5 minute read
10 Ways to Support Small Non-profit Companies
Invest Volunteer Support
By: Coach Carmen Dunan
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“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. ...” - Maya Angelou
The nonprofit sector provides an array of services from financial literacy to workforce development to advanced education. The question that comes to mind when I think of this selfless sector is, “what would our country do without nonprofit companies?” Nonprofits are operated by people who intentionally create solutions to our nation’s most pressing social, racial and economic injustices. Small nonprofits with small, mighty teams of 1-15 people do the best they can to develop and provide quality programs and services; however many of them can use a little help from the people who value them most. Ten ways to help your favorite small nonprofits thrive is by:
1. Invest time by Using Your Influence. You have a level of influence in your immediate networks of family, friends and co-workers.
Use your influence to spotlight and hype up the mission, programs, services and the teams of your favorite nonprofit. Your people trust you! Therefore, if they hear you consistently talk about the positive impact of your favorite nonprofit they may become curious enough to volunteer with you, attend events with or match your financial investments.
2. Invest time through Social Media
Engagement. Intentionally follow AND comment AND like posts created on your favorite small nonprofits’ social media pages. Most times the social media page is managed by someone without marketing experience but knows it’s important to use social media to educate, inspire and promote their programs and services. Your comments and interactions will bring a smile to their face.
3. Invest Time by Volunteering. Dedicate at least 10 consistent hours per month to your favorite small nonprofit.
Most of these companies have small teams wearing A LOT of hats and could use your help with mailing letters, entering data into excel spreadsheets or specialized skills like graphic design, website development, grant writing, specialized repairs, and more. At times your time and skills are much more valuable than money! These small teams have so many tasks but not enough time or people to do them.
Check out Volunteer Match and Catch A Fire for national opportunities.
4. Invest Money.
Invest one time or set up monthly investments of $1-$1,000. Any amount your budget can spare will help your cause sustain the important work they are doing.
5. Invest Time in Coordinating and Leading a Drive.
Go to your favorite small nonprofits and ask them to make a list of 5 items they need then lead a supply and/or equipment drive to collect the items on their behalf. Many nonprofits have supply and equipment needs they are not able to afford to purchase. From an operations standpoint companies are in need of items like computers and camera equipment to dry erase boards and projectors. From a programmatic standpoint they need items like tampons and socks to food and school supplies to give to the people they serve.
6. Invest Time Coordinating and Executing a Fundraiser.
Organize a fundraiser to raise $500 or more for your favorite small nonprofit. Fundraisers take A LOT of time and effort which takes time away from programming or leads to an overworked team. Most small nonprofits do not have a team dedicated to fundraising activities which means they are developing and delivering programs AND coordinating and executing fundraising activities. You could help them by taking this task off their plate. Not only will you raise funds, you will raise awareness within your circle of influence (see option #1). Some examples: Your birthday party can be a fundraiser, host a dinner or lunch party, lead a fundraiser on Facebook, LinkedIn or other social media platform.
Artist in Construction student, Sion, and our community partner, Anthony, doing community outreach to gather mural design recommendations from Hamilton Hill community members in Schenectady, NY
7. Advertise Their Website.
You can place the link to your favorite nonprofits’ website in the signature of your email or Instagram bio.
8. Reviews.
Submit a positive review about your experience with them on their Google page, webpage, Facebook or other sites that allow you to rave about your experience and their positive impact on your life.
9. Buy Their Merch and Use or Wear It!
Many small nonprofits want to get their brand and message out to the world so they sell merchandise. Buy their t-shirts, mugs, stickers, planners, etc and use them or wear them. This is another way to help them advertise, raise funds and awareness – wow, that’s 3 ways in one!
10. Attend their Online and In-Person Events.
Your favorite nonprofit teams put their blood, sweat and tears into creating events to bring the community together while raising funds and awareness for their cause. I promise you they want YOU to be there. Buy a ticket and bring 2 friends with you. The team will appreciate you for this.
