Project · Fundraising & Development
Communications strategy for nonprofits
Part of our fundraising & development support. Work on it with a coach, practitioner or cohort — and keep the result.
No credit card required · you own & control your data
You’ll walk away with
Key messages
Audience and channel plan
Content calendar
- Typical length
- 6–8 weeks
- Who’s involved
- executive director (ED) and whoever handles communications; about 2–3 hours a week
Overview
What is a communications strategy project?
A communications strategy defines what you say, who you say it to and where, so every message sounds like the same organization. When it’s done, you have a few key messages, a plan for each audience and channel, and a content calendar a small team can keep up with.
Steps
How does a communications strategy project usually run?
01
Know your audiences
Name your main audiences and what each one needs to hear.
02
Write key messages
Agree on three or four core messages, each with proof you can point to.
03
Choose channels
Focus on the few channels your audiences actually use.
04
Plan the calendar
Build a monthly content calendar, using AI tools to draft in your voice.
Signs you need this
When does a nonprofit need a communications strategy project?
The most common sign a nonprofit needs a communications strategy project is “Your message changes depending on who writes it.” — here are the others to look for.
- Your message changes depending on who writes it.
- Social media is sporadic.
- Donors don’t hear from you between asks.
Delivery
How does Resilia deliver a communications strategy project?
Practitioner or coaching: a practitioner works with your team on the strategy, or a coach guides you through it in about 4–6 sessions. AI tools in your workspace help draft content.
Practitioner time is scoped with you. 4–6 coaching sessions: about $800–$3,000 — or free to you if your funder sponsors it.
Example
What does a finished communications strategy look like?
For example, a $400K watershed nonprofit might decide to focus on email and one social channel instead of five. It could finish with three key messages, a monthly newsletter plan and two posts a week mapped out for the next three months.
Pitfalls
What are common mistakes to avoid?
- Trying to be on every platform with a team of one.
- Contacting donors only when you need money.
- Writing key messages full of insider words your audience doesn’t use.
Related
What is a communications strategy project often paired with?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a communications person?
Not necessarily. A clear strategy and calendar let a small team communicate consistently.
How long does a communications strategy project take?
Typically 6–8 weeks. ED and whoever handles communications; about 2–3 hours a week.
How much does a communications strategy project cost?
Practitioner time is scoped with you. 4–6 coaching sessions: about $800–$3,000 — or free to you if your funder sponsors it.
Who does the work on a communications strategy project?
A practitioner works with your team; AI tools help draft content in your voice.
Can we start a communications strategy project for free?
Yes. Start self-service for free in your workspace, then add a coach, practitioner or cohort when you’re ready — or ask your funder to sponsor it.
Can our funder pay for this?
Often, yes. Here’s how to ask.
Start this project.
I run a nonprofit
Start in your free workspace — no funder needed.
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Advise nonprofits? See how consultants work with Resilia.