Choosing the Right Social Media and Web Tools for Your Organization  

For nonprofit organizations that are not already using social media and web-based communication tools, the reasons to embrace them are continuing to pile up.  Now, the impact of the current economy is providing a strong incentive for many previously reluctant organizations to think about utilizing some of these tools.  Choosing the right tools for your organization can mean cost-savings and increased effectiveness, and getting started now will mean that your organization will be able to stay current with today's communication practices.
 
CRC's work with a wide spectrum of nonprofit organizations suggests that many organizations simply don't know where to start with building their online presence.  We're here to help you get started with this introduction that will cover:
 
Key strategies for integrating social media and web-based communications:
- Complementing your existing website
- Consistency
- Relevance
- Appropriate to your audience
- Match tools to your goals and manage your expectations
 
Uses for social media and web-based communication tools within nonprofit organizations:
- Communications
- Building a movement or organizing
- Advocacy
- Programs
- Getting work done with staff, board members, and volunteers
- Fundraising
 
And, we provide a list of about 20 common social media and web-based communication tools to help you get started. 
 
To continue reading, click here.

Resources for Learning More About Social Media and Web-Based Communication Tools 

Want to learn more about how social media and web-based communication is changing the nonprofit sector and how you can use these tools within your organization?  Check out these resources for some varied views on this topic.

 

Online Advocacy Case Study: From The Agitator philanthropy blog

Giving Sector Should Invest In Social Media, From the Stanford Social Innovation Review

 

Nonprofit Social Network Survey Report, From Nonprofit Technology Network

 

For more resources and articles discussing these trends, click here.

 

In addition to each affordably priced training, each participant will receive a comprehensive toolkit full of practical ideas and resources that will help you implement what you learn at the trainings immediately within your organization.  Additionally, the presenters will be available for follow-up and coaching after the presentation.

Financial Management

 

 

We will also be featuring a monthly "Where in Colorado?" piece of trivia based upon our recent travels.  We are starting with an easy one (no cheating via Google).  The first person to correctly identify the location of the following photo by posting the location on our blog will receive a free copy of CRC's to-be-released toolkit, Fundraising: Essential Strategies for Fundraising Success During an Economic Downturn.

 

 

 From Colorado Capital Bank, a proud sponsor of the Colorado Grants Guide:

 

Are you and your investment management committee tasked with:
 
- The development of cash flow plans,
- Investment policy statements,
- Gift acceptance policies and
- Planned-giving strategies?

Colorado Capital Bank can help!  In today's economic environment, we understand that nonprofit organizations need resources to be able to manage their investments prudently and efficiently. The Private Wealth Management Group at Colorado Capital Bank has a thorough knowledge of the unique financial needs of nonprofit entities and can provide investment advisor services so that your organization can concentrate on serving the needs of clients and achieving your mission.

 

Effective June 1, CRC will be located at 444 Sherman Street in Denver. 

 

Our new home will be on the first floor of the Mile High Chapter of the American Red Cross Building.  We will be right down the hall from Metro Volunteers and across the street from the Colorado Nonprofit Association. 

 

To prepare for our move, we will be selling some of our furniture and supplies in late May.  For more information about our moving sale, contact Lauren.

Are you in college or graduate school and want to learn a lot about the nonprofit sector?   Become a CRC intern this summer!

 

We are looking for 4 to 6 interns to work in our Denver-based office this summer.  Projects will include research and evaluation, communications, and learning about nonprofit capacity building. 

 

If you would like more information about this program, please contact Lauren via email or at 303- 623-1540. 

Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days

June 17 to 19,

Mt Crested Butte

 

This event will sell out!  Register today! 

 

 

September 16 to 18, Steamboat Springs

 

This event is for nonprofits in Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties. 

 

The Denver Foundation announces that its Critical Needs Fund is again being mobilized to provide one-time small grants to organizations that provide direct services to very low-income clients to alleviate hunger.  Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded, with priority given to those that support families, children, and senior citizens.  To access the Request for Proposals, please click here. 

 

Proposals must be received by 5:00 pm on Monday, May 18th. 

 

The Community Resource Center is sad to announce the passing of Pam Durr, CRC's longtime friend and advocate. She played a critical role in developing CRC's work around inclusiveness and served CRC in many ways. She will be greatly missed.
 

Pam's family has designated CRC as their organization of choice for gifts in Pam's memory.  If you would like to share a story about Pam or make a donation in her memory, please click here.

Keep track of CRC's activities and get updates on capacity building tips and tools for your nonprofit organization. 

 

Search "Community Resource Center of Colorado" to join!