How do you find new stakeholders for your non-profit program?

1 Identify your potential stakeholders

The first step is to identify who your potential stakeholders are. You can start by mapping out your program's theory of change, which is a logical framework that explains how your program's inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact are connected. This can help you identify who benefits from your program, who contributes to your program, who is affected by your program, and who influences your program. You can also use stakeholder analysis tools, such as stakeholder mapping, power-interest matrix, or Venn diagram, to categorize your potential stakeholders based on their level of interest, influence, and relationship with your program.

2 Research your potential stakeholders

The next step is to research your potential stakeholders to learn more about their needs, interests, values, and expectations. You can use various sources of information, such as websites, social media, reports, newsletters, or surveys, to gather data on your potential stakeholders. You can also conduct interviews, focus groups, or observation to gain deeper insights into your potential stakeholders. The purpose of this step is to understand what motivates your potential stakeholders, what challenges they face, what goals they have, and how your program can align with them.

3 Reach out to your potential stakeholders

The third step is to reach out to your potential stakeholders to initiate contact and build rapport. You can use different channels of communication, such as email, phone, or social media, to introduce yourself and your program, express your interest in collaborating, and invite them to a meeting or an event. You can also use referrals, testimonials, or endorsements from your existing stakeholders to increase your credibility and trustworthiness. The goal of this step is to establish a connection and a dialogue with your potential stakeholders, and to demonstrate your value proposition and your appreciation.

4 Engage your potential stakeholders

The fourth step is to engage your potential stakeholders to foster a relationship and a partnership. You can use various strategies, such as co-design, feedback, recognition, or advocacy, to involve your potential stakeholders in your program's planning, implementation, evaluation, or improvement. You can also use incentives, rewards, or recognition to motivate your potential stakeholders to participate, contribute, or support your program. The aim of this step is to create a sense of ownership and commitment among your potential stakeholders, and to generate mutual benefits and outcomes.

5 Nurture your potential stakeholders

The final step is to nurture your potential stakeholders to sustain and strengthen the relationship and the partnership. You can use regular communication, updates, reports, or newsletters to keep your potential stakeholders informed and engaged. You can also use surveys, interviews, or focus groups to solicit feedback and suggestions from your potential stakeholders. You can also use events, celebrations, or acknowledgments to show gratitude and appreciation to your potential stakeholders. The objective of this step is to maintain and enhance the trust, satisfaction, and loyalty of your potential stakeholders, and to create opportunities for further collaboration and growth.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?