5 Things I Learned in my First Year Marketing a Community Theatre

If you're a nonprofit, chances are you don't have a graphic design and social media expert doing your marketing. Those people cost money.

But, it doesn't mean your volunteer, working board member or administrative assistant who doubles are your marketing coordinator can't still be a nonprofit marketing superstar!

Learn how Emily Steele, a volunteer and our Grit HQ Public Relations Consultant has developed and "failed forward" with her trials and tribulations in marketing a community theatre in Decatur, Illinois.

Content Marketing, Marketing, GRIT HQ Updates, Fundraising + DevelopmentKelly GagnonJune 26, 2018Comment

6 Reasons Why Content Marketing is Important for Your Business

Have you ever wondered if or why you should use content marketing for your business?

Whether you're a small business or larger firm, you need to use content marketing to grow your business.

My clients know my 3 favorite letters: ROI. Well, investing time or money in content marketing can bring a huge return on investment for your business.

Email Newsletters for Nonprofits: How to Start One, and Why You Should

You have a million and one things on your nonprofit's to-do list. And you already regularly engage your donors in a newsletter (right?). So you're either unconvinced, or on the fence, about adding an e-newsletter to your nonprofit's endless to-do list.

Marketing, Nonprofit Leadership Tips, Fundraising + Development, FundraisingKelly GagnonMay 29, 2018Comment

How Should Nonprofits Collect Donations Online?

I constantly hear nonprofits say “we use PayPal to collect donations online.” I want to respond: “And, how many donations do you collect?” Certainly not many. Stripe, PayPal, and other online money collection options are built to do just that - collect money. These platforms are not built to be user-friendly OR entice people to donate.

How to Create a Robust Brand for Under $60

I launched my business because I saw a gap in the market. Marketing firms charged up the wazoo for website design, branding packages, and logos for nonprofits. There were very few easy-to-use, content-focused marketing options for nonprofits and small businesses. This made my heart hurt...

MarketingKelly GagnonMay 1, 2018Comment

Why I Decided to Post Prices on my Website

Grit HQ offers creative solutions for nonprofits and small businesses. We work with our clients to tell their story and build relationships online.

With the relaunch of Grit HQ, there was one thing I was certain of: I am going to list my prices on my website.

GRIT HQ Updates, MarketingKelly GagnonApril 26, 2018pricing, small business tipsComment

Why All Nonprofit Professionals Should Use Grammarly

It was 2016. I was the Director of Public Relations and Development at MRI. Mike with MW Made It and I collaborated on an awesome, branded poster for the first ever Decatur Craft Beer Festival.

The branding for the event was awesome. The logo was awesome (props, Mike!). The poster was awesome. We sent the poster to the printer and distributed matching flyers to 500 or so people. I was really proud of it.

Until I noticed after printing and sending everything out to a gazillion people that “souvenir” was spelled wrong.

Content Marketing, Fundraising + Development, FundraisingKelly GagnonApril 24, 2018Comment

Upgrade to Little Green Light to Manage your Donors

Do you use an excel spreadsheet to keep track of donations?

Maybe you have that long notes section that reflects most of the donations that have come in over the last few years... well, except for those three months the volunteer bookkeeper was on maternity leave.

3 Tools for Nonprofits that Will Save You Hours of Volunteer Management

As nonprofit professionals, we've all been there. That event is coming up in three weeks. So for that event, you have a list of volunteer slots. And... a list of 50 million people (board members, volunteers, those BFFs who come through for you) who might volunteer for you...

4 Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make on Solicitation Letters

Even in the age of digital marketing, solicitation letters are a key part of any fundraising plan. Over and over and over again I see nonprofits send out correspondence for solicitation letters with the wrong messaging, the wrong formatting, and no direct ask...

What Does 2018 Have in Store for GRIT?

It's 2018 - an exciting year. I have gone through a lot of changes both personally and professionally (like...starting GRIT Consulting). But in 2018, GRIT Consulting has even more exciting things coming down the pipeline...

GRIT HQ UpdatesErica HartwickMarch 4, 2018Comment

What does a good Board of Directors do?

A board of directors is a group of volunteers who oversee the nonprofit organization they represent. Read this post to learn more about how a good board of directors operate.

Board Governance, Nonprofit Leadership TipsKelly GagnonMarch 1, 2018board governance, nonprofit boardsComment

How to Host Successful Nonprofit Events in 2020

So if you’re like many non-profit leaders, you’re wrapping up the end of this calendar year and preparing for the future. And many non-profits kick off the new year by digging their hands deep into planning their next spring special event.

How to Stay Sane as a Nonprofit Professional During the Giving Season

The Giving season can be sane for nonprofits spending all their time on fundraising. Here are 6 ways you can take a step back and prevent yourself from going crazy during the Giving season.

Nonprofit Leadership Tips, Fundraising + DevelopmentKelly GagnonDecember 5, 2017giving season, self care, fundraisingComment

6 Last-Minute Steps to Making Your Giving Tuesday Campaign a Success

I know we’re all recovering from too much wine, too much turkey, and too much football. I am on the too much football train – not by choice. But when Giving Tuesday is approaching, you nonprofits better have your act together.

Marketing, Nonprofit Leadership Tips, Fundraising + Development, FundraisingKelly GagnonNovember 24, 2017Comment