5. Engage in good works outside your organization
It may seem a bit counter-intuitive to engage in nonprofit fundraising and charity events outside your own organization’s efforts, but no matter how big or small, nonprofits rely on the care of others. It’s this intrinsic aspect of their blueprint that makes it essential for nonprofits to promote one another. By taking the time to support causes other than your own, it allows for other people who may have a connection to your organization even though they may be primarily supporting a different charity to know of your work and become engaged. It builds rapport, credibility and an admirable reputation that goes beyond just your circle of influence. Much of brand building is referral and recognition. Reaching people you won’t normally interact with is a great way to expand the awareness of your organization.
4. Fundraise! 
It goes without saying that the an organization’s lifeline lies in its nonprofit fundraising. Fundraising allows charities the opportunity to fund their projects and sustain their missions. Outside of government sponsored grants and in-kind donations by philanthropists, nonprofits depend on fundraising. There are many ways to fundraise, whether it’s a simple bake sale or an online charity auction. Fundraising is a great way to promote the good work your charity does and allow others to take part in building an organization that’s making a difference.
3. Be transparent regarding your allocation of funds
Since nonprofits run on the premise of caring more about doing good than traditional profits, it’s imperative that those who donate or participate in your nonprofit fundraising efforts understand their money is truly going to the cause they care about. It’s easy to encounter public suspicion or resentment if the majority of funds raised for a cause end up in someone’s pocket rather than in building a well in an impoverished country, or providing books for underserved children. Nonprofits that are transparent about the allocation of their funds build trust with their donors and supporters. Establishing trust in your supporters helps to secure new ones who measure the efficiency of a nonprofit by its management of funds.
2. Engage the public through social media
Social media is a tool. It’s a medium for connecting with others, it’s an electronic mouthpiece for self expression, it’s an escape for entertainment, but more than anything else, it’s a tool for generating awareness and public knowledge. Nonprofits that don’t capitalize on the power of social media are missing out on a great tool to attract new supporters. Cultivating engagement on social media keeps supporters involved and builds momentum for a cause.
1. Think outside the box for campaigns
Events like Color Me Rad are perfect examples of creating campaigns that are outside the box. Creativity and innovation are essential in engaging potential new supporters. Unlike regular 5k runs, Color Me Rad is a 5k run through a spray painted obstacle course. It takes something as common as a run and makes it unique, fun and engaging. Another example of creative and innovative campaigns comes from Lifebeat, which helps fight HIV with music. Lifebeat created condoms that have a code printed on the wrapper that can be redeemed via the music streaming service, Spotify. They’re not just teaching safe sex, they’re making it entertaining to be safe. Thinking outside of the box draws attention that keeps supporters coming back with new ones.
Nonprofits are a reflection of humanity’s desire to serve one another and promote goodness all around. So get out there and start building support for your cause. It’s meeting a very important need!