Brandraising - by Sarah Durham (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In the current economic climate, nonprofits need to focus on ways to stand out from the crowd, win charitable dollars, and survive the downturn. Effective, mission-focused communications can help organizations build strong identities, heightened reputations, and increased fundraising capability. Brandraising outlines a mission-driven approach to communications and marketing, specifically designed to boost fundraising efforts. This book provides tools and guidance for nonprofits seeking to transform their communications and marketing through smart positioning, branding, campaigns, and materials that leverage solid strategy and great creative, with a unique focus on the intersection of communications and fundraising.

From the Back Cover

In today's uncertain marketplace, every nonprofit organization faces the same core challenge: how to demonstrate value and win charitable dollars with limited staff, budget, and communications experience.

Brandraising offers nonprofit leaders a proven approach to fundraising that puts the focus on marketing, branding, and communications. In this vital resource, Sarah Durham--an acclaimed nonprofit communications expert--reveals the importance of an integrated marketing and fundraising plan based on a foundation of clear mission and relevant strategy. She offers detailed, practical guidance for building a recognizable and meaningful brand, and developing a comprehensive, multi-level communications strategy.

Brandraising is a holistic approach to communications that involves everyone within the organization--board, staff leadership, volunteers, program staff and in some cases funders and donors. Readers will learn how to coordinate every aspect of their branding and communications efforts, from start to finish.

Durham shows how to boost fundraising, programs and advocacy efforts by

• ARTICULATING AN ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE: vision, mission, values, objectives, position, personality
• DEVELOPING A SOLID IDENTITY: visual platform, messaging platform
• CONDUCTING SMART OUTREACH: online, print, in person, on air, mobile
• MOVING BEYOND BRANDRAISING: measuring communications impact on programs, fundraising and advocacy, and sustaining successful communications as change occurs

The Brandraising method enables nonprofits to raise more money, reach a wider program audience, and maintain closer contact with legislators, the media, and the community.

Review Quotes

"Sarah Durham, author of 2009's Brandraising, founded communications firm Big Duck in 1994 to help nonprofits raise money, gain visibility, and make effective use of social media. After 16 years, Big Duck continues to assist organizations from the Cancer Research Institute to the Women's Sports Foundation in building strong relationships with key constituents both online and off." (Fast Company, March 23, 2010)

About the Author

THE AUTHOR

Sarah Durham is the principal of Big Duck, a firm she founded in 1994 that works exclusively with nonprofits to help them raise money and increase their visibility through smart communications. Clients include the Robin Hood Foundation, United Way of New York City, American Jewish World Service, Women's Sports Foundation, Partnership for a Drug-Free America and other regional and national nonprofits. She frequently writes and contributes to articles in nonprofit trade publications. She is a volunteer trainer for the Support Center for Nonprofit Management and a frequent presenter at Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and other nonprofit industry conferences.