Putting a face to your cause, qualifying your worth and quantifying the rational for your need will boost results

"In today's economy..." who is tired of hearing that phrase? Tired as it is, it's also the beginnign phrase we use when talking about marketing plans and shifting tactics in the industry. However, the fact of the matter remains that sound mrketing practices still apply even as the amount of money we can spend toward marketing is squeezed. As business and marketing consultants to nonprofits and small businesses, we always strive to offfer the leanest, most effective plan to our clients, and now that budgts are even shrinking, it's a simple face that we can only grow our business by making sure our plans create results so our clients can incrementally increase their spend and happily refer us.

To help, we will be posting a series of usable marketing tips on this blog to get you started on your way to better return on your marketing investment. Let's begin with some nonprofit marketing truths:

Putting a face to your cause, qualifying your worth and quantifying the rational for your need will boost results.

Today we will talk about putting a face to your cause -- personalizing why you should receive sponsorship or donation dollars starts with emotino whether consumer or business based. (We will talk about the other components in ensuing posts.) You need to grab attention and then make a connection with your audience. Since consistency and logevity of the message is important, you willw ant to carefully consider how to frame your cause depending on your target audience and what you expect of them. When applicable, images, spokesperson, music and copy choice all subtly influence the way your message will be received and how your target audience will respond. Think of the difference among Humane Society, PETA and Girls Scouts messaging.

Need help figuring out what is right for you? The Rayvan Group is here: www.rayvangroup.com

Code of Ethical Principles and Standards

The Rayvan Group is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Arizona Chapter.

Many times the RG is asked about writing grants and to be compensated on a commission basis. Based on the Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of AFP, we are unable to receive funds this way.

Please refer to the AFP website for more specifics regarding principles and standards.
Specifically #22 under Compensation and Contracts.

I would also like to advise anyone looking for a professional fundraiser to ask this question of them. If they are a true fundraiser and knowledgeable of these rules, they will not receive commission based compensation.

Starting a new nonprofit

Starting a nonprofit takes a lot of time, energy and dedication. However, it is not impossible. The Rayvan Group has experience helping nonprofit organizations (and new foundations) get started. Since we have received a few HOW TO questions recently, we thought we would outline the major steps.


1. Understand what a nonprofit is. Do your research/homework
2. Create your mission statement
3. Form your Board of Directors
4. File Articles of Incorporation
5. Draft bylaws
6. Develop a budget
7. Develop a record-keeping system
8. Develop an accounting system
9. File for 501(c)(3) status
10. Apply for a federal employer identification number (FEIN)
11. File for state and local tax exemption
12. Fulfill charitable solicitation law requirements
13. Apply for a nonprofit mailing permit

Seems like a lot to do...it is. The Rayvan Group is here to help you through every step!