Most small nonprofits don’t have a full-time marketing person. You’re doing it all, fundraising, programming, admin, and trying to keep your online presence active.
It’s easy to think good marketing is out of reach.
But with the right tools and a focused approach, you can connect with supporters and share your mission without spending a lot.
Focus on What You Can Keep Up With
You don’t need to post every day or run a complex campaign. What matters more is showing up regularly and building trust over time.
Start here:
- Choose one or two platforms your audience actually uses
- Plan one to two posts per week
- Reuse strong content across email, social, and your website
A simple rhythm is more sustainable than a burst-and-burn cycle.
Tools That Save You Time (and Money)
These free or affordable tools can help you do more with less:
- Canva for nonprofits for social graphics, posters, and simple videos
- Unsplash for free high-quality stock photos
- ChatGPT to help draft or polish content
- Mailchimp (free for small lists) for newsletters
- Google Workspace for Nonprofits for email, Drive, and Docs
- Hootsuite or Metricool for scheduling posts in advance
Most of these tools come with templates and tutorials to get you started quickly and can cut hours off your workload each month.
Get More from What You Already Have
If you only have time to write one thing, make it count.
A single client success story can become:
- A quote graphic
- A social carousel
- An email feature
- A 30-second video or Reel
- A captioned Instagram Story
- A short blog post or web update
Most people won’t see everything you post. Repeating and repackaging your best content makes sure your message sticks.
Focus on Owned Channels First
Social media is useful, but it’s borrowed space. If your account disappears tomorrow, your audience does too.
Give extra attention to the places you control:
- Your website: keep it updated, clear, and mobile-friendly
- Your email list: nurture it with simple updates and stories
- Your donation pages: make them easy to use and quick to access
These channels are where conversions happen. Keep them strong and consistent.
Lean on Your Network
Marketing doesn’t have to fall on your shoulders alone. Ask for help from:
- Partner organizations with larger audiences
- Supporters or board members who can share your content
- Volunteers who enjoy design or social media
- Local media contacts who might be open to a pitch
Your network is a valuable resource. Use it.
Track What Works (Just a Little)
You don’t always need a detailed dashboard or expensive CRM. Start with tracking what matters most to your goal and watch for patterns.
Pay attention to:
- Are more people signing up for your newsletter?
- Is one type of post getting more engagement than others?
- Did donations increase after a particular story or campaign?
Use that insight to refine and focus your efforts moving forward.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a big budget to make your message matter. You just need the right rhythm, the right tools, and a clear voice.
Start small. Repeat what works. Keep showing up.
Even one well-timed post or powerful story can spark action.
Need help building the marketing foundations for your organization?
We support Canadian nonprofits and charities with clear, realistic strategies that work within your budget. Contact Us Today.
