CONSULTING / COACHING

Do you have communications plans for internal and external audiences? What about issues management or stakeholder engagement strategies? We get it… you’re busy! But research shows that a nonprofit organization’s success is a direct reflection of the calibre of both internal and external communications.

We have more than 25 years of communications experience with public- and private-sector clients. Additionally, Joanne de Vries has ten years of experience as founder and CEO of a registered charity called the Fresh Outlook Foundation.

She understands a nonprofit’s need for strategic, targeted, innovative, and compelling communications. Joanne will help you build a ‘presence’ that improves staff morale and productivity while building public awareness and support.

Communications Audits & Plans

You know what they say about failing to plan! We’ll help you move forward now with communications and/or marketing audits, brand and/or key message reviews, and strategic and tactical plans that optimize your human, financial, and technological resources. We’ll also incorporate activities and schedules for ongoing plan evaluation and refinement.

Issues Management

It’s not a question of “if!” Whether you have to defend an administrative decision, stickhandle a financial crisis, or explain a deadline not met, we can help create a practical plan for managing formal and informal responses to questions and comments from internal and external audiences. We can also help you build capacity for preventing future issues management challenges.

RESEARCH / SURVEYS

Informed decisions are the best decisions. And nowhere is that more important than in the nonprofit environment, where human and financial resources are often scarce and closely monitored. Whatever your research needs, we can help when you don’t know where to look, or simply don’t have the time. Using a variety of proven qualitative and quantitative tools, we can help you explore specific challenges and opportunities, or pinpoint beneficiaries’ or supporters’ wants and needs.

Topic / Policy Research

Information is the muscle that powers growth. But how can you flex those muscles when you don’t have time, or when it seems your area of focus is changing exponentially and you can't keep up? We not only know where to look… but we’re also research geeks! We love the challenge of finding timely and relevant information that will guide decision-making and, therefore, contribute to your success.

Stakeholder Research

Good ideas come in all shapes and sizes, and from all sources. Your stakeholders could include legislators, board members, staff, contractors, granting organizations, beneficiaries, donors, and volunteers. Every one of those groups has ideas about how to improve your service, if you know what questions to ask. We combine natural curiosity with proven research to help you pick the right brains at the right time using the right tools.

Branding & Key Messages

A brand icon with sizzle leaves its mark. But only if the complementary slogan and key messages are equally hot! Proactive nonprofits continually refocus and refine their messaging to mirror ongoing corporate changes. We’ll help you review your branding and messaging, and then update them to reflect communication best practices and emerging trends.

Corporate Communication Tools

Don’t have the “write” stuff? Nonprofits need a wide range of communications tools to inform and inspire their existing and potential beneficiaries and donors. We have extensive experience in creating web content, brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, manuals, annual reports, videos, presentations, speeches, proposals, and grants. Technical writing is also a specialty.

Media / Social Media / Marketing Messages

The medium really is the message! That’s why writing styles vary, depending on how you intend to deliver your information. News releases, public service announcements, and editorials must be timely and punchy. Facebook posts should be socially and technologically appropriate. Articles need to be attention-grabbing and thought-provoking. And ad copy must stand out in the sea of competing promotional messages. We can easily type these different types!

Editing / Proofing / Fact Checking

Comma or a semi-colon? New paragraph or not? These are questions you likely don’t have the time or inclination to answer. We’re always ready to help with track changes or a sharp red pencil! Once we know your target audience and reason for reaching out, we’ll focus on style, grammar, punctuation, accuracy, formatting, and/or proofing for print or digital use.

Logos / Design

Turn a first impression into a second look! From logos and signage, to newsletters and annual reports, we’ll work with you to create a lasting impact. Whether you’re looking to brand a fundraising campaign or create a compelling annual report, we’ll match you with a proven designer who specializes in that genre. We also specialize in the emerging field of data visualization.

Photography / Videos

More than a shot in the dark! Whatever your visual needs, we’re the go-to source for pictures, both moving and not. From project photos to crowdfunding videos, we’ll capture and reflect the true essence of your organization through imaginative yet professional imagery. We also provide time-lapse photography and work with a budding methodology called story mapping, which combines data with visuals and online technology to tell a story as it unfolds.

NONPROFIT SERVICES