Brandraising Jewishly

November 7-9, 2010
How can you use communications to take your Jewish organization to the next level? See how different Jewish nonprofits, including Masa Israel Journey, American Jewish World Service and the Foundation for Jewish Camp have been able to maintain their Jewish identity in a fresh modern way to engage audiences of all affiliations. Based on Sarah Durham's book "Brandraising: How to Raise Money and Increase Visibility through Smart Communications", (Jossey-Bass, 2010) this session, facilitated by Sarah Durham, will link vision, mission, to branding and beyond. It will help you expand the tools you use to communicate online and off, work with partners in the field, and ensure you're all speaking with one voice. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, fundraising, Sarah Durham

Brandraising: One organization, many channels

October 22, 2010, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
As you expand the tools you use to communicate online and offline, and as staff member's roles change, how do you ensure you're all speaking with one voice? Based on Sarah Durham's book, Brandraising: How to Raise Money and Increase Visibility through Smart Communications, (Jossey-Bass, 2010), this session, facilitated by Sarah Durham, will link vision, mission, branding, and beyond with a particular focus on websites, social media, and other online channels that fundraisers can use to cultivate, solicit, and steward donor relationships. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, positioning, Sarah Durham

Managing Your Personal and Professional Brand in Social Media

October 21, 2010, 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.

You. Your professional life. Your personal life. Social Media. It’s not enough to have Facebook and Twitter accounts—you need to understand the changes these tools represent in the ways we communicate. As our personal and professional lives blend together, we’ll explore such questions as:

How can you leverage the power of social media to build relationships with colleagues, clients, potential employers and the like?

How can you harness the conversations that are happening about you and our issues – conversations that we don’t control – to build awareness for your brands and your work?

How do you represent yourself while also serving as spokesperson for your organization?

What is the big idea you want associated with your own brand and how can you shape that online?

Is the online ‘you’ different from the offline/real ‘you?’

(More)
branding, capacity-building, Farra Trompeter, social media

Business Success

October 13, 2010, 3:45 p.m. -5:00 p.m.

In partnership with noted consultant David C. Baker, the 2010 MYOB Conference presents a program packed with expert speakers who know first-hand the challenges design firms face; thought-provoking sessions to help you improve your bottom line; and the rare opportunity to network with other creative firm principals.

It’s 3 days of close-up, nuts-and-bolts problem solving combined with big-picture, long-term planning. You’ll look at your work, your clients and your marketing from a whole new angle— and find solutions to some of your toughest business problems.

(More)
capacity-building, entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, Sarah Durham

Brandraising: An Integrated Approach to Nonprofit Communications

Friday, October 8, 2010, 9 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Nonprofits must communicate effectively with clients, policymakers, and other key audiences in order to 'move the needle' and create social change, yet most nonprofit staff have limited experience with marketing or communications. Learn how to use research to inform communications strategies, the role and impact of branding, and how to leverage newer online tools and technologies. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, communications strategy, Sarah Durham

Managing Your Personal and Professional Brand in Social Media

October 8, 2010, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Who are you and how do you represent yourself online? It’s not enough to have Facebook and Twitter accounts—you need to understand the changes these tools represent in the ways we communicate. As our personal and professional lives blend together, Farra Trompeter will help you explore the big idea you want associated with your own brand and how can you shape that online. As the communications landscape changes, everyone on staff serves at the organization's spokesperson--not just the executive director or board chair. How you and your colleagues use social media can greatly impact your organization's reputation with key stakeholders. In this workshop, we'll also review all the major social media channels and discuss how you can use them to build relationships. Finally, we'll look at some guidelines you might set for your organization to help set policies for everyone who works for (and therefore represents) you online. (More)
branding, capacity-building, Farra Trompeter, social media

Brandraising

Thursday, October 7, 2010 2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
As you expand the tools you use to communicate online and off and staff's roles change, how do you ensure you're all speaking with one voice? Based on Sarah Durham's book "Brandraising: How to Raise Money and Increase Visibility through Smart Communications", (Jossey-Bass, 2010) this session will introduce nonprofits to the concepts of Brandraising that can help you improve your fundraising, outreach and relationship-building communications. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, marketing, Sarah Durham

Brandraising: Digging out of the trenches of daily communications

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010, 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Are you so busy with your day-to-day tasks that you haven’t stopped to take the time to look at the bigger picture? It’s time to get out of the trenches- or, at least, make sure you’re digging effectively toward results. In the final part of the brandraising webinar series, Big Duck Principal + Founder Sarah Durham and VP of Strategy and Client Relationships Farra Trompeter will explain how to create and implement a communications plan and strategy. Based on Sarah’s book Brandraising: How Nonprofits Raise Visibility and Money Through Smart Communication (Jossey-Bass, 2010). (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, communications strategy, Sarah Durham

Brandraising: Visual work through a strategic lens

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010, 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Thinking about a new logo or designing a new website? Before you put pen to paper, have you thought about how it should reflect the tone and style of your organization? In the second of this three-part webinar series, Big Duck Principal + Founder Sarah Durham and Design Director Sonny Mui will discuss how to think strategically before you dive into a major redesign of your logo, website, or other key communications. You’ll get tips about how to make the process work so that you end up with something smart that sticks. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, design, Sarah Durham

Brandraising

September 23, 2010
Fundraisers are front-line communicators in most organizations. They help set and steer the organization's communications materials, speak on its behalf, and manage all sorts of perceptions and misperceptions that donors and prospects have. But most fundraisers don't fully embrace this aspect of their role. In the quest for support, key communications elements like the organization's branding, the tools and technologies it uses to build relationships, even the mission can be overlooked, or worse, thrown under the bus. In her keynote presentation, Sarah Durham, author of "Brandraising: How Nonprofits Raise Visibility and Money through Smart Communications" (Jossey-Bass, 2010), will inspire you to embrace your inner (and outer) communicator- and use it as a powerful tool to reinvigorate your fundraising. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, fundraising, Sarah Durham

Brandraising: Getting started, and messaging

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010, 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Is your organization considering a rebrand? How do you know if it’s the right time, where to begin, or how to proceed? How do you approach it strategically and cost-effectively? This webinar, led by Big Duck’s Principal + Founder Sarah Durham and Director of Copywriting Dan Gunderman will give you an overview of what’s involved in an effective nonprofit branding process. In particular, we’ll focus on messaging and how to use it to advance your fundraising, advocacy and programs objectives. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, copywriting, Sarah Durham

Brandraising: One organization, many channels

Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
As you expand the tools you use to communicate online and off and staff's roles change, how do you ensure you're all speaking with one voice? Based on Sarah Durham's book "Brandraising: How to Raise Money and Increase Visibility through Smart Communications", (Jossey-Bass, 2010) this session will link vision, mission, branding and beyond, with a particular focus on websites, social media, and other online channels. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, positioning, Sarah Durham

Your path to storybook year-end fundraising starts here

August 2010
where do you actually start your year-end fundraising? More than almost anything, the strength of your campaign will depend on finding the right year-end story to tell your donors—and then telling it through every channel you’ve got. But how do you home in on a year-end story that’s both rooted in emotion and makes an urgent case for giving? Here are a few questions to get you started: (More)
capacity-building, fundraising, marketing

Out of the Trenches

July 23, 2010
Organizations in which leadership makes time for the long view are 
better equipped to plan and budget for change. In this article, Sarah Durham explains that it's hard to take a few hours out of each week to explore online, read trade publications or participate in a webinar when you're struggling to make a deadline, update the website copy or put together materials for a donor. But taking the long view helps you avoid working reactively. It becomes easier to set objectives, plan, delegate and prioritize when you're more clear about where you're heading. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, Sarah Durham

Who should manage communications at your nonprofit?

July 2010
After 16 years of observing how nonprofits manage communications, we Ducks aren’t convinced that staffing structure is the real challenge. Instead, we think the more important question is what type of culture does your organization have around communication? (More)
capacity-building, communications strategy, nonprofit management, Sarah Durham

Using Brandraising Principles to Hire Better Candidates

June 18, 2010
In this article, Sarah Durham outlines two tried-and-true marketing concepts most nonprofit staff people have never heard of: positioning and personality, and explains how they can help your fundraising, advocacy, and outreach. But these concepts are useful in other areas beyond external relations, too. For instance, they can help hiring managers and job seekers alike make better matches, thus reducing job dissatisfaction and high turnover rates. (More)

A picture’s worth 1,000 words: information graphics for nonprofits

June 2010
Most nonprofits understand the importance of written communication. Mission statements, fundraising appeals, and grant proposals are just a few ways organizations use words to make their case. But communicating information graphically can be another powerful tool for nonprofits. (More)
capacity-building, communications strategy, design

Cultivating strong relationships = big dollar

May 2010
Going into the 2009 year-end fundraising season, no one knew quite what to expect. Would donors cut back in the face of a still-floundering economy? Would they give less, or just not give at all?

As it turns out, most nonprofits did encounter a decline in overall revenue, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual survey. But many saw a distant light at the end of the economic tunnel in the form of online fundraising, with overall online revenue up 14% from 2008 according to Convio’s 2010 Online Nonprofit Benchmark Study.

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) , a long-time client of Big Duck’s, saw the story of the sector overall reflected in the returns from their integrated annual campaign—slight overall decline; big jump in online revenue. But their results tell another story, too, about the importance building strong relationships with your donors year-round, not just at year end. (More)
campaigns, capacity-building, fundraising

Nonprofits + mobile: R U Ready?

April 2010
In light of the millions of dollars raised in response to the Haiti earthquake in January, it’s hard to ignore the potential fundraising and communications power of mobile communications. But just like you can’t bring in lots of gifts simply by placing a donate button on your site, most charities won’t see a cash windfall by allowing donors to give via mobile. Technology is only as good as the strategy that surrounds it. (More)
capacity-building, communications strategy

Build Your Brand Without Breaking the Bank

April 05, 2010
Sarah Durham speaks with GettingAttention.org about the concept of Brandraising and the value it has for increasing the impact of communications and fundraising for nonprofits of every size and budget level. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, fundraising

Brandraising: Blogging for Dollars

March 22, 2010
Sure, blogs are great for communicating, but why not build in some giving opportunities while you’re at it? In this article, Sarah Durham looks into nonprofit blogs and how they are leveraging their content to raise money for their organizations. (More)
capacity-building, fundraising, online

Running Away From Home Page

March 15, 2010
Microsites must be unique but tied to your mission. In this article, Farra Trompeter, discusses the importance of defining the strategy behind the microsite before diving in. This article also features two microsites created by Big Duck: Duchenne Connect for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and Totally Baldacious for the Luekemia Lymphona Society. (More)
campaigns, capacity-building, online

The art of giving good feedback

March 2010

A few months ago, Dan and Sonny, the fearless-except-when-fearful heads of our creative team, put together a lovely blog series about feedback. Over the years, we’ve found that good, honest feedback can make all the difference in having that new website, brand identity, marketing campaign, etc. be something you want to show off to participants, donors, advocates, funders, board members, and the like.

We got such a great response from our clients that we thought we’d send it out again to make sure you saw it. The series offers advice on how to give helpful (read: productive) feedback whether you are working with an in-house designer or writer, a freelancer, or an agency like ours.

(More)
capacity-building, communications strategy, nonprofit management

Fundraising 2009 – was it good for you?

February 2010

2009 ended on a high note for many nonprofits whose year-end appeals raised more money online than in 2008.

• According to Network for Good, online giving in December 2009 grew 25% compared to 2008.
• According to Blackbaud, it grew 32%.
• The average online gift in December 2009 remained relatively the same as it was in December 2008. The average gift processed via Network for Good was $153 (a 4% drop), and the average gift processed via Blackbaud was $244.17 (a 2% drop).

Because most nonprofits raise nearly 50% of their online donations during the October-December time period, we follow year-end campaigns closely. (We even created a few year-end campaigns for our clients, but more about that in a future Duck Pond issue.)

(More)
campaigns, capacity-building, fundraising, messaging

“Brandraising®: TuDiabetes.org”

February 01, 2010
Building support through community. In this article, Sarah Durham discusses the benefits of building community sites, like ning, to increase awareness, connections, and fundraising dollars. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, online

Goodies for 2010

January 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Kick off your 2010 just right. Click here to collect a gift from each member of the Big Duck team. (More)
capacity-building, marketing, online

“Sector Report: Fundraising 2009-2010”

January 01, 2010
Late last year, Fundraising Success Magazine asked folks from all across the fundraising spectrum a series of questions focused on fundraising in 2009 and what lies ahead for the sector in 2010. In this article, Sarah Durham and Farra Trompeter share their analysis of 2009 and visions for 2010. (More)
fundraising, positioning

“Relaunching a Grand Old Web Site”

January 01, 2010
The Republicans spiffy up their online presence with new design, social networking. In this article, Elizabeth Ricca discusses the importance of taking the time to build a nice-looking and professional site with an emphasis on functionality and content. (More)

Brandraising: communicating more effectively

December 2009
Many nonprofits struggle when it comes to aligning their communications. Sarah Durham's book, Brandraising: How Nonprofits Raise Visibility and Money through Smart Communications weaves together best practices from for-profit strategic communications and the nonprofit sector to create a new model for effective nonprofit communications. (More)
branding, brandraising, capacity-building

Tweeting for dollars

November 2009
Everyone is using Twitter! Read on to get some great tips on how to run a successful campaign on this rapidly rising social messaging platform. (More)
capacity-building, online, positioning, social media

“Social Media Fundraising for the Little Guy”

November 01, 2009
Is your organization taking advantage of the social media world? In this article, Elizabeth Ricca gives you a glimpse into what other nonprofits are doing to help you figure out where your organization should be headed. (More)

Shouting to be heard: communicating in a noisy era

October 2009
Getting your organization's message out in this day and age can be challenge. In this month's newsletter we give some tips on how to rise about the noise and reach donors effectively. (More)
capacity-building, communications strategy, positioning

That’s our Mission! Vision? No, our Values! Wait, What?

September 2009
Ever wonder what the difference is between Vision, Mission, and Values Statements? This short primer will help it all become clear. (More)
brandraising, capacity-building, communications strategy, messaging, personality, positioning

“Dipping Your Toe into the Blogopool”

September 01, 2009
Like it or not, the future of fundraising is online. In this article, Sarah Durham gives you a quick overview of some blogs providing the most valuable information about fundraising online. (More)

Do you have a social media policy?

August 2009
Whether you are sparking discussion or others are discussing you, your organization has a presence in social media. (More)
capacity-building, communications strategy, online, personality, social media

“With economy tight, groups look for ways to boost attendance”

August 01, 2009
Feeling the pressure of the economic downturn, member and professional conferences are looking for ways to make their events more financially accessible. In this article, Sarah Durham, talks to the NonProfit Times about giving people more for their time and money. (More)

[Insert world’s best subject line here]

July 2009
Everyone’s emailing these days — your favorite shoe store, your local farmer, your doctor, your school, your parents. Use subject lines well, and make your nonprofit’s emails stand out from the pack. (More)
communications strategy, messaging, online

“Lessons for fundraisers from a site that’s not about fundraising”

July 01, 2009
Your Web site is a tool for engaging people. The more it’s about them, the more involved and emotionally invested they will become. And an emotional investment from your audience is the first step toward getting its financial support. (More)

Beyond the RFP: Better, Stronger, Faster!

June 2009
More than ever, nonprofits are using RFP's (requests for proposals) as part of the process for determining which vendors or partners they'll hire. RFP's can help you gather information about a lot of different possible vendors or partners in one fell swoop. That's the good news. But there's also a dark side.... (More)
communications strategy, nonprofit management

Reflections for the NTC — NTEN’s nonprofit technology conference

May 2009
On April 26-28, 2009, Big Duck's Sarah Durham and Farra Trompeter joined over 1,400 nonprofit professionals and consultants in San Francisco, CA for the 2009 NTC (nonprofit technology conference). Read on to get some of their takeaways. (More)
capacity-building, communications strategy, nonprofit management, social media

“Fundraising in 2008 proved it really is about who you know.”

May 01, 2009
For fundraisers, the first quarter of the year is as much a time to look back as ahead. It’s a time to find out how year-end appeals tallied up, to assess how winter events performed and perhaps to report back to the board on what it all means. (More)

Write Visually. Making your prose pretty will do more for readability than style.

April 2009
In today’s topsy-turvy world, writing well about your organization doesn’t necessarily guarantee that people will read your words. Attention spans are getting shorter, distraction rates are higher, and skimming (or skipping) tendencies are surer. (More)

Media Relations — An interview with Bonnie McEwan

March 09, 2009
In this interview with Bonnie McEwan, President of Make Waves, we talk about what makes for a good story these days, and how a nonprofit can identify and get out in front of their own best media opportunities. (More)

Your Website as an Experience of Your Brand

March 2009
Your organization’s brand is more than just its logo, its name, or how it all looks on letterhead. It starts with the core purpose and vision your organization hopes to fulfill and goes all the way through how people experience your organization—via programs, events, videos, newsletters, and yes, your website. (More)

“Who says alienating whole segments of the giving public is always a bad thing?”

March 01, 2009
For fundraisers, 2008 was a year of change and challenge. In this article Sarah Durham discusses how a new era of fundraising is changing the way people communicate online. (More)

Listening to predict what donors want

February 2009
In tough times, going back to the basics and considering your organization's priorities can help you make smart investments and weather the storm. (More)

Open Source — An interview with Ryan Ozimek

February 02, 2009
In the past couple of years, open source has had a big impact on nonprofits. In this interview with Ryan Ozimek (founder and CEO of PICnet), we talk about what open source is and how it's relevant to nonprofit communicators. (More)

That gap in your 2009 budget

January 2009
If your organization’s communications and/or development budget got cut at the end of 2008, you’re not alone. (More)

We Are Media — An interview with Holly Ross

January 07, 2009
Interested in learning about how social media strategies and tools can help nonprofit organizations increase their visibility? In this interview with Holly Ross (Executive Director of NTEN), we talk about the creation of the We Are Media Project. (More)

Calculating the real value of your time in 2009

December 2008
As you begin planning for 2009 and beyond, consider the value of your time and that of your staff. You might find it useful as you decide which projects to keep in-house, outsource, or discard altogether. (More)

Video and other Visual Media Online &mdash an Interview with Michael Hoffman

November 25, 2008
Interested in learning how to use video to engage your donors and key stakeholders? In this interview with Michael Hoffman (CEO of See3 Communications), we talk about fresh ways of using video to reach your audience. (More)

Getting started with social networking

November 2008
With the newest stats indicating that web traffic to social networking sites is on the rise, it’s hard to deny that social networking, social media, and social bookmarking are worth embracing. (More)

Design Online — What works for the Web and email

November 04, 2008
This podcast explores best practices for design online. Learn about what makes a good layout, using 'web-safe' colors, typography and more. (More)
design

“Effective site suffers just a bit from form-over-function syndrome.”

November 01, 2008
Function before form. Sarah Durham offer tips on how this organization can make a few simple adjustments to make their already effective site an even stronger one. (More)

Who are you — Personify your organization

October 16, 2008
Defining your org’s personality can be relatively painless, cheap, and fun, and will help ensure your communications sing from the same songbook and express the feeling you want to communicate. (More)
branding, nonprofit management

Special Edition: The financial crisis and your organization’s communications

October 2008
Whether it’s officially called a recession or not, the current crisis is starting to impact many nonprofits, and others are bracing for what may come. (More)

Is your organization a Mac or a PC?

October 2008
Exploring your organization's personality is a great place to start if you're considering reshaping your organization's identity. (More)

Go Mobile — An Interview with Katrin Verclas

September 25, 2008
With over 3.3 billion active mobile phone accounts worldwide, there's no more direct way to reach people. Activist and consultant Katrin Verclas shares insights into how organizations are using SMS technology to create social change, and what your organization may want to consider as you dive in. (More)
fundraising

Case Study: Women’s Sports Foundation Brand Evolution

September 2008
With exciting opportunities on the horizon, the Women's Sports Foundation engaged Big Duck in 2007 to make sure its brand and materials stood out from the crowd and made an impact. (More)

File Formats — The ABCs of EPS (and JPEG, and more)

September 03, 2008
Can't tell a TIFF from a JPEG? Raster art gotcha down? Sonny Mui, Senior Art Director, explains the basics of how file formats work, so you can manage artwork more effectively in-house. (More)
design, printing

“Land-use organization needs to nix the insider talk on its site and engage visitors more directly.”

September 01, 2008
Ditch the jargon. Sarah Durham and Dan Gunderman offer ways this organization can make a stronger connection between land preservation and how the site visitor benefits from it. (More)
design

Guiding Growth — An Interview on Vision with Mark Lipton

August 18, 2008
What is Vision? And how does it differ from Mission? In this interview with Mark Lipton (Professor and Chair of Management Programs at Milano, the New School for Management and Urban Policy), we talk about how Visions are critical to guiding organizational growth. (More)
nonprofit management, positioning

Printing 101: a Guide to Managing the Printing Process

August 2008
Working with a printer for the first time can be hard, but like most challenges, it has a nice reward at the end — a beautiful printed piece that will do wonders for your fundraising, advocacy, or outreach efforts. Here are a few guidelines to make the process a success. (More)
printing

Media Rules — An Interview with Brian Reich on new media

July 24, 2008
Wondering how all this new media and technology might impact your nonprofit's communications? Author Brian Reich shares his approach to integrating new media with sound communications strategies, and offers some useful tips and resources to help you get started. (More)
communications strategy

Reaching them where they act

July 2008
Telling a good story means knowing your audience. It's important to know what you want them to do and how to reach them effectively. (More)
fundraising

“Economic-opportunities organization needs to get more personal with visitors and potential donors.”

July 01, 2008
Make it personal. Sarah Durham and Farra Trompeter offer suggestions for how a national nonprofit that creates new and sustainable economic opportunities for low-income Americans can improve its website to inspire donors to invest. (More)
communications strategy

Research — An Interview with Ann Duffett on the basics

July 01, 2008
Conducting research can help inform your organization's communications, and can be done in creative and cost-effective ways. In this interview with FDR Group's Ann Duffett, we explore the basics of what you need to know and how to dive in. (More)
communications strategy, nonprofit management

Web 2.0 — Meet your audiences where they are

June 16, 2008
Looking to connect to your donors on a more personal level? Consider using one of the many social networking platforms out there to give them a more interactive experience. (More)
positioning

The Warm Fuzzy of Giving

June 2008
In this edition of the Duck Pond, we explore the reasons people donate. Keep the following motivators in mind when writing your year-end appeal, email campaign, or online donation pages. (More)
fundraising

Taglines — Your org in seven words or less

May 28, 2008
Want a low-cost, high-value way to clarify your name and define your work? Consider developing a tagline to differentiate your organization from your peers and competitors. (More)
copywriting, positioning

What does your website say about you?

May 2008
Your website is often the first — and sometimes the only — place someone goes to learn about your organization. Developing high-quality website copy and content, framed in an easy-to-use design, will be key to your success. (More)
copywriting

501c3Cast

May 12, 2008
Podcast for nonprofit professionals, volunteers, and do-gooders to share information and resources to help them do their jobs better. (Visit link)
nonprofit management

Writing for the web — Less is more

May 01, 2008
What's the difference between writing for print and writing for the web? In this episode, you'll learn to say more with less. Use these best practices and tools to make sure you're getting your message across online. (More)
copywriting

“This small nonprofit’s site needs to convey more warmth, cohesiveness and professionalism.”

May 01, 2008
Spread the warmth. Sarah Durham and Farra Trompeter suggest that Lancaster Yeshiva Center transfer some of the warmth from their website's photographs to other areas of their site. (More)
copywriting, fundraising

Names and Acronyms — Look before you leap

April 23, 2008
Before you settle on a shortcut for your name, consider the risks and implications. Listen to this episode for more. (More)
acronyms

Earth Day 2008: Special Edition Duck Pond

April 2008
In honor of Earth Day, we are offering five suggestions for greening up your nonprofit’s communications and cutting costs along the way. (More)

Holistic communications — More than the immediate project

April 07, 2008
When creating that website, annual report, brochure, or other communications piece, taking a step back to survey the ‘bigger picture’ and think strategically can dramatically improve results. (More)
communications strategy

Accidental Creative

March 27, 2008
Podcasts and blog about creativity and productivity. (Visit link)
design

Advancing Philanthropy

March 27, 2008
Useful fundraising tools and strategies published by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. (Visit link)
fundraising

Beth’s Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media

March 27, 2008
Beth Kanter’s resources and ideas about nonprofit technology, blogs, social networking, and more. (Visit link)

The Agitator

March 27, 2008
Nonprofit direct marketing fundraising and advocacy tips from Roger Craver and Tom Belford. (Visit link)
advocacy, fundraising

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

March 27, 2008
News for nonprofit organizations on grant seeking, foundations, fundraising, managing nonprofit organizations, technology, and nonprofit jobs. (Visit link)
nonprofit management

Contributions Magazine

March 27, 2008
Quarterly magazine with articles on board development, major gifts fundraising, donor research, direct mail fundraising, nonprofit marketing, online fundraising, and more. (Visit link)
fundraising, marketing, nonprofit management

The Communications Network

March 27, 2008
Membership organization for communications leaders in foundations and nonprofit consultants. (Visit link)

Design Observer

March 27, 2008
Critical essays and selected writings of design culture (Visit link)
design

DoGooderTV

March 27, 2008
Collection of nonprofit videos, with options for donations, volunteering, and more. (Visit link)

Donor Power Blog

March 27, 2008
Merkle’s Jeff Brooks offers advice about raising money from—and sharing power with—donors. (Visit link)
fundraising

FundRaising Success Magazine

March 27, 2008
A practical guide to help nonprofit organizations raise money. (Visit link)
fundraising

e.politics

March 27, 2008
Tools and tactics of online advocacy campaigns. (Visit link)
advocacy

GOOD Magazine

March 27, 2008
Articles, commentary, fiction and comics on culture and society. (Visit link)

Grammar Girl

March 27, 2008
Podcast episodes and tips to improve your writing. (Visit link)
copywriting

GuideStar

March 27, 2008
Directory of nonprofit organizations offered to help donors make better decisions. (Visit link)
nonprofit management

HOW Design

March 27, 2008
Graphic design inspiration and tips. (Visit link)
design

Diversifying your fundraising

March 26, 2008
Adding email and online banners to your year-end annual appeal can reap great rewards. In this episode of the Nonprofit Jungle, we’ll outline how Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy reached a broader base of donors with a few simple tools. (More)
direct mail, fundraising

Idealist

March 20, 2008
One-stop shop for nonprofit jobs, volunteer opportunities, organizations, and more. (Visit link)
nonprofit management

Katya’s Nonprofit Marketing Blog

March 20, 2008
Blog of Katya Andressen, author of Robin Hood Marketing: Stealing Corporate Savvy to Sell Just Causes. (Visit link)
marketing

Made to Stick

March 20, 2008
Blog about how to come up with marketing ideas that penetrate, from the authors of Made to Stick, Chip and Dan Heath. communications, marketing (Visit link)
marketing

New York Nonprofit Press

March 20, 2008
Monthly newspaper about the human and social services community in and around New York City. (Visit link)
nonprofit management

The Nonprofit Quarterly

March 20, 2008
Articles on nonprofit governance, technology, finance and leadership. (Visit link)
nonprofit management

Nonprofit Technology Network

March 20, 2008
The organizations for people who are passionate about using technology strategically for nonprofits. (Visit link)
advocacy