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There can be no doubt that creating social media posts and other types of communications for your nonprofits can be time-consuming. You know you need to do it, but it’s hard to find the time, and it can be stressful to come up with designs. Finding better ways to manage your organization's daily design requirements is essential to fulfilling tasks on schedule. We also understand that not everyone has professional design software or the resources to hire a graphic designer. So we're happy to share tools you can use for your nonprofit to save time and help you progress much further, much faster. Say hello to Canva! This fantastic online tool is like a magic wand for creating eye-catching visual content for your social media, print materials, presentations, videos, merchandise, and beyond. The best part? You don't need to be a design guru to work wonders with it!

Having been avid Canva users ourselves for years, we can confidently say that it's a versatile, user-friendly, and incredibly effective companion for nonprofits. Ready to dive into a world where design meets delight? Here's why Canva is about to become your nonprofit's new best friend:

Why Canva is a Must-Have Tool for Nonprofits

Canva provides you with drag-and-drop templates that are easy to customize and share across your nonprofit’s social media channels and various other platforms. You can customize font combinations, colors, upload your images, create charts, insert animated gifs, and so much more. Using their search feature, with over 250,000 templates to choose from, you are sure to find a design to suit your needs.

The best part about Canva is the cost. It's FREE! You can use high-quality stock photos and videos in your designs without needing to upgrade to a Canva Pro account. Even better, qualified nonprofits can join Canva’s Nonprofit Program and get all of the features of a Pro account for free!

‍Who qualifies? Registered nonprofits, Social impact organizations with a mission consistent with a public or community benefit, Public health organizations, and government entities assisting with public health qualify for Canva’s Nonprofit Program. Find out more information:

Canva is Easy To Use For Nonprofit Professionals

Whether you're familiar with pro design software, such as Photoshop, or aren't the slightest bit tech-savvy, Canva is a solid tool that anyone can use. While you can dive into the platform and self-learn (it's that easy!), they offer two-minute video tutorials in the Canva Design School to help you get started.

Cloud-Based Design for Nonprofit Teams: Collaborate Anywhere, Anytime

Canva is a cloud-based software that utilizes the power of collaboration and synchronicity. If you're not at your desk or need to finish your work at home, Canva is accessible on mobile devices, and each design syncs across your logins, so you won't ever lose material. Have a team? You can invite others to collaborate on designs, making the entire process streamlined.

Boost Engagement with Stunning Canva Designs

Nonprofit storytelling is a powerful engagement strategy, and Canva can help you tell your organization's story, increase awareness, and encourage audiences to interact with your posts. No more drab timelines! With a few taps of your finger, you can use Canva to design social media posts and newsletters that will resonate with supporters. Whether it's in a presentation for your board members, an infographic for an annual giving campaign, or invitations for a fundraising event – the result is polished, professional visual content that converts!

Unleash Your Creativity with Canva for Nonprofits

Canva is a game-changing resource that has helped some business owners see a 1000% increase in traffic and conversions. This is why Canva is our go-to platform of choice in helping nonprofits reach their goals.

Kickstart Your Designs with Canva: Curated Templates for Nonprofits

Even the savviest designer won't always have time to comb through free templates. The best time-cruncher won't always be able to organize creative thoughts or implement them. And the most creative minds may still find it challenging to stand out when there are so many others in the same space.

After much research, we found few available resources that catered to nonprofits. We're all about making your life easier, so we put together bundled template packs specifically for your organization. You could tinker with Canva yourself, or you could:

• Get noticed on social media instantly with templates tailored to your nonprofit.
• Use clear messaging with our prefilled templates and never run out of ideas or things to say.
• Look the part with professional graphic design that leaves a positive impression.
• Grow your donor base and finally start seeing the results you've envisioned.

We've already done all the work for you so you can get back to changing the world. Grab a your templates and catapult your organization to new heights!

Here’s a question that can spark some serious debate: should nonprofit board members get paid a salary? At first glance, it seems like the answer should be simple—nonprofit boards are volunteer-based, right? But hold on. The nonprofit world isn’t always black and white, and this is one of those gray areas where you’ve got to ask yourself: what’s really best for the organization? Before you jump to conclusions, let’s dig a little deeper into the pros, cons, and what it all really means for your nonprofit.

The Traditional View: No Pay, All Heart

Traditionally, nonprofit boards consist of volunteer board members who serve without compensation. And that’s for good reason. Serving on a board is supposed to be a labor of love, a way to give back to a cause you’re passionate about. It’s a role of stewardship, not a gig to make a quick buck or earn a board member salary.

Here’s the deal: the nonprofit sector thrives on people who are willing to give their time, talents, and yes, even treasure (we’re looking at you, fundraising duty). Paying board members could shift that dynamic. If you start cutting checks, does the motivation change? Are people still serving because they care, or because they’re looking for some extra income? These are real questions nonprofits wrestle with when considering whether to pay their boards.

The Case For Paying Board Members: Time Is Money

Now, let’s flip the script for a second. Nonprofit board members put in serious work—strategic planning, financial oversight, fundraising, hiring executive leadership. Sometimes, it feels like a part-time job. So why shouldn’t they get compensated with a board member salary for their time and effort?

Paying board members could attract highly qualified individuals who might otherwise pass on the opportunity because they simply can’t afford to be volunteer board members. In fact, some larger nonprofits with complex financial structures or significant fundraising goals do pay their board members. These organizations argue that it helps them recruit top-tier talent and keeps their boards engaged and accountable.

But here’s the kicker—if you pay board members, you’ve got to be really clear about what that means. Are you paying for their expertise? Their time? Their leadership? If you’re going to write a check, you’d better have crystal-clear expectations in place for the board member salary.

The IRS, State Laws, and All That Fun Legal Stuff

Of course, it wouldn’t be a nonprofit topic if we didn’t talk about regulations, right? Whether or not board members can receive a salary—and how much—varies depending on state laws and IRS regulations. The IRS doesn’t flat-out forbid nonprofits from paying board members, but it has some pretty strict rules about what’s considered “reasonable compensation.”

In plain English? If you’re paying board members, the amount has to be justifiable and not excessive. The IRS frowns upon paying nonprofit boards too much because, let’s face it, that’s money that could be going toward the mission. Plus, there’s always the risk of damaging the public’s trust. People want to know that their donations are going toward making a difference, not lining the pockets of board members with hefty salaries.

The Cons: Losing Sight of the Mission

Here’s a big concern that gets tossed around when you talk about paying nonprofit board members: mission drift. Will paying your board shift the focus from the cause to compensation? Nonprofits run on heart. They’re fueled by passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to solving real-world problems. There’s a worry that once you introduce financial compensation, you start running the risk of attracting folks who are in it for the wrong reasons rather than dedicated volunteer board members.

And then there’s the budget. Every dollar spent on board member salaries is a dollar not spent on programs, services, or staff. Can your nonprofit afford to pay board members, or is that money better used elsewhere? It’s a tough call, and one that has to be weighed carefully.

What’s Right For Your Nonprofit?

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether or not nonprofit board members should get paid. For some organizations, especially small grassroots groups, it would feel downright strange to offer board compensation. For larger organizations with complex structures and big budgets, paying board members might make sense.

The key is transparency. Whatever decision you make, it has to be above-board (pun intended). You’ve got to be clear about why you’re doing it, how much you’re paying, and what you expect in return. And, of course, you need to stay compliant with state laws and IRS guidelines regarding board member salaries.

My Two Cents

If you ask me, nonprofit board members should serve out of passion for the mission, often as volunteer board members. But I also get that sometimes, a nonprofit needs to compensate board members to attract the talent and expertise it needs to thrive. If you go the route of paying your board, make sure it’s done thoughtfully, legally, and with the nonprofit’s best interest at heart. After all, the mission is what matters most.

So, should nonprofit board members get paid? It depends. What works for one organization might not work for another. Just make sure that whatever you decide about board member salaries, it helps your nonprofit stay mission-driven, financially sound, and focused on doing good in the world. Because that’s why we’re all here, right?

So, you’re on a nonprofit board. That’s wonderful. It means you care about a cause enough to step up, roll up your sleeves, and serve. But it’s more than passion. It’s about responsibility. And not just any responsibility—fiduciary responsibility. It’s a big deal, and it’s one of the most important nonprofit duties that every board member must take seriously. Think of it like this: you’re the guardian of the nonprofit’s mission, its finances, and its reputation. Let’s unpack what that means in the real world.

1. Duty of Care: You’re Not Just a Placeholder

When you say yes to joining a board, you’re saying yes to being informed, attentive, and ready to act. This isn’t a “show up and smile” kind of deal. The duty of care means that you need to be involved in the nonprofit’s decision-making with your head and your heart. It’s about being proactive, asking tough questions, and making decisions with the nonprofit’s best interest in mind.

Example: A nonprofit’s executive director suddenly fell ill and couldn’t return to work. Here’s where the duty of care shines. Fortunately, the board had been prepared. They didn’t panic or scramble. Why? Because they had planned ahead. They had a well-thought-out contingency plan, with an interim director ready to step in and a list of potential candidates to fill the position permanently. That’s the kind of forward-thinking that makes a board indispensable.

Takeaway: Be prepared, stay informed, understand your board member responsibilities, and always have a plan. Care isn’t passive—it’s active. It means looking ahead and asking yourself, “What’s next?” before a crisis hits.

2. Duty of Loyalty: It’s Not About You

This one’s simple, but it’s crucial. Your job is to put the nonprofit first—always. That means your decisions have to be in the best interest of the organization, not you, your business, or your connections. Conflicts of interest? Address them, disclose them, and step away when necessary.

Example: When the board was set to renew the director’s and officer’s insurance policy, one board member quietly stepped back from the discussion and abstained from voting. Why? Because they worked for the insurance company that offered the policy. By removing themselves from the vote, they honored their duty of loyalty. No hidden agendas here—just doing what’s right for the organization.

Takeaway: If there’s even a hint of conflict, disclose it. It’s better to be overly transparent than to risk undermining the board’s integrity.

3. Duty of Obedience: Stick to the Mission

The nonprofit duty of obedience isn’t about blind allegiance—it’s about ensuring that every action, every decision, keeps the nonprofit on track with its mission. You’re responsible for making sure that the nonprofit plays by the rules—both legally and ethically. And here’s the thing: not every flashy opportunity is the right one.

Example: A donor came forward with a large contribution. Sounds great, right? Except, there was a catch. They wanted the nonprofit to use the funds for a purpose that had nothing to do with the organization’s mission. It would’ve required the nonprofit to go completely off course. The board voted not to accept the donation. They knew that one of their board member responsibilities is staying true to the mission and that's more important than chasing big dollars.

Takeaway: The nonprofit’s mission is your north star. Don’t stray from it, no matter how tempting the detour might be.

4. Duty of Prudence: Be a Good Steward

This is where the nonprofit’s financial health comes in. As a board member, you’re responsible for making sure the nonprofit’s resources are being used wisely. The duty of prudence, another key aspect of nonprofit duties, means being cautious, practical, and thoughtful with how the organization’s assets are managed. It’s about ensuring there’s enough funding to keep the lights on while staying aligned with the nonprofit’s long-term goals.

Example: The board of a small nonprofit knew they had limited financial reserves. When they were offered a low-interest loan to expand their programs, it seemed like a great opportunity. But the board did their homework. After reviewing the financials, they realized that taking on the loan would stretch them too thin and jeopardize their ability to keep up with current projects. They decided to pass. By acting prudently, they protected the nonprofit from potential financial hardship down the line.

Takeaway: Protect the nonprofit’s assets like they’re your own. Sometimes saying “no” is the best way to ensure sustainability.

Remember, You’re a Guardian, Not Just a Volunteer!

Fiduciary responsibility is the backbone of serving on a nonprofit board. You’re not just there to show up and lend your name—you’re there to safeguard the organization’s mission, finances, and future. The duty of care, loyalty, obedience, and prudence? They’re not just legal terms; they’re the guiding principles that help nonprofits thrive. So, when you sit in that boardroom, remember: your job isn’t to sit back. It’s to lean in, ask questions, and make decisions that put the nonprofit’s mission first. Always.

Feeling like your nonprofit's good work is getting lost in the noise? Yeah, we've all been there.

If you're here, you're probably ready to shake things up and get your nonprofit the spotlight it deserves. And guess what? It's about time! Generating publicity in today's digital age is an art, a science, and a bit of a circus act. Buckle up, because we're diving into the new reality of making your nonprofit the talk of the town.

There can be no doubt that journalism has changed a lot over the past few years. In fact, 2,627 weekly publications closed or merged with other papers between 2004 and 2023 and daily publications also saw a decline, with just over 1,200 in publication in 2023.

But there’s a positive takeaway. Those closures mergers, and acquisitions of news gathering organizations can mean your press releases have and will probably become more sought and worthwhile.

The shortage of newsroom journalists and employees for reportage and fact-checking means topical PR with a news angle has become more attractive to editors.

You probably don’t have the funding to justify a communications director.

Close to 70% of nonprofits say budget limitations is their number one PR challenge.

Yet press coverage is a must.

Rely on these five tips as you sit down at the keyboard.

Do your homework.

Sending your press release is not going to magically result in front page coverage or a feature story.

This means studying the publication(s) to whom you typically dispatch your PR. “A beat” is a reporter’s specific focus on a particular issue, sector, organization, or institution, such as politics, business, or the arts. It’s what they specialize in and what they trained for, so their eye may be more discerning.

If your news outlets don’t have clearly delineated “beats,” at least look for common ground – articles by a particular reporter that align with your organizations mission.

Making yourself available as the expert in the field and as a reliable source of information will go a long way to getting your nonprofit featured. Savvy reporters tend to call who they know for “the scoop.”

Make sure you’re one of those people.

But first, you have to get their attention.

Let’s get real—your nonprofit is doing amazing work. But amazing work doesn't always get the attention it should. You need to be the headline, not the afterthought. Craft compelling stories that tug at heartstrings and inspire action. Think of yourself as a storyteller. Share real-life impacts, transformational journeys, and the faces behind your cause. Journalists and bloggers love human interest stories, so give them something to swoon over.

Making that first toss.

“Pitching” a news or feature article idea via e-mail is not dissimilar to playing on the ball field.

What’s thrown may or may not be caught.

About 30% of organizations report that a journalist has contacted them about a release they’d sent.

More than 1 in 4 journalists (28%) receive over one hundred pitches per week. They respond to about 3% of those.

Reaching out personally is the fastest way to gain traction, but cultivating positive relationships with reporters, features. editorialists and columnists takes as much time, conversely, as it takes them to develop reliable (sometimes confidential) sources. Position yourself as an expert in the field, or someone who has unique access to that expertise.

The introductory pitch should be short and timely. Consider your words carefully. Avoid “clickbait” and sensationalized headlines. Reporters recognize hype.‍

Connect the dots.‍

Once you've set the scene, it's time to bring your details to vivid life. It's all about the who, what, when, where, why and how.

Don’t “round up” data or approximate something that a fact-checker can disprove. Your credibility will be in tatters if you misrepresent.

Include direct quotes from the interviewees involved, with their titles cited. This is attribution and refers to the source of something placed between quotation marks, as though it is dialogue. Pick one or two articulate spokespeople who would also be willing to answer follow-up questions.

Stories are sometimes edited to fit available space (from the bottom-up, which means EVERY important detail should be within the first one hundred words).

An effective way to ensure this is by using the reverse pyramid formula when writing your press release: going from the most vital information to the least important.

Lead with the essentials. Leave the least key details to the last.

Proofread! Proofread again! Slapdash releases with aimless paragraphs will inevitably be discarded. Hand it off to a colleague for a fresh set of eyes.‍

A picture’s worth...well, you know where we’re going with this.‍

This means furnishing photographs/illustrations/graphics that are of acceptable resolution, with proper captions and identifiers (and it’s always to have the written permission of anyone within the photograph, because their presence is an implied endorsement).

One additional option: if they are polished, short videos produced by your organization should be furnished. Small files can be attached to the e-mail; you can also provide easy access by directing them to a download service like DropBox or We Transfer. The news outlet might upload these to their website counterpart. ‍

The shelf life of a press release.‍

Something time-sensitive needs to respect the outlet’s “lead time” (the duration between acceptance and publication). Be respectful of deadlines, too. Ignore the fine print beginning with ‘Must submit by…’ at your own peril. The best-crafted release, if it arrives too late in an editor’s in-box, will be relegated to the e-mail trashcan. A failure to furnish information in an expedient manner will potentially burn a bridge before you ever cross it.‍

The enormity of today’s media brings with it a ravenous appetite. You can feed the beast and make it work for you. By generating PR that reads like a news story, you become a content provider. To establish your credibility and reinforce your value to your local print media, download “Me? A Reporter?!” for even more “tricks of the trade.”

The enormity of today’s media brings with it a ravenous appetite. You can feed the beast and make it work for you. By generating PR that reads like a news story, you become a content provider. To establish your credibility and reinforce your value to your local print media, join our membership program to get more important information on this topic! Click here to learn more: https://www.successfornonprofits.com/offers/nonprofit-success-membership

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