Demystify the Non-Profit Image: Good Impressions on a Budget

added by Tivix Team

Most often the word "non-profit" conjures up the image of an office full of old computers and under dressed staff who work for peanuts. Despite the myths, small and large non-profits alike can be professional and modern like their corporate counterparts while being led by talented staff.

To achieve the image of a full functioning, savvy, and wealthy organization, incorporate these strategies:

Recruit a graphic designer. A nice looking logo, business card, and letterhead are must haves. When putting together a grant proposal, you're going to need these items. A nice design and letterhead can go a long way. A student from the local art academy will be thrilled to create the look of your organization. Offer the designer an honorarium for their work or host an appreciation party with your program participants to launch the logo.

Craigslist. This is a non-profit's best friend. First you can find cheap, sometimes free, office equipment. Companies go out of business all the time and they want to unload their computers and desks quickly. Most often they will give priority to non-profits. Second, when you post a volunteer or employment opportunity on their website, dozens of resumes will come your way. Craigslist also hosts a non-profit boot camp in San Francisco and New York to help groups leverage resources and maximize success.

Dress the part. Though most non-profits don't have dress codes in the workplace, it's important to dress the part when meeting with potential donors or foundations. Plus there will be networking events that may involve wine and cheese. The dressier you are, the more people will take your organization seriously.  If your paycheck doesn't allow for department store prices, hit up used clothing stores like Crossroads to purchase business attire.

DIY websites, not a good idea. Nowadays anyone can create a website for cheap, and it's tempting to test out your creative skills. Unless you're a web designer, it's not advisable. Your website is one of the first points of contact and you don't want a funder or volunteer to be turned off by broken links or a cluttered homepage. Find a student web designer who needs to update their portfolio or a design company looking for their annual pro-bono project. Once the site is built, find a web host like Go Daddy that offer discounts for multiple year contracts and go live.

Provide staff with a living wage and decent benefits. Maybe your organization can't offer daily snacks and soda to your staff like some tech companies do.  Instead tighten up other areas in the budget to cushion staff wages and benefits. Living paycheck to paycheck isn't fun for anyone, and it's an easy way to burn everyone out. Just because it's a non-profit, your organization shouldn't undervalue the time or skills of staff. If you're the leader, then advocate for better wages. Most of the time the board and funders will approve increases that are reasonable. With good wages, the organization can attract better applicants and make sure they stay committed for the long-term.

Collaborate and share resources. Band up with other non-profit groups and save on the necessities especially if both groups are working towards a similar cause.  Consider sharing office space. Not only will the monthly rent be divided but the groups can share phone, copier, and maintenance expenses too. Even better, funders will appreciate the collaborative effort and acknowledge your organization's choice to spend wisely.

Remember it's important to stay competitive and observe what other groups are doing.  Don't assume that upgrades are always expensive as there are always cheaper methods to achieve what's needed.