Marketing to Raise Awareness & Build Support for NGOs

Vandana Anil Dass
2 min readFeb 15, 2024

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How NGOs can Leverage Marketing to Raise Awareness & Build Support in a cost effective way.

“People always ask how we scored so many wins early on and what my process was for turning a no into a yes. Truthfully, the nos stayed nos most of the time. No, we don’t have the budget. No, that’s not a part of our giving strategy. No, sorry, but touch base with me next year. But I simply asked so many people that eventually I gathered enough yeses to get things done.”
Scott Harrison, Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World

Charity:Water has been one of my favorite charities to follow, in terms of their work, leveraging technology and storytelling. Storytelling has been one of the best marketing tool over generations. Be it an idea, service or product, if it has a story, people will pass it on and more people will learn about it and will be interested.

Let us see, how NGOs can leverage storytelling and other marketing tools to Raise Awareness and Build Support.

The smile your NGO’s name will bring to people

Before starting to advertise, answer the following:
1. What and why? Clearly define the key messages you want people to associate with your NGO and the purpose of choosing each of those messages.
2. For who? Know your audience. The demographics, the age profile, the interests and relationship (donor, ambassador, beneficiary, or staff or volunteer).
3. Where are we publishing? A local community newsletter or digital platforms. Believe me, simple attention to detail goes a long distance when it comes to create media specific to where it will be published.
4. Which tools will we use? Story telling is great, but will it be through a picture, video, words or a mix of all. This is where the biggest difference will be, in creativity and costing.

Once these questions are weighed on and answered, go on and:
1. Craft Compelling Narratives
2. Leverage Digital Platforms
3. Forge Strategic Partnerships
4. Engage in Advocacy & Thought Leadership
5. Empower Grassroots Movements

In short, marketing helps NGOs amplify their voices, elevate their impact, and mobilize support for their work. By embracing innovative marketing strategies and leveraging the power of storytelling, technology, and strategic partnerships, NGOs can propel their missions forward and multiply change.

#NGOMarketing #SocialImpact #MarketingForGood #AdvocacyInAction #NGOAwareness #ngosofindia #MarketingforNGOs

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Vandana Anil Dass

Vandana is a consultant with 10 years of experience in corporate and 10 in non-profits. She is expert in providing digital & documentation solutions for NGOs.