Forte' Management Group
  • Home
  • Approach
  • Chris Polk Blog
  • Connect
  • PROJECTS
  • RESOURCES

Philanthropy and Business Integration

Chris Polk is a proven executive and emerging sector leader  with nearly two decades of experience in fundraising, philanthropy, marketing and corporate engagement. As counsel, he has also raised over $215 million for various client project initiatives across the United States.  His primary focus is working closely with entrepreneurs, impact investors, foundations, institutions of higher learning, independent schools, professional  associations,  arts & cultural organizations, progressive non profits and Fortune500 companies interested in strategic philanthropy, corporate partnership and community engagement.

Connect via LinkedIn

More than a story for nonprofits

1/8/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
This year, we will need to move beyond just telling our organization’s story to win or motivate our donors and prospects. Fundraising, and the practice of cultivation in particular, has always been a tough beast to tame for most of us.  With more competition, the ongoing rise of social media,  mobile apps, as well as other cultural phenomena such as growing wealth disparity across the world, organizations must  now more than ever be prepared to demonstrate to the public and the majority of their donor base, how their services are producing sustainable results and  immediate impact.

Yes, new tools such as crowdfunding have taught nonprofits how to convey great stories in order to pull donors' heartstrings and open their wallets and purses, but the conversation should not stop there. Now more than ever, savvy donors want to be reassured that their money is making a difference and reaching the intended constituents – so we must respond if we are going to be successful.  So, how do non profit leaders and today’s organizations supplement storytelling? Here are three key factors nonprofits can include in their 2014 strategies:

1.  Clarity and Transparency
Be honest with your supporters. Donors want to know not only your successes but also your failures. More importantly, people want to understand how your organization will learn from its mistakes and move forward. Keep donors updated about your activities and how it plans to improve operations. If your organization suffered from a communications media snafu, be direct with your donors. Inform them of the steps being implemented to prevent any future problems. There's no better way to promote trust than to encourage open dialogue with your donor community.

2. Stay Connected and Be Creative with Content
Thankfully, with today's technology, connecting with our constituents is much easier than even a decade ago. Whether it's by phone. iPad, or Google Hangout, meet donors on their playing fields. By using apps and text messaging, your organization can now have people donate money, set up volunteer time, or even volunteer virtually. Host volunteer interviews via Skype. Send reminders to volunteer groups with WhatsApp. Announce successes through Twitter and share videos of success and the impact of gifts on YouTube. 

3. Be a Team Player and Look to Collaborate
Nonprofits should partner with one another to reach a variety of donors and maximize communications channels.  Effective partnerships can promote a positive image to the community and can show camaraderie for multiple causes. Think about planning a community showcase , where community members can learn about different organizations in the local area. Donate a Facebook post to highlight the great work of another nonprofit. When organizations play nice, then outsiders will respect and value the nonprofit sector more. This can also serve as a way to engage a wider donor base as well as expose staff to new ideas and models for success.


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Chris Polk - 
    Follow on Twitter @ChrisPolkTweets  or use #philanthropymatters
     

    About Chris Polk
    View my profile on LinkedIn
    Speak & Present

    Archives

    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    August 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

    Categories

    All
    Boards And Leadership
    C.S.R.
    Non Profits And Orgs
    Philanthropy
    Private Equity & VC
    Sponsorship

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.