In every proposal application form, there is an introduction section. Apart from filling in your basic details like name and contact details, there is a hidden opportunity for you to market your NGO in a proposal.
Here are some strategies on how to market your NGO in a proposal:
Your logo is a visual cornerstone of your organization. It is a first visible graphic you can put in a proposal. A well-designed logo should help convey some information about you and your organizational vision.
A tagline is a slogan for your organization. It can follow a logo stating your mission in one line to be memorable.
For example, the tagline of UNDP is “Empowered lives. Resilient nations.”
These days everything can be done online from reading books to buying groceries. On average an adult spends 20 hours a week online. The internet is effective and cheaper marketing tool, so it is a good idea to include your website link in a proposal. Spend the money and genuine time to build a website for your organization and update it on a regular basis. If you are low on funds, even social media presence or free blog will do. Make your presence known online. Potential donors are likely to check your website to learn more about you.
Social media pages like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube can be a great assistance for donors to analyze the feedback from your beneficiaries and previous donors. Plus, well-edited videos with engaging content on your YouTube channel can add a little something extra to your marketing. When you watch a real human talking about the changes an NGO has brought in his life, it evolves positive emotional connections.
Do not include all of your organization’s social media links. Only include the profiles you regularly check and that the donor is active on.
Including logo, tagline and links can also be the good strategy to shorten the proposal. You spend less time introducing about your organization and not bore your proposal readers with unwanted information. The longer your proposal gets, the more you are repeating yourself.
Priti is a Development Professional with years of experience as a Director of Operations for an American humanitarian organization in Nepal. She is a published writer and researcher focusing on international development funding and grassroots NGOs. She holds a master’s degree in Business. She oversees the team that provides support to NGOs and site users.
