Often overlooked as nonessential, social media is an important tool for nonprofits because it can help spread awareness, reach donors and create relationships. In addition, the cost to upkeep social media platforms can range from free to relatively inexpensive.
While Facebook is the social media platform that makes the most sense for nonprofits to engage with due to its strong advertising reach and fundraising capabilities, nonprofits can also engage on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Here are four nonprofit social media programs in our region that are doing it right:
Growing Gardens Portland
Growing Gardens is a 501(c)3 organization that teaches gardening skills and builds organic vegetable gardens in homes, schools and correctional facilities in Oregon.
We also really like their “Soup Wednesday” campaign, which showcases various soups made by staff members and volunteers.
Friends of Trees
Friends of Trees in Portland is a nationally recognized, regional leader in improving the urban tree canopy and restoring sensitive natural areas—through programs delivered by thousands of volunteers.
The nonprofit’s Facebook page stands out thanks to its fun illustrations, timely news content and fabulous content featuring volunteers planting trees.
Friends of Trees’ illustrations on its Facebook page are not only fun and educational, but also help to engage followers in order to further their mission.
They also post timely news content that would appeal to their audience.
And of course, who doesn’t love seeing people do good and plant trees?
Conservation NW
Founded in Bellingham in 1989, from the Washington Coast to the British Columbia Rockies, Conservation NW works to preserve wildlife.
The organization’s Facebook page does a great job of informing its audience of the current environmental situation in the Pacific Northwest, including calls for action from its followers.
Recent posts have included updates on Governor Jay Inslee’s 2019-2021 budget proposals and implications for Washington wildlife, and promotions around a partnership with Amazon Smile where portions from proceeds benefit Conservation NW.
Women’s Funding Alliance
Women’s Funding Alliance advances leadership and economic opportunity for women and girls in Washington State through education, driving solutions and mobilizing people to make change.
Women’s Funding Alliance uses its Facebook and Twitter platforms as effective messaging tools, drawing people together through events, moving facts and figures and photo galleries.
Highlighting events such as town halls with powerful women and its Wage Gap summit, the nonprofit uses graphics and images to engage its following.
Women’s Funding Alliance uses statistics on the number of women in legislature, as well as the gender pay gap, to advance its mission on Facebook.
Photo galleries showcase special events held by the organization and help add a human element to this cause.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our analysis on some of the top Pacific Northwest region social media programs out there!
- Social Media