Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Public Relations. The least expensive and probably most effective way to market your organization is through public relations. Create press releases every week. Look for new story angles and send them out via email to the local newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations. It is important that you have the reporter's contact information and that you call her to follow up. Reporters are busy people. Keep it short and sweet. Be professional and let her know what makes your story something readers will be interested in.
2

Community Outreach. Create awareness of your organization by keeping up with what is going on in your community--from a local outdoor festival or parade to setting up meetings and informational visits to schools or senior centers. Be a part of what is going on. Tell everyone you know about the organization and think of new ways to partner with other nonprofits in the area. Build relationships with those you get to know by adding them to your mailing list. Approach larger companies who can help with donations and matching contributions. Ask if you can display or distribute information about your organization to their employees.
3

Advertising. Newspapers and other print mediums, radio stations, broadcast and cable TV companies offer reduced advertising rates for nonprofit organizations. Take advantage of it. Cable TV can be an inexpensive option and the station may help you produce a commercial at little or no cost that can be used in the future. Check out movie theater and restaurant advertising. Use your nonprofit postage rate to mail postcards to your list or other available lists. It is getting more expensive, but any direct mail is the best method to market specifically to your targeted group.
4

The internet. Work at building your email database. Blast emails are inexpensive and can be completed very quickly with the help of on-line software. Join on-line communities and invite others to do so.