Resources for Nonprofits
Effective Communication: Must Haves for Nonprofit Success
Anthony Boarman, Strategic Communications Manager
Communication is the heartbeat of mission-driven work. Whether you're sharing impact stories, rallying donors, or engaging with the community, clear and compelling communication ensures your message resonates and your mission thrives. But in a crowded and competitive landscape, what sets great nonprofit communication apart?
From social media posts to board presentations, your organization must be strategic, authentic, and adaptable in how you communicate. It’s a perfect time to take stock of your organization’s communication strategies and identify areas for improvement. Here are a few “must-haves” that every nonprofit should reflect on to ensure their message is reaching (and moving) the right audiences.
Lead with strategy
Being strategic means ensuring every message serves a clear purpose and advances your mission. Rather than communicating for the sake of visibility alone without any real plan, focus on aligning your efforts with organizational goals, target audiences, and desired outcomes. Thoughtful, intentional communication not only builds trust and credibility, but also amplifies your impact by connecting the right message to the right people at the right time. Get started by using W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s free Strategic Communication Planning Hub tool to build a strategic framework for your communications.
Brand authenticity is key to inspiring action
An authentic brand is transparent, consistent, and genuine in its communication and behavior, which helps build trust and loyalty with the people you serve and interact with. Your audience should feel they’re engaging with real people who care deeply about your mission. Share narratives that spotlight the individuals, families, or communities your work impacts. A well-told story builds emotional connections and motivates supporters to give, volunteer, or advocate. Check out this Candid article about how nonprofits can be authentic in a digital space.
Audience-centered messaging
Who are you speaking to, and what do they need to hear? Nonprofits often juggle multiple audiences – community members, donors/funders, volunteers, and partners, so this can be tricky as there is not always a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your storytelling and messaging to meet each group where they are, using targeted platforms and language that feel relevant and accessible to them.
A strong digital presence
A well organized, robust website is non-negotiable for your organization to effectively communicate. Ensure your site is user-friendly, mobile-optimized, and regularly updated with engaging content. In the crowded, “pay to play” social media space, don’t get hung up on your organization having an account on every social platform. Instead, focus your attention on one or two platforms that effectively engage with your audiences. Finally, invest time and resources in connecting with your audiences through email, which has proven to be the most effective way to consistently reach your network. Read Dot Org Solution’s blog on developing successful nonprofit email marketing campaigns.
Internal alignment
Great external communication starts from within. Are your staff, board, and volunteers aligned on the key messages you want to convey? Consistent messaging tools - like one-pagers or FAQ sheets - can help ensure everyone is on the same page. Also, make sure to carve out time during staff meetings to discuss communications alignment. Are you all moving in the same direction?
By investing in these best practices, your organization can build deeper relationships with your audience, amplify your mission, and ultimately, increase your impact. If you’re looking for additional consultation for your organization’s communications needs, check out our list of talented and trusted local consultants and companies on the GAR Foundation website by clicking the link below.
Resource Spotlights
Consultant Spotlight
Stecky HR Consulting
Stecky HR Consulting is a dynamic human resources advisory firm specializing in creating tailored solutions to enhance employee engagement, streamline HR processes, and optimize organizational performance. With a focus on supporting small business and nonprofit organizations, their services include talent development, performance optimization, and comprehensive HR audits. Partner with Stecky HR Consulting to transform your workforce and foster a positive, high-performing workplace culture.
Tool Spotlight
The Nonprofit Hive
The Nonprofit Hive is a free platform that helps connect you with nonprofit peers. They know that working in the nonprofit sector can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, but it can also be lonely at times. Use their innovative video platform to connect and collaborate one-to-one with other talented professionals that can help support the work that you need done.
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