Cultivate & Engage

Are you managing a nonprofit with a small team? Read on to see how fractional executives can help. A big thanks to Deborah Grabein for her insights! ?? Benefits of Fractional Executives: ??Cost-Effective Expertise: Access top-tier talent without breaking the bank. ??Scalable Solutions: Tailored support that grows with your needs. ??Fresh Perspectives: Innovative strategies from industry veterans. Read our blog to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gkPSYaJj #NonprofitLeadership #FractionalExecutives #NonprofitSuccess #CommunicationsAgency #NonprofitSupport #nonprofitmanagement #fractional #nonprofit

Summer is a great time to review your strategic communications plan and reflect on successes and challenges. For our friends in #schoolPR, you're likely wrapping up your year-end reports and getting ready for the next academic year. The problem? You don't have anyone to bounce ideas off of, brainstorm strategies and tactics with, or work through planning for the "what if" situations. The good news is, we're here to help! You can now book an hour, 1:1 session with Amanda Holdsworth, Ed.D., APR, a leading expert in education communications, marketing, and branding. She can help you assess your prior activities, assist with enrollment marketing strategies, brainstorm story and PR ideas with you, and review your draft communications plan before you present it to your leadership team. For more than a year, she has been casually offering this service to numerous K-12 and university communicators, and it has not only been fun and rewarding for her but also impactful for our in-house comms colleagues. She has worked with some communicators once and others multiple times, depending on their needs. There is no commitment other than your first meeting. If you're interested in learning more or setting up a session with Dr. Holdsworth, please get in touch with her directly at [email protected]. Space is limited. Sometimes, we just all need a supportive senior-level communications buddy to help ensure we're on the right track. #schoolmarketing #EduComms #higheredmarketing #schoolcommunications #enrollmentmarketing #strategiccommunications #strategicPR

At Cultivate & Engage, we know that securing funding is the lifeblood of any non-profit. We recently sat down with Liz Green, an expert grant writer consultant, to delve into the intricacies of the grant writing process. Below are our key takeaways from our conversation with Liz. You can read the full blog with more strategies on our website: https://lnkd.in/gQCzTwwt 1. Critical Components of a Successful Grant Application ?? - Balance emotional appeal with hard facts. - Use stories and concrete evidence to showcase your impact. 2. Stand out to reviewers ?? - Keep it simple and clear with short sentences and paragraphs. - Highlight strong outcomes with clear, quantifiable metrics. - Utilize visual aids and strategic outreach. 3. Overcome challenges in grant writing ?? - Be concise while maintaining meaning. - Leverage resources like "On Writing Well" and "Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace." 4. Advice for Small Non-profits ?? - Ensure grant readiness with detailed reports and data. - Build relationships with funders and consider being a sub-grantee. 5. Best Practices for Maintaining Funder Relationships ?? - Regular updates and transparency are crucial. - Involve the CEO in communications to underscore commitment. Liz's insights are invaluable for any non-profit looking to navigate the complex world of grant writing. To learn more about her, visit www.lizgreengrants.com. #NonProfit #GrantWriting #Fundraising #NonProfitFunding #GrantWriter #NonProfitSuccess #CultivateAndEngage #LizGreen #ExpertAdvice #FundingSuccess

We are very fortunate to support the work of Dr. Peter Bahr and his research team at the University of Michigan. Congratulations, Dr. Bahr! #researchcommunications

We're thrilled to highlight Erika S. Rose, MA, a seasoned designer and visionary leader who has significantly impacted the design world. Because of her beautiful work and ease of collaboration, she is our go-to when our clients need design work. With over a decade of experience, Erika has left lasting marks on organizations like United Way, National PTA, and FDIC. Erika operates Limelight Creative, a boutique design agency, where she designs and illustrates creative solutions for marketing and communication goals using the principles of Design Management and Design Thinking. Let's celebrate her remarkable contributions to the world of design! #graphicdesigner

We absolutely love when we receive glowing reviews from our amazing clients. There's nothing more rewarding than knowing our hard work has truly made a difference. Each piece of feedback not only brightens our day, but also pushes us to keep improving and innovating. A huge thank you to all our past and current clients who have taken the time to share their experiences. Your success stories are what keep us motivated and excited about what we do. #StrategicCommunications #CultivateEngage #ImpactDriven #ElevateYourMission #Success

Your most convincing advocates are often those who've directly benefited from your services—your satisfied clients. Here’s a strategy to encourage them to share their positive experiences, amplifying your brand's reach and influence: 1. Personalize Your Approach: After wrapping up a project successfully, reach out personally. It's the genuine, human connections that leave a lasting impression. 2. Illustrate the Value of Their Feedback: Demonstrate how their input doesn't just help you tweak your offerings, but fundamentally supports your organization's greater mission. This approach resonates deeply within sectors focused on education, philanthropy, and societal impact. 3. Simplify the Sharing Process: Eliminate any hurdles for your clients by providing straightforward links to review platforms or a feedback form on your website. 4. Share and Celebrate Reviews: Thank your clients for their testimonials. Featuring these in your newsletters and on social platforms shows appreciation, but also inspires others to share their experiences. 5. Engage Your Network: Use the power of your connections. Encourage a culture of sharing reviews among peers, amplifying impact through trusted recommendations. Remember, each piece of feedback is more than just a comment—it's a powerful endorsement of the difference your brand is making. #ClientSuccess #BrandAdvocacy #Feedback #MakingAnImpact #GrowthMindset #Business

Branding is much more than just colors and logos. It's a blend of art and science, requiring a perfect balance of strategic thinking and visual creativity. What distinguishes your brand? It's the narrative it crafts, the emotional responses it evokes, and the relationships it builds. These elements are pivotal in defining the essence of your brand. Consider this: What messages are your brand communications sending to your audience? #BuildingBrands #VisualIdentity #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #BrandStory

In one sentence, how would you describe your educational mission? Whether you're leading an institution, shaping young minds, or contributing to educational policy, your mission statement reflects your core objectives and aspirations. Share your mission in the comments to foster connections and discussions around our shared goals. #Education #Community #Branding #PurposeDriven #Success

How can strategic communications drive real change? AmTech Career Academy's recent surge in national recognition and enrollment (circa 2,500 students in 2023-24) showcases the power of effective storytelling in education. Interested in learning about the strategies that led to their success? Let’s discuss how strategic storytelling can be a catalyst for achievement in any sector. #StrategicCommunications #EducationInnovation #CaseStudy #StudentEnrollment #ProfessionalGrowth