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Nonprofit Fundraising

public relations and media outreach

Public Relations: Big Media Splash as Grand River Agency Launches Nonprofit Fundraiser   

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It’s wonderful when things go exactly as planned. Even better when they exceed expectations. By now you’ve likely heard about Grand River Agency launching a $1 Million Fundraising Campaign for one of its nonprofit clients, the Olean Food Pantry. After months of planning and building communications capacity, the announcement required a public relations push to create a BIG MEDIA SPLASH.

And that’s exactly what happened! Simply enough, we wrote and submitted a press release announcing the fundraising campaign – leveraging our decades of media experience and extensive industry contacts. What made that initial press release stand out above thousands of others submitted to local, regional and national media outlets that day?

Expert storytelling, of course.

Within 12 hours, our expert media relations team had orchestrated the PR splash we desired, capturing the attention of local, regional and even national media outlets. 

Every. Single. Media. Outlet. Targeted. What a fantastic kickoff generating widespread buzz and support for Olean Food Pantry’s crucial mission!

BIG Public Relations Campaign Boosts Nonprofit Fundraising Campaign

Here’s how we did it.

Setting the Stage for Success

At Grand River Agency, we understand the power of nonprofit storytelling and the importance of leveraging media relations to amplify our clients’ messages. Having already improved Olean Food Pantry’s digital presence and crafted a compelling case for support document, the stage was set for community engagement.

The launch of the Olean Food Pantry’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign offered an awesome opportunity to build a narrative around a BIG fundraising goal in a small community. That’s news in itself! Ambitious plans aren’t often hatched here in the impoverished northernmost tip of Appalachia. 

Crafting a Compelling Narrative

The initial press release justified a breakdown of major gifts, individual donations, corporate donations and grants required to meet fundraising goals. It weaved an emotional narrative around evidence of local food insecurity as told by food pantry administrators and volunteers, who routinely see record numbers on distribution days. Told correctly, the story needed no client testimonial to still paint a picture of severe struggle.

This compelling narrative highlighted the urgency of the Olean Food Pantry’s mission and the impact of fundraising efforts, expressing exactly how far every dollar donated can go. We emphasized the staggering rise in food pantry usage in recent years and the critical need for community support to address this pressing issue.

Making Waves in All Levels of Media

With our narrative in hand, we embarked on a strategic media outreach campaign, targeting a diverse array of media outlets to maximize our reach. A strong PR strategy doesn’t emphasize just one – or even a handful of media contacts – but rather a comprehensive list of journalists. 

It’s not enough to just send a PR pitch to the local paper and call it good.

At Grand River Agency, our proprietary list of media contacts include rank-and-file journalists, editors, producers and other decision-makers from local newspapers and radio to regional TV powerhouses and national aggregate sites. In targeting the hierarchy, we stand a greater chance at influencing coverage with reporters looking for “a scoop” that day and newsroom leaders who direct news production.

Within hours of publicly announcing the campaign, our press releases and pitches had captured the attention of news media outlets including:

Additionally, the PR secured a lead story that evening on Buffalo’s NPR station, further extending the campaign’s reach beyond local eyes and ears. Each publication either ran the press release in its entirety or expanded upon food insecurity in Western New York and the importance of community support.

Building Buzz & Momentum

Initial media coverage generated by Grand River Agency’s public relations efforts helped to build buzz and momentum around the Olean Food Pantry’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign. It quickly drove increased visibility and support for their cause, laying a foundation for future press releases, op-ed pieces and other media outreach to be received favorably. 

The community dialog is now launched with Olean Food Pantry strategically positioned as a thought leader in the War on Hunger. It further solidified the organization’s brand reputation as a trusted and impactful charity.

Expert Public Relations for Nonprofit Clients at Grand River Agency

At Grand River Agency, we’re passionate about using our media relations prowess to benefit nonprofit clients and promote fundraising initiatives that make a difference. Expert public relations are a powerful tool to supplement a well-rounded professional communications strategy.

We’re committed to helping our clients achieve their goals through strategic storytelling and media outreach. OFP’s fundraiser is just one case study on what we can do for your organization. Whether you’re launching a new initiative, raising awareness about an important cause, or seeking to engage the community in your mission, Grand River Agency is here to help. 

Contact us here and let’s get to know each other.

Olean Food Pantry million dollar fundraising campaign

Grand River Agency Builds $1 Million Fundraising Campaign for Nonprofit Client

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Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic maneuvers powering a $1 Million Fundraising Campaign for one of Grand River Agency’s nonprofit fundraising clients. 

Raising large sums of money for great missions of charity is one of our hallmark services. But, contrary to popular practice in the charity industry, we’re not spending all day churning out grant proposals and praying they stick. To be sure, grant writing is part of the strategy, but we prefer a well-rounded approach that diversifies funding sources and leverages multiple channels for BIG and small wins.

Here’s how we’re doing it. 

Olean Food Pantry’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign Managed By Grand River Agency

The Olean Food Pantry’s groundbreaking $1 million fundraising campaign, masterminded by Grand River Agency, actually began MONTHS before the formal announcement. In my initial consultation with their Board of Directors, my first question was this: “What do you think of your organization’s digital presence?” 

Their answer? Crickets. 

Obviously, that was the place to start. Nonprofit storytelling these days takes place almost entirely in the digital realm, so why not supercharge the mechanisms for those communications? Activities included:

  • Building a new website
  • Creating new & optimizing current social media accounts
  • Writing blogs for SEO
  • Designing graphics & short-form videos for cross-channel promotion

The next question during that initial discussion was, “Who’s your nonprofit’s target audience?” Naturally, one Board member answered, “The people we serve.” To which I responded, “Absolutely not.”

And here’s why.

The Importance of a Donor-Centric Nonprofit Communications Strategy

The people your charity serves DON’T have money. Donors, funders, grantors and philanthropists are every nonprofit’s target audience.  

That’s not to say your communications strategies mustn’t address and help the people and causes you serve. They absolutely do! Consider it this way: your communications must appeal to donors and funders BY showcasing the superheroic capacity to influence people, whether it’s your nonprofit’s website, social media presence or media relations. 

With the proper mechanisms in place, you can then focus on communicating directly with the people and organizations with the financial power to bankroll your nonprofit mission.  

Writing & Designing a Strong Nonprofit Case for Support

Also known as a case statement, the nonprofit case for support is a comprehensive document that details the who, what, when, where, why and how of your charity’s mission. It’s basically a blanket proposal.

Expertly written and designed, it can be sent in its entirety to BIG MONEY funders or used to copy-and-paste (or at least inform) all future grant proposals, marketing materials and media outreach. Why reinvent the wheel each time you craft new communications?

For the Olean Food Pantry’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign, we developed and designed a case for support in e-book/magazine format. It clearly and compellingly expresses:

  • Organizational history
  • Mission & vision
  • Community need
  • Current programs & demonstrated impact
  • Future vision
  • Financial realities
  • Justification & plans for funding
  • Decision-makers, staff & volunteers

Just as importantly, it details a well-rounded fundraising strategy noting exactly what’s expected of supporters, grant funders and big money donors to make it work.

Diversifying Revenue Sources in a Strong Nonprofit Fundraising Campaign

So many nonprofits launch fundraising strategies emphasizing just one main activity – whether it be grant writing (often before they’ve built the capacity to contend for competitive grants) or some annual fundraising gala (which often costs more to host than it brings in).

What’s the best way to eat a whale? One bite at a time! So for the OFP $1 Million Fundraising Campaign, Grand River Agency broke down fundraising tactics into four easy revenue streams. 

Grant Writing: Securing $450,000 in Funding

Don’t get us wrong. Grant writing is great – as PART of a well-rounded fundraising campaign. (And that’s only if your organization is grant-ready.) Olean Food Pantry is grant-ready, having already demonstrated success in securing local and regional grants through the years. We’re now aiming to secure a whopping $450,000 in grant funding by researching applicable funding opportunities on a national scale and submitting a volume of proposals to various foundations, charitable trusts and government resources.

Major Gift Donor Cultivation: Unlocking $450,000 in Major Gifts

The next big chunk of the pie requires cultivating major gift donors. Through personalized outreach, relationship-building and targeted stewardship of a list of prospective millionaire donors, we will secure $450,000 in major gifts from philanthropists, community leaders and other high-net-worth individuals with specific interest in the War on Hunger. 

Corporate Giving: Mobilizing $50,000 from Business Leaders

Corporate giving is yet another fundraising avenue we’re mobilizing for Olean Food Pantry. By engaging local businesses and corporations, we’re eyeing a smaller sum of $50,000 in donations. We recognize the area’s business climate makes money tight – and such businesses are already doing their part to combat food insecurity via employment.

By asking businesses for a smaller total contribution, we’re forging strategic partnerships that make a buzz and raise community awareness.   

Individual Donors: Rallying Community Support

Last, but certainly not least, individual donors are playing a crucial role in raising the final $50,000 to support the Olean Food Pantry’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign. By improving the organization’s digital presence (mentioned earlier), we can now engage the community in ways never before possible.

In general, community members may have comparatively limited means. But compelling smaller contributions – a few dollars here and there add up quickly – empowers individuals to help their family, friends and neighbors.

A Holistic Approach to Fundraising Guides OFP’s $1 Million Fundraising Campaign

The Olean Food Pantry’s $1 million fundraising campaign is a testament to the power of strategic communications – a range of tactics building upon each other to create a POWERHOUSE nonprofit fundraising strategy. But before we could even think about the fundraising aspect, we had to shore up and create numerous avenues for communications. 

Grand River Agency will achieve this ambitious fundraising goal and make a tangible difference for a nonprofit client in the Olean community.

Join Us in Making a Difference in YOUR Community

Ready to harness the power of strategic communications and fundraising to drive meaningful change in your community? We’re here to help your organization unlock your fundraising potential and make a lasting impact.

nonprofit superhero case for support

Nonprofit Case for Support: Fulfilling Your Grand Design

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Nonprofit superheroes, it’s not enough to write a fantastic nonprofit case for support. It could be the most well-written, thoroughly researched case statement ever, and it could still go completely overlooked – unless a prospective donor or grant funder for some reason prefers text only. Here’s where graphic design plays a key role in your nonprofit storytelling strategy.

We first addressed the importance of this comprehensive document, which should be the linchpin of all nonprofit fundraising and communications efforts. Then, we discussed the critical elements of a case for support and how to write one. 

Today, we discuss how great design can, well, fulfill your nonprofit’s grand design. Hold onto your capes, heroes of charity! We’re diving into design elements and strategies that will make your narrative soar higher than a superhero in flight. Because, let’s be honest, who would take a superhero seriously if their costume was in shambles?

The Art of Design: A Nonprofit Case for Support with Great Graphic Appeal

It’s not just about looking good. Of course, that’s a part of it. But a well-designed case statement helps to present and frame your nonprofit mission, individuals served, systematic challenges and financial realities to be easily understood. Great design offers true perspective on the issues. 

The Visual Symphony of Design

Your case for support is not just a document. It’s a canvas awaiting the touch of an expert artist – your designer. It’s about professionalism, clarity and engagement. A visually striking design elevates your narrative, capturing attention and instilling confidence in your organization’s competence. 

Don’t have a graphic design expert on standby? Fear not! Platforms like Canva and others can turn even novices into design virtuosos. (Grand River Agency also offers design services that surpass all commercial platforms.)

The Professional Handshake

Your case for support’s aesthetics matter. They convey organizational credibility for a great first impression. Would you show up to a job interview in your grass-cutting jeans or still sweaty from the gym? No! Because even though you’re not being considered for your looks, looking professional shows that you’re committed to being professional.

The graphic appeal of this document is a firm, confident visual handshake and a declaration of your organization’s commitment to excellence. The design sets the tone for a serious consideration of your cause and call to action.

Aim for clarity in layout. Don’t jump around. Even the smartest reviewers will get lost – or even aggravated. State your case in clear, cohesive order that’s easy to understand. Ensure your content is organized logically, guiding the reader seamlessly through your narrative.

Use fonts that reflect your brand’s personality, opting for styles that are both readable and align with your organization’s image (more on that later). Strike a balance between text, graphic elements and white space to avoid overwhelming the reader and nurture visual harmony.

Use Graphics to Emphasize Key Points

Graphics are your superhero sidekick, standing at the ready to hammer home key points. Punch! They break up the monotony of walls of text and guide your readers through the narrative. Think of them as visual exclamation points! 

A well-placed graphic can sometimes illustrate a point more effectively than a paragraph. Of course, you still need to indicate key points within your written narrative. There’s something authoritative about pulling a statement or statistic from a paragraph for EMPHASIS. For instance:

  • 95% Job Placement Rate
  • ZERO Overdose Deaths
  • 67% Reduction in Violent Crime
  • “Our family now has access to nutritious food.” – John Q. Client, Food Pantry Visitor

Can you see how emphasizing those outside the main text would command attention? This is the essence of visual storytelling.

Graphs: Making Sense of Complexity

Numbers can be complex, but a thoughtful graph can be a beacon of clarity. Sure, there are some proposal reviewers who can make sense of complicated statistics in paragraph form. But for most, numbers often require clarification and perspective. 

For instance, a 54% increase in your nonprofit’s social media followers means little without providing comparison. Reviewers will likely ask, “A 54% increase over what?” So here’s a chance to include a nice line graph that shows the upward trend in your following over prior numbers.

Bar graphs, pie charts, scatterplots, histograms — they all simplify intricate figures and offer clear insights into your organization’s achievements and goals. Don’t let vital stats get lost in the sea of text. Bring them to life with graphs!

Photos & Illustrations: The Soul of Your Story

Photos and illustrations are powerful. They transcend words, providing a tangible glimpse into the impact of your initiatives. A powerful image can evoke emotions that words alone might struggle to convey. Show, don’t just tell. 

The story of your nonprofit superhero’s work requires a visual medium to emphasize emotion and the soul of your mission. Why? Because there’s emotion tied to impact. There’s emotion tied to people struggling. There’s emotion tied to lives being helped and improved. For the reader, there’s emotion tied to actually seeing your mission in motion.

As the old adage goes, “A picture’s worth a thousand words.”  

Craft a Consistent Visual Identity: Your Brand in a Nutshell

Harmony is key. A consistent visual identity, from fonts to colors, reinforces a polished and professional appearance. While expert graphic design in crafting a nonprofit case for support is all about aesthetic appeal, it’s also about building brand recognition. 

Your brand’s colors and fonts are its voice without needing to say anything. Any self-respecting superhero always has a super cool costume – with awesome designs, colors and logos that foreshadow the skills they bring to their population in distress: stealth, strength, speed, psychic ability, etc. While, admittedly, superhero fashion is created for entertainment, the psychology behind them holds true. (You’d immediately recognize the Superman “S”, the Batman logo or the Spidey Suit anywhere!)

Let the same be true for your nonprofit superhero brand. Let visual identity sing cohesively from your case statement to your email marketing to your public relations.

Does Your Nonprofit Superhero Have a Great Costume? Design Your Nonprofit Case for Support to be Ready for Action!

So, nonprofit superheroes, it’s time to breathe life into your case for support document with some great graphic design. We can’t overstate the importance of a well-developed case statement. It can be sent in its entirety to big-money donors or used to inform future grant proposals, marketing campaigns and other community engagement.

Weave your narrative into a visual masterpiece. While this process can be quite detailed and overwhelming, doing it right can be a game-changer between struggling and soaring. Let this guide be your superhero sidekick!

If you need help, we’re always here for a chat!

nonprofit superhero case for support

How to Build the Ultimate Nonprofit Case for Support

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We’ve described the importance of a great nonprofit case for support. Now’s the time to build one. This comprehensive document – expertly written and designed – lays the foundation for ALL organizational communications. That includes all future grant writing pursuits, marketing campaigns and donor cultivation.

(Helpful hint: your case statement can even be sent in its entirety to big-money funders and published alongside your digital marketing efforts to rally community support.)

We’ve been using a great metaphor for your nonprofit journey: a superhero out to protect, serve and save the day for people in need. Ideally, the case for support labels your organization as uniquely positioned to solve the community issue at hand and to build a League of Allies to ensure long-term success.

How Does a Strong Case for Support Work?

Picture your nonprofit donning a cape, sharpening your professional message across four vital dimensions:

Gotham’s In Trouble

Every superhero has a nemesis, and so does your nonprofit. The population you serve is under attack. Whether it’s battling hunger or addressing community health issues, identify the villain your organization fights.

Craft a narrative that captures – in words, pictures, graphics and graphs – the essence of this epic challenge and places your charity superhero at the forefront of defending the defenseless.

Plotting Your Villain’s Demise

Your nemesis has a weakness that needs to be exploited. That weakness IS your nonprofit superhero and its capacities. Your case for support must envision a world in which the threat has been eliminated and the population is thriving. 

Through hard work and a little help from superhero sidekicks like donors and volunteers, the enemy WILL be defeated. 

Superpowers & Secret Weapons

Spell out the unique programs and skills your charity brings to a populace in distress. How does your organization swoop in to save the day? 

Detail your prior success stories and ongoing plans of attack. Your programs and community initiatives are secret weapons and superpowers needed to achieve your nonprofit vision. 

Invitation to Join Your Hero League

A case for support is a great, big call to action. Expressed well, it invites others to participate actively in your nonprofit mission: defeating the threatening villain. By positioning your nonprofit as the superhero society deserves, you naturally bring others – hopefully with deep pockets – into the fold as key devoted supporters.    

Outline of Epic Proportions: Laying Out Your Nonprofit Case for Support

Now, let’s embark on your nonprofit’s epic journey with key elements to a stellar case for support. Your case for support is a comprehensive document that spells out all there is to know about your organization, its mission, its people, populations served and funding needs. 

It brings readers alongside your nonprofit hero to see the problem with all its blemishes and how your organization could make a real difference – with a little help from friends. Of course, it’s quite versatile. Use it in its entirety or to inform messaging for grant proposals, public relations and nonprofit marketing and everything in between.  

Introduction

Begin with an emotionally charged anecdote. Or, if possible, use a true story or an archetype to represent individuals or issues commonly seen at your nonprofit. 

However you do it, paint a picture that introduces your nonprofit superhero’s mission. Tug at heartstrings. Set the stage for an inspiring call to action.

Organizational Mission, Vision & History

Explore your organization’s essence, purpose and historical footprint. This is your superhero’s North Star, guiding every endeavor. Showcase the “what,” “how,” and most importantly, the “why” behind your mission.

Fundraising Goal

Clearly state your fundraising goal and articulate the transformative power within each dollar raised. Spell out not just financial figures, but also the impact made possible through every contribution.

Articulate your organization’s current budget and philosophies guiding your spending plan. Reconcile those current realities by expressing HOW MUCH MORE can be done with financial contributions, volunteerism or other forms of support. 

The Societal Issue

Detail the profound challenge your organization tackles. Expand upon your introduction with a compelling story (or stories) that capture(s) the essence of human struggle, societal gaps and inequities. 

Engage prospective donors not as witnesses, but as participants in the epic saga of your heroic impact. Stir emotions and awaken a sense of collective responsibility.

Organizational Track Record

Highlight milestones, triumphs and transformative moments. Showcase your organization’s credibility by demonstrating a proven ability to convert vision into tangible outcomes. Every person and system served has a story and provides proof both quantitatively and qualitatively. 

Current Programs & Mission Alignment

Discuss your ongoing initiatives, illustrating how each program contributes to your organization’s heroic masterpiece of real community change. Showcase the thoughtful alignment of actions with intentions.

Talent & Core Competencies

Introduce the passionate individuals steering the ship, accompanied by external validations like education, credentials and awards. Showcase your organization’s human capital and unique strengths. 

Here’s a great chance, for example, to indicate your nonprofit’s Executive Director has successfully launched numerous capital campaigns (to demonstrate sustainability) or that your program staff are all certified CPR trainers (to demonstrate capacity). 

Looking Forward

Outline overarching goals as a visionary compass guiding stakeholders toward the future. This is a promise of sustained growth, deeper community engagement and heightened effectiveness.

Yes, your case for support expresses current and immediate need, but a forward-looking focus shows your hero has eyes toward community impact for years to come.

Fundraising Playbook

Highlight a well-rounded and diversified approach to fundraising – including grant writing, donor cultivation, corporate philanthropy, events, major gifts and more. Supporters of your nonprofit hero’s journey will almost certainly want to know you’re not “putting all your eggs in one basket” in defeating the societal villain. 

Conclusion

Reaffirm the urgency and significance of your nonprofit’s mission. Express gratitude, showcase progress and issue a clear call to action. This section is a launchpad for community engagement, fostering shared responsibility and collective empowerment.

Achieve Nonprofit Fundraising Excellence with a Great Case for Support 

Ready to transform your nonprofit into a superhero force for good? (Just as importantly, are you ready to raise the money – the lifeblood of all charities – to achieve real and sustainable community impact?) A great case for support is arguably your most important piece of nonprofit storytelling, inviting funders to partner in your success. 

We just laid out the key steps to putting one together. Now it’s on you, dear nonprofit hero, to put one together. Of course, if you need help, we’re always here to guide the process with a knowing and caring hand! Grand River Agency has a dedicated team of professional communicators with combined decades of nonprofit experience. 

Craft the ultimate case for support with Grand River Agency and let your heroic journey take flight!

nonprofit superhero case for support

Case For Support: 6 Legit Reasons ALL Nonprofits Should Have One

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We’re on a nonprofit superhero kick here at Grand River Agency! With all the good – all the community impact even the smallest nonprofits aim to achieve – it’s nothing short of heroic. Part of being a nonprofit superhero is gathering the support and resources you need to do the job.

A great case for support is the primary document all nonprofits should have to build their superpowers and League of Community Support. Not all heroes wear capes. Some – like Lucius Fox in Batman – support the good fight with cash and resources. 

The trick is getting them on your team.

A nonprofit case for support, aka case statement, compels funders to give graciously for the sake of protecting Gotham. In this blog post, we’ll unravel 6 great reasons why all nonprofits should build a case for support document, exploring why it’s a downright essential piece of nonprofit storytelling for every organization looking to make a lasting impact.

Why is a Case for Support So Important?

Before you don your nonprofit superhero cape and start firing off grant proposals and marketing campaigns, you need a roadmap. The case for support is not just a document. It’s your nonprofit’s superhero dossier, proclaiming everything from impactful programs and community outreach to demographics, financial needs and future aspirations.

Let’s break it all down!

1. Laying a Foundation

As the cornerstone of your nonprofit storytelling, the nonprofit case for support is the comprehensive narrative that informs every aspect of your organization’s expert communications strategy:

  • Grant applications
  • Marketing materials
  • Donor cultivation
  • Public relations
  • & More

It’s a written and designed document that lays out the who, what, where, when, why and how of your organization – typically in anywhere from 5 to 15 pages, depending on depth and detail required. It’s the strong foundation upon which every engaging story and compelling detail is built. It doesn’t just share what you do. It intricately weaves the “why” into every aspect.

2. Time-Saving Magic

In the fast-paced world of nonprofit heroics, time is ALWAYS of the essence. If your nonprofit fundraising strategy carries any weight, you’re compiling great volumes of grant proposals, marketing materials and otherwise getting your message out. Each piece of messaging serves a vital role in GETTING THE MONEY REQUIRED TO MOVE YOUR MISSION FORWARD!

(Yes, ALL CAPS is necessary.)

Crafting all this from scratch is like reinventing the wheel every time. Why waste precious hours, days and even months when you have a pre-built arsenal of material? Your case for support is a magic wand that saves time, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: making a difference. 

You’ll almost always need to adjust content for the purpose at hand, but even saving 50% of your time means you have 50% MORE TIME to amplify efforts, deepen community engagement and, ultimately, fulfill your organization’s mission more effectively.

3. Consistency is Key

Consistency is the basic element of professionalism. It’s key to building a strong nonprofit brand that “sticks to the ribs” as truly memorable. A well-structured case for support ensures your messaging is consistent across all platforms. It keeps your communication strategy on track, fostering trust among donors, partners and the community.

Trust blossoms when donors and funders encounter a seamless narrative – whether in a grant proposal, community event promotion or a simple social media post. Of course, it also helps the people you serve by consistently providing reliable information.

4. Grant Proposal Powerhouse

With a robust case statement in hand, drafting grant proposals becomes a breeze. No more starting from scratch! Simply customize this foundation you’ve already built to suit the specific grant parts and requirements, and you’re ready to conquer funding opportunities.

The case for support is a blanket proposal. It can be sent in its entirety to prospective donors and funders. Or you can pick and choose details as the building blocks to a solid grant application. It encapsulates your organization’s “boilerplate information: 

  • Mission & vision
  • History
  • Current programs
  • Community impact
  • Testimonials
  • Admin/staff experience & expertise
  • Goals & objectives 

The document is a haven of copy-and-paste material. Or it can serve as a baseline of key starting points, upon which you can easily expand. It’s a practical resource that transforms the complexities of grant applications into a straightforward and effective launching pad for fundraising success.

5. Future-Proofing Vision

Your nonprofit’s future focus is a key element of the case for support. It’s not just about your organization’s current makeup. It’s a visionary document that outlines where your organization is headed. Having a roadmap for the future ensures that your strategies align with long-term goals – and that all communications leaving your organization embody that spirit.

A forward-looking compass guides your nonprofit’s trajectory. It not only aids in strategic planning, but also serves as a beacon for your team, current and prospective donors, stakeholders and individuals served. It communicates that your nonprofit not only addresses immediate needs, but also is actively shaping a sustainable and impactful future that will adjust with evolving community needs.

6. Community Connection

The case for support is a powerful tool to connect with the community. It tells your story and authentically showcases your impact. It builds a bridge from your organization to the hearts of potential supporters.

By sharing your case for support document, you extend an invitation for others not just to witness your nonprofit mission, but to become active participants. When frequently updated to detail current realities, it’s a dynamic link of shared purpose, understanding and collective action within the community you serve.

Elevate Your Nonprofit Superhero Status with a Great Nonprofit Case for Support

Every superhero needs a signature move. For nonprofits, that strategic move is a great case for support. It’s the tool that elevates your superhero status in the charitable world, making you stand out, not just as an organization but as a force for positive change.

It’s more than a document. It’s your manifesto of impact from which all other communications originate. By crafting a great case statement, you’re showcasing your nonprofit superhero’s unique strengths, achievements and transformative journey to serve the underserved. It’s the emblem on your superhero cape, instantly recognizable and resonant with the power to inspire and mobilize. 

Admittedly, there are many moving parts and complexities involved with compiling such a comprehensive document. Without dedicated communications staff, it can be nearly impossible. Let Grand River Agency help you produce a ready-to-use foundation. No more reinventing the wheel. Let’s get your messaging right and begin to focus on what truly matters — making a difference.

nonprofit value proposition

Nonprofits, Have You Ever Considered Your Unique Value Proposition?

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As a nonprofit executive, have you ever really thought about your organization’s unique value proposition? That sounds like yet another thing saved for big for-profit businesses, right? Just as businesses must establish value propositions that stand out from competitors in a crowded marketplace, so too must nonprofit organizations.

That goes for nonprofits of any size. Why? Because YOU NEED MONEY to build and sustain any nonprofit mission. Your “customer” is the deep-pocket donor or grant funder who will SPEND THEIR MONEY to see your mission thrive.

See how your nonprofit’s unique value proposition carries a lot of weight? By that measuring stick, it’s a critical element within your organization’s communications and outreach strategy.

6 Ways to Craft a Unique Value Proposition for Your Nonprofit

Whether you know it or not, you likely face competition from other organizations in your field, all vying for funding and support from donors, grant funders and other benefactors. In this cluttered landscape, it’s important to communicate not just what your organization does, but how it does it differently from others in your field. 

That’s your nonprofit’s value proposition!

Your value proposition is what sets your organization apart from others in your field. It’s your unique approach to service delivery, the people you serve, and your impact metrics that differentiate your organization and make it more attractive to potential supporters. 

Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate all this:

1. Analyze Your Organization’s Strengths & Core Competencies

Isn’t it funny how so many steps to communicating a message begin with analysis. Well, spoiler alert: you’re going to have to do some organizational introspection. You can’t just throw messaging to the wind.

Start by identifying what makes your organization unique. This could be an innovative service delivery approach, a focus on a particular underserved population, personnel experience, or a unique fundraising model that allows a greater impact with less overhead. 

Organizational strengths may also include individual and collective areas of expertise. Is your CEO a financial whizz who can take a $1,000 donation and quickly turn it into $10,000. Do your Board members have proficiencies to offer expert guidance in service delivery areas? Do you have staff members who have successfully overseen programs and services for years (all while developing new methods of impact to evolve with time)? Each of these could be key elements to your organizational messaging and branding.

Whatever it is, be sure to highlight specific examples of how these elements of value proposition have led to tangible results.

2. Develop Clear Mission, Vision & Values Statements

At the very least, every nonprofit organization must have clear and concise mission and vision statements. Your mission statement is your organization’s identity. It’s your reason for being; your purpose. Your vision statement is your organization’s ideal for a world in which the problem(s) you serve are solved. It’s the world in which your organization wouldn’t have to exist. Your values statement is essentially a code of ethics. It’s a set of principles that govern the way your nonprofit, its leadership and staff operate daily.

Your nonprofit’s value proposition should include a brief and compelling summary of these statements as unique strengths and differentiators. It should be easy to understand and articulate to communicate the impact that your organization aims to achieve.

3. Incorporate Your Value Proposition Into Your Messaging & Outreach

A nonprofit’s value proposition must have a foothold in every piece of communication to come from your organization. Now, that doesn’t mean it has to be mentioned at every turn and included verbatim in each piece of marketing material. 

A value proposition can also be the spirit by which your organization operates and communicates. Can you see and feel this spirit in all of your communications channels, including your website, social media, fundraising materials and grant proposals? Even without stating it explicitly, is the spirit of your value proposition front and center (and consistently communicated) in your messaging?

Whether it’s communicated subtly or overtly, your nonprofit’s unique value proposition should clearly illustrate impact and how fulfilling it is to participate in your mission. 

4. Use Storytelling to Illustrate Your Impact

People connect with stories, so use real-life examples and testimonials to illustrate the impact that your organization is making. Your nonprofit’s story is not just a series of social media posts showing check-passing events and pictures of staff members smiling in the office. Nor is it the regurgitation of data expressing impact and community need.

It’s an ongoing narrative with triumphs and failures, heroes and villains, and lives improved through philanthropy. Your nonprofit storytelling should not only amplify your message, but more importantly, gather prospective stakeholders around your fire to envision themselves as supporting characters.

5. Engage Your Community

Your supporters are your best advocates, so engage them in your mission and ask them to help spread the word. Encourage them to share your message with their friends and family, and ask them to become ambassadors for your nonprofit. 

Here are several great ways to accomplish community engagement:

  • Build an online community
  • Cultivate a volunteer program
  • Host community events
  • Utilize local media 

But it’s not enough to do just one or a few of these things. Doing these all effectively will convey your nonprofit’s unique value proposition and reach new audiences who are interested in supporting your organization.

6. Seek & Accept Feedback

Finally, actively seek feedback from your customers and stakeholders to ensure your communications efforts are driving results from your target audience. You can conduct surveys, focus groups or individual interviews to gain a deeper understanding of your unique value proposition as it relates to their needs and perceptions. You also can access feedback at your fingertips through data and analytics from your website, social media apps, CRM software and more.

So many organizations throw all sorts of messaging to the wind and assume it’s going well. You may even feel like you get a lot of engagement on social media and great response from your email marketing list.

But if you don’t take the pulse, you don’t know where to shore up weak spots or augment processes that are working well. Your efforts could be reaching EVEN MORE potential supporters. Or your messaging could be improved in any number of ways to drive better results from the supporters you already have.

Your Nonprofit’s Unique Value Proposition is a Key Part of Your Communications Strategy

By effectively communicating your nonprofit’s unique value proposition, you can differentiate your organization from your competitors and build a loyal base of support that ACTS ON A SYSTEM OF SHARED VALUES AND BELIEFS!

Thus, your value proposition is a critical component of your nonprofit communications strategy for standing out in a crowded nonprofit landscape. Use these tactics to attract the support you need to achieve your mission.

Of course, if you need help, there’s no shame in seeking help from an experienced strategic communications firm that has helped many nonprofits just like yours to resonate with target audiences. Grand River Agency is also the preferred nonprofit social media marketing vendor of the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives (NANOE).

Feel free to reach out to me directly here for a free consultation!

Grand River Agency is NANOE's preferred nonprofit social media marketing vendor

Grand River Agency Named NANOE’s Preferred Nonprofit Social Media Marketing Agency

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Grand River Agency began coordinating social media marketing for the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives (NANOE) just a few short months ago. After some outstanding results beyond anyone’s best expectations, we’re proud and thankful to be tabbed NANOE’s preferred nonprofit social media marketing vendor.

Humbled may actually be the operative term – but we take this announcement as a call to action and as evidence Grand River Agency’s work as nonprofit communications experts has only just begun. NANOE approached us in late spring on a recommendation from a world-renowned nonprofit fundraising expert after our exceptional work to promote her Nonprofit Star Quest virtual training event in March. 

The task was immense. We began managing more than a dozen of NANOE’s social media platforms and promoting content across many different channels offering guidance to hundreds of thousands of nonprofit leaders worldwide. The scope grew to include short-form video marketing, book launches, training events and other forums for nonprofit community engagement.

The success was profound – almost immediately as the analytics made it crystal clear NANOE’s digital storytelling was AMPLIFIED exponentially by effectively leveraging social media marketing. Any time you’re looking at analytics showing improvements in engagement by over 1,400%, that’s a BIG win!

Nonprofit Storytelling Guide

A Devoted Partner in Nonprofit Social Media Marketing & Community Outreach 

This collaboration with NANOE is a testament to our commitment to expertly crafting social media content. We empower charitable organizations to STAND OUT in today’s increasingly complex digital landscape.

In a world where countless digital marketing vendors promise remarkable results through cookie-cutter strategies, Grand River Agency stands apart by simplifying and streamlining typically complex nonprofit marketing tasks. The result? MAXIMUM return on investment. Nonprofits ultimately aim for all tactics to funnel toward high ROI fundraising. Producing quantities of quality digital marketing content is a key cog in that wheel.

Professional marketing capacity should be accessible to all nonprofits, regardless of their size or budget constraints. Small nonprofits with important community missions are just as deserving of the limelight. We’re happy to facilitate that for a fraction of the expense of a professional salary.

Here are just a few of the benefits of contracting with NANOE’s preferred nonprofit social media marketing vendor. 

Adaptability & Growth: Imperative for Nonprofits

In the dynamic realm of nonprofit communications, adaptability and growth are not mere ideals; they are prerequisites for success. Shockingly, over 50% of nonprofits lack a digital marketing strategy of any kind. That’s an eye-popping statistic we aim to change for YOUR organization.

For nonprofits, especially those operating on tight budgets, hiring a full-time digital media staff member is dramatically cost-prohibitive. The median annual salary for a social media marketing manager in the U.S has now eclipsed SIX FIGURES! That’s where Grand River Agency comes in, offering the power of journalistic storytelling via social media at a very friendly rate.

The Power of Social Media Marketing Based in Great Journalism

Wait, journalism? Aren’t journalism and marketing supposed to be separate? Not at all! Digital marketing and journalism are both based in outstanding journalistic storytelling. Presenting facts. Allowing readers, viewers and listeners to assess the reality and make decisions.

“We All Have a Story to Tell. Let’s Tell It Well.” This is the philosophy that underpins our approach at Grand River Agency. Our team comprises former journalists who specialize in promoting the nonprofit sector and community-oriented missions. We understand the power of storytelling and its pivotal role in great digital marketing.

Crafting effective digital marketing strategies is a daunting task for many organizations. It’s a lot like nonprofit fundraising, where it can be very difficult to hit the mark if your priorities are askew. (Remember, nonprofit friends: DONORS are your customers!) Strong community outreach and fundraising go hand-in-hand. We firmly believe in the power of nonprofit branding, and social media marketing is a potent catalyst for the good your nonprofit delivers to your communities.

Attention-Grabbing Storytelling for Charitable Initiatives

Charitable initiatives demand attention. When supported – and funded – to their fullest capacity, nonprofit missions truly transform lives and serve communities left entirely unserved by the private and governmental sectors.

Our commitment is to provide robust communications capacity that can powerfully promote your mission – as it truly deserves.

Your Bridge to Nonprofit Social Media Marketing Success

Grand River Agency proudly embraces the role of NANOE’s social media marketing vendor of choice. We urge nonprofits not to fall into the category of those without a social media marketing strategy. Moreover, we recognize that even fewer have a strategic plan and fundraising blueprint for long-term sustainability, and our friends at NANOE and Major Gifts Ramp-Up are here to offer support in those areas.

Based in Olean, NY, Grand River Agency bridges the gap by offering visionary opportunities to excel in nonprofit social media — a critical investment in capacity building and growth previously only accessible to BIG BUDGET organizations.

Reach out to GRA President and Founder Kelsey Boudin to explore how we can make a significant impact together. Don’t hesitate to contact us for help!