Successful nonprofit organizations keep things simple when it comes to what and how they communicate.
To be most effective the top three things every nonprofit communication must have are straightforward.
Your communication must allow your audience to:
1. Learn something new
2. Inspire and cause feelings of empathy
3. Be compelled by a clear call to action
Using this short, simple checklist will ensure meetings, follow-up notes, enews, emails, website, social media, appeal letters, annual report, grant proposals, and special events are using communication that is mission-focused and on target to achieve your goals.
For extra points and effectiveness, when communicating via email spend as much time on your subject line as you do your email.
A few examples to get your creative juices flowing
Which email would you open?
Subject: September enews
Subject: Your Monthly Dose of Remarkable*
*Girls on the Run does a terrific job of causing me to WANT to open their enews by reminding me I WILL learn something new, be inspired, and that I can’t get to the remarkable without opening the email.
And once I’ve clicked on that enews I’m never disappointed.
Does the DONATE button on your website compel visitors to make a gift? Alone, it likely does not.
Might you feel inspired to click the GIVE NOW button when you see this from Bread for Israel?
Which event will you attend?
Open House – Please join us!
OR
Why does housing radically improve HIV health outcomes?
Join us for a one-hour Journey Home to find out.
Remember: Keep it simple.
Your communication must allow your audience to:
1. Learn something new
2. Inspire and cause feelings of empathy
3. Be compelled by a clear call to action
