PPB August 2018

Year-Round Inspiration A nonprofit organization was looking for an item that would do two things: thank volunteers and provide exposure for the group. The nonprofit mailed the stapled Inspiration appointment calendar along with a thank-you letter to all of its volunteers. The 13-month, four-color wall calendar featured a different nature scene paired with an uplifting quote each month. The nonprofit felt that many of the volunteers would keep the calendar in their kitchen, which is a primary gathering space in many homes. As a result, the group saw an increase in the number of volunteers, and it plans to provide the calendars each year. Source: Beacon Promotions Real-World Solutions Industry Case Studies Issues Limited resources Rising demands based on increasing community needs The need for advocacy by nonprofit leaders at local, state and national levels Corporate causes competing with local nonprofits for donor- directed funds Finding new ways to engage with volunteers Trends Engaging donors through technology Transitional groups that serve temporary needs The use of big data Collaboration through social media Millennials in nonprofit leadership Getting InOn The Ground Floor Organizations National Council Of Nonprofits www.councilofnonprofits.org Society For Nonprofits www.snpo.org National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives nanoe.org Nonprofit Hub nonprofithub.org Thumbs Up 5K for Mental Health Awareness When Katie Shatusky made the leap from employee to nonprofit founder, ASB account manager Jake Forslund was there to help her at every turn. Shatusky had been Forslund’s contact at her previous company, and the two built on their professional relationship to make sure Shatusky’s Thumbs Up 5K Run for Mental Health Awareness had a successful start. Forslund has donated design time and printed pieces in the years since Thumbs Up was launched, and he has helped provide creative solutions in promotional products and marketing strategy for Shatusky and her co-founder, Jessica Hackenmueller. Items include apparel, banners, signs, wristbands, pins and other products to help spread the message. In 2017, he joined the committee and helped organize and work the 5K event. “I am really proud of what the Thumbs Up organization has accomplished,” says Forslund. “The smile pins really can make someone’s day, but this group keeps working hard to make someone’s week, month, year, decade … most importantly, it’s a chance to catch those at a difficult crossroads in life. It’s these moments where someone needs every glimmer of hope and light they can get. It might be a button, a cheer bag, or even a scholarship for the mental health field, but the conversations they create can mean the world to someone.” Source: American Solutions For Business | AUGUST 2018 | 37 GROW