TIPS FOR NON-PROFITS TO IMPROVE STORYTELLING CAPACITY
We believe in the value of the non-profit sector and that there are many organizations doing great work around the world without access to excellent photography to tell their stories. We believe access to work by talented photographers will help them be more effective, therefore we are here to enable access. To the extent that we can provide storytelling capacity, there will be more great work coming out of them.
Possession of great photography by itself is a first step. We also provide non-profits connections to management and communications resources to help them put those stories to use in their marketing efforts. With great photography you will better:
- attract and motivate partners, collaborators, volunteers and staff
- inspire donors and grant-makers
- drive a social movement or incite public policy changes
Management & Communications Resources and Support
- BrandOutLoud provides tailor-made branding & communications to local aid organizations worldwide. They believe that aesthetic photography can be a powerful tool for communication and encourage aid organizations to brand and promote themselves by visually revealing their identity and accomplishments. BrandOutLoud combines sophisticated photography, graphic design, copy and an outstanding online presence.
- Civic Ventures engages retired and semi-retired professionals as a vital workforce for change. Through an inventive program portfolio, original research, strategic alliances, and the power of people´s own life stories, Civic Ventures demonstrates the value of experience in solving serious social problems – from education to the environment and health care to homelessness.
- Compass Point Nonprofit Services is a consulting, research, and training organization providing nonprofits with management tools, strategies, and resources to lead change in their communities. They work with community-based nonprofits in executive transition, planning, boards of directors, finance systems and business planning, fundraising, and technology.
- The Conservation Company (TCC) works with nonprofits, philanthropies, and corporate citizenship programs to provide evaluation, strategic planning, capacity-building, and grantmaking assistance.
- The Taproot Foundation is a nonprofit organization that makes business talent available to organizations working to improve society. They assemble teams of professionals to assist nonprofits with their projects.
In addition, many universities have groups that are reaching out to provide services to the local community.
- The Stanford Alumni Consulting Team provides pro bono consultants to nonprofits.
- Harvard Business School Community Partners provides volunteer consulting and management assistance to nonprofit organizations on a pro bono basis.
Technology & Social Media Assistance for Non-Profits
- Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) is a membership organization of nonprofit technology professionals who share the common goal of helping nonprofits use all aspects of technology more effectively. They believe that technology allows nonprofits to work with greater social impact.
- TechSoup offers nonprofits a one-stop resource for technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support. They also offer a product philanthropy service called TechSoup Stock where nonprofits can access donated and discounted technology products provided by corporate and nonprofit technology partners.
Recommended Non-Profit Management & Communications Blogs
- Beth Kanter’s Blog is a terrific resource for how networked non-profits are using social media to power social change.
- Kivi’s Nonprofit Communications Blog is written by Kivi Leroux Miller, author of the Nonprofit Marketing Guide.
- Nonprofit Marketing: Getting Attention Blog is a source of ideas, tactics, and tips for nonprofit communicators focused on helping their organizations succeed through effective marketing.
- Nonprofit PR: Communication with a Purpose is a blog designed specifically for Foundations and Nonprofits in smaller communities.
- NP Communicator provides resources and rants for nonprofits communicating online and on the ground.
- Social Edge is a global online community where social entrepreneurs and other practitioners of the social benefit sector connect to network, learn, inspire and share resources. They have a great list of helpful blogs in this space.
Film Making & Documentary Resources
- Lights Camera Help is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to encouraging other nonprofit and cause-driven organizations to use film and video to tell their stories. They have a volunteer match program as well geared toward film makers, and their film festival runs July 29th-August 2nd in Austin, TX.
- Micro-Documentaries works with non-profits to produce 1-minute documentaries that are: authentic - so you can connect with your audience in a more natural, personal, uncontrived way; affordable – so you can create as many as you like, as often as you like; and, actionable – so you can measure your results.
