Connecting with the Community

There are many ways nonprofit organizations can connect with a community. By connecting, reaching out beyond their four walls, nonprofits can achieve community buy-in and raise awareness of local needs.

Here are five budget-friendly ways every nonprofit can elevate its credibility and expand its influence in a community. These activities are crucial to the overall success and sustainability of the organization.

1. LISTEN

Sometimes it is difficult to have an objective perspective of your own organization. You can get a glimpse of how leaders and other community members perceive your organization by conducting a focus group.

Another way to listen is by holding a strategic planning session and inviting key community leaders. This provides an opportunity for them to learn about your work and to have a voice in how your organization operates. It also demonstrates your organization's willingness to be transparent.

2. SHARE

Co-sponsor an event: Open up your facility and partner with another organization to support a local meeting or community event, even if it is unrelated to your specific cause. (Of course, it should be something that benefits the overall good of the community.)

This will bring new people into your building and give them a chance to meet your leadership and learn more about the work you do. It will also let others know that your nonprofit exists to serve and cares about the community as a whole.

3. INVOLVE

For many organizations, being a board member or donating money is the only way for the public to get involved. There are no other options. What about those who would like to get involved, but don't have money or don't have the time or expertise to sit on the board? Maybe they could help with a mailing or serve as a part-time office assistant? Expanding your organization's volunteer options is an excellent way to make new contacts. And in this economy, it could save some much-needed money for other essentials.

Another good way to increase volunteer opportunities is to form committees and invite community experts to participate. As an example, a local HR director can provide great input for your HR Committee. Attorneys, marketing experts, and accountants all bring a high level of knowledge to your organization that you most likely could not afford.

As committee members, they don't have the same time commitment as a member of the Board of Directors. But they feel good about their involvement and are likely to support you through donations and word-of-mouth.

4. EXPAND

To be known by the community, you must actually be in the community.

Join the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Lion's Club, Kiwanis, BNI, or some other group. Club members are often prominent people - the very people who should know who you are and what you do. If you cannot afford their membership fees, try to get into these clubs as a regular guest speaker.

Have presence at local expos, fairs, and festivals. Work hard to make your organization highly visible.

5. ADVOCATE

Nonprofit leaders and staff should be experts on their organization's causes. Whether it's child abuse, addictions, literacy, or poverty, nonprofit leaders should have a prominent voice in the community on their specific issue.

One of the best ways to do this is through the media. Anytime there is a news story on your organization's topic, your voice should be heard. As a leader, you should be a key influencer who shares an opinion and brings clarity to the issue. Be proactive in doing interviews and writing letters to publications. Use your organization's social media as a platform to communicate with others on the issue.

Another great way to advocate is by guest lecturing at local colleges and universities. Contact professors who teach on your subject and let them know you have relevant information that could be an asset to the classroom experience. Your real-world experience will help students have a clearer picture of the issues at hand.

Moving beyond your walls is essential to connecting with your community. Elevated visibility cannot happen if people don't know anything about your organization or the people who work there.

Visibility is being seen, heard, and understood. The more your organization is seen, heard, and understood, the more likely the community will accept and embrace you.

Be intentional. Get connected.