Like any industry, the nonprofit sector can often feel saturated. With so many organizations looking to make an impact, some missions are bound to overlap.
A little competition—especially in the nonprofit world—is not always a bad thing. But, without thoughtful strategy around your nonprofit’s brand, it might hinder your charity’s ability to receive funding.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through 5 ways you can make your charity stand out from nonprofit competition.
1. Drill down on your nonprofit’s mission and values
Almost every nonprofit organization has a specific set of values and an overarching mission. Usually, these are showcased on the organization’s website, in their annual report, and in other marketing materials.
One of the best, and easiest ways to distinguish your organization from one with similar goals, is to drill down on your mission and values. Consider whether your day-to-day work reflects those core tenets. Do your staff and executive board embody these core principles? Do your initiatives and programs reflect a dedication to these specific pillars?
2. Create an audience niche
Though many nonprofits are often trying to create the same kind of impact, they’re often focusing on different audiences. Instead of trying to find a unique mission, hone in on a niche audience. Maybe your nonprofit will focus on soliciting contributions from the financial services industry. Or from young millennials or Gen-Z.
A hyper-focused audience will allow your nonprofit to carve out a specific niche within the industry, making it stand out from the rest.
3. Tell the story of your nonprofit
This one seems obvious, we know. But whenever you’re considering the story of your organization, consider exactly how it all began. Did it begin with one person with a passion? A few people in need? A personal connection to a social or political issue?
The more you can tell a genuine, personalized story about the conception of your nonprofit—and tell that story effectively—the better. This will help distinguish your work from those in the same space.
4. Focus on connection
Nonprofit workers are busy. They often don’t have the time or resources to focus on cultivating meaningful relationships and connections with donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
But, connection is crucial to donation solicitation. When a donor feels connected to the impact of your work, or the story behind your mission, the more likely they are to give to your specific organization.
Spend time meeting with your supporters one-on-one, following-up with them, and and expressing gratitude. All of these efforts will make stakeholders feel much more inclined to support your efforts over the efforts of other nonprofits.
5. Share important data
Data—program impact measurements, revenue, and expenditure, and more—is crucial to nonprofit work. And while dedicating time and energy to collecting this data is important, it’s equally important to share it with stakeholders.
By creating readable, interactive digital reports—which can be shared via email, social media, and more—your supporters will feel much more connected and trusting of your organization. That trust and connection will be advantageous when standing out from other nonprofit competition and with other organizations that fail to share important data.