2 tips for expanding nonprofit outreach

August 18, 2014

2 tips for expanding nonprofit outreach

Nonprofits scrambling to find new, genuinely interesting ways to engage with current and potential donors may feel overwhelmed with the myriad of different channels and options available. From direct marketing, social media and email campaigns, to multi-channel efforts that attempt to attract contributors and generate awareness, picking the most useful approach may seem like a difficult and time consuming process. Here are two less-common but exciting ideas that nonprofits can use to kick start outreach:

  1. Follow and friend on social media: This "friending" and "liking" component of social media outreach is often overlooked when it comes to crafting an overall outreach strategy. Time spent focused solely on content, optimal posting times and other essential tasks strands this community-building effort as an afterthought. The good news for charitable organizations is that it doesn't take much time or effort to start following, liking, and friending their contributors that return the same to an organization's own social media profiles. This approach was highlighted by Marketing Profs as an easy way to boost engagement, increase conversations and create a deeper connection with the key people that help support a nonprofit.
  2. Consider an online auction: If in-person auctions are a popular as nonprofit events and fundraisers, consider further engaging the contributor base with a similar activity they can enjoy online. Having an online auction as a fundraiser offers much of the excitement of one conducted in person, but the process requires less dedicated time, involvement and effort by staff and volunteers. Nonprofit fundraising software site Okanjo pointed out that some resources will be needed as far as educating participants, but this interesting approach has the potential to pay off in spades.

Content presented by First Nonprofit Group, the leading provider of state unemployment insurance solutions for 501(c)(3) nonprofit employers.

single-post17760

Ready to chat?
Get in touch today to request a no-obligation savings evaluation.

Testimonials

We first started using First Nonprofit’s Unemployment Savings Program when we were a small startup nonprofit.  We didn’t have an HR department and needed expertise in the event that an unemployment claim was made.  We knew we were eligible to be a reimbursing employer, but weren’t sure how to navigate that process.  They made it easy to set things up, plan for, and then manage claims when they came at a very reasonable cost. The amount of time and stress they’ve saved us dealing with all this has been worth way more than the cost.  We’ve now grown to a large nonprofit and do have an HR department but have no plans to stop using their services.  I highly recommend them to every nonprofit I come into contact with!

CROSSPURPOSE, Denver, CO

Throughout our membership in the Unemployment Savings Program, First Nonprofit understood our demands, community dynamics, and the importance of seamless services; that allowed us to serve our constituents better.

Prevent Blindness America, Chicago, IL

Because INCS advocates for the operating conditions that allow charter public schools to provide high quality public education, partnering with First Nonprofit was an easy decision. First Nonprofit’s unemployment programs provide our member schools two operating elements crucial to their ability to provide high quality public education: savings and budget certainty. Capable, committed teachers are the key to student success. By participating in the unemployment insurance savings plan, charter public schools gain peace of mind and are able to invest more money in their teachers.

Illinois Network of Charter Schools, Chicago, IL

It has been our sincere pleasure to maintain a strong, vibrant business partnership with First Nonprofit. We greatly admire their strong industry knowledge, technical expertise, constant professionalism, knowledgeable and dedicated staff. They are always extremely responsive, personable and provide us with the necessary guidance and recommendations on a numerous variety of employment scenarios.

Thresholds, Chicago, IL

NYCON members who use First Nonprofit’s programs enjoy enduring savings and improved efficiency. Our association knows that success, because from the beginning, we achieved the same great benefits. Great savings, seamless technology, and responsive service. NYCON highly recommends First Nonprofit’s remarkable unemployment solutions.

New York Council of Nonprofits, Albany, NY

Visually Impaired Preschool Services has been a client of First Non-Profit since it was first offered as a benefit of VisionServe Alliance. We completed a thorough evaluation of cash savings to our agency before taking advantage of this wonderful benefit and it has been a very wise decision. Our experience with the processes from accounting to claims have been professional, expeditious and easy.

Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Louisville, KY

Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!

Neurologic Music Therapy Services of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ

First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.

Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Louisville, KY