Many nonprofit websites lack one essential thing – information on staff and organizational employees. Employees are very diverse and vital part of the organization, but they are often neglected or relegated to a community that is separate from the donors, volunteers, and board members. However, employees must be engaged in order to build a strong nonprofit. Employees must become a part of the organization’s community.
Below are several ideas on how to make employees a part of the organization’s community”
Let the staff tell their stories. On the “Contact Us” page, do not let the staff members just be names, numbers, and email addresses. Allow employees to write about why they work for the nonprofit and what they enjoy in life. This will give donors a chance to connect with the employees.
Do not use stock employee pictures when there are real ones available. The happy, perfect employees in stock photos do not connect with their viewers. Use real pictures of the staff performing jobs that are important to the organization. Put these pictures in relevant places on the website. Donors want to see passionate individuals working for a cause.
Engage the staff as ambassadors. Create ways to allow staff members to speak about the organization. Feature these articles on the website. Encourage employees to share about their successes and best moments.
While the organization’s website should not be completely staff focused, it should still reflect the everyday community of the organization.
For more information on engaging employees, visit www.baileyworkplay.com.
Information taken from: Chris Bailey. “Bring Your Staff into Your Community.” www.connectioncafe.com.
-- Ashley High is a Research Assistant at Christian Foundation Grants (www.christianfoundationgrants.com) which is a subscription database of foundations that provide grants to faith based organizations. iDonate.com is a website (www.iDonate.com) that allows ministries to receive non cash gifts online.