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The role of content in the nonprofit sector

The development of content―from development to its ultimate effect on audiences―is a long journey. The result is difficulty in measuring the “impact” of every input into that final piece of content and the effort required to drive that impact. And even before measuring, defining “impact” is already a familiar challenge in this sector. There are

Strategy & Governance

Why not remote? A case for maintaining flexible work arrangements

Tony Kopetchny | 9 minute read

As organizations face big questions about whether and how to return to physical offices as the pandemic subsides, the symbolism of the “water cooler” has captured executives’ attention like never before. (Honestly, the last time I thought this much about a water cooler was during my high school football practices in August). The water cooler,

Technology & Automation

Grow your team’s efficiency by improving digital asset management

Adam Good | 6 minute read

Disorganized systems cause teams to lose hours searching for digital files. With more of us working remotely than ever before, now is a good time to strengthen your systems and processes for managing the digital assets that drive your audience engagement. When organizations transitioned to fully remote work in response to COVID-19, many learned that

Audience Engagement & Acquisition

Engagement matters: Evolving beyond the R-E-I communications model

Tony Kopetchny | 4 minute read

It’s hard for any organization to thrive in complete obscurity. Whether you’re working to end childhood hunger or working to change policies in your city, your impact and influence will be limited at best—or nonexistent at worst—without building awareness and mindshare among the people who volunteer, give, and advocate for your mission. Fortunately professionals don’t

Strategy & Governance

Creating a culture of creativity and innovation

Tony Kopetchny | 5 minute read

Nonprofit organizations are being relied on to solve increasingly complex social problems, while at the same time maximizing their limited resources. As anyone in our sector knows, this is a tall order. To remain sustainable and thrive in changing times, nonprofits can benefit immensely by embracing creativity and innovation. We need to bring imagination back

Tool Evaluation and Selection

When selecting a new vendor, don’t forget the intangibles

Eric Rojas | 6 minute read

Most executives rightfully consider their employees to be their most important asset. Yet there’s another group of individuals that plays a critical role in your organization’s success, particularly with communications and fundraising: the skilled professionals who work for your technology vendors. Your engagement platforms help you deliver the right messages to your stakeholders at the

Audience Engagement & Acquisition

Supporter engagement in the age of Black Lives Matter

Patti DeBow | 6 minute read

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in May 2020, people across America flooded civil rights nonprofits with first-time donations. This money and support has created fresh momentum in the long fight for racial equity. However, if organizations don’t adapt their infrastructure and systems to fully engage new supporters, this influx of resources may fail

Analytics & Optimization

Turning your data into actionable insights

Rick Richards | 4 minute read

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of data your organization has at its disposal—particularly for online communications and engagement? Technology has made it easier than ever to connect with our supporters. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to sift through the mountains of data that these digital platforms generate, and find the

Strategy & Governance

Why you need a marketing CTO

Nate Parsons | 4 minute read

Your mission-driven organization hires fundraising experts, communications professionals, and event planners to engage your audiences. In addition, your nonprofit may enlist executives, content specialists, academic experts, and others to communicate directly with supporters. All of these people work tirelessly to achieve your nonprofit’s mission. But are they using your systems and technology as effectively as

Audience Engagement & Acquisition

Why your organization needs a contact model

Adam Good | 4 minute read

Whether you’re communicating with members, donors or volunteers, your outreach will always be richer and more effective if you have a thorough understanding of the needs and interests of your supporters. Many teams attempt this by creating personas – fictional characters, developed through user research, who represent and humanize their most important audience segments. As