In this brief but insightful episode of the Stratcomm.Live podcast, Kelsey Boudin, the President and Founder of Grand River Agency, delves into the nuances of strategic funding for nonprofits. Grand River Agency is a strategic communications firm specializing in helping small businesses and nonprofits through various services including digital marketing, website development, nonprofit grant writing and donor cultivation.

Kelsey begins this episode with a personal anecdote, highlighting a recent interaction with one of his nonprofit clients. This client, currently engaged in a significant $1 Million Fundraising Campaign, brings to light the multifaceted approach needed for successful grant writing and fund acquisition. Kelsey stresses that the process isn't merely about submitting numerous grant proposals, but about doing so strategically to enhance the chances of receiving funding. He compares this approach to being a successful Major League Baseball hitter – even failing the majority of the time, a 30% success rate can make for a Hall-of-Fame grant writing career.

A major theme of the episode is the importance of funder research. Kelsey explains how he dedicates time each week to explore funding opportunities for his clients, producing concise, one-page documents called Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). These summaries help busy nonprofit executives make informed decisions quickly.

Kelsey recounts a specific instance where the president of the nonprofit's board questioned the alignment of certain grant opportunities with their current mission. The discussion sheds light on a critical perspective shift: instead of limiting themselves to their current activities, nonprofits should envision what they could achieve with increased funding. He argues that while it is crucial to stay true to the organization's core mission, leveraging new funding to enhance or expand capabilities can drive broader systemic impact.

For instance, could additional funding allow the organization to hire consultants for financial planning, helping their beneficiaries manage limited resources better? Or partnerships with local school districts to provide educational components such as budgeting and debt management skills? Such initiatives, though tangential, could significantly amplify the nonprofit's overarching mission and contribute to solving root problems rather than just addressing symptoms through direct services.

Throughout the episode, Kelsey underscores the importance of thinking beyond current limitations and focusing on the potential for future growth and impact. He reassures nonprofits that strategic expansion isn't about mission creep, but rather about making a more substantial impact in their community.

To wrap up, Kelsey expresses his gratitude to the clients for entrusting Grand River Agency with their campaigns and highlights the agency's commitment to moving the needle on important community missions. He signs off by encouraging his listeners to embrace this broader perspective in their fundraising efforts.

Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from Grand River Agency President & Founder Kelsey Boudin on how to strategically approach grant writing and fundraising to expand your nonprofit's impact.

In this episode of the StratComm.Live Podcast, hosts Josh Hatcher and Kelsey Bowden dive into the crucial digital marketing trends shaping the nonprofit sector in 2024. As the landscape evolves, they stress the significance of digital engagement for small nonprofits, emphasizing the role it plays in appealing to donors and grant funders.

Welcome to StratComm.Live, THE podcast for Small Business and Nonprofit Marketing.

We're here to guide YOUR organization in telling your story effectively. Many nonprofits and small businesses struggle with ineffective marketing or reaching the right audience. We're here to change that!

Don't miss our DIGITAL STORYTELLING GUIDE: https://grandriveragency.io/engage-inspire-change-the-world/

Getting the Most of Your Nonprofit Digital Marketing This Year:

Addressing the importance of digital marketing, the hosts discuss the pivotal role a robust web presence plays in enticing funders for support.

Trends to Watch: Nonprofit Marketing in an Evolving Digital Landscape:

Personalization Matters: The hosts delve into individual level personalization and segmentation based on demographic information.

Invest in the Digital Realm: Prioritizing online presence and the importance of donor-centric online giving options.

Harness the Power of Video: Discussing the role of video marketing for younger audiences and cost-effective ways to create impactful content.

Engage Influencers: Exploring the benefits of collaborating with influencers and the key steps to leverage influencer marketing.

Leveraging Valuable Resources: Mentioning resources like NANOE and exploring podcasts and blog posts for expert guidance.

Above All Else, Be AUTHENTIC with Your Nonprofit Digital Marketing:

The hosts emphasize the dynamic and ever-changing nature of nonprofit digital marketing, encouraging adaptation to remain impactful in the digital age.

Thanks for tuning in to STRATCOMM.LIVE: THE Small Business and Nonprofit Marketing Podcast! Check out our website at StratComm.live for the latest marketing news and headlines. Subscribe, leave a rating and review, and tell your friends about this podcast! We all have a story to tell; let’s tell it well!

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00:20 Introduction

01:16 The Importance of Digital Marketing for Nonprofits

02:00 Understanding Nonprofit as a Business

03:39 The Impact of Nonprofits

04:36 Fun Icebreaker Questions

13:30 The Importance of Digital Presence for Nonprofits

16:43 Digital Marketing Trends for 2024

20:22 The Power of Personalization in Marketing

24:23 Investing in Digital Presence

32:06 The Importance of Planning and Creating Content

32:48 Harnessing the Power of Video

34:12 The Impact of Social Media Algorithms

35:25 Creating Engaging Content for Your Community

36:58 The Power of Live Video

37:33 Behind the Scenes: A Live Video Demonstration

41:29 The Role of Influencers in Nonprofit Marketing

45:28 Leveraging Resources for Nonprofit Marketing

54:40 The Future of Nonprofit Marketing

57:46 A Fun Story: Going Viral with Hot Dogs

Josh Hatcher and Kelsey Boudin of Grand River Agency talk about the mindsets in nonprofits that keep them from growing and reaching more donors. Presented by Grand River Agency - http://grandriver.agency Welcome to StratComm.Live: THE podcast for Small Business and Nonprofit Marketing We’re here to help YOUR organization tell your story to the people that need to hear it.

Nonprofits, it's time to embrace the digital age! Why? Well, the online world offers an incredible opportunity to spread your message far and wide. Most people are hanging out on the internet and social media these days, so it's the perfect place to connect with potential donors, volunteers, and supporters globally. Your online presence can boost fundraising, create awareness, and build a strong community of like-minded folks.

But here's the thing – many nonprofits are still snoozing on their digital game. Some think it's too expensive or complicated, while others just don't see the big picture. That's a missed opportunity.

To make the most of your digital presence, you need to know your audience. Figure out who your potential donors and supporters are, and tailor your messages to them. Do some research and use analytics to see what works and what doesn't. It's all about engaging with the right people and keeping things fresh and relevant.

So, bottom line, nonprofits, don't underestimate the power of going digital. It's a game-changer that can help you reach new heights and make a real impact.

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