Nonprofits are facing one of the most challenging environments in recent memory. Federal policy shifts, increased funding uncertainty, and growing community needs have left many organizations stretched thin. The good news? Pro bono can help fill that gap.
Taproot’s 2024 Nonprofit Resiliency Survey revealed that 61% of nonprofits identified marketing and communications support as a pressing need.
We’re breaking down the takeaways from our 2024 Nonprofit Resiliency Survey, highlighting specific project examples of how pro bono support can help your organization build capacity and sustainability. In this installment, we’ll walk you through how to craft a marketing and communications plan with the help of a skilled volunteer.
Start building a communications plan with a Taproot volunteer today!
How Will a Communications Plan Make My Organization More Resilient?
Clear, consistent communication is vital for keeping stakeholders, donors, and staff informed and engaged—especially during periods of change. A pro bono communications professional can help your organization develop a tailored plan that answers the who, what, when, and how of sharing key updates.
Your communications plan should include:
- Well-defined target audiences for your messages
- Channels to reach your audiences (email, social media, press releases, etc.)
- A timeline for delivering key messages
- Templates and protocols for responding to urgent situations
A solid communications plan will empower your team to confidently manage internal updates, program changes, and responses to current events—keeping your organization aligned and responsive in any situation.
How Long Will This Pro Bono Project Take?
A typical pro bono communications plan project takes 12-24 hours to complete, with your volunteer contributing around 3-5 hours per week. Set your project up for success by clearly defining your goals and timeline before kicking off the engagement. Need tips on managing project expectations? Check out Taproot’s pro bono best practices.
Any Tips for Maximizing This Pro Bono Project?
Before diving into a new communications plan, assess what’s already working for your organization. Review your most successful email campaigns, social media posts, and PR efforts. Then, collaborate with your skilled volunteer to refine and expand on those strategies.
Not ready for a full project just yet? Book a one-hour communications consultation Session through Taproot Plus to get expert input on where to focus your efforts.
What Other Projects Can I Tackle with Pro Bono Support?
Once your communications plan is in place, consider tackling these additional projects to strengthen your organization’s outreach:
Taproot is Here to Help
The challenges nonprofits face today are complex, but the support you need is just a click away. Head to our new resource hub, Mobilizing for Impact: Essential Resources to Support Nonprofits Under Pressure, to explore more tools to help your nonprofit build capacity and long-term sustainability!
