10 Tips To Attract Changemakers To Your Nonprofit

Attracting changemakers to your nonprofit can really boost your efforts to make a difference in the world. These are people who want to see positive changes and have the drive to make them happen. 

If you can bring them on board, they can bring new ideas, energy, and resources that can help your nonprofit grow and achieve more. Today, we'll go through practical tips on how to attract these valuable individuals to your team. 

From improving your outreach to showcasing the impact of your work, these strategies will help you connect with the right people.

1. Define Your Mission and Vision Clearly

When you want to attract people who are passionate about making a difference, the first step is to make sure they understand what your nonprofit stands for. 

Start with a clear mission and vision statement. These statements tell everyone exactly what your organization aims to achieve and how you plan to make it happen.

A well-defined mission statement acts like a beacon, drawing in changemakers who share your goals. It helps them see how their efforts and skills can contribute to a bigger picture. 

For instance, if your nonprofit is focused on environmental conservation, stating this clearly in your mission can attract passionate individuals about protecting the planet.

Similarly, your vision statement paints a picture of what the future will look like if your organization succeeds in its mission. Your nonprofit’s vision can inspire and motivate changemakers to join your cause because they want to be part of creating a better future.

2. Showcase Impact Through Stories

Once you have defined your mission and vision, the next step is to show potential changemakers the impact of your work. Stories are a powerful way to do this. 

With real examples, show how your nonprofit has made a difference. Try to connect emotionally with people who might want to join your cause.

Tell stories about the individuals or communities your organization has helped. 

For example, if your nonprofit provides educational opportunities to underserved children, share a story about a student who went on to achieve great things because of the support they received. These stories make the effects of your work tangible and relatable.

Using pictures, videos, and testimonials in your stories can make them even more engaging. Seeing and hearing directly from those who have been impacted adds authenticity and can stir emotions.

By showcasing the real-world impact of your nonprofit through storytelling, you make it clear to changemakers that their efforts will not only be valued but will also lead to meaningful change. 

3. Create an Inclusive Culture

You can not attract changemakers to your nonprofit without creating an inclusive culture. 

An inclusive culture welcomes everyone, no matter their background, and values diverse perspectives and skills. It makes people feel respected and valued, which is important for those looking to make a difference.

To create an inclusive culture, start by ensuring your team communicates openly and respects different viewpoints. Training sessions on diversity and inclusion can help everyone understand the importance of various perspectives and how they contribute to the success of your nonprofit.

Also, make sure your recruitment processes are designed to reach a diverse group of candidates. This could mean advertising job openings in different communities or using platforms that cater to a wide range of people. 

When your team reflects a variety of backgrounds and experiences, it shows potential changemakers that your organization is a place where everyone can contribute and thrive.

4. Offer Professional Development

The next step to attract changemakers is offering opportunities for professional development. 

Changemakers are not just looking for a place to contribute, they also want to grow and improve their skills. Providing these opportunities can make your nonprofit the perfect place where individuals can develop their careers while making a difference.

Start by offering training sessions, workshops, and seminars that help your team members build new skills. These could cover topics like project management, leadership, fundraising techniques, or specialized areas relevant to your mission. 

These learning opportunities show that you value your team's growth and are invested in their success.

Additionally, consider creating clear paths to leadership roles within your organization. Set up mentorship programs or offer step-by-step career progression plans. 

When changemakers see that there are opportunities to advance and take on more responsibility, they are more likely to engage deeply with your work and stay committed over the long term.

5. Implement Flexible Engagement Opportunities

Another thing your nonprofit needs to do is to adapt how people can get involved with your nonprofit. Changemakers often have busy schedules, but they still want to contribute meaningfully. 

With flexible engagement opportunities, you make it easier for them to participate in a way that suits their lifestyle.

Consider offering a variety of volunteer roles that require different time commitments. For example, some roles could be project-based with a clear start and end date, while others might be ongoing but with flexible hours. 

Additionally, think about incorporating remote volunteer opportunities. With technology, many tasks can be completed from anywhere, at any time. Include tasks like writing, graphic design, or helping with social media campaigns. 

By allowing people to help from their homes or during the hours they choose, you can attract those who might not be able to commit to a regular schedule but still want to support your cause.

6. Use Technology and Social Media

Your next step is to use technology and social media. This is key to connecting with a younger, tech-savvy audience of changemakers who are used to communicating and organizing online.

Start by ensuring that your website is up-to-date, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. A good website serves as the central hub where potential volunteers and donors can learn about your mission, see the impact of your work, and find out how to get involved.

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn can help you reach a wide audience. 

Regular posts that highlight your successes, share stories and announce events or volunteer opportunities keep your followers engaged and informed. Make sure to interact with your audience by responding to comments and messages to create a sense of community.

Additionally, consider using digital tools like email newsletters, blogs, and online fundraising campaigns. These tools help you keep in touch with your supporters and provide them with regular updates.

7. Focus on Collaboration

You simply can not ignore the importance of collaboration. Successful nonprofits understand that teamwork and strong community partnerships are important to achieving their goals and making a lasting impact.

Encourage a culture of collaboration within your organization by promoting teamwork among staff and volunteers. Organize regular team meetings, group projects, and team-building activities that create a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Additionally, look beyond your organization to form partnerships with other nonprofits, local businesses, schools, and community groups. These partnerships can lead to shared resources, increased visibility, and new opportunities to make a difference. 

For example, a partnership with a local business might lead to sponsored events or joint fundraising campaigns, which can amplify your efforts and bring more changemakers into the fold.

8. Recognize and Reward Contributions

After focusing on collaboration, it's important to also recognize and reward the contributions of those who help drive your mission forward. Appreciation is a powerful tool that can motivate current volunteers and attract new changemakers to your organization.

Start by establishing regular recognition programs. This could be something as simple as a 'Volunteer of the Month' award, which highlights individual contributions on your social media platforms and website. 

Acknowledging your volunteers' hard work and dedication publicly makes them feel valued and shows others the impact they can have.

Consider small tokens of appreciation like thank-you cards, certificates, or even gift cards for outstanding service. These gestures make a big difference in how volunteers perceive your organization and their role in it.

Organizing appreciation events, such as annual dinners or special recognition ceremonies, can also be very effective. These events provide a platform for celebrating achievements and creating a deeper sense of community and belonging among your team.

9. Communicate Transparently

Another crucial step is to communicate transparently with your team and supporters. Transparency builds trust, a key component in attracting and retaining changemakers who are committed to your cause.

Make it a priority to share both successes and challenges openly with your volunteers and donors. 

People who understand what’s happening behind the scenes feel more connected to your mission and more responsible for its success. For instance, if a project is facing hurdles, share these difficulties and how you plan to address them. 

Also, be transparent about your nonprofit's financials. Regularly share where donations are going and how they are being used to make an impact. 

When people see that their contributions are being managed wisely, their trust in your organization grows.

Transparent communication shows that your nonprofit values honesty and integrity. These are the qualities that attract changemakers who want to be part of a genuine organization.

10. Encourage Peer-to-Peer Engagement

Another effective strategy to attract changemakers to your nonprofit is through peer-to-peer (P2P) engagement. 

This fundraising method allows your current supporters to reach out to their friends, family, and colleagues to raise money on behalf of your organization. 

When supporters fundraise for you, they introduce your nonprofit to their personal networks. In this way, you can spread the word about your cause to a wider audience, including potential changemakers who may not have heard about you before.

Allowing your supporters to run their own fundraising campaigns gives them a sense of ownership and empowerment. Changemakers are attracted to organizations that empower individuals to make a real difference.

To support these efforts, BetterWorld is the perfect platform for your organization. 

BetterWorld simplifies the process for your participants to create and share their personalized fundraising pages. Donations are processed swiftly, and receipts are automatically sent to donors. Your organization receives all donations within a few days.

Using BetterWorld's peer-to-peer fundraising tool can significantly attract changemakers to your nonprofit. The platform's ease of use encourages more participants to join, knowing they can set up their own fundraising pages quickly and share them with friends and family. 

Most importantly, BetterWorld is always 100% free for organizations, no matter the size!