Improving Communication: How Nonprofits Can Engage Their Audience

Andrew Lewin and guest Natalie Gilson, Vice President of Science Communication for Pisces Research Project Management Incorporated discuss the importance of effective communication for nonprofit organizations.

They explore the need for nonprofits to make their supporters feel like a part of a community rather than just constantly asking for donations. The conversation delves into potential solutions, such as building strong relationships with supporters and creating engaging content.

Tune in to learn more about improving nonprofit communications and fostering a sense of community.

Connect with Natalie Gilson:
Pisces Research Project Management - https://www.piscesrpm.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-mae-gilson/

In this episode, the speakers emphasize the importance of audience-centric communication and storytelling for organizations to stand out in a crowded online space. They argue that organizations need to shift their focus from talking about themselves to creating a connection with their audience. By incorporating storytelling into communication, organizations can effectively achieve this goal.

The speakers point out that constantly talking about oneself can be off-putting to the audience. Instead, they encourage organizations to invite their audience into a story and make them the hero. By doing so, organizations can forge a stronger connection with their audience, making them feel involved and acknowledged.

Regular and consistent communication is also highlighted as valuable. When organizations communicate regularly, it helps people feel included in the story and more likely to engage. By putting effort into communicating with their audience, organizations can show that they value their supporters and create a sense of reward and acknowledgment.

Furthermore, the speakers emphasize the importance of considering the audience's perspective in communication. They suggest that organizations should step outside their own viewpoint and think about how their audience can be more involved. By flipping the communication around and considering the audience's needs and interests, organizations can make a significant difference in their messaging.

Overall, the episode underscores the importance of audience-centric communication and storytelling for organizations to stand out and create meaningful connections with their audience.

Regular and meaningful communication is essential for nonprofit organizations to create a sense of inclusion and reward for their supporters. By consistently communicating with their audience, nonprofits ensure that supporters do not forget about them and feel included in the organization's story. When the executive director or other representatives of the organization take the time to send messages, such as videos or updates, it shows that the organization values and appreciates its supporters. This, in turn, encourages supporters to continue putting effort into the organization.

While nonprofits may not provide personal or physical rewards to their supporters, the psychological reward of feeling acknowledged and making a difference is important. Supporters want to feel that their contributions are seen, felt, and acknowledged. Nonprofits can achieve this by providing regular updates on the impact of donations and showing supporters how their contributions have made a difference. This can be done through videos, social media updates, or creatively crafted graphics that highlight the organization's achievements.

By implementing regular and meaningful communication strategies, nonprofits can stand out from others that solely focus on asking for donations. Supporters are more likely to feel like they are part of a community when they receive updates and see the impact of their contributions. Nonprofits can also empower supporters to take action on their own by providing toolkits and resources that they can share on social media or use to address local ocean issues. By fostering a two-way dialogue and involving the community in spreading the organization's message, nonprofits can effectively communicate their mission and create a sense of inclusion and reward for their supporters.