4+ keys to great year-round fundraising campaigns
- Digital communications & marketing
- Fundraising ideas
- Nonprofits
- Guided Fundraising
Writing is an essential practice for nonprofit organizations. With the right messaging, you can connect with supporters, communicate your need for grant funding, promote your programs and initiatives, and raise awareness for your purpose.
Nonprofit writing can take many forms, from email newsletters and social media updates to fundraising appeals and grant proposals. Regardless of its purpose or audience, each message relies on compelling writing to make an impact. To help your organization communicate more effectively, we’ll walk through some common types of nonprofit writing and tips for excelling at them.
A nonprofit impact story explains how your organization has used charitable donations to bring about positive change in the community. Communicating real, on-the-ground impact in your nonprofit writing is essential for retaining current donors and securing new financial support.
Here are a few tips for crafting a strong impact story:
At the end of the day, a good story is a good story, so follow basic best storytelling practices in your nonprofit writing for impact.
Grant funding provides substantial revenue to drive your nonprofit’s growth and purpose. Although the process of applying for grants can require intensive research and planning, it's often well worth the investment. As you embark on writing your nonprofit’s next grant proposal, use these tips to guide your efforts:
Your primary goal with grant proposals is to leave a strong, memorable impression on funders and compel them to act in support of your nonprofit. Typically, your grant proposal will center on a specific project that funders will help make possible, so focus on writing about the realistic impact that the project will achieve with grant funding.
Modern technology has shifted a significant portion of human interaction online. Nowadays, people can catch up with friends and family, shop, and even donate in support of a cause—all by tapping or clicking on a digital screen. Email newsletters and social media posts are productive ways for your nonprofit to interact with supporters and keep them engaged in your day-to-day operations.
To help your digital nonprofit writing stand out from the crowd:
Depending on their demographics or interests, your audience may prefer different communication channels, so diversify your outreach across platforms to help your nonprofit writing reach as many people as possible.
From grant applications to social media posts, the golden rule for telling a successful story is to know your audience. The more you know about your audience, the more effective you can be with your communications. Make the most of your donor management software to gather and manage information about your supporters, then use those details to tailor your nonprofit writing according to their interests and values.
Personalized messages are more likely to resonate with donors and inspire their meaningful support. For more tips on how to tell engaging stories that encourage donors to act, check out our Nonprofit Storytelling Mini-Guide.
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