SocialRaise
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
More good stuff from our friends at Harvest Home!
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Harvest Home Farmer's Market
Premae Skin Care supports Harvest Home Farmer's Market Check it out! http://ow.ly/l134D
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Harvest Home Farmer's Market
Premae Skin Care supports Harvest Home Farmer's Market Check it out! http://ow.ly/l134D
SocialRaise
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
Woot! We're so proud of our client, papertoy, and Santana Draper.
http://www.click2houston.com/news/paper-toy-clothing/-/1735978/20113608/-/mf20n0/-/index.html
Paper Toy Clothing
www.click2houston.com
Paper Toy Clothing (click here) Kids Meals (click here)
http://www.click2houston.com/news/paper-toy-clothing/-/1735978/20113608/-/mf20n0/-/index.html
Paper Toy Clothing
www.click2houston.com
Paper Toy Clothing (click here) Kids Meals (click here)
Nonprofitist Webinar Series - Using Pinterest as a Fundraising Engine
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- Category: Nonprofit Webinars
It's a fact that nonprofits need quality donors and volunteers in order to achieve its mission. Every nonprofit wishes to increase the amount of donors and contributing constituents they have. In the for-profit world, getting the contact information of an interested individual is called lead-generation. In the non-profit world, it's volunteer/ donor generation. The more quality leads you obtain, the better the more successful of an organization you'll have. We'll be discussing ways to use Pinterest to drive more people to your site and convert users into leads and leads into donors and volunteers.
Helping mothers rebuild their dreams
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- Category: Technology
*photo credit: Sandra Wong Geroux
Organization: The newly formed Haitian Amputee Mothers Alliance (HAMA) was created to help 60 mothers who have become amputees as a result of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti one year ago. HAMA is supported by the Village of Vision for Haiti Foundation /Foundation Enfant Jesus (VVHF). VVHF is a non-sectarian organization focused on addressing and solving key life sustaining problems that plague the people of Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. VVHF runs a micro-community that includes an orphanage, a school, which also supports the local community and a medical clinic in
Organization: The newly formed Haitian Amputee Mothers Alliance (HAMA) was created to help 60 mothers who have become amputees as a result of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti one year ago. HAMA is supported by the Village of Vision for Haiti Foundation /Foundation Enfant Jesus (VVHF). VVHF is a non-sectarian organization focused on addressing and solving key life sustaining problems that plague the people of Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. VVHF runs a micro-community that includes an orphanage, a school, which also supports the local community and a medical clinic in
SocialRaise
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
Spring info cleaning? Yes, on your website or CRM system. It is important to keep it fresh and get rid of old, inaccurate information. Tell a new story, post a new blog, make a new friend...
SocialRaise
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- Category: Technology
Great Stories, Great Missions...Got so wrapped up working with some amazing nonprofit orgs Twitter went quiet. We're back.
Time to Blog S’MO
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- Category: Nonprofit Marketing
I was ecstatic to get my hands on Blog Log: A Social Media Optimization Guide by Noland Hoshino, Brandie Kajino, and Mary Rarick. This pocket-sized workbook is designed to streamline the blogging process and help define goals.
This workbook is a tool. It doesn’t simply tell you how to blog; it walks you through a simple process to make it happen.
In the middle of this workbook are some very useful, easy to digest tips to help with blogging including:
elements of a killer blog post getting to the next level sticky blog post titles measure what matters to you (we all define blog success differently) and compelling calls to action. I highly recommend this workbook for those interested in starting a blog, writers struggling with consistent blog posting, and to organizations looking for ways to measure their blogging success.
Learn more about Blog Log at www.smobooks.com.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/time-blog-smo/
This workbook is a tool. It doesn’t simply tell you how to blog; it walks you through a simple process to make it happen.
In the middle of this workbook are some very useful, easy to digest tips to help with blogging including:
elements of a killer blog post getting to the next level sticky blog post titles measure what matters to you (we all define blog success differently) and compelling calls to action. I highly recommend this workbook for those interested in starting a blog, writers struggling with consistent blog posting, and to organizations looking for ways to measure their blogging success.
Learn more about Blog Log at www.smobooks.com.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/time-blog-smo/
Nonprofit Wordplay
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- Category: Nonprofit Marketing
In this corner, we have the aggressive nonprofit marketer, creatively painting a pretty picture of mission-driven work through words and images.
In the opposite corner, we have the fundraiser, striving to recruit, retain and reach donors with passion and realism.
Who wins?
If your nonprofit communications and development staff are battling it out day after day (we have all worked for nonprofits where this is the reality), there are no winners, including the mission of your organization.
This battle lies in connecting dollars to impact. From a communications AND fundraising standpoint, we need to make it sexy to give to unrestricted needs. It needs to be as important to pay an organization’s electricity bill as it is to fund a new shiny piece of technology that is going to change a life.
From a fundraising perspective, I explain this to donors via storytelling. When I share stories of my organization’s work (healthcare), I talk about the importance of the electricity that allows a physician to see, the water that helps prevent the spread of infection, and the critical role a receptionist has in scheduling physician, specialty care giver, and patient time. The shiny new piece of technology is not more important than these other items. Without electricity, water, or even a scheduling receptionist, the much needed medical treatment will not happen.
There is a time and place for restricted giving and/or symbolic gifts. They are easy to market and a communicator’s dream. If too much organizational giving is restricted, nonprofits will not be able to pay the light bill. We will be unable to raise the funds needed to save lives.
Let’s meet in the middle of our nonprofit fundraising vs. marketer boxing ring and tell stories of impact. Stories that make electricity, water, and receptionists sexy. “It’s all about the wordplay.”
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/nonprofit-wordplay/
In the opposite corner, we have the fundraiser, striving to recruit, retain and reach donors with passion and realism.
Who wins?
If your nonprofit communications and development staff are battling it out day after day (we have all worked for nonprofits where this is the reality), there are no winners, including the mission of your organization.
This battle lies in connecting dollars to impact. From a communications AND fundraising standpoint, we need to make it sexy to give to unrestricted needs. It needs to be as important to pay an organization’s electricity bill as it is to fund a new shiny piece of technology that is going to change a life.
From a fundraising perspective, I explain this to donors via storytelling. When I share stories of my organization’s work (healthcare), I talk about the importance of the electricity that allows a physician to see, the water that helps prevent the spread of infection, and the critical role a receptionist has in scheduling physician, specialty care giver, and patient time. The shiny new piece of technology is not more important than these other items. Without electricity, water, or even a scheduling receptionist, the much needed medical treatment will not happen.
There is a time and place for restricted giving and/or symbolic gifts. They are easy to market and a communicator’s dream. If too much organizational giving is restricted, nonprofits will not be able to pay the light bill. We will be unable to raise the funds needed to save lives.
Let’s meet in the middle of our nonprofit fundraising vs. marketer boxing ring and tell stories of impact. Stories that make electricity, water, and receptionists sexy. “It’s all about the wordplay.”
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/nonprofit-wordplay/
Shark Week for Nonprofits
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- Category: Nonprofit Marketing
Shark encounter on holiday snorkel adventure (St John, USVI 2010).
It’s Shark Week, Discovery Channel’s week-long series dedicated to educating and entertaining the public regarding these dynamic creatures that are often misinterpreted as “killing machines.”
Shark Week has grown significantly since its inception in 1987. It is a widely talked about event in the media and on social media, and aquariums around the country see an increase in admission sales because of Shark Week.
It’s time for nonprofits to take a cue from Discovery Channel and sink their teeth in to a week-long awareness campaign.
Spend a week educating your donors, volunteer, and advocates about a misunderstood topic in your cause space. Use email marketing to launch this campaign, incorporating three strategies that have made Shark Week a success:
Use a unique and unexpected host. Shark Week appoints a Chief Shark Officer who introduces programming throughout the week. A host allows your nonprofit to put a new face and slightly different voice on your same message.
Use a variety of channels to reach your audience. While I envision a nonprofit –style Shark Week as an email based campaign, I recommend including daily video clips (great way to use your host), local media placement, and outreach on social media that ties in to your daily message and call to action.
Include an element of fun. While your cause is serious, make your audience want to come back for more each day by adding an entertaining element. Andy Samberg claims his role as Chief Shark Officer in this year’s Shark Week is to make the campaign sillier.
Cue the Jaws’ theme. It’s time for your nonprofit Shark Week.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/shark-week-for-nonprofits/
Nonprofit Shark Week: Swim with the Social Media Sharks
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Diving in to the pool of social media can be an overwhelming experience. Here are five tips for rising to the top of the social media waters:
Make life easy. Be useful with your content. Share information and engage in a way that makes your supporters’ lives easier. Bring information to your friends and followers; don’t make them search.
Show & tell. Use photos and stories to share your impact with supporters. Yes, you can tell a story in 140 characters, and pictures speak volumes.
Timing is everything. Be responsive. Don’t post information that encourages much discussion while you are away from your social media stream. Be active, engage others, and answer questions.
Prioritize efforts. You can’t talk about everything single thing your organization is working on all at once in social media. Sit down with your entire team – marketing, program, fundraising, volunteers – and plan a content calendar. The information you share needs to be clear and concise. If there is a call to action, there should only be one call to action at a time.
Be authentic. People trust people, not organizations. Social media efforts need a personal touch and should read like they are coming from a human, not a machine.
When swimming with the social media sharks, remember, a reputation takes a great deal of effort to build but only seconds to destroy. Jump in, the waters are fine.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/nonprofit-shark-week-swim-social-media-sharks/
Make life easy. Be useful with your content. Share information and engage in a way that makes your supporters’ lives easier. Bring information to your friends and followers; don’t make them search.
Show & tell. Use photos and stories to share your impact with supporters. Yes, you can tell a story in 140 characters, and pictures speak volumes.
Timing is everything. Be responsive. Don’t post information that encourages much discussion while you are away from your social media stream. Be active, engage others, and answer questions.
Prioritize efforts. You can’t talk about everything single thing your organization is working on all at once in social media. Sit down with your entire team – marketing, program, fundraising, volunteers – and plan a content calendar. The information you share needs to be clear and concise. If there is a call to action, there should only be one call to action at a time.
Be authentic. People trust people, not organizations. Social media efforts need a personal touch and should read like they are coming from a human, not a machine.
When swimming with the social media sharks, remember, a reputation takes a great deal of effort to build but only seconds to destroy. Jump in, the waters are fine.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/nonprofit-shark-week-swim-social-media-sharks/
Philanthropy Phriday: Shark Week Edition
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- Category: Nonprofit Marketing
Philanthropy Phridays will feature an individual or organization doing great things in the nonprofit sector.
Taking advantage of the marketing power and media darling status of Shark Week, Oceana is running a week long campaign to protect sharks.
Oceana’s easy to navigate campaign webpage asks users to participate in an advocacy effort. “Soon there will be no more sharks swimming in our waters and Shark Week will be our only chance to see these amazing creatures.”
Looking to run a successful nonprofit campaign? Recreate these five elements of Oceana’s Shark Week efforts:
The timing. A shark campaign during Shark Week? Perfect fit. One call to action. When users click on the campaign webpage, there is only one ask. The page is not flooded with information – it is direct and to the point, and extremely easy to navigate. Follow up. After submitting a letter advocating fishing limitations on endangered sharks, the user clicks through to a “Donate Now to Protect Sharks” webpage. This page is again simple, easy to understand and not inundated with unrelated information from Oceana. Immediate thanks. Advocates for sharks immediately receive an email thanking them for participating. Cast the net wider. The thank you email also provides an opportunity for Oceana’s shark advocates to spread the word and share the campaign on Twitter or Facebook. While you are learning about Oceana’s great campaign, take an extra 30-seconds to advocate for our sharks. My annual holiday snorkeling adventure would not be the same without these magnificent creatures. Lets keep ‘em around!
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/philanthropy-phriday-shark-week-edition/
Taking advantage of the marketing power and media darling status of Shark Week, Oceana is running a week long campaign to protect sharks.
Oceana’s easy to navigate campaign webpage asks users to participate in an advocacy effort. “Soon there will be no more sharks swimming in our waters and Shark Week will be our only chance to see these amazing creatures.”
Looking to run a successful nonprofit campaign? Recreate these five elements of Oceana’s Shark Week efforts:
The timing. A shark campaign during Shark Week? Perfect fit. One call to action. When users click on the campaign webpage, there is only one ask. The page is not flooded with information – it is direct and to the point, and extremely easy to navigate. Follow up. After submitting a letter advocating fishing limitations on endangered sharks, the user clicks through to a “Donate Now to Protect Sharks” webpage. This page is again simple, easy to understand and not inundated with unrelated information from Oceana. Immediate thanks. Advocates for sharks immediately receive an email thanking them for participating. Cast the net wider. The thank you email also provides an opportunity for Oceana’s shark advocates to spread the word and share the campaign on Twitter or Facebook. While you are learning about Oceana’s great campaign, take an extra 30-seconds to advocate for our sharks. My annual holiday snorkeling adventure would not be the same without these magnificent creatures. Lets keep ‘em around!
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/philanthropy-phriday-shark-week-edition/
Successful Cause Marketing: It’s About Timing
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It’s the time of year when great cause marketing campaigns are abundant. From cute displays with cause messaging to point of purchase sales, marketers have tapped in to the holiday spirit of giving.
Heinz Our Turn To Serve is a cause marketing that works. Launched in conjunction with Veterans Day in November, specially branded ketchup bottles were places in restaurants inviting diners to send a text or scan a QR code to send a digital postcard thanking veterans or those currently serving and/or like Heinz on Facebook. For each postcard sent and each like received on Facebook, Heinz will donate $0.57 to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Why does this campaign work?
It’s about timing. As I sat down in a busy restaurant Sunday afternoon, I spotted this unique bottle. I had time as I waiting for my food, and scanned the QR code to learn more. If this QR code was on a bottle on the shelf or an aisle display in a store, I am not sure I would have taken the time to stop and scan or text. But catch me when I have a few moments of downtime, and I’m in.
It’s simple. After scanning the QR code, I was taken to an extremely simple and mobile friendly website that let me send a virtual postcard of gratitude to my sister who is currently serving in Afghanistan (users do not need to know the email address of a veteran or service member to participate). Sending the postcard took less than 60 seconds. It was quick and easy to use and most importantly, mobile friendly.
Heinz asked. After sending the postcard, I was asked to make a personal donation to the cause. Too many cause marketers leave out this very important step. If I took the time to send a postcard, I’m interested. Ask for a donation.
After three back-to-back businesses asking for support in a cause marketing campaign on Sunday, Heinz Our Turn To Serve was the one that worked. If your company or nonprofit is launching a cause marketing campaign, take note from Heinz and consider ways to make the timing and mobile experience convenient and user-friendly. And don’t forget the ask!
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/successful-cause-marketing-its-about-timing/
Heinz Our Turn To Serve is a cause marketing that works. Launched in conjunction with Veterans Day in November, specially branded ketchup bottles were places in restaurants inviting diners to send a text or scan a QR code to send a digital postcard thanking veterans or those currently serving and/or like Heinz on Facebook. For each postcard sent and each like received on Facebook, Heinz will donate $0.57 to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Why does this campaign work?
It’s about timing. As I sat down in a busy restaurant Sunday afternoon, I spotted this unique bottle. I had time as I waiting for my food, and scanned the QR code to learn more. If this QR code was on a bottle on the shelf or an aisle display in a store, I am not sure I would have taken the time to stop and scan or text. But catch me when I have a few moments of downtime, and I’m in.
It’s simple. After scanning the QR code, I was taken to an extremely simple and mobile friendly website that let me send a virtual postcard of gratitude to my sister who is currently serving in Afghanistan (users do not need to know the email address of a veteran or service member to participate). Sending the postcard took less than 60 seconds. It was quick and easy to use and most importantly, mobile friendly.
Heinz asked. After sending the postcard, I was asked to make a personal donation to the cause. Too many cause marketers leave out this very important step. If I took the time to send a postcard, I’m interested. Ask for a donation.
After three back-to-back businesses asking for support in a cause marketing campaign on Sunday, Heinz Our Turn To Serve was the one that worked. If your company or nonprofit is launching a cause marketing campaign, take note from Heinz and consider ways to make the timing and mobile experience convenient and user-friendly. And don’t forget the ask!
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/successful-cause-marketing-its-about-timing/
Put Down the Social Media Megaphone
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- Category: Nonprofit Marketing
With the increase in social networks, nonprofits and brands everywhere are feeling pressure. Should we tweet? What is the next video story we will share on YouTube? Are we connected enough on LinkedIn and Facebook? Add Pinterest, Foursquare, blogging, and many other channels to the mix and it is downright overwhelming.
Step away from the social media megaphones.Sharing from more sources does not equate to more volume, more listeners, and most importantly: more dialogue and engagement.
Spend your time where you can have your greatest impact. Find the social media site(s) where you can engage with your supporter and extend your outreach. Use your most valuable resource, time, using the social media platform(s) that allow you to be authentic, engaging, and where you truly have an opportunity to build relationships. Social media should never feel like shouting at others through a megaphone.
Those who have the biggest megaphones… simply have the biggest megaphones.
Curious is Pinterest is right for your nonprofit? Check out Ephraim Gopin’s “Social Media Tag – Pinterest Is It” post.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/put-down-social-media-megaphone/
Step away from the social media megaphones.Sharing from more sources does not equate to more volume, more listeners, and most importantly: more dialogue and engagement.
Spend your time where you can have your greatest impact. Find the social media site(s) where you can engage with your supporter and extend your outreach. Use your most valuable resource, time, using the social media platform(s) that allow you to be authentic, engaging, and where you truly have an opportunity to build relationships. Social media should never feel like shouting at others through a megaphone.
Those who have the biggest megaphones… simply have the biggest megaphones.
Curious is Pinterest is right for your nonprofit? Check out Ephraim Gopin’s “Social Media Tag – Pinterest Is It” post.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/put-down-social-media-megaphone/
Cause Marketing That Works: Potbelly Cherry Blossom Shake
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- Category: Nonprofit Marketing
A cause marketing campaign that works has three important characteristics: it’s timely, relevant, and local.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s Cherry Blossom Shake is just that. The campaign hit as cherry blossoms began to bloom in and around the Washington, DC area and runs through May 1st. It’s impossible to be in DC in March and April and miss the blossoms – from news coverage, to the beautiful views and sweet smells – the cherry blossoms leave an impression.
Each Potbelly location in DC has paired up with a participating school to support planting of trees on campus. Proceeds from the cherry blossoms shake ($0.20 of each $3.50 purchase) will be donated to Casey Trees’ School Planting Program in the city, and to the Arbor Day Foundation through Potbelly’s suburban locations.
In addition to being timely, relevant, and local, Potbelly is doing a great job of promoting the cherry blossom shake in and around the neighborhoods it serves. From sandwich boards near Potbelly locations to promotional fliers at the Southwest Airlines counter at Dulles, it is hard to miss this cause marketing campaign. Where Potbelly falls short, in promotion of the campaign on their website, Casey Trees has excelled. The nonprofit partner is doing a great job promoting the partnership on their website, blog, and via social media.
To add to the campaign, I encourage Potbelly to offer customers an opportunity to make an additional donation at the register, or include a QR code on marketing materials (as done by Heinz in the Our Turn to Serve campaign) that allows users to donate. Adding campaign elements to the “Handy Washington, DC Guide” distributed by Potbelly would also have impact. Potbelly could update this guide during the campaign to share information about the cause partners and to educate tourists about the cherry blossom trees and their locations on and around DC.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/cause-marketing-that-works-potbelly-cherry-blossom-shake/
Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s Cherry Blossom Shake is just that. The campaign hit as cherry blossoms began to bloom in and around the Washington, DC area and runs through May 1st. It’s impossible to be in DC in March and April and miss the blossoms – from news coverage, to the beautiful views and sweet smells – the cherry blossoms leave an impression.
Each Potbelly location in DC has paired up with a participating school to support planting of trees on campus. Proceeds from the cherry blossoms shake ($0.20 of each $3.50 purchase) will be donated to Casey Trees’ School Planting Program in the city, and to the Arbor Day Foundation through Potbelly’s suburban locations.
In addition to being timely, relevant, and local, Potbelly is doing a great job of promoting the cherry blossom shake in and around the neighborhoods it serves. From sandwich boards near Potbelly locations to promotional fliers at the Southwest Airlines counter at Dulles, it is hard to miss this cause marketing campaign. Where Potbelly falls short, in promotion of the campaign on their website, Casey Trees has excelled. The nonprofit partner is doing a great job promoting the partnership on their website, blog, and via social media.
To add to the campaign, I encourage Potbelly to offer customers an opportunity to make an additional donation at the register, or include a QR code on marketing materials (as done by Heinz in the Our Turn to Serve campaign) that allows users to donate. Adding campaign elements to the “Handy Washington, DC Guide” distributed by Potbelly would also have impact. Potbelly could update this guide during the campaign to share information about the cause partners and to educate tourists about the cherry blossom trees and their locations on and around DC.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/cause-marketing-that-works-potbelly-cherry-blossom-shake/
Create a Nonprofit Social Media Road Map
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- Category: Nonprofit Marketing
Is your nonprofit overwhelmed by social media? The variety of channels, content for those channels, and how to engage with supporters can be overwhelming. It’s time to create your Social Media Road Map. This hands-on, useful workbook will guide your social media journey through goal planning, audience discovery, creating content, messaging, and much more.
Whether you have been immersed in social media for a few years or are just starting out, creating a road map is critical. When done well, social media can help break down organizational silos and drive a unified front and focus on mission.
Here’s how nonprofits can effectively build their Social Media Road Map: departments with a stake in organizational communications and messaging work the guide book as a team. This isn’t just for communications or development teams. Most departments (and staff) at nonprofits have an interest in what the organization is saying and how it will say it.
Next, bring departments, staff and their Social Media Road Map results together, and work through their results and book again as a unified organization. Bring all perspectives together for an all-encompassing road map and front on social media channels.
Need more social media inspiration? Follow the creators of this useful guide on Twitter: Noland Hoshino, Zan McColloch-Lussier, and Ash Shepherd and invest in Blog Log and Twitter Tracker, two fantastic guidebooks from the SMO Books crew.
Bonus: SMO Books does customer service and marketing well. There is much to learn simply by watching and engaging with them. This creative thank you bookmark also serves as a reminder for readers to review the book. Love it!
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/create-nonprofit-social-media-road-map/
Whether you have been immersed in social media for a few years or are just starting out, creating a road map is critical. When done well, social media can help break down organizational silos and drive a unified front and focus on mission.
Here’s how nonprofits can effectively build their Social Media Road Map: departments with a stake in organizational communications and messaging work the guide book as a team. This isn’t just for communications or development teams. Most departments (and staff) at nonprofits have an interest in what the organization is saying and how it will say it.
Next, bring departments, staff and their Social Media Road Map results together, and work through their results and book again as a unified organization. Bring all perspectives together for an all-encompassing road map and front on social media channels.
Need more social media inspiration? Follow the creators of this useful guide on Twitter: Noland Hoshino, Zan McColloch-Lussier, and Ash Shepherd and invest in Blog Log and Twitter Tracker, two fantastic guidebooks from the SMO Books crew.
Bonus: SMO Books does customer service and marketing well. There is much to learn simply by watching and engaging with them. This creative thank you bookmark also serves as a reminder for readers to review the book. Love it!
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/create-nonprofit-social-media-road-map/
Nonprofit Lessons Learned from the Olympics
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- Category: Nonprofit Marketing
The 2012 London Olympic Games are different than any Olympic Games that have gone before them, due to social media and the way information is being consumed. The power of reach that athletes and brands has spread exponentially.
Here are three ways to Olympic-fy your nonprofit reach on the web:
Go beyond sports and tell a great human interest story.
The Olympics capture the hearts and attention of so many because they share powerful stories of personal triumph, defeat, success, and much more. Bob Costas is the king of Olympic storytelling – be it in a pre-packaged piece or an interview, Costas tells a story that has a beginning, middle, and end while depicting a hero and a battle. Often times, that battle is not the one taking place on the field, in the pool, or at the track. It is personal. It tugs at the heart strings. It creates a legion of cheerleaders and supporters.
Your cause is your sport. Find your cause heroes and share those stories.
Use visually stunning images.
Just like the stories, Olympic photos evoke drama and emotion. There are images from past Olympic games I will never forget –Lolo on the track in tears after hitting the ninth hurdle, Kerri Strug being carried off the floor by Bella Karoli, and on and on.
One thing these dramatic images have in common? The focus on one athlete and tell via the emotions on the athlete’s face or body language – joy, pride, pain, anguish – that story can be captured through a powerful image. Having a successful presence of today’s web requires the use of powerful images.
Use the web effectively. Timing is critical.
The biggest lesson learned from the 2012 London Olympic Games is reaching your supporters first. Let there be no prime time delay in sharing your story. Connect with your donors and volunteers before they hear your news from another source.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/nonprofit-lessons-learned-from-olympics/
Here are three ways to Olympic-fy your nonprofit reach on the web:
Go beyond sports and tell a great human interest story.
The Olympics capture the hearts and attention of so many because they share powerful stories of personal triumph, defeat, success, and much more. Bob Costas is the king of Olympic storytelling – be it in a pre-packaged piece or an interview, Costas tells a story that has a beginning, middle, and end while depicting a hero and a battle. Often times, that battle is not the one taking place on the field, in the pool, or at the track. It is personal. It tugs at the heart strings. It creates a legion of cheerleaders and supporters.
Your cause is your sport. Find your cause heroes and share those stories.
Use visually stunning images.
Just like the stories, Olympic photos evoke drama and emotion. There are images from past Olympic games I will never forget –Lolo on the track in tears after hitting the ninth hurdle, Kerri Strug being carried off the floor by Bella Karoli, and on and on.
One thing these dramatic images have in common? The focus on one athlete and tell via the emotions on the athlete’s face or body language – joy, pride, pain, anguish – that story can be captured through a powerful image. Having a successful presence of today’s web requires the use of powerful images.
Use the web effectively. Timing is critical.
The biggest lesson learned from the 2012 London Olympic Games is reaching your supporters first. Let there be no prime time delay in sharing your story. Connect with your donors and volunteers before they hear your news from another source.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/nonprofit-lessons-learned-from-olympics/
A True Philanthropist
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
When asked why I chose a career in the nonprofit arena, I usually talk about my undergraduate experiences through service organizations and THON at Penn State. While four years in Central Pennsylvania greatly shaped my interests, my philanthropic spirit is deeply rooted in childhood experiences.
Last night, my grandmother passed away. I was able to spend much of the last two weeks with my grandmother and our family at home in South Carolina. During this time we celebrated life the way she lived it – with a generous spirit, much music, dance and laughter.
Many of my favorite memories involve my grandmother going above and beyond to help others. She was not a woman of significant financial wealth, but one who felt extremely blessed with everything else life gave her. She would give to others before she took for herself.
Even when those in need refused help, my grandmother was determined to find a way to provide aid. There were many times when I caught her sneaking $20 bills (from the stash kept in an empty box in her freezer, of course) in to a pocket or bag without the recipient knowing she did so. And many more times when she would anonymously help those in need with outside chores or deliver fresh food when they were not home. These moments filled her with pure joy. She never discussed them or was willing to answer ‘why’ she did so – she just did.
Outside of her church, my grandmother supported nonprofit organizations fighting childhood hunger. She was extremely passionate about ending hunger. In true form, she did not have food/nutrition the last 45 days of her life.
I learned much about philanthropy by watching my grandmother. Serve others first. Follow your passion. Give with joy and anonymity.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/a-true-philanthropist/
Last night, my grandmother passed away. I was able to spend much of the last two weeks with my grandmother and our family at home in South Carolina. During this time we celebrated life the way she lived it – with a generous spirit, much music, dance and laughter.
Many of my favorite memories involve my grandmother going above and beyond to help others. She was not a woman of significant financial wealth, but one who felt extremely blessed with everything else life gave her. She would give to others before she took for herself.
Even when those in need refused help, my grandmother was determined to find a way to provide aid. There were many times when I caught her sneaking $20 bills (from the stash kept in an empty box in her freezer, of course) in to a pocket or bag without the recipient knowing she did so. And many more times when she would anonymously help those in need with outside chores or deliver fresh food when they were not home. These moments filled her with pure joy. She never discussed them or was willing to answer ‘why’ she did so – she just did.
Outside of her church, my grandmother supported nonprofit organizations fighting childhood hunger. She was extremely passionate about ending hunger. In true form, she did not have food/nutrition the last 45 days of her life.
I learned much about philanthropy by watching my grandmother. Serve others first. Follow your passion. Give with joy and anonymity.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/a-true-philanthropist/
Capturing Philanthropic Spirit: Drop a Love Bomb
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
Drop a Love Bomb.
Philanthropy doesn’t always come in the form of a monetary donation to a nonprofit organization. This is the case with “Love Bomb” a project started byItStartsWith.Us. Once a week, this project encourages hundreds of love bombs (in the form of blog comments) for those who need it most.
What does a Love Bomb have to do with nonprofits or fundraising?
When we encourage generosity in all forms, we give people the rewarding sense of what is feels like to make a difference. It instills in them a passion a passion for giving and helps create a philanthropic culture. Build this culture, and you will increase gifts to nonprofit organizations.
Below is information regarding today’s Love Bomb. Join in. Spread the feeling of philanthropy.
~~~
We are dropping today’s Love Bomb on a woman named Katie.
Katie was suggested by Amy, one of our own team members. In Amy’s own words:
“This sweet, creative girl has lost her brother and brother-in-law, and now just found out her dad likely has pancreatic cancer (and it’s serious) and is beyond devastated. He had a procedure and they are awaiting test results (due on Wed.). She can use all the support she can get.”
This woman has already been through so much, and she is very close to her father. On her blog she talks a little bit about who he is to her:
“I do not know what I would do without my Dad. What he adds to my life is not replaceable. He is always the voice of reason, the giver of wise advice and the preventer of near disasters. Really. For a lot of people, he is their rock.”
Losing a family member creates such a painful void – please join me in comforting and loving on Katie and she struggles through all of this. You can comment on her blog post here:http://katiebeecreative.com/?p=2571
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/capturing-philanthropic-spirit-drop-love-bomb/
My Day with Seth Godin: Create Your Story
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
I was honored to attend the full day “how dare you waste the revolution” experience with Seth Godin in Chicago on September 16th. I have been slowly digesting nuggets of information from the day.This is part one in a series of my top takeaways and how I apply them to nonprofit work:
Make your product (or cause) a story.
Ideas that spread win. Stories spread. Don’t spend time finding the right customer (or donor) for your product. Build a product (or cause) for your customers.
We buy products or invest in causes for the story they allow us to tell about ourselves. Create a story your donors will be excited to invest in & share.
I buy Balega socks because of the story they let me tell. Through every purchase of this expensive $11 sock at my local running store, funds are raised to support a school for the physically disabled and visually impaired in South Africa. The school supports an environment of physical activity. My purchase helps build a playground of change to keep those with visual impairments on their toes, literally. They can’t simply memorize where things are on the playground – they will change and be rearranged. The students relearn their way and test their skills constantly. Balega develops strong students with amazing ability. As an added bonus, Balega socks have minimized my blister problem.
Balega partnered with my local running store, bringing their product and story directly to me. They built a product tailored to me. The local running store has fun events in conjunction with our group runs to promote the socks and raise additional funds for this Balega school (the Lesedi project). Through these events, I had an opportunity to engage and learn more; developing the story I allow the product to tell about myself.
What is your cause’s story? How can you take that story, make it personal to your donors and volunteers and empower them to share it with others?
I never thought I would be the person with a sock story and be excited to tell others about my favorite running socks. Find your organization’s sock story.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/my-day-seth-godin-create-your-story/
Make your product (or cause) a story.
Ideas that spread win. Stories spread. Don’t spend time finding the right customer (or donor) for your product. Build a product (or cause) for your customers.
We buy products or invest in causes for the story they allow us to tell about ourselves. Create a story your donors will be excited to invest in & share.
I buy Balega socks because of the story they let me tell. Through every purchase of this expensive $11 sock at my local running store, funds are raised to support a school for the physically disabled and visually impaired in South Africa. The school supports an environment of physical activity. My purchase helps build a playground of change to keep those with visual impairments on their toes, literally. They can’t simply memorize where things are on the playground – they will change and be rearranged. The students relearn their way and test their skills constantly. Balega develops strong students with amazing ability. As an added bonus, Balega socks have minimized my blister problem.
Balega partnered with my local running store, bringing their product and story directly to me. They built a product tailored to me. The local running store has fun events in conjunction with our group runs to promote the socks and raise additional funds for this Balega school (the Lesedi project). Through these events, I had an opportunity to engage and learn more; developing the story I allow the product to tell about myself.
What is your cause’s story? How can you take that story, make it personal to your donors and volunteers and empower them to share it with others?
I never thought I would be the person with a sock story and be excited to tell others about my favorite running socks. Find your organization’s sock story.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/marketing/my-day-seth-godin-create-your-story/
New Directions: Building a Culture of Philanthropy
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
In 2011, my nonprofit focus is taking a new and very exciting direction. This is the culmination of 15+ years of work, much success, much failure, and a quite a bit of research and exploration. I will be working, along with an exceptional team, to build a culture of philanthropy in a complex nonprofit organization and the communities it serves. We will build a new model of philanthropy.
I do not have road map and I am not quite sure where this journey will bring us. This is what I do know:
I live in a place where nonprofits believe in collaboration, not competition. I believe that when we work together, resources grow. I believe fundraising and growth are about relationships, not dollar signs. We are making a culture of philanthropy a reality for this organization and the communities we serve. We will:
Be a good neighbor. Treat all staff as key players in the cycle of philanthropy. Incubate & educate. I will be sharing our lessons learned along the way. We will be transparent in both sharing or success and failure. We hope the work we are doing in our small corner of the nonprofit world will inspire a culture of philanthropy around the globe.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/directions-building-culture-of-philanthropy/
I do not have road map and I am not quite sure where this journey will bring us. This is what I do know:
I live in a place where nonprofits believe in collaboration, not competition. I believe that when we work together, resources grow. I believe fundraising and growth are about relationships, not dollar signs. We are making a culture of philanthropy a reality for this organization and the communities we serve. We will:
Be a good neighbor. Treat all staff as key players in the cycle of philanthropy. Incubate & educate. I will be sharing our lessons learned along the way. We will be transparent in both sharing or success and failure. We hope the work we are doing in our small corner of the nonprofit world will inspire a culture of philanthropy around the globe.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/directions-building-culture-of-philanthropy/
To Mama With Love
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
Stacey Monk, Founder & CEO of Epic Change poses with students in Arusha, Tanzania (Sanjay Patel, 2007)
I am blessed with an amazing mama and family. They have shaped me and on a daily basis provide me with inspiration and opportunity that is beyond my wildest expectations.
When I reflect on celebrating the mamas in my life, I think of many people, and many who may not fit the traditional definition of motherhood. I consider people who give birth by means of creating and producing; by providing and nurturing.
Today I celebrate To Mama With Love and Epic Change founder Stacey Monk. I had the pleasure of meeting Stacey during #11NTC at the @StartSomeGood launch party and subsequently running in to her throughout the conference.
Each and every interaction with Stacey was special. She has a contagious passion for the work that she does. She does it without pay, purely out of her desire to have significant impact. Stacey radiates beauty and love. Through her remarkable storytelling skills, it takes very little time to realize how many lives she has truly touched.
Since Epic Change’s initial $35,000 loan to @MamaLucy and her school in Tanzania, Stacey has directly impacted a student body that has grown from 115 to over 350. Her work has built classrooms and provided bus transportation to and from school for students. When the school participated in national exams for the first time in 2008, they ranked #1 out of 117 schools participating in their district. Direct impact. Making a difference in a significant manner.
So as we all pause to salute mamas this week, please join me in cleebrating Stacey. She is mama of an amazing cause, an amazing teacher, and an amazing group of students. She is the mama of their future Stacey’s work will have long-term, lasting difference in the lives of these students and the lives of the members of their Tanzanian community (and this is just one example of Stacey’s work via To Mama With Love & Epic Change).
~~~
To Mama With Love is a collaborative online art project that honors moms across the globe and raises funds to invest in remarkable women who are transforming our world. Created by US nonprofit Epic Change, this cause campaign supports the organization’s mission to raise visibility and support for grassroots changemakers.
Epic Change is a 501c3 US nonprofit that amplifies the voices and impact of grassroots changemakers by sharing their stories in ways that raise visibility and funds to support their extraordinary efforts to create hope in our world.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/mama-love/
Chicago Nonprofit & Cause Marketing Forum Meet Up
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
It’s time to get together! Next week some of the greatest minds in the cause world will be in Chicago for Cause Marketing Forum.
Let’s get together for drinks and dinner to celebrate and connect:
Thursday, June 2nd, 5:30 pm
Petterino’s
150 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60601
(an easy half mile walk from the conference hotel)
Please comment below, email me, or send a tweet (@PhilanthropyInk) to let me know that you plan on attending so we can have a seat waiting for you.
I look forward to seeing you next week.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/chicago-nonprofit-cause-marketing-forum-meet-up/
Let’s get together for drinks and dinner to celebrate and connect:
Thursday, June 2nd, 5:30 pm
Petterino’s
150 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60601
(an easy half mile walk from the conference hotel)
Please comment below, email me, or send a tweet (@PhilanthropyInk) to let me know that you plan on attending so we can have a seat waiting for you.
I look forward to seeing you next week.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/chicago-nonprofit-cause-marketing-forum-meet-up/
Building a Culture of Philanthropy: Week One Lessons
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
Make it personal. Be authentic.
As I mentioned earlier this year, I am starting a new journey in my professional career and have earned the opportunity to build and create a new model of philanthropy in the communities where I work largely centered around collaboration. We are committed to building healthy giving and service environments where our organizations and communities can thrive.
While there has been much behind the scenes planning and hard work, the project had an official public launch last week. I promised to be honest about our success and our failures – here is a summary of week one.
This week was a starting point and an opportunity for the team to learn some basic, high-level concepts related to giving and volunteering. I was not sure how much of an impact the work and interactions for week one would make. I was blown away and each and every day by the talent of this team and the critical concepts they developed in a very short time.
Key learnings from week one:
Make personal connections.
Be authentic.
The team witnessed families reeling from their loved one’s health crisis and saw how a personal touch of remembering a name and a personal detail made all of the difference. We saw a former community “bad boy” talk about the importance of being humble and learning to overcome ego to be effective in a work environment. We watched as coworkers had a disagreement and came to an solution after honestly discussing their feelings. We observed how standing out in a crowd and following through as promised create unbreakable personal connections.
Our fundraising, volunteerism, and foundation oversight (including distribution of funds) will focus on making personal connections and being authentic. All this in week one? There are certainly great things to come…
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/leadership/building-culture-of-philanthropy-week-one-lessons/
Philanthropy Phriday: Shop for Cause at Bright Endeavors
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
Philanthropy Phriday is a special PhilanthropyInk blog series that will run each Friday featuring an individual or organization doing great things in the nonprofit sector.
Imagine having a child as a young, single parent, lacking a stable and/or safe home environment with little or no income, and a fourth-grade education level. What would you do to provide a better life for your child?
Imagine holiday shopping for socially responsible products while supporting the training, mentoring, and permanent job placement for young mothers.
On December 2 – 3, 2011, you can do just that!
Meet Bright Endeavors, a nonprofit social enterprise empowering young mothers and teaching them the skills they need to transition to economic stability. Bright Endeavors participants learn critical life skills and build confidence, all while making products and fulfilling product orders.
Co-founder Stephanie Wernet believes that Bright Endeavors participants “could be making widgets.” It’s not about the eco-friendly candles and bath products; it’s about the skills gained to be successful in a work environment. Bright Endeavors’ model is rooted in the belief that transformation does not occur solely in a classroom.
My employer has benefited greatly from collaboration with Bright Endeavors and their parent nonprofit, New Moms. After working at Bright Endeavors, program participants spend twelve weeks at an internship program. At the hospital, interns have worked in our Food & Nutrition Services and Office Services departments.
The interns make a significant difference in our work environment. Staff who teach and mentor the interns grow as employees and champions of their work. The enthusiasm the interns have for learning new skills is contagious and has energized the departments they serve.
If you are not in Chicago and/or unable to join in the holiday shopping festivities on December 2 or 3, shop via Bright Endeavors’ online store.
In Chicago? I’ll be there on Saturday. Hope to see you there.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/bright-endeavors/
Imagine having a child as a young, single parent, lacking a stable and/or safe home environment with little or no income, and a fourth-grade education level. What would you do to provide a better life for your child?
Imagine holiday shopping for socially responsible products while supporting the training, mentoring, and permanent job placement for young mothers.
On December 2 – 3, 2011, you can do just that!
Meet Bright Endeavors, a nonprofit social enterprise empowering young mothers and teaching them the skills they need to transition to economic stability. Bright Endeavors participants learn critical life skills and build confidence, all while making products and fulfilling product orders.
Co-founder Stephanie Wernet believes that Bright Endeavors participants “could be making widgets.” It’s not about the eco-friendly candles and bath products; it’s about the skills gained to be successful in a work environment. Bright Endeavors’ model is rooted in the belief that transformation does not occur solely in a classroom.
My employer has benefited greatly from collaboration with Bright Endeavors and their parent nonprofit, New Moms. After working at Bright Endeavors, program participants spend twelve weeks at an internship program. At the hospital, interns have worked in our Food & Nutrition Services and Office Services departments.
The interns make a significant difference in our work environment. Staff who teach and mentor the interns grow as employees and champions of their work. The enthusiasm the interns have for learning new skills is contagious and has energized the departments they serve.
If you are not in Chicago and/or unable to join in the holiday shopping festivities on December 2 or 3, shop via Bright Endeavors’ online store.
In Chicago? I’ll be there on Saturday. Hope to see you there.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/bright-endeavors/
Philanthropy Phriday: TisBest Charity Gift Cards
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
Philanthropy Phridays is a special PhilanthropyInk blog series featuring an individual or organization doing great things in the nonprofit sector.
Can a gift card save the world? Tisbest thinks so.
During this holiday season that can from time to time feel excessive with consumerism, choosing a gift that does good feels good.
TisBest charity cards allow a donor (gift giver) to provide a gift recipient with an opportunity to support a worthy cause. The recipient spends their card by visiting an easy to use website and selecting up to three nonprofit organizations. The TisBest card recipient can opt to send a thank you message to the donor and can also opt to provide their name and email address to the nonprofit.
This is the perfect gift option – give the gift of hope and joy made possible by a donation to a worthy cause.
Three creative ways to use TisBest charity cards:
Corporate gifts. This is a no-brainer. If your organization sends gifts to clients around the holidays, choose a gift that does good. As I type this, I have an unused, unopened corporate gift from last December sitting under my desk. Don’t give your clients something they do not need/want. Give the the gift of hope.
A teaching opportunity. TisBest charity cards are a great way to teach kids the importance of philanthropy. I use charity giftcards on a regular basis with both students and employees in nonprofit work to demonstrate key elements of the giving experience. Let’s teach tomorrow’s philanthropists how to give.
Company branded business cards. Twitter palNoland Hoshino uses customized TisBest cards as his business card. I never hold on to business cards, but I did keep Noland’s unique card. His card stands out (think about the pile of cards we accumulate at conferences and special events), and even more importantly, Noland provided me with the opportunity to give to a cause near and dear to my heart.
This year, I’m including TisBest charity cards to those on my holiday card list. I have a few left – if you would like a TisBest, please comment below or DM me your address and I will happily share this card of hope and joy with you.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/philanthropy-phriday-tisbest-charity-gift-cards/
Can a gift card save the world? Tisbest thinks so.
During this holiday season that can from time to time feel excessive with consumerism, choosing a gift that does good feels good.
TisBest charity cards allow a donor (gift giver) to provide a gift recipient with an opportunity to support a worthy cause. The recipient spends their card by visiting an easy to use website and selecting up to three nonprofit organizations. The TisBest card recipient can opt to send a thank you message to the donor and can also opt to provide their name and email address to the nonprofit.
This is the perfect gift option – give the gift of hope and joy made possible by a donation to a worthy cause.
Three creative ways to use TisBest charity cards:
Corporate gifts. This is a no-brainer. If your organization sends gifts to clients around the holidays, choose a gift that does good. As I type this, I have an unused, unopened corporate gift from last December sitting under my desk. Don’t give your clients something they do not need/want. Give the the gift of hope.
A teaching opportunity. TisBest charity cards are a great way to teach kids the importance of philanthropy. I use charity giftcards on a regular basis with both students and employees in nonprofit work to demonstrate key elements of the giving experience. Let’s teach tomorrow’s philanthropists how to give.
Company branded business cards. Twitter palNoland Hoshino uses customized TisBest cards as his business card. I never hold on to business cards, but I did keep Noland’s unique card. His card stands out (think about the pile of cards we accumulate at conferences and special events), and even more importantly, Noland provided me with the opportunity to give to a cause near and dear to my heart.
This year, I’m including TisBest charity cards to those on my holiday card list. I have a few left – if you would like a TisBest, please comment below or DM me your address and I will happily share this card of hope and joy with you.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/philanthropy-phriday-tisbest-charity-gift-cards/
Regift for Good: Zealous Good
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- Category: Nonprofit Fundraising
Now that Christmas is over, what will you do with all of the excess? New items that replace gently used items that are still in great condition, or those gifts that you simply do not need or will not use?
Enter Zealous Good. “Zealous Good wants to change the way people connect with charities by making it easier and faster to donate your no longer needed items directly the charities that actually need them. It makes doing good easy and allows you to know exactly how your donation is being used to improve your community,” explains Zealous Good founder, Brittany Graunke.
On Zealous Good’s website, donors can search through charity wish lists and learn more about organizations in need. I have directly benefited from Zealous Good’s great work – my organization received a donation of 50 like-new computer monitors (yes, 50!) last week. Our Information Services team was ecstatic. New, flat screen monitors that swivel like the ones received via donation, allowing our physicians to easily show test results and information with fellow physicians and patient caregivers cost us around $170 per new monitor. Do the math… this is a HUGE savings for our nonprofit.
Zealous Good is impacting many organizations throughout Chicago, including those who are able to donate: “I learned of Zealous Good while I was searching the internet for where to donate office supplies. I loved the whole concept! It certainly makes the job of putting our supplies in the hands of people who truly need them much easier. ” - Diane S., coordinated her company’s donation of office supplies and a copy machine to three different local organizations
But you do not need to be an organization with a large donation to make a difference. That is the beauty of Zealous Good – donations of all sizes work and are distributed to the organization where they will have the greatest impact.
Instead of hiding those items from Aunt Mable that you will never use, or throwing out gently used items that were replaced this holiday season, put the items to good use. Regift for good!
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/philanthropy/regift-for-good-zealous-good/
Salaries & Nonprofit Work
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- Category: Management
There was another great #fundchat discussion last night. The topic centered on ethics in fundraising. Near the end of the conversation participants were asked about commission-based fundraising pay. The discussion then turned in to an issue of salaries in the nonprofit sector.
There are many who feel that staff in the nonprofit sector are underpaid. While I realize there are nonprofit employees who are underpaid, there are those who are not. I have a different take than most on this issue: if we accept a job offer that we feel puts us in the “underpaid” category, we perpetuate this practice and are as much to blame as the employer who is underpaying us.
As individuals, we hold the power. We can negotiate better offers. We are in a female dominated sector, and much has been written about women not negotiating enough, or at all, on the job front(do a quick internet search – tons of information on this, as well as tips for negotiating).
We hold the power. We can say no to a job offer that we think is unfair. We can educate potential employers about our value. If nonprofit staff everywhere started doing this, nonprofits would listen as their underpaid positions would go unstaffed until they were willing to make changes.
If you accept an offer that puts you in the underpaid category, know that you accepted that offer. You defined what you were worth to that employer by accepting that offer.
Don’t sell yourself short.
View Original Article http://philanthropyink.com/nonprofit-management/salaries-nonprofit-work/