Not for profit organizations, especially local and regional non-profits, often strive to affect the greatest change they can with the resources they have at their disposal.  Many times, the goals of these organizations are tangible and practical goals (like saving whales or collecting backpacks for foster families). The success of a non-profit can certainly be measured by the amount of good they achieve in their field of focus.

Some key factors that lead towards these measurable successes are less measurable and sometimes go completely unnoticed.  The hours spent writing up forms and grants and having board meetings and reviews can skyrocket pretty quickly when all you really want to do is "that thing" that you've always wanted to to.

The need in your community that you've found yourself most passionate about is the driving force behind what it is you're doing.  I've always found that people who work in the non-profit sector are almost always more than happy to tell me about it; after all: If they weren't passionate about it, they probably wouldn't be doing it.  Now does that mean that I'm going to get on board with anyone and everyone who pitches their dream to me? probably not.  But how do we go about finding the right people at the right place who are feeling the same way you are?

Of course, I'm a web designer, so my instinct is to put up a website.  Everyone seems to know they need a website.  It's how organizations communicate what they're all about. 

Engage your Community

Social Media is a great way to communicate with your fans, donors, and volunteers.  Many of these platforms (like Facebook, X, YouTube, etc.) make it very easy to talk with your target donors, share news about events and progress reports, and keep your volunteers engaged in their community.

The drawback is that these platforms conform to one format; Theirs.  Having your own website, allows you the opportunity to show your community what you really look like.  It also keeps the focus on your organization, retaining the attention of your target audience longer to boost interest in your non-profit and hopefully convincing them to donate their time or money to your cause.

Increase Donations

Over %50 of people today prefer to donate to their charity of choice, online.  That means that your website needs to be set up for people to easily donate. 

The other side of the coin is that online platforms often have some cost to them (even if it is discounted for non-profits).  You also have security to contend with, making sure your website is secured and has current SSL certificates.  The last thing you want is one of your donors losing trust in your dream!

Expand Your Reach

 Word of mouth has been and likely will always be the most effective communication tool in your arsenal.  People are more likely to trust you if you're recommended to them by someone they already trust.  Using a website is kind-of like talking to a stranger for the first time.  If someone comes to your page for the first time, they don't know you, or what you're about.

It's important to utilize your website and social media to portray your organizations personality.  Your online platforms need to be able to relate to the people you're reaching out to.  Every page and post is a conversation with a potential partner in the work you do.  Make the most of your platform(s) and your reach will expand and grow.

Showcase Your Impact

 This is always the best part: being able to show people why what you do matters! pictures, slideshows and videos are what people come for.  They want to see your work and you doing the work.  It's true what they say about pictures being worth a thousand words.

It may feel like bragging about how great you are at your job... because it is!  And that's okay!  showcasing your work is just as important as any other aspect of what you do, because that's what draws new, like-minded, people towards your organizations and the important work it does.

So go on and be bold in speaking up for what matters to you.  Reach out to new people, and give them a reason to join your cause.  Show them you're organized and clearly communicating.  Show them that their time and efforts won't go to waste.  And show them that they too, can be a part of what matters most to you!