Let’s Talk About Nonprofit Marketing Strategy.
If you work at a nonprofit, chances are your focus is on serving people, solving problems, and doing the kind of work that makes the world a little more just.

And if you work at a nonprofit, there’s no question you’re juggling a lot – running programs, fundraising, managing volunteers, building community… all before lunch.
So when someone says, “You need a marketing strategy,” it’s easy to think, “Why? We don’t sell anything. We don’t have time. We don’t have the budget.”
We hear you. Loud and clear. But here’s the thing:
- Your mission deserves to be seen.
- Your community deserves to hear your story.
- And your impact deserves to grow.
That’s where smart, thoughtful marketing comes in. And that’s where we come in, too.
At Inspirare Communications, we know nonprofits because we are nonprofit people. We’ve volunteered. We’ve sat on boards. We’ve helped organizations of all sizes tell their stories,
fundraise more effectively, and build momentum.
We get it – marketing is intimidating. But you know what? Nonprofit marketing isn’t about flashy ads or chasing trends. Rather, it’s about sharing your impact in a way that’s true to your mission and aligned with your resources.
So what does that look like?
Word of Mouth Isn’t Enough Nowadays: How to Promote Your Nonprofit and Be Seen
You’re not just “raising awareness” for your nonprofit. You’re inviting people to join you – to donate, volunteer, show up, speak out.
And to do that well, you need a clear communications plan. One that includes:

👉 What you want to say (your message)
👉 Who you want to reach (your people)
👉 Where and how you’ll show up (your platforms)
👉 And a rhythm that fits your capacity (consistency without the overwhelm)
Having this plan is the first step. But here’s the next piece: you don’t want to just be seen – you want to make sure the right people hear you.
If that sounds overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be! We help nonprofits like yours every day.
Nonprofit Audience Targeting: Speak Their Language, Build Connection
Great communication isn’t one-size-fits-all. What moves a donor might not connect with a volunteer. What sparks interest from a journalist probably won’t land the same way with a program participant.
That’s where a strong nonprofit messaging strategy really shines. It helps you define your key audiences and shape your message in a way that feels personal, relevant, and easy to understand.
In other words, effective audience targeting is at the heart of every great communications plan.
It helps you break through the noise and make sure your nonprofit’s voice is heard by the people who matter most. That means understanding each group’s needs and interests – whether it’s donors, volunteers, partners, or the general public – and tailoring your message to speak directly to them.
What you say to a potential donor is probably different from what you’d say to a volunteer or someone in the media. And that’s not just okay – that’s smart strategy.
We love helping nonprofits figure this piece out.

Take our friends at Chariot in Austin, Texas. We wrote three elevator pitches – one for donors, one for volunteers, and one for the general public – that spoke their language and reflected what really motivates each group.
We also help clients refine their existing messaging, keeping the heart of what they’ve written
but making it sharper, clearer, and easier to share.
Because when you truly understand your audience, you can speak their language, build trust, and create the kinds of relationships that drive long-term nonprofit growth.
Ready to map your audiences and craft messages that stick? Let’s do it together.
Content Strategy Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated (or Expensive)
We’re big believers in doing more with what you already have.
Here’s how to stretch a small budget without sacrificing your digital presence:
- Write at least one blog post a month (two if you can). Blogs boost SEO and give you a base to repurpose for email, social, and internal comms.
- Post on social media at least three times a week. You don’t have to be everywhere, all the time, all at once – just be consistent and intentional.
- Send a newsletter weekly or biweekly. These are your warmest leads. Don’t let that connection go cold (more on that in a minute)!
- Share one case study every quarter. Show what real impact looks like in your mission, and give future supporters a reason to get involved.
Not sure where to start? Reach out and let’s map it out together.
Get Your Team Involved in Growing Your Nonprofit’s Reach
Your organization’s reach can grow so much when your team shares content too. This idea is so popular that it has its own term: employee advocacy.

Encourage staff, board members, and volunteers to:
- Share social posts on their personal profiles
- Talk about events, CSR campaigns, or community engagement methods they care about
- Post behind-the-scenes glimpses (yes, even the messy ones; people love authenticity)
Employee advocacy builds trust, widens your circle, and reinforces the idea that your cause belongs to everyone.
Want to get your team aligned on messaging? We do that.
Your Email List is Pure Gold. Use It!
Time and time again we hear that “email is dead.” But the numbers say something else entirely. Email marketing for nonprofits still delivers one of the highest ROIs – $36 for every $1 spent.
Sound familiar? You already have a list of people who’ve said, “I care.” So, talk to them. Regularly.
👉 Highlight upcoming events or fundraising campaigns
👉 Share volunteer stories or impact updates
👉 Feature one amazing donor, partner, or staff member a month
👉 Make your donation link visible and easy to use
Pro tip: If you’re wondering how to improve your charity fundraising page or create a donation website from scratch, focus on design, storytelling, and ease of giving – your community will thank you.
Need a hand building better emails or that donation page? We’ve got you.
Make Your Impact Easy to Understand (and Easy to Share)
Whether you’re speaking at a CSR conference, applying for grants, or trying to explain “what is social impact” to someone new, your work should be clear, compelling, and rooted in real-life results.

Here’s a quick rundown of the basics:
- Pair data with storytelling
- Make it visual (photos, infographics, short videos)
- Tie it back to community needs and how you’re meeting them
- Highlight your why, not just your what
Need help putting together a beautiful, powerful case for support? Let’s get to work.
You’re Changing the World. We’ll Help You Talk About It.
You don’t need to hire a huge agency. You don’t need to post every day. But you do need a plan – and a partner who sees the heart behind the work.

We believe in you. We believe in your mission. And we’re ready to help you share it with the world.
Ready to build a strategy that honors your values, respects your time, and brings your community closer? Send us a message – we’re all ears!

Madeline Beath
With a Masters in Social Work focused on Organizational Leadership, I combine my passion for social media and nonprofit advocacy to help mission-driven organizations connect and create community.