What are your nonprofit resolutions for 2009? Need ideas to turn your resolutions into reality? Convio just released a helpful guide for nonprofits appropriately titled, "Nonprofit Resolutions That Make the Difference in 2009".
"With responses from hundreds of people throughout the nonprofit industry, we pulled together insights, determined the main areas where nonprofit organizations and professionals are focusing and created a guide chock full of lessons learned, priorities and real world examples of how other nonprofits have achieved the goals many have set in place for 2009," said Jordan Viator of Convio.
The most popular and relevant resolutions were grouped into four areas-- empowering supporters, using social media networks, focusing on the needs of supporters and making websites user-friendly.
Resolution One: "I resolve to empower our supporters to tell our story, reach new people and raise funds."
This section has great tips on peer-to-peer applications and discusses its benefits such as the ability to grow your database, build community and constituent loyalty and expand fundraising.
Resolution Two: "I resolve to use social and participatory media to expand my reach and brand."
Get the low down on social media platforms and what social and participatory media entails. Convio says knowing your audience is key because the online tools you choose to use must align with the technical capabilities of your audience. Being able to engage them through social media is the goal! Be sure and check out how groups like NARAL and the Sierra Club have used social networking to encourage donations and strengthen community.
Resolution Three: "I resolve to better know my supporters and their needs."
This is one of my favorite sections because it discusses one of the main reasons donors stop giving to charities -- they do not feel like they are connecting to the organization, or feel like they're losing touch with the organization. Clearly, knowing your donors and making sure they feel a part of your organization is key. It's also very important to listen to them on a daily basis and some steps in doing this include tracking their feedback, inviting them to help build your online community and even establishing a donor/constituent advisory panel.
Resolution Four: "I resolve to make our web site easier to use and more informative."
Convio lays out simple steps to creating a website that is easier to navigate and more useful to your target audiences. Strategies include cutting down on content clutter, developing an intuitive navigation structure that makes information easy to find and engaging your audiences through surveys, polls and commenting features.
Ultimately, Convio has put together a useful guide for nonprofits packed with great tips on how to ramp up your online communications and website presence. As technology becomes more of an integral part of our daily lives, organizations must embrace these strategies to connect with supporters.
What are your top nonprofit resolutions for 2009?
*This article was written by Grace Yi, Frogloop blogger.
Never miss a post by subscribing to frogloop's RSS feed.
COMMENTS