 Free Online Articles Directory |
|||||||
Home Page  Business Non-Profits: Fundraise without a Budget |
|||||||
 |
Non-Profits: Fundraise without a Budget
When non-profit organizations aren't out changing the world, they're appealing to supporters and the public for donations. Fundraising is a constant challenge for non-profit organizations and it's not because people don't want to give the money - it's because people don't always know that there's a need. Fundraising efforts include direct mailings, advertising, and marketing campaigns. Each of these is costly and there's no way to guarantee return on investment. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to gain exposure and elicit donations without having to dip into the coffers? You can - they're called "editorial placements," or as we in media relations like to say "free advertising." Newspapers and magazines live and die by their content. If people don't want to read what they're printing, they're in trouble. Being able to offer a print publication (or even a broadcast network) with a story that will entertain, educate, or inspires its readers is a challenge, but well worth it if it's printed. Which of the following newspaper placements do you think will garner more public response: an ad placed in the "weekender" or "volunteer opportunity" sections describing your organization and asking for donations; or a touching feature story about how the organization is making a difference in the community? The feature story will almost undoubtedly send more people to an organization's Web site than an ad, and the funny this is that the feature story cost the organization nothing to secure. Why does the public respond more strongly to a feature than an ad? Because appearing in the media provides instant legitimization. People tend to trust the organizations or people they see in the paper or on TV. If you run a non-profit animal shelter that is featured on the weekend nightly news' adopt-a-pet segment, chances are the public will think of you first when looking to adopt a pet as opposed to if you simply placed an ad in the Sunday paper every week. So how do you obtain "free advertising?" By reaching out to the media every chance you get. Smaller organizations that utilize community support can offer personal feature stories on certain overachieving volunteers. The media loves a good "feel good" story: how one volunteer has made such a difference, how a beneficiary of the organization's services is thriving now, and so on. How did your organization start? Did someone sell their business to establish a women's shelter? Does a local mother care for homeless animals on her farm? Here are some ideas to help inspire you to develop a story for your organization or cause. Every person has a story. To get an idea of the kinds of stories the paper and local networks like, spend a few weeks tuning in or scanning the pages. It will be obvious the kinds of things they're looking for. Pay close attention to the journalists and reporters who write on topics related to yours. These are the people you are going to want to contact with your story. Local outlets want local stories, and this can represent multiple opportunities for media coverage. For instance, if the person your story focuses on lives in a town other than where your organization is based, you can pitch the story to both locales. Let the world know what's happening. Even your fundraising events can be promoted through editorial placements. You don't have to have a high-profile MC or a gala to make the news. If this is an annual event, how do you expect to surpass last year's donations? How were the funds used? If they built a library or added a wing to a senior center, what's the story behind that? Announce Everything Media relations is about building relationships and having an idea of what the public wants. It's not as complicated as it may seem, after all, you are the public. What do you want to read? What would be interesting to you? Talk to your co-workers and friends and find out their opinions. Identify the media people in your area who cover the types of things you and your organization do and begin to build a relationship. Before you know it, you may have them calling you for a story.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Tags: Fundraising, Charity, Media Relations, Non-proft Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/nonprofits-fundraise-without-a-budget-19959.html About the Author:
Drew Gerber is Co-creator of Press Kit 24/7 www.PressKit247.com an online press kit technology. In addition to helping non-profits and small businesses manage their own media relations through technology, Gerber is Co-Owner of Wasabi Publicity, Inc., a PR firm representing causes, nonprofits, and businesses that make a difference. An expert in the art of listening and in building relationships, Gerber can be reached at Drew@publicityresults.com.
Related ArticlesUnique Fundraising Ideas An Urgent Mission for Social Entrepreneurs What is Being Generous All About and How Can We Use This to Raise Money? Raffle Ticket Fundraising - Sell More Raffle Tickets Faster In 3 Easy Steps! Fund Raising Without Cookie Dough A Sample Fundraising Letter for you to Copy Nine Conditions For Selecting A New Member Of A Nonprofit Board Of Trustees Why Fundraising Is The Same As Friendraising Got a Question? Ask.Ask the community a question about this article:Frequently Asked Questions While my boyfriend and i have been going out i ... Setting up the 2nd date Smelly Girlfriend Do ya love me? What are 3 of the most important qualities that you look for in a partner? Conversations Q&A Powered by:
 Latest Business ArticlesGetting to Know More About Microsoft Business Software Develop a Better Business Model Faster by Analyzing Past Performance as Though These Were New Tests Secret Wholesale List Suppliers: Exposed! Wholesale Video Games: Extreme Infamous Tactics! 6 Reasons to Start a Drop Ship Baby Gift Ecommerce Business Why Not to Start a Wholesale Video Games Business! Do You Really Need a Job or Feel Maximum Incommodity? Top 10 List of Wholesale Business Tools For Success More from Drew GerberHomepage Sweet Homepage: Five Sections Every Web Site MUST Have Build a Better Online Press Kit No budget for PR? Do it yourself with the help of technology! Publicists: It is Time to Embrace the Technology of Online Press Kits |
|
|||||
|
Article Categories
|
|||||||
 Sign up for our email newsletterReceive updates, enter your email below
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.64, 16) |
|||||||
