In speeches and mission statements, you often hear organizations boast about being transparent. But what does transparency mean to them, and are they actually doing it? In a time when internet misinformation runs rampant, being fully transparent can sometimes feel risky. But at the same time, there’s a higher level of distrust among the public, making transparency even more important to build that trust. In fact, studies have shown that 86% of Americans say transparency from businesses is more important than ever before.

For most nonprofit organizations, fundraising is something that touches almost every area of their organization. NPO's and NGO's often use the term development because there is a continuous system that cultivates engagement for each area of the organization. Ultimately, all of those avenues of impact engage people toward a goal that ends with financial support. This is why whole teams of staff and volunteers are dedicated to development, keeping the organization focused on working toward its mission.

It’s no coincidence that you’re seeing more and more for-profit companies participate in charitable giving and volunteering, and take a moral stance on big issues. According to the 2020 Zeno Strength of Purpose Study, 94 percent of global consumers say it is important that the companies they engage with have a strong purpose. In the Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2019, 42 percent of millennials said they have begun or deepened a business relationship because they perceive a company’s products or services to have a positive impact on society and/or the environment. Further, 37 percent said they have stopped or lessened a business relationship because of the company’s ethical behavior.

In the world of NPO's and NGO's influence and impact have become major drivers in our world today. We know that passion fuels your mission and vision and that your association has focused goals, a relatable mission, and dedicated members. So far, your efforts have gone towards creating meaningful connections with like-minded people and growing your base. However, your website may be lackluster, and some of your members are having trouble finding what they need online, especially as in-person communication dwindles more and more.

Nonprofits, NGOs, and charitable organizations have transitioned heavily in the marketplace to being forces for awareness and action in Western Culture. Whereas once, marketing was focused solely on fundraising events, membership drives, or various development pitches, nonprofit branding has become a significant force of influence, as social good has become intertwined with our daily lives. As a nonprofit, the brand has the potential to be the driving force or a disassociative challenge toward your goals of creating awareness, development, or public support for your mission. An effective brand shows the areas where target audiences are aligned with your organization, calling them to partner with you toward success.

When it comes to Millennials and Generation Z, we have a lot of presumptions. Older generations cast a wary eye their way, leaning on the many tropes and stereotypes that have become popular for understanding. This is nothing new. The previous generation has always been a bit hesitant about the next. The Cleavers of the '50s were scared to death of the free-loving children of the '60s. Then again, wasn't it the children of the 50's listening to that raucous rock and roll their parents found so offensive? That's why today we are looking at how to reach the up and comers in society, in a way that doesn't feel like mom or dad sitting down to have "the talk."

There are few things as disappointing as sitting down to your computer, downing your third cup of coffee as you sit there late into the night cranking up content piece after content piece, only to have it hit the internet to a chorus of crickets. What happened? You put everything you had into that content, poured out your heart, as well as all the information you know about a particular topic. What more could people want? The truth is, a lot more.

By now, we all know that they say content is king, and we're here to confirm, whoever "they" are, they're right. Content marketing is the foundation of a healthy marketing strategy. And while it isn't the end-all-be-all, it's pretty close. But not all content marketing efforts are created equally. Just like anything in life, you get out what you put into the process. Indeed, throwing some words on a page and thinking that customers and leads will magically start pouring in is a little naïve. That's why today, we're breaking down the four major steps to a killer content marketing strategy, starting with your audience.

We all like to think we know our customers. That we have them completely figured out, that surely they think like us, and that we are as familiar with them as we are our own GamGam.

As we continue to navigate the new, uncharted waters of working during COVID-19, we continue to ask how we can H.E.L.P. We believe those waters don’t have to be murky. That unexplored doesn’t have to mean unmanageable. That’s why we’re talking about how to transition from the guy drifting out to sea (no one wants to be that guy), to the one who tosses him a LifeRing. Today we make the monumental shift into being responsible and feeling empowered. Let’s look at how to do just that for your team.