Unleashing the Impact of Blogging: A Guide for Nonprofit Leaders

A Four Part Series on Blogging for Nonprofits

Introduction

Welcome to Common Great’s blog - our new space for sharing resources and supporting nonprofits. 

After two years of writing “Tip Times”, filming “Ask Ariel” videos, and other tidbits of advice to get free, value-added content to our community, we wanted to invest in even more helpful long-form content via a blog. 

Our team of consultants has decades of experience in nonprofit fundraising and marketing that we want to share to help you power your organization’s mission. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit leader or just starting out, this blog is your go-to resource for insights, tips, and inspiring stories from the front lines of nonprofit work. 

To celebrate launching our blog, we decided to start by unpacking the value of blogging for nonprofits. Read on as we dive into how blogging can:

  • Be a transformative tool for your organization

  • Enhance your digital presence

  • Build community

  • Complement your fundraising efforts

So, settle in and read all about the art of impactful nonprofit blogging.

Part 1: Blogging as a Strategic Tool for Nonprofits

In the nonprofit realm, where every story has the power to inspire and every insight can lead to change (and donations), blogging emerges not just as a tool, but as a vital ally. It's about more than just words on a screen; it's about connecting hearts and minds to your mission.

Let's start with the art of storytelling. 

In the nonprofit sector, each story you share is a window into the world you're trying to improve. These narratives, whether they're about the people you've helped, the challenges you've faced, or the victories you've celebrated, are the heartbeat of your blog. They humanize your cause, bring your work to life, and, most importantly, they touch something in your readers – potential donors, volunteers, and advocates. 

When you share a story about someone whose life was transformed through your efforts, you're not just reporting an outcome; you're crafting an emotional journey that invites your audience to be a part of something bigger.

Nonprofits like Charity: Water excel in using storytelling to connect with their audience. Through their blog, “The Good Newsstand”, they share compelling narratives about the communities they serve, enhancing the emotional connection with their readers. Similarly, adopting a storytelling approach in your blog can significantly amplify your nonprofit's mission and values.

Charity: Water shares compelling narratives in “The Good Newsstand”

It's not all about storytelling. Blogging is an opportunity to become a thought leader in your field.

As a nonprofit leader, you also have the unique opportunity to establish yourself and your organization as thought leaders in your field. Your blog can be a platform for sharing insights on emerging trends in your field, offering solutions to common challenges, or even sparking discussions on innovative practices. 

This isn't just about boasting your expertise; it's about contributing to a larger conversation, one that shapes the future of the nonprofit sector. By providing valuable content, you're not just educating your audience; you're positioning your organization at the forefront of industry dialogue.

Moreover, blogging allows you to peel back the curtain on your nonprofit, giving your audience a behind-the-scenes look at your operations. This transparency builds trust and strengthens relationships with your audiences. 

When you share your successes and even your learning experiences, you're reinforcing the message that your organization is committed to growth, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Blogging for your nonprofit isn't just a marketing tactic; it's a compelling way to weave your mission into the fabric of your online footprint. It's an invitation for others to join your journey, to be moved by your stories, and to be part of the change you're creating. Embrace blogging not just as a strategy, but as: 

  • A powerful storytelling tool

  • A thought leadership platform

  • A window into the heart of your nonprofit's mission

Keep learning: In part two of this series, read about Enhancing Your Digital Presence through Blogging.


This blog post was authored by Common Great Senior Consultant, Kirsten Rogers. Learn more about Kirsten here and click here to book a Power Session with her. A Power Session is a 60-minute, on-demand meeting that can be used to address your nonprofit’s priorities, ask questions, discuss barriers, and more.


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