Our features during July 2023 will focus on what nonprofits should be doing to raise awareness about what they do in their communities. Visit our website to find a list of resources to support your marketing initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations are inherently positioned as idealistic and mission-driven; the savviest nonprofit leaders know how to leverage that strategic edge. Yet, many organizations struggle with the concept of marketing and communications, failing to realize the impact and value.

Systemic and multifaceted marketing is necessary for an organization to create awareness, generate internal and external growth (revenue), raise critical funds, and develop relationships, as well as for the overall advancement of a mission. In this article, let’s look at some common hurdles, mistakes, advice, and recommendations in today’s nonprofit marketing landscape.

Plans should align. A nonprofit’s marketing plan must be aligned with the overarching strategic plan. The expression “failing to plan equals planning to fail” has never been truer. Including and involving marketing leaders in the operational planning process from the beginning is the first step toward organizational synchronicity.

Marketing is often misunderstood. The old-school Mad Men mindset of “sprucing up a brochure” is history. Visuals are important, but it remains a priority for an organization to build a brand, tell a story, implement governance and more. It takes time, effort and specific knowledge and experience to create and execute an effective and robust cross-channel mar-comm plan. When marketing is overlooked and neglected, staff are often frustrated, feeling overworked and underappreciated.

An ideal philosophy on information technology can be broken down into three primary focuses:

Cybersecurity. Ensuring that you stay operational and survive crises.

Culture. Empowering your people to succeed daily.

Impact. Ensuring that daily activities lead to fulfilling your mission and delivering the best experience to your customers and communities.

Our focus, for now, will be on culture. According to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, “Culture is the leading indicator of our future success.” Considering this, it is important to track and understand how IT solutions and operations impact your teams and individuals. A good IT partner will strategize around elevating your culture and maximizing your impact, just as they would budget for tech and security against hackers.

The most impactful areas to focus on include:

Hardware. Don't spend a dollar to save a penny; invest in business-class quality and up-to-date (current generation) components.

Software. Ensure that they are configured to be intuitive and scalable.

Standardization. Standardize specific manufacturers, specs, and channels to provide emergency backup equipment and streamline IT operations, such as procurement and deployment procedures.

The following focuses on three areas, along with the top five positive attributes for each one.

Having up-to-date computers can bring numerous benefits to employees, such as:

Increased productivity. Up-to-date computers are faster, more efficient, and equipped with the latest software and hardware capabilities, which enables employees to perform tasks more smoothly, ultimately reducing wait times and improving overall productivity. Faster processing speeds and improved multitasking abilities can help employees complete their work faster and more effectively.

How are you doing now? During the summer of 2021, Charitable Advisors conducted our first “How Are You Doing?“ nonprofit staff survey. Many of you responded, sharing how things were going amid a global pandemic, social unrest, and remote work. We have launched another short survey for insights on how Central Indiana's nonprofit employees are coping in 2023. What has changed? What remains the same? Please take the survey

The Indiana Arts Commission has awarded more than $3.4 million to 414 nonprofits to fund arts projects throughout the state. The funds were awarded through the commission's Arts Organization Support and Arts Project Support grant programs. Learn more

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has launched the public phase of an $89 million fundraising campaign. The funds will be designated for major renovations and to create an endowment that supports future investments. Read more

The Madam Walker Legacy Center has unveiled plans for a newly renovated outdoor rooftop venue. According to center representatives, the outdoor venue will be repurposed as an “economically viable and sustainable” concert and community gathering space. Learn more

The YMCA of Muncie recently broke ground on a 73,000-square-foot facility located on the campus of Muncie Central High School. The building will feature an aquatics center for use by both the YMCA and Muncie Central, as well as clinic and educational space for Indiana University Health, Open Door Health Services, and Ball State University’s Health Lifestyle Center. Learn more

Big project on your wish list? Barnes Dennig is seeking nominations from nonprofit organizations as part of its 2023 Community Outreach Day. The company’s employees will volunteer to complete service projects from selected nonprofits. Nominations are open through Aug. 4. Submit your nomination

DONATION: Horizon House is seeking donations of gently used or new men’s and women’s jeans, pants, and belts as part of its “Donate Denim” campaign. Drop off items at Horizon House, 1033 E. Washington St., through the end of July.

Pride in mental health: Challenging stigma in the LGBTQ+ community webinar on July 26 at 10:30 a.m. Explore the mental health stigma within the LGBTQ+ community and barriers that may exist when accessing healthcare systems. Presented by Aspin. Cost: Free. Register

Craft & deliver powerful messages webinar on July 26 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Looking for a way to convey the great work you're doing, but struggling to articulate it? Not sure how best to get the message out? Take a deep dive into how to develop a communications strategy. Cost: $75. Presented by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Register

Lead with Purpose, an eight-session online training series, Aug. 10 - Nov. 16 from 9:30-11 a.m. Learn how to leverage your skills and experiences for effective nonprofit board service. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $500 for the eight-session series, for two participants from the same organization, or $90 per individual per session. Sponsors include Faegre Drinker, KSM, and The National Bank of Indianapolis. Register

How to attract legacy gifts webinar on Aug. 17 from 2-3:15 p.m. Overlooking the potential of planned gifts is a costly mistake, and if you’re not approaching loyal donors about their estate plans, another organization will. Cost: $69. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Register

Unite Indy is seeking male and female Champion mentors for the prison ministry. Requested commitment for 90 days or up to a year. Learn more

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