Care2's Digital Engagement Blog

The way we do things in the nonprofit world often differs from the way the private sector operates. While there is good reason for nonprofits to have distinct business models, there are some things that the private sector does right that nonprofits could really benefit from by incorporating them into their own business models.

We’re hearing lots more these days about “Cause Marketing.” What is that, anyway?

Nonprofits get excited when a celebrity wants to join their advisory board or endorse their campaign. But do celebrity endorsements across different channels work these days?  It depends.

What fundraising strategies will be game changers for nonprofits in 2011? What’s on tap for social media and advocacy? Frogloop asked some of our favorite nonprofit campaigners and experts to give us their thoughts and predictions. 

While nonprofit campaigners like to debate the merits of cause related marketing, according to the 2010 Cone Cause Evolution Study, American consumers are huge supporters of cause marketing campaigns. In fact, these types of campaigns even inspire a new group of supporters. According to the study, high-touch engagement, such as volunteerism is up 11%, advocacy is up 8% and philanthropy is up 9% since Cone’s last study in 2008. Check out the comparison chart below.

If ever there were a time to invest in enhancing donor experience, now would be it. As people start to reassemble themselves after the apocalyptic economic crisis, and begin to rebuild trust in institutions (nonprofits included), there is an opportunity to create an experience that yields a refreshed, stronger, more engaged donor base.

Care2’s Dana Weissman had a great discussion on cause-related marketing with Rob Densen, founder of Tiller LLC, a leading advocacy marketing and communications consulting firm. Densen has developed innovative programs ranging from demystifying the language of Wall Street for AARP Financial to an alliance focused on minority financial empowerment that brings together the ING Foundation with Girls Inc.