropriate solutions. Whether it’s solar-powered pump systems or hand-drilled wells, their commitment to being ‘solution-agnostic’ showcases their respect for the communities they serve.
For nonprofits looking to modernize and scale, this episode co-hosted by Sherry Quam Taylor and Julia Patrick, is a masterclass in integrating technology, storytelling, and mission-driven work. Charity: Water’s success in turning challenges into opportunities reminds us all of the transformative power of purpose-driven innovation. Learn more about CharityWater.org
#NonprofitInnovation #TechForGood #CharityWater
The nonprofit landscape is evolving at lightning speed, and Classy.org’s Social State of Giving Report provides essential insights to navigate these changes. Based on a survey of 1,000 individuals, this groundbreaking study digs into donor behaviors across generational lines, offering invaluable guidance for nonprofits eager to engage better with donors today and tomorrow. The findings underscore the distinct giving habits of Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and especially Gen Z—the future philanthropic powerhouse predicted to hold $12 trillion in wealth by 2030.
Among the eye-opening insights, Gen Z stands out. This digital-first generation is 10 times more likely than Boomers to share donations on social media, and 41% report being inspired to donate based on social media activity—a behavior that nonprofits cannot afford to ignore. As Michelle Boggs, Classy’s Executive Nonprofit Industry Advisor, explains: “Sharing drives action. It’s not just a post; it’s an invitation for others to act.”
The report also highlights the rise of “impact creators”—trusted individuals on platforms like TikTok and Instagram who inspire followers to donate directly through their campaigns. Over half of Gen Z respondents trust these creators to make donations on their behalf, a testament to the power of personal connection and digital trust.
Host Julia Patrick summed up the report’s transformative potential: “This isn’t just a shift in behavior—it’s a revolution in how we connect, inspire, and engage across generations.”
This report isn’t just data—it’s a roadmap for adapting to seismic shifts in philanthropy, equipping nonprofits to reach new heights.
This is a roadmap for nonprofits aiming to elevate their storytelling, create more lasting connections with audiences and boost their impact.
You’ll unlock the power of storytelling through video with Kalei Beamon of Lanakila Productions! In this high level learning session, Kalei, a video producer with decades of experience, shares the secrets to impactful video storytelling tailored for nonprofits. Kalei emphasizes that planning is everything, stating, “A great story is based on having an emotional connection.” She outlines strategies for finding the human element in every story—whether it's highlighting a beneficiary, showcasing a volunteer's journey, or spotlighting the community impact.
Kalei also covers the importance of shot variety, from wide shots to intimate close-ups, to keep viewers engaged. “The more specific you can get with a story, the more memorable it becomes,” she says, stressing the role of details in forging emotional connections. For nonprofits, video is not a one-shot wonder; it’s a versatile tool. Kalei explains how-to leverage footage for year-end sizzle reels, PSAs, and even long-form fundraising campaigns.
Host Julia Patrick describes some of the challenges nonprofits face, like making guests feel comfortable on camera. Kalei’s approach? Build trust and reassure them: “We’ll edit it to highlight your best self,” she promises.
If you’ve been struggling with the quality of your video work, pay close attention to Kalei’s words of wisdom
the incredible impact of the Eide Bailly ResourceFULLness Award, a unique grant that celebrates creative problem-solving among nonprofits. Host Meico Marquette Whitlock speaks with Deb Nelson from Eide Bailly and Alyssa Golob, Executive Director of Helping Paws of Minnesota, to discuss the transformative impact of this award on organizations like 2024 winner Helping Paws, which trains and places service dogs with individuals in need.
Deb explains the award’s goal and how winners are selected: “We created this award to showcase nonprofits that think outside the box—it's about mining your diamonds, finding what you already have, and making it work for you.” She speaks to the importance of clear, compelling communication, sharing that organizations who excel in storytelling and impact often resonate most with judges.
2024 Award winner, HelpingPaws.org, Alyssa Golob, shares the journey of Helping Paws’ "More Dogs, More Impact" campaign, which aims to quadruple the number of service dogs placed annually. “Our waiting list for a service dog is two-and-a-half years. With this campaign, we’re aiming to reduce that significantly, allowing us to match more dogs to people who need them.” She reveals how they creatively involved donors in the campaign with a unique challenge that inspired significant community support.
Through this conversation, we learn that strategic fundraising, social media storytelling, and genuine engagement with community members are keys to success. The discussion amongst the trio also highlights the evolving role of social media in nonprofit storytelling, with past winners using digital platforms to effectively amplify their messages and impacts. Find out more about the award and the application process: EideBailly.com
We explore the transformative power of adoption with Rita L. Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Rita shares insights into how foster care adoption can change the lives of children who are seeking permanence and stability. As we celebrate National Adoption Month, we are reminded of the critical need to support vulnerable children. Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, understood this deeply from his own life experiences, and in 1992 he created the foundation to advocate for children in foster care. As Rita explains, "These children are not someone else's responsibility. They are our responsibility."
Rita emphasizes the Foundation’s mission to increase adoptions and the ongoing commitment to expanding efforts, not just in the U.S. and Canada, but potentially in Mexico. The Foundation’s partnership with the Wendy’s Company and its many programs, like National Adoption Day, highlights the importance of celebrating and uplifting the stories of families formed through adoption. "We’re not just raising awareness," Rita says, "We are walking families through each step of the adoption process." This message serves as a powerful call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to step forward and support children in need of a forever family.
#NationalAdoptionMonth #FosterCareAdoption #AdoptionAwareness
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