Nonprofit Communications

Lots of studies of interest to nonprofit marketers have been published lately . . .

Sea Change Strategies and Convio have released a new report on the “wired wealthy” — people who are giving big online. Get the full report here or read a nice summary on Katya’s blog. Only 40% of these donors thought charity websites were inspiring or made them feel connected to the cause they care about.

M+R Strategic Services and NTEN released an updated eNonprofit Benchmarks Study for 2008. Get the full report here or read the press release for a quick summary. The total amount raised online increased by 19 percent from 2006 to 2007, but email open and click-through rates are falling.

Donors’ money isn’t going where they think it is, according to a survey by Stanford Social Innovation Review and Google.org.

MobileActive.org has released a report with 11 case studies on how nonprofits are using cell phones for a variety of outreach and advocacy programs. Full report here and summary here. The global survey found that 86% of non-governmental organization (NGO) employees use mobile technology in their work.

Half of donors think nonprofits should be using social media (e.g. blogs) to keep them up-to-date. In particular, they want to read news and announcements, success stories, and volunteer opportunities. This comes from a Donor Pulse/Harris Interactive poll — get details from Virilion.

Universal McCann has published a study on the growth of social media worldwide. TrendsSpotting has a nice summary. (Thanks to SocialBttrfly on Twitter for the tip.)

Here are a few posts from various blogs I read that I think you’ll find interesting and helpful.

Fundraising

If you are writing fundraising copy without a clue, Donor Power Blog has a nice, short, doable list of seven steps to a relevant fundraising offer.

Katya Andresen at Nonprofit Marketing Blog wants to help you avoid doing the “bus stop broadside” where you come off as a creepy or too-needy fundraiser. Another must-read.

I’m totally fascinated by what’s happening with Kiva.org (more donors than they can service) — this Chronicle of Philanthropy transcript of a chat interview with Matt Flannery contains some good bits of advice on online marketing and social networking. Jeff Brooks talks about how to have Kiva’s problems here.

Web 2.0 & Social Networking

Ken Goldstein advocates that small nonprofits explore ways to incorporate Web 2.0 into their marketing, including blogs and video, not just to reach new audiences, but to better communicate with the constituents you already have.

Idealware has another great article out, this time on how to decide whether your nonprofit should use social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn. This article will help you decide whether to dive in head first or wiggle your toes in the shallow end. You can also learn why Laura is down on nonprofit podcasting (too much work, too little gain).

Advocacy

If you are just a little bit tired of politicians overlooking the value of the nonprofit sector, check out the V3 Campaign. Its goal is to ask every candidate for public office, from mayors to the presidency, how they intend to support the nonprofit sector.

If you find a little time over the holiday weekend to catch up on your blog reading, start here:

Still mulling over your year-end appeal? FrogLoop’s got a procrastinator’s guide to year-end fundraising.

Here are some great tips on giving presentations from Chris Brogan that go well beyond the usual advice you already know. (Tipped by The Agitator)

The Copywriting Maven compared two direct appeals from Planned Parenthood and asked her readers which one was stronger. What do you think?

Nancy at Getting Attention has posted a nice case study on how a museum drastically increased both visitors and donations through a savvy marketing campaign.

Soha at Wild Apricot has interviewed Jason King about web design for nonprofits.

Rosetta Thurman has some thoughts on keeping your Gen Y employees happy (much can also apply to Gen Y volunteers).

Michele at Bamboo Project shares ideas on keeping online communities going. Big social networking sites aside, many nonprofits use listservs and other basic tools to create communities and struggle with the same issues.

Duct Tape Marketing explains the proper way to stalk a journalist (in other words, how to get reporters to think of you as a resource) via a 3-minute video.

Have a safe, hassle-free Thanksgiving!

Here is a Friday afternoon cocktail of mixed links I think you’ll find interesting or insightful or both.

Katya’s Nonprofit Marketing Blog gives an example of a good donor thank you letter and says you should say thank you at least three times more often than you ask for money.

Emily has posted the Nonprofit Blog Exchange #10. It’s always a good source of new ideas and new blogs to check out.

M+R Strategic Services explains what works and what doesn’t in online fundraising appeals. Thanks to Frogloop for this tip.

Trent Stamp gives a great example of when to turn down a cause-related marketing opportunity, even when it is easy money.

Copyblogger shows you some great ways to use metaphors in your writing, which will help people remember your message.

ProBlogger shares nine attitudes of highly creative people. Creativity goes a long way in nonprofit communications!

Have a great weekend!

Here is a Friday afternoon cocktail of mixed links for your enjoyment (my version of speed linking). This edition focuses on lists, which I love.

Getting Attention highlights 110 Real-Life Tips from Fellow Marketers, based on info from Marketing Sherpa.

Bamboo Project notes 101 Ways to Practice Blogging, based on a post from I Help You Blog.

Publicity Hound reveals Press Release, Marketing Buzzwords to Banish Forever.

ProBlogger shares How to Market Your Blog in 2007.

Have a great weekend!