Resources To Appeal To New Supporters

Natural disasters and the economic recession pushed many nonprofits so far back on the back burner that some, like W. W. Law Foundation, lost almost all financial support to the extreme needs of families and children in crises. To help continue its mission to save American history like that amassed by its name sake, civil rights activist, educator and historic preservationist Westley Wallace Law, NonprofitPal identified the following resources for nonprofits to use to appeal to a new base of supporters.

photo credit: MajoraCarterGroup

• WordPress: A free web-based software program that anyone can use to build and maintain a website or blog.  This open-source publishing system allow users to easily create a simple or complex blog, or web site to share and advance their missions, fundraise, attract volunteers and maintain the site without having to pay some one to do it for the organization.
• Getting help: If  your organization is completely unfamiliar with WordPress, it will want to start by browsing WordPress.com to learn as much as possible about WordPress. You will want to research WordPress.org which includes WordPress TV tutorials to learn how to install and use various WordPress features.

While WordPress is free, all users will have to pay to register a domain name and hosting for their site.  It is also acceptable to make donations to developers and designers and to say thank you for the work they contribute to WordPress open source platform.

• YouTube: See September 15th, YouTube NonProfit Contribution, post this site. If your organization has a “compelling story to tell, and want to connect with supporters, volunteers and donors but don’t have funds to launch an expensive outreach campaign.” YouTube is donating channels for nonprofits to brand, promote and raise funds for your nonprofit organizations free.
• Consultants: If you require more specific help to install and/or create your web log or video, you may need the services of a consultant.  Consultants advise, direct, design and/or develop solutions to fill the gap between your actual situation and the desired one you want to accomplish, for a fee.   You need to have a clear idea and be able to articulate to a consultant your actual situation and the desired one you want to accomplish.  If you do not have a clear idea of what you are trying to accomplish; brain storm with yourself  or others who are familiar with where you are and what you are trying to accomplish.