It feels like there are so many things happening everyday — especially over the last two years. It's trying on Nonprofits. Many organizations struggle with how to ask for donations, or promote their mission without seeming insensitive to what's happening in the world.
If there’s one thing that the past two years have taught us, or trying time in the past it’s this: always stay in touch no matter what is going on. Our experts took a deep dive into how to do this tastefully. There are two main ways to do this: acknowledging the situation at hand, and personal outreach.
There are a few ways to do this. The first is when you are sending out an already existing newsletter that needs to go out, add a message from your leadership to the top of the communication that acknowledges what’s happening and your thoughts are with the situation.
Another way is to add something to your website. Have it be your resource for constant updates on what your organization is doing to respond and recognize all that’s happening. It’s also a really great tool to have so you can link right to this page when sending out an email or posting on social media.
Speaking of social media, use your social media accounts to let everyone know (beyond your email list) you’re aware of the situation and what you’re doing. You can also use your accounts to share what other people are posting that speaks to your values and mission.
In some cases, it’s appropriate to send a standalone email or a snail mail letter out to your contacts.
Whether what’s happening affects one group of people specifically, or everyone as a whole, there are definitely people who are involved with your organization that warrant personal outreach (if not everyone). For example, during Covid many organizations looked at their list of the most vulnerable — elderly, those who were high-risk, doctors, nurses, teacher, etc. From there they divided that list into many so leadership and volunteers could call and check in on these people.
What may seem like a burden to some, or not enough to others, in most cases it meant the world to the people on the other end of the call. Personally getting a call from a leader within your organization to check in sets your Nonprofit apart, and enhances your reputation.
Currently we’re seeing a lot of things happening in the world that can use acknowledgement and outreach. It’s a perfect time to check in with people to see how they are, and let them know you’re thinking of them.