Grand River Agency Adds Social Media Marketing & Fundraising Certification

We’re Certified & Ready to Amplify Your Nonprofit’s Voice & Donor Outreach

Nonprofit leaders wear more hats than a Broadway costume designer. Especially at small nonprofits – aka more than 90% of you. You’re managing programs, wooing donors, crafting grant proposals and handling budgets (sometimes it feels like with duct tape and prayer). Fine-tuning your nonprofit social media marketing? Well, that often falls about 17th on the priority list.

So, my dear overworked, over-stressed and over-caffeinated nonprofit execs, there’s a solution to your communications conundrum. I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve officially earned the Nonprofit Social Media Marketing & Fundraising Certification from Nonprofit Tech for Good — one of the most respected training hubs in the charitable realm.

Nonprofits, like any other organizations in the 21st century, must build a strong social media presence. And I mean one beyond simply avoiding a digital graveyard by posting volunteer photos and inspirational quotes. I mean a POWERFUL communications mechanism that informs the good folks you serve and, just as importantly, inspires confidence from funders with the power to bankroll your nonprofit mission. 

Nonprofit Social Media Experts are Here to Help!

So you’re trying to post something on your nonprofit social media accounts that, frankly, doesn’t suck. Something that doesn’t get just a like and a share from your mom (but boy is she proud)! 

All jokes aside, if that sounds like you, you’re not alone.

Since you’re already wearing so many hats, why not let the nonprofit social media experts take the reins? Sure, you have AI at your disposal. But churning out tons of canned social media copy and images can’t replace a strong strategy backed by data and research. What’s more, the digital marketing game is a calling that requires full-time devotion.  

Your nonprofit’s voice deserves to be heard across all applicable social media channels. Your mission deserves support. Your digital presence needs to punch above its weight — without draining your already-stretched budget.

After years of nonprofit digital marketing experience, here are some new nuggets of learning gained through the certification process. (Related reading: Grand River Agency also recently earned a certification in AI for Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising. Busy? You could say that. But this work matters.)

Here’s a bit of what we’ve learned through years of nonprofit digital marketing experience and the certification process.

What We Learned: Straight from the Nonprofit Social Media Trenches

The Nonprofit Social Media Marketing & Fundraising certification wasn’t just about posting cute graphics and counting likes. It was about building strategy — real, results-driven strategy — for small and mid-sized nonprofits with limited resources. 

Some of the key takeaways?

• 2025 is NOT about vanity metrics. Organic engagement is at an all-time low across most platforms in the “pay-for-play” world. But you can still build a great social media machine without breaking the bank via consistent, mission-driven content that builds community.
• Social media is shifting BACK to its roots: community building and awareness-raising. In a world of algorithms and ad fatigue, connection is your strongest asset.
• Content that performs? We’re talking about powerful blog posts, volunteer spotlights, program statistics, emotional storytelling videos and mission-driven infographics. When it comes to building trust and growing followers, variety and authenticity are everything.
• Strategic planning beats spontaneous posting. The course walked us through the essentials of creating editorial calendars, defining brand tone, tracking ROI, and using social media to capture leads (like email and text subscribers) for real fundraising potential.
• Fundraising on social? You need to pair it with urgency, storytelling and solid follow-up strategies. Newsflash: it works a lot better when you combine it with email, events and paid ads (even just $5 a boost).

Why Partner with a Certified Nonprofit Social Media Pro?

Nonprofits are operating in a new digital age — one where donors are skeptical, algorithms are tricky, and attention spans are shorter than ever. No lie, our attention spans are shorter than that of a goldfish. 

What worked in 2015 doesn’t work today. Heck, what worked as recently as December 2024 doesn’t work today. What works today will require adjustment by August. The digital realm evolves that quickly. 

That’s why it matters to work with a certified partner who truly understands the evolving landscape. Frankly, you’re too busy as a nonprofit leader to keep up. And that’s no slight on you. You just have other important things to do and digital marketing expertise is incredibly complex. 

A strategic communications partner who knows how to blend content marketing, donor psychology and AI-fueled tools into something cohesive — and effective. Here at Grand River Agency, we’re not just writing posts and running ads. We’re working around the clock to help nonprofits:

• Build a loyal digital community.
• Cultivate lasting donor relationships.
• Turn mission-driven content into real dollars.
• Save time and energy with smart workflows and automation.
• And most importantly—stay true to your voice and values.

Let me be blunt: You don’t need to go viral. You need to build trust, share your impact, and give your community meaningful ways to get involved. We can help you do that — ethically, creatively and strategically.

Money Follows Mission: Bringing Social Media & Fundraising Together

It’s no coincidence that this certification pairs social media with fundraising. That’s the secret sauce — pairing great content with compelling calls to action and storytelling that inspires generosity.

When paired with our other AI for Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising Certification, the opportunities are endless. We now have the tools to:

• Personalize your content based on donor behavior.
• Track what content is working (and what’s not).
• Target high-potential supporters with custom messaging.
• Make smarter decisions with fewer resources.

Whether you’re ready to launch your next big fundraising campaign or just need help organizing your content calendar, Grand River Agency is equipped to help your nonprofit thrive in today’s noisy digital world.

Let’s Level the Playing Field for Small Nonprofits

You shouldn’t need a six-figure marketing budget to make your mission heard. With the right strategy, even the smallest organization can make a massive impact with nonprofit social media marketing.

If you’re ready to rethink your approach to social media and fundraising — or you just want a partner who speaks your language — let’s chat. Feel free to email me directly at ke****@**************cy.org.

We’ll bring the certified nonprofit marketing strategies. You bring the heart. Together, we’ll make magic.

Let’s grow something meaningful. Let’s grow some good in your community!

Kelsey Boudin

President and Founder, Grand River Agency
With over 19 years of diverse experience in print journalism, digital media marketing, and nonprofit administration, Kelsey Boudin founded Grand River Agency (formerly Southern Tier Communications Strategies) in 2020. The agency specializes in offering contract-based strategic communications, content marketing, grant proposals, website design, and public relations services to small businesses and nonprofits. Kelsey’s career spans roles as an editor, content creator, and grant writer, reflecting his expertise in leading successful digital marketing campaigns, securing funding, and executing various projects.

kelseyboudin.me