In nonprofit marketing, without effective fundraising the flame of the mission can go out. While nonprofits utilize many of the same channels and strategies as market-driven organizations. The main difference is donor relations. The majority of giving comes from individuals. In-fact 70% overall (US$286.65 billion). This is why developing relationships with wealthy donors is paramount to nonprofit marketing success.

In order to successfully compete for donors, referral sources, volunteer staff and board members, nonprofit marketers must dig deep. Smart and savvy communication techniques are essential to nonprofit brand differentiation. One of the biggest hurdles that nonprofit marketers face is that they must encourage consumers to give something for nothing, or at least nothing tangible.

Another challenge that many marketers in the nonprofit sector face, is small to nonexistent marketing budget. While the largest non-profits have larger marketing budgets, this is not true for the sector as a whole. This means nonprofit marketers must be creative in stretching the dollars they are given.

There are several strategies used in nonprofit marketing. Personal selling and relationship building with wealthy donors in order to create a strong donor network is integral to success. This involves a comprehensive communications program to order to recruit individuals who share the group’s vision.  This includes: public relations, advertising, branding, marketing management, search engine optimization and custom website design tailored to donors, volunteers and board members.