As a nonprofit, your mission is all about impact, but to make a bigger impact, you need to reach more people. Whether you're looking to increase your donor base, find more volunteers, or simply get your message out there.

Ever feel like you're doing amazing work, but not enough people know about it? We’ve all been there. Reaching new people can feel like a never-ending challenge, but the good news is, there are plenty of things you can do right now to change that. And the best part? You don’t need a huge budget or a ton of resources to make it happen.

Let’s break it down into practical, easy-to-apply strategies!

Start by Defining Your Target Audience

Before you can reach more people, it’s important to ask yourself: Who are you trying to reach? You don’t want to waste time shouting into the void, hoping someone listens. Instead, focus on defining your target audience.

• Think about your ideal supporter: Think about the people who are most likely to care about your mission. Are they parents, young professionals, community members, or people interested in social justice?
  
  

• Use donor and volunteer data: If you already have a donor base, dig into the data to see commonalities. Age, location, and interests can give you insight into your ideal supporters.

Action item: Write down 2-3 key characteristics of your target audience today. You can use this as a guide to craft messaging and choose where to focus your outreach efforts.

Leverage the Power of Social Media

Social media is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get your nonprofit in front of new people. The key is knowing which platforms your audience is on and creating content that resonates.

• Pick the right platforms: Facebook is great for reaching older audiences, Instagram for younger ones, and LinkedIn for professional connections. Don’t feel like you need to be on every platform, just the ones that matter to your audience.
  
  

• Create shareable content: People are more likely to spread the word if your content is engaging. Don’t just post any old thing. Share stories, photos, and videos that people will want to share with their friends. If you were a supporter, what kind of content would make you hit that share button?. Ask yourself, Would I share this?
  

• Use hashtags and tagging: Hashtags can help new people discover your posts. Use popular hashtags related to your cause, like #ClimateAction or #EndHunger. Tagging local businesses or influencers can also boost visibility.

Action item: Post a story on your nonprofit's social media today, whether it’s a donor impact story or a behind-the-scenes look at your work. Use at least 2–3 relevant hashtags to increase your post’s visibility.

Tap Into Your Existing Network

You know that saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”? Well, it works for nonprofits, too!

Never underestimate the power of your current supporters! They already care about your mission, and they can help spread the word.

• Ask for shares and referrals: Seriously, just ask! Your supporters love your work, so ask them to share your latest post, email, or event with their friends. People are much more likely to pay attention to a cause that comes recommended by someone they trust.
  
  

• Feature testimonials: Real stories from your supporters can inspire others to get involved. You could even create a “supporter of the month” spotlight on your website or social channels.
  
  

• Leverage word-of-mouth: Sometimes, just asking for help is all it takes. After someone donates or attends an event, ask them to tell a friend about your work.

Action item: Send a quick email to your current supporters today, asking them to share your nonprofit’s latest social post or event. You’d be surprised how much word-of-mouth can expand your reach!

Build Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

You don’t have to do everything on your own. Partnering with other organizations, local businesses, or influencers can help you reach entirely new audiences.

• Partner with like-minded organizations: Find nonprofits with complementary missions. For example, if your focus is education, partner with an organization working on food security to broaden your reach.
  
  

• Collaborate with local businesses: Many businesses are eager to support nonprofits, and they already have an established audience. Ask them to sponsor an event, share your message, or promote a joint campaign.
  
  

• Team up with influencers: Even micro-influencers (those with smaller but engaged followings) can help amplify your cause by sharing your work with their audience.

Action item: Make a list of 3 potential partners, whether local businesses, influencers, or other nonprofits, that align with your mission. Reach out to at least one this week with a collaboration idea.

Use Email Marketing to Reach New and Existing Supporters

Email is still one of the most powerful tools you can use to grow your nonprofit. With email marketing, you can keep your current supporters engaged while also reaching new people through referrals.

• Grow your email list: Add an email sign-up form to your website and social media pages. You can even ask people to sign up in exchange for a free resource, like an e-book or guide related to your mission.
  
  

• Send engaging newsletters: Your newsletters should go beyond asking for donations. Share updates, stories of impact, and ways people can get involved. Keep your supporters in the loop about the amazing work you’re doing!
  
  

• Segment your list: Not all supporters are the same, so your emails shouldn’t be, either. Segment your list by donors, volunteers, or event attendees to send targeted messages that resonate with each group.

Feeling overwhelmed by email? We can make email marketing a breeze by helping you automate campaigns and send targeted, personalized emails to your supporters.

Action item: Review your email list and add a sign-up form to your website if you don’t have one yet. Send a newsletter update this week with an inspiring story or a behind-the-scenes look at your latest project.

Make Your Website Work for You

Your website is like your nonprofit’s home base. It’s often the first place people go when they want to learn more about your organization. So, ask yourself Is my website doing everything it can to attract new people?

• Optimize for search engines (SEO): This might sound intimidating, but SEO is just about making sure people can find you. Include relevant keywords like "nonprofit [your city]" or "volunteer opportunities" to help people discover you on Google.
  
  

• Create shareable content: Blog posts, videos, and infographics are great for driving traffic to your site. Plus, people love sharing valuable content with their networks. Make it easy for them to spread the word!
  
  

• Clear CTAs: Every page on your website should have a call-to-action. Whether it’s “Donate Now,” “Sign Up for Our Newsletter,” or “Volunteer With Us,” make sure visitors know exactly how to get involved.

Tech tip: If keeping track of website visitors or analyzing performance sounds tricky, we can help you track your site’s impact and turn visitors into supporters with optimized CTAs.

Action item: Review your website today. Is it easy for visitors to know how to get involved? Add a clear CTA (like “Sign up for our newsletter”) to one of your main pages.

Host Events and Webinars to Attract New Supporters

Events are a fantastic way to spread the word about your nonprofit and bring new people into your community. Whether it’s an in-person gathering or a virtual event, people love interacting with causes they care about.

• Host virtual events or webinars: Online events are more accessible than ever. Host a webinar on a topic related to your mission or invite a guest speaker for a Q&A session.
  
  

• Plan in-person events: If in-person events are an option, plan a fundraiser, volunteer day, or community gathering. Events give people a chance to experience your mission firsthand.
  
  

• Turn attendees into supporters: Don’t let the connection end when the event does. Follow up with attendees and invite them to get more involved, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply staying in touch.

Action item: Plan one event, virtual or in-person, that you could host in the next few months. Set a date, decide on your goals, and start spreading the word!

Final Thoughts and Action Steps

Reaching more people doesn’t have to be hard! By defining your audience, using social media strategically, tapping into your existing network, building partnerships, and making sure your website and email marketing are up to snuff, you’ll be well on your way to expanding your reach.

Here’s what you can do today:

1. Define your target audience and post a story or video on social media.

2. Ask your current supporters to share your latest content or event.

3. Reach out to one potential partner for a collaboration.

4. Review your website and make sure there’s a clear call to action for visitors.

5. Start planning a small event, whether virtual or in-person.

Remember, you don’t need to do it all at once. Just start with a few small steps today, and before you know it, your message will be reaching more people than ever before! And if you feel struggling with anything, we are here to help your nonprofit organization to grow!