Next in Nonprofits is available to help your organization learn about social fundraising and social content development. Please contact Steve@NextInNonprofits.com or call 651-356-8896 to learn more.

Aug
16
Thu
Building Relationships through Social Media @ University of Saint Thomas, Minneapolis
Aug 16 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

(This session is part of a day-long conference, and full conference registration is required to attend.)

Social media is a great tool to get the word out about your programs, but that’s only the beginning. Build strong communities through social media by creating meaningful conversations online and providing relevant, consistent information. This session will give you the tools to create your own social media plan, including tools for measuring success and templates for managing it all.

Steve Boland, managing partner, Next in Nonprofits

Mar
7
Thu
Print is Dead. Long Live Print (and Digital) @ Saint Paul RiverCentre
Mar 7 @ 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm

This session is part of the MCN Communications and Technology Conference. Participants must register for the conference in order to attend.

No, really, print is not dead. But print doesn’t have the same role it used to have, either. Digital outreach and print communication can leverage each other. And while there are still some must do items in print (the year-end solicitation should go out in paper to some of your donors), there are other times when past practices in print can take a back seat. We’ll review return on investment metrics for print, on-demand printing for select market impact, utilization of case statement language across print and digital to maximize impressions, and strategic use of print to augment services that shine in the digital realm (apps, progressive web apps, audio/video, and more).

Using Specialized Contractors in the Gig Economy @ Saint Paul RiverCentre
Mar 7 @ 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm

This session is part of the MCN Communications and Technology Conference. Participants must register for the conference in order to attend.

Many nonprofits need access to specialized knowledge workers, but don’t have the budget or workload to justify hiring those skills as permanent staff. Solutions can be short-term gigs, outsourced contracts, or retainer agreements. How does a nonprofit work effectively with a consultant or contractor for specialized communications and technology needs? Three local consultants — two experienced in the field, one recently launched — share tips and recommendations for maximizing the opportunities of gig work while minimizing risk. Results of a qualitative research project gathering wisdom from local organizations will also be shared. This is a future-facing presentation equipping organizations to anticipate the full development of trends we are already starting to see.
Steve Boland, managing partner, Next in Nonprofits; Ruth Hamberg, lead consultant, Squaretree / Next in Nonprofits; and Lisa Tabor, owner, Culture Brokers 

Aug
15
Thu
Building Relationships through Social Media @ University of Saint Thomas, Minneapolis
Aug 15 @ 9:45 am – 11:00 am

This session is part of the Minnesota Council of Nonrprofits Essentials Conference. Registration is required to participate in this session.

Social media is a great tool to get the word out about your programs, but that’s only the beginning. Build strong communities through social media by creating meaningful conversations online and providing relevant, consistent information. This session will give you the tools to create your own social media plan, including tools for measuring success and templates for managing it all.

Sep
11
Wed
Fundraising Roundtable Network @ Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Sep 11 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

This month’s topic – Social media and fundraising! Steve Boland from Next in Nonprofits will join a panel to lead this discussion.

Each month focuses on a topic around which the majority of the discussion will revolve. Participants are encouraged to bring questions, examples, and insights related to the topic of the session. In addition to the featured topic discussion, each session will include time to network and ask questions, so come prepared to chat with your peers. This networking event is free and no RSVP is necessary. You are invited to bring your lunch, business cards, and ideas. If you have any questions about the Fundraising Roundtable Network, please contact Kari Aanestad, MCN’s director of advancement, at 651-757-3073 or kaanestad@minnesotanonprofits.org.

The Fundraising Roundtable Network events are co-sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Minnesota Chapter.

Oct
15
Tue
Micropayments:  Small donors adding up big support! @ Metropolitan Regional Arts Council
Oct 15 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Recurring donors are a dream for many arts organizations, and have come in the past in different ways. Season ticket holders are (essentially) recurring donors. Some organizations have been successful with getting regular monthly support (a tote bag for less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day….). The rise of affordable, easy-to-use internet platforms like Patreon make it easy for a larger number of people to contribute (less than cost of a cup of coffee a month…) and provide flexible ongoing support. Some artists and organizations are using these smaller payments as a way create stronger engagement, and building a group of mission advocates as well as a revenue stream. Tools like non-cash rewards or incentives can change the game, and things such as exclusive updates or communications channels can build more interest over time.  This session will cover both financial costs as well as staff/volunteer time questions, and explore how some groups are using their micro-donors to connect to larger-dollar supporters.”
Oct
25
Fri
Google Ads, Grants, and the Importance of “Conversion”  @ Mayo Civic Center
Oct 25 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am

This presentation is part of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Annual Conference. Registration is required to attend.

Google Grants provides up to $10,000 each month for nonprofit organizations to spend advertising in Google search. Most nonprofits don’t use the free grant, or don’t know that “conversions goals” are required to really get the attention of new potential supporters. This session will review pre- and post- Google Ads data for a smaller charity, and show how a measured goal (donation made, newsletter sign-up, advocacy action taken) can impact the overall ads program for reaching new audiences. This session will focus more on the process of selecting ad campaign words (using tools such as Google Keyword Planner), looking out for the “quality penalty” imposed by Google for ads which don’t generate clicks, and higher per-click eligibility rewards for meeting quality measures.
Steve Boland, managing partner, Next in Nonprofits