--“Looking for grants? Read these tips for an effective proposal!”
--“Want to build your donor base? Visit our website for more information.”
These phrases represent just a few of the many ideas presented to nonprofit organizations. There is a constant flood of information, and especially in difficult economic times, the ideas only continue to grow.
However, too many people get lost in the technology craze, articles, and books. Instead, nonprofits need to take a step back. What is the larger perspective? It is not easy to implement various strategies effectively if there is not an understanding of the larger need.
Having been blogging for the past year, looking at trends in the nonprofit world, browsing books, blogs, and other articles, I can summarize all those ideas, strategies, and needs into one word: Communication.
Let’s break it down.
Donors: In order to gain donors, people talk about appearance, the correct way to phrase proposals, phone calls, and more, but it ultimately comes down to communication. Consider these ideas:
n Can you tell your story?
n Are you honest and clear?
n Do you care about them, not just their money?
Online Fundraising: There are so many options and each one is viable—Twitter, Facebook causes, blogs, revamped websites, and more. Each one of these is based on the fundamental idea of communication:
n Is your message clear to an increasingly online community? (Website development, simple ideas)
n Do you see the change in demographics? (growth of Generation Y) How will you connect with them on their level?
Grant Proposals: This area is very similar to interaction with donors. It’s all about communication.
n Do you communicate a clear and realistic vision?
n How have you invested in the people? A good proposal is not just about writing.
n What is your story?
Effective communication—it’s the main need, but ministries need to seek out how it really applies to their organization. This will take careful investigation and thought. Ask lots of questions and make well-informed decisions.
I’ll leave you with a few thoughts: The power of story still holds true. Tell a story. Invest in people. These are the things that make a difference.
-- Jessica 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