We all know that 2020 was rough and that despite awesome news about vaccines this month, it’s going to take a lot of work to get back on track in 2021. But that shouldn’t sap you of the optimism that a new year typically brings. In today’s episode, we explore why (realistic) optimism is essential for the strategic marketing of your nonprofit and how to keep hope and resilience front and center as we greet 2021.

Your nonprofit’s marketing budget is important; it’s the connective tissue between your organization and the many audiences you are trying to reach: clients, donors, volunteers and the public at large. But the reality is that after the double whammy of COVID-19 and the resulting economic downturn, the money just might not be there in 2021. This episode focuses on low- and no-cost marketing strategies that can allow you to continue to make an impact no matter the size of your budget.

If you could take your nonprofit back to our pre-COVID “normal” world, would you? Or did you discover things about yourself and your organization in 2020 that you want to shape your nonprofit’s future. In this episode, Cindy reviews the top marketing lessons nonprofits learned in 2020 and how they can be used to improve marketing in 2021 and beyond.

Some words are just better than others when it comes to compelling copy, and in the world of marketing and fundraising, there are a handful of words that can inspire people to give to your cause. In this episode, we talk about seven words and phrases that are proven to have an impact getting support for your nonprofit.

Today we talk with Anne Stefanyk of Kanopi Studios, a website designer and developer. Anne shares her top 10 tips on how to maintain your website so you maximize its ability to raise awareness of your nonprofit, win support for your cause and turn your audiences’ intentions into action.

Yes it’s an international event and yes, there’s only three weeks left, but with a little time and effort, there’s still time to have an effective #GivingTuesday campaign. It doesn’t have to be a stand-alone event; instead, why not make #GivingTuesday the launch of your whole end-of-year campaign.

In spite of the chaos and confusion caused by 2020, this year has provided you with a unique opportunity as you are making your end-of-year ask. It’s a chance to share the challenges of running a nonprofit during a year marked by a pandemic and unrest with your supporters, and then boldly ask your supporters to share your optimism for the future.

Call it the case of the disappearing donor. Someone who you can see is responding to your message and even getting to your donation platform, only to leave without a trace.  And the clues lead you right up to the culprit - your donation page.

Amazon knows how to make it personal for consumers. So does Netflix and Patagonia. How can nonprofits bridge the gap with their donors just like for-profit businesses? In our latest “Marketer on a Mission” interview, Gabe Cooper of Virtuous Software explains the power of CRM programs and how they streamline communications for small nonprofits while helping them forge better relationships with their supporters.

Fall arrived a short time back and I think after such a difficult spring and summer, we were all ready for it. It always feels like a season of renewal and hope, something we all really need in 2020. That makes it a perfect time to shift gears in our marketing outreach and lean into optimism as we work towards a transition from urgent to optimistic.