| |

Are You Really Ready for Nonprofit Marketing? (Here’s How to Tell)

I love working with nonprofits—but not all of them are actually ready for marketing. That might sound blunt, but it’s the truth. And if you’re a nonprofit leader who’s been wondering why your outreach isn’t working, or why professional marketers seem to “talk over your head,” this post might save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

Let’s break down what’s changed in the nonprofit space, why it matters, and how to know if you’re truly ready for strategic marketing support.

The Way It Used to Be: Filing for 501(c)(3) the Right Way

Historically, starting a nonprofit required more than just a good idea and a logo. If you were filing for 501(c)(3) status or even a state-level nonprofit, you had to show:

1. A functional board of directors—with named members and clearly defined roles

2. Filed Articles of Incorporation

3. A mission statement, purpose, and description of services

4. A basic business plan and operating budget

5. A clear understanding of your programs, goals, and how success would be measured

The IRS and most states wouldn’t approve you unless you could demonstrate that your organization had structure and a plan—not just passion.
This used to create a solid foundation that helped nonprofits grow sustainably and build donor trust.

What’s Changed—and Why It’s a Problem

Over the last 5–10 years, especially since the pandemic, a lot has shifted. Here’s why you’re seeing more and more nonprofits struggling to get off the ground (or stay standing):

– Online legal platforms allow anyone to submit boilerplate paperwork and get approved—even if they don’t understand what they’re signing.

– There’s no vetting of actual competence. You can technically have a board of your cousin, your neighbor, and your best friend and still get your 501(c)(3).

– Many new founders see a nonprofit as a passion project—not a business. They’re driven by purpose but lack clarity on structure, governance, or operational strategy.

– Social media has made “starting a nonprofit” trendy, like it’s a badge of honor or shortcut to influence.

The Most Common Red Flags I See

As a nonprofit marketing strategist, I can usually tell within 3 minutes if a founder is ready for help—or still in “chaotic hopeful mode.”

Here are some of the biggest red flags:

– “We just need to get the word out more.” (But they can’t say to who, for what, or how they’ll follow up.)

– No clarity on what each board member does or why they’re there

– No email list—just social media posts

– A mission statement that sounds great but no program structure or timeline

– A donation button on their website, but no funnel or communication plan

– “We need donors” but no segmentation, targeting, or plan for retention

– Big vision, but zero follow-through on tracking results

Fundraising vs. Marketing: They Are Not the Same

This is one of the most misunderstood dynamics I see every week.

  • Fundraising: Asks for money
  • Marketing: Builds trust so people want to give
  • Fundraising: Happens in campaigns
  • Marketing: Happens every day
  • Fundraising: Can’t succeed without donor motivation
  • Marketing: Creates donor motivation
  • Fundraising: Often focuses on urgency
  • Marketing: Should focus on consistency

Marketing is what makes people care. Fundraising is what gives them a way to act on it.

If your marketing is weak or nonexistent, your fundraising will always struggle.

The Nonprofit Marketing Readiness Checklist

Before you reach out to a marketing strategist (me or anyone), make sure you’ve built at least this much of your foundation:

  • We have an active, named board of directors with defined responsibilities
  • We’ve been officially approved as a nonprofit (501(c)(3) or state-level)
  • We have clear short-term and long-term program goals
  • We can explain who we serve and how we measure success
  • We’ve developed at least a 6-month operating budget
  • We know who our ideal audience is—donors, volunteers, or community members
  • We have a way to communicate with supporters (email, social, etc.)
  • We can identify what’s not working in our outreach or structure
  • We are ready to collaborate and follow through on marketing actions

If you said no to most of these—you’re not ready for marketing yet. You’re in the foundational phase, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. But marketing won’t fix gaps in leadership, strategy, or systems. It’ll only make them more visible.

So… Are You Actually Ready?

If you’ve got your foundation in place and you’re ready to grow intentionally, I’d love to help.

Start by downloading my Nonprofit Marketing Readiness Questionnaire below. It’s designed to help you get crystal clear on your needs, challenges, and next steps—before we talk strategy.

Download the Questionnaire

Let’s make sure you’re building something sustainable—not just visible.

Similar Posts