Driving Participation Podcast: What Is Working in Marketing & Fundraising | Nonprofits | Schools | Associations

Back when Beth and Donnie Brake first met, they talked about the possibility of a redesign for Brake's school Coram Deo Academy. Now, the redesign is done and the effects of the transition are starting to show. Brake, director of development at Coram Deo, discusses the change from being a website that purely provided information to a destination for prospective parents and students that makes them want to learn more and engage with the school. They explore how to create an effective website that will encourage action—not just provide information.

To have a high-functioning organization, it is critical that all members, donors, volunteers, partners, and staff understand what value they provide a community and what change they exist to create. This week, David Rhode, Founder and the Executive Director of Pitch In For Baseball, joined Driving Participation to explore how to build a foundation for long-term success. Pitch In For Baseball, is an organization that works to provide baseball equipment to children around the world. As an executive director, it is critically important for David to mobilize and engage with volunteers, nonprofits, business and government agencies. Building awareness and support is essential to creating a culture of philanthropy at Pitch in for Baseball.

Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools available to nonprofit organizations, with its ability to connect with audiences, build support for causes, rally volunteers and increase donations. But what does it take to develop an email marketing plan that ensures your subscribers are engaged by your content? This week, Jeremy Koch, Chief Empowerment Officer at Empower Nonprofits joined Beth to discuss the opportunities available within e-mail marketing.

Five years after rebranding, Tina Lauver, has learned that launching your brand is really only the beginning. As Marketing and PR Manager at the Dauphin County Library System, Tina has led the transition of the Library's image throughout the county. Over time, Tina has learned how to evolve and adjust to address the changing needs of the library, the staff and the patrons while maintaining the stength and purpose of the brand.

Crowdfunding is growing as a way to finance projects, products, movies and ideas. The Canadian Society of Association Executives decided to try it as a funding experiment. Using Indegogo they raised over $10,000 in under a month. Michael Anderson, CEO of CSAE joins Beth to explain how the crowdfunding process works from planning, marketing, and operational angles. He makes the point that crowdfunding isn't collecting donations, it is getting an investment from people who want to see the benefit of your project.