6. In 2004, Missouri’s Child Advocacy Centers received a 3 year grant from Missouri Foundation for Health to develop a statewide advocacy center system.
14. Research is one of the most important and valuable steps in the development of any communications initiative. Nonprofits shy away from conducting research out of concern that it will be two costly and/or complicated, but it doesn’t have to be!
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16. Gather a dozen of your most important constituents for an informal focus group (coffee at our place anyone?)
21. The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: DECIDE what you want!!! author and comedian Ben Stein
22. I don’t know the key to success, but the KEY to failure is trying to please everybody!!! comedian Bill Cosby
23. Targeting your audience!!! Cops, Law and Order, JAG Late Show, Judge Judy, Ellen DeGeneres 2004 Presidential Election
24. Branding Your Organization is Essential A brand is a living ENTITY, and it is enriched or undermined cumulatively over time, the product of a thousand small gestures. Michael Eisner Disney CEO
31. Your Organizational identity is a key component of your brand. Develop is strategically and protect it vigorously.
32. Frame your messages to ensure relevance to your audiences and make sure your message are memorable.
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34. 71% of you described your communications budget as “no budget”
35. Lessons From the Corporate Sector Corporations typically devote a significant percentage of their overall budget to marketing and communications. Why? Because it pays to do so. The nonprofit world is timid about funding communications. But investing in communications can have a powerful impact on the bottom line, from expanding your nonprofit’s donor base to developing goodwill and name recognition.
36. Build a budget for communications. Maybe you won’t get 5% of your organization’s total budget, but organizations need to start budgeting for communications the same way they include payroll and rent. Start small and build on your success.
40. Prohibit design, or crafting of communications projects, by committee. Protect the creative process and put clear limits on the review and approval process.