How to Help Nonprofit Organizations Grow

Making An Impact: How To Help Nonprofits

Want to make a difference in the world around you, whether that’s in your community or for the world as a whole? One of the easiest ways to do so is by supporting a nonprofit organization. Unlike for-profit companies, nonprofits have an overriding mission to serve others, whether that’s people, animals, the environment, or social causes.

Instead of providing services or selling goods, they must turn to donors, volunteers, and other supporters to pursue their goals. There is a nearly endless variety of nonprofit organizations to choose from, so you’re certain to find one that supports a cause in which you care.

Supporting nonprofits doesn’t just benefit the organization you support; it can benefit you as well. Studies show that giving to and helping others can enhance your mental health; provide you with a greater sense of happiness; and give you a deeper sense of purpose. Other research reveals that it may enhance the number of social connections and even improve your overall health, producing a longer lifespan. Plus, it simply feels good!

If you’re wondering how to help a nonprofit organization, often the easiest way is to make a monetary donation. However, there are other ways to help instead of or in addition to supporting an organization with your dollars. Here’s a closer look at how to help nonprofits.

Ways to Help Support Nonprofits

1. Peer-to-peer fundraising. One of the easiest ways to support a nonprofit is to share its existence with people you know, and to ask them to support it. You likely have many contacts you’re connected to on social media. Wondering how to ask for money for a nonprofit? Post a notice about the organization on your social media accounts, adding why you support it and think it’s worthwhile, and ask family and friends to support it as well. You might do this as a fundraiser for your birthday or other special event. Encourage your friends to share the information and to fundraise themselves; this helps spread the word even further.

2. Volunteer your time. Wondering how to help a nonprofit organization grow? Instead of donating money, consider donating your time. Nonprofit organizations cannot function without volunteers, and they offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities for people who are interested in helping them. Contact the organization you’re interested in about volunteer opportunities. They may range from occasional shifts several times a month to helping with special events or even serving on a board of directors or a committee. Consider what skills you have that may benefit the organization. For example, if you know how to write a letter asking for donations for a nonprofit, you might volunteer your copywriting services. If you work in the trades, you might offer to provide plumbing or electrical services to the nonprofit free of charge. If you have a background in graphic design, you might offer to help design eye-catching posters for in-person events. Think about what you can offer the organization and how you would like to help. Many volunteers enjoy the opportunity to perform hands-on work to support work that matters to them.

3. Sponsor an event. Nonprofits offer a variety of events to help raise funds and awareness about their organizations, such as charity auctions, golf outings, trivia nights, and fun runs/walks. Offer to sponsor an event, whether that’s by making a cash or in-kind donation, such as supplying bottled water for a 5K run or providing a gift certificate or prize for an auction. You can also help publicize the event to friends and family to help draw attention to it.

4. Attend an event. Even if you don’t sponsor an event, you can attend one. During the pandemic, many organizations opted for virtual events over in-person ones. However, that pendulum is swinging back and now more organizations are offering live events to raise funds and awareness. If you attend an event, you can up your involvement by sharing your plans on social media. Maybe you can encourage friends and family to attend with you or strike up some friendly competition at a local 5K or golf outing.

5. Harness social media. You can use social media for peer-to-peer fundraising, but you can also use social media to help spread the word about a nonprofit you support. If you’re not sure about how to ask for donations for a nonprofit or you feel uncomfortable doing so, stick to sharing the facts. Let your friends and followers decide for themselves whether they want to support the organization or get more involved. Even if you don’t specifically ask for money, awareness helps nonprofits continue to grow.

6. Give a recurring donation. Making a financial donation is always appreciated but committing to a recurring donation helps support nonprofits and helps them plan their budgets. Plus, it’s often easier to donate a small amount on a regular basis, such as by committing to a monthly gift.

La Piana Consulting: Helping Nonprofits Reach Their Goals

Do you work for or run a nonprofit, and are looking for leadership, guidance, or support? La Piana Consulting provides management consulting for nonprofits, offering proven techniques that can help you increase your impact and help one’s organization thrive and grow. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.