Technology is a widely discussed topic in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. It affects the daily operations of every company and organization. But it also affects what is called organizational culture. This is defined as a system of assumptions, values, and beliefs that shape how employees behave in organizations. In today’s world, it […]
The strength and wellbeing of a nonprofit organization relies on the effectiveness of its fundraising efforts. Most nonprofits are passionate about their cause and eager to make an impact. However, when you’re trying to accomplish big things, mistakes are easy to make. Fundraising is hard work and making mistakes is inevitable, but you can […]
In my recent post on “6 Ways to Inspire Creativity in Your Brainstorming Session,” I mentioned that starting off with a creative exercise is a great way to stimulate the imagination and spark productivity in your team. As a follow up, here are six exercises designed to stir up those creative juices and give […]
If you’ve ever presented to an audience using PowerPoint, you know how difficult it can be to engage and keep the crowd focused. Aside from worrying about staying on time, remembering talking points and not fainting at the front of the room, presenters often worry about how to get the audience involved in the […]
No matter the size of your organization or the focus of its mission, social media is crucial to your success. Social media is a great way to build and maintain relationships with audiences, and taking advantage of emerging trends on these platforms can help your organization do great things for the community. Here are […]
A new year brings change and opportunity for people. They set “New Year’s Resolutions” for a healthier diet, to exercise more often, practice their religion, read more books, etc. But what about nonprofit organizations? What types of resolutions should they make for the New Year? We have a few ideas…
Join a networking or industry-related […]
Social media. We all know how important it is. By now it’s been engrained in our brains as an essential tool for communications and marketing. It’s not breaking news that these platforms are changing our relationship with audiences and creating new opportunities for engaging with them. Social media is about people – connecting and […]
While in my previous blog entry about Cause Marketing I shared some of the potential benefits of cause marketing, don’t be naïve to think that there are not significant risks associated with this strategy as well. And they must be weighed when deciding to enter this type of relationship.
First you must choose the right […]
Working with non-profits on a daily basis, I am often asked to explain the concept of cause marketing. Once an organization understands that there may be a financial upside to this strategy they immediately follow up with this next question; “Describe all of the potential benefits of entering into this type of relationships?”
Cause marketing […]
The long rainy Fourth of July weekend off from DNA Creative Communications gave me time to catch up on my non-profit reading. You know, the tower of books on my bedside table that I have deemed of the ultimate worth, the books I want to savor. However, by the time I am setting my […]
Proper branding is essential for the success of a company and often presents itself as a much easier task than it truly is. Developing or redeveloping a company brand requires extensive research and prior knowledge in the branding world and is therefore not always a project of the business owner themselves, but rather a […]
An internship was once seen as a way to “get your foot in the door” in your particular area of interest. They were unpaid, rarely competitive, and consisted of mundane tasks such as getting coffee and making photocopies. If the opportunity didn’t present itself, one entered the career search with only a degree in […]
One of the main roles of a public relations professional is to be up-to-date and in the know about the most current media technology. By being aware of the latest trends, and knowing how to utilize them, you can put yourself and your organization ahead of the game. These abilities will make you an […]
Knowing the basic materials and components to include in your nonprofit’s media press kit can help your organization put its best face forward when it comes to the public relations arena.
The first and most important element is to have your background information and supporting materials organized, updated and ready to send, print, or release […]
As a woman-owned firm, DNA is committed to the success and well-being of all women across South Carolina. We have compiled the following list of resources for women business owners and hope that you will find them helpful. Please contact us for more information and tips on how to grow and promote your business.
1. […]
Learning how to effectively manage and communicate during an emergency or a crisis is essential for the success of each organization. A well-developed crisis communications plan can make the process smoother and help guide the leadership and staff of an organization through a potential crisis. Even though in most organizations only a few people […]
Hosting an event? Wondering how to promote it? A press release is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to promote a campaign or an event or to raise awareness about an issue. A well-written press release can be very effective in helping you spread your message and educate the community about your […]
In the public relations field we know that press releases are an integral part of what we do. We are constantly sending press releases to media outlets to inform them of something newsworthy – an event, a new product or program, an award recognition, etc. Press releases are sent with the goal of generating […]
Start a petition. Become an advocate.
Sign your name to a cause at change.org.
As evidenced throughout our entire ‘Tis the Season blog series so far, the opportunity to make a difference lies in many places–and is sometimes no further than a mouse click away.
Not only has technology interconnected our world more than ever before—it’s also […]
Be Crafty, Creative AND Charitable!
Whether it’s Pinterest-inspired or an item you’ve created for years, making a craft for charity is an extra special way to give back that doesn’t involve cash. Not only is donating handmade items a personally rewarding way to give of your time and talents—it’s also a highly coveted form of […]
Start a new habit to protect our local environment
Your small everyday changes can have a great impact. During the holidays, households have a tendency to use more water and energy, as well as produce more waste. Evidenced by ornate Christmas lights and decorations, holiday meals, wrapped presents and warm homes, many of us celebrate […]
Write or Contact a Mentor
In 10 seconds or less, you can probably think of someone special in your life—a teacher, neighbor, relative, friend or coach—who has helped shape you into the person you are today. Simply put, that person was (and perhaps still is!) a mentor to you.
Maybe it’s someone who gave you reassurance […]
Start (or join!) a Community Garden.
As suggested by its name, a community garden is a piece of land gardened by a group of people. Moreover, regardless of its size or location, every community garden has one common goal: to produce food, flowers and/or herbs for nearby friends, families and neighbors that need them most. […]
Register for Organ Donation
During the holidays, we give gifts to show we care – and what could show you care more than the gift of life? According to Donate Life America, there are more than 115,000 people in the United States currently waiting for an organ transplant. An average of 18 people die every day […]
A nonprofit organization can utilize a special event as a tool for fundraising or raising awareness of its mission in the community – but events are time and money consuming. Following guidelines throughout the planning process can help make your event a success by streamlining the focus of the organization.
To hold a successful event, […]
