CLI offers nonprofit leaders tips, tools and training opportunities that can help bolster their communications savvy and make their organization’s communications efforts more effective. Need to banish confusing jargon? Wondering how to prod your supporters into action? Looking for a way to market your organization like the big guys? The following communications tools and resources can help you do all of this and much more.
SPIN Works! Published by The SPIN Project, a program of CLI, this media guidebook for grassroots organizations was published in 2000 and since then has sold nearly 9,000 copies. It remains the preferred resource for many community groups and nonprofits as they tackle their communications challenges.
Why Bad Presentations Happen to Good Causes Would you like to deliver more engaging, informative and persuasive presentations? Do you supervise colleagues who must give presentations on a regular basis? If you have wasted enough time with bad presentations – on either side of the podium – this book is for you. Written by Andy Goodman, a nationally-recognized public speaker and founder of
a goodman communications, this book can help you avoid the most commonly made mistakes, structure your information in ways that help audiences absorb it, use PowerPoint more effectively and deliver your talks with greater confidence.
The Jargon Finder As an author of several book length essays on the epidemic of jargon in the foundation and nonprofit worlds, Tony Proscio has become a revered expert in clear, concise communications for these sectors. Developed in conjunction with the Edna McDonnell Clark Foundation, Tony’s Jargon Finder will help you to locate and forever banish confusing jargon from your communications.
Robin Hood Marketing: Stealing Corporate Savvy to Sell Just Causes How do you motivate people to give money, take action or otherwise advance your worthy cause? The answer is marketing, and whether you're a nonprofit executive or a PTA volunteer, Robin Hood Marketing shows you how to sell your mission as successfully as the great marketing minds of corporate America sell their products. Written by Katya Andresen, a veteran marketer and nonprofit professional, this book demystifies winning marketing campaigns by reducing them to 10 essential rules. She also provides entertaining examples and simple steps for applying these rules ethically and effectively to good causes of all kinds.
Communicating in the BlogosphereA Web log, or blog, can be an effective tool for nonprofit organizations to reach target audiences in a new way, find alternative takes on the day’s news or spot trends. A blog is an online journal hosted as part of an existing Web site or as its own site, and they have become a credible force in shaping public opinion and uncovering news stories. By creating a blog (try
blogger.com) or searching the blogosphere (try
technorati) nonprofits can leverage their impact through a communications tool that is both interactive and timely.
Network-Centric Advocacy.net From Martin Kearns, co-founder and Executive Director of the
Green Media Toolshed, comes a blog dedicated to helping nonprofits adapt advocacy and traditional grassroots organizing to the age of connectivity. It’s chock full of tools, tips and trends, and nonprofits of all sizes will find useful information about how to seek out and meaningfully engage their supporters in today’s often overwhelming electronic age.
The Communications Network The mission of the Communications Network is to improve the effectiveness and accountability of foundations by promoting and strengthening the strategic practice of communications in philanthropy. Through regular programs, annual conferences, publications and a website, the network offer members and others – program staff, foundation leadership, and trustees – the opportunity to learn about tried and true practices as well as emerging trends and what works and what doesn't.
Getting Attention Primarily written by Nonprofit marketing expert Nancy E. Schwartz, the Getting Attention newsletter and blog is a source of ideas, tactics, and tips for nonprofit communicators focused on helping their organizations succeed through effective marketing.
Flipping the Funnel Written by marketing guru Seth Godin, the e-book Flipping the Funnel introduces you to a new set of online tools that can help you use the Internet to empower the people who like you, respect you and have an interest in your success and turn them into your own personal fan club - not just willing but excited to act as cheerleaders, messengers and fundraisers for your cause. Download the version for nonprofits free
here. Seth also has a great
blog and a plethora of
books designed to change the way people think about marketing, change and work.
Don’t Make Me Think The subtitle of this book, “A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability” says it all. If you’re worried that your website is user-unfriendly, but don’t have the budget to hire a consultant to tell you how to fix it, Steve Krug’s book is for you! Concise and funny, this book is perfect for nonprofits (or anyone) looking for ways to improve their website quality without spending a lot of money.
Free Range Thinking A monthly journal from Andy Goodman of communications best practices and resources for public interest groups, foundations, and progressive businesses that want to reach more people more effectively.
