It is funny how life points you in directions you never expected. In my younger days, I would have never guessed I'd be a champion for adoption of minority children with special needs. Having adopted a minority child who turned out to have special needs, I'm now an advocate.
Many of us have developed passions to help out those less fortunate than us, or those that are just going through a tough patch in life. Through marketing, I've been able to help out some great charities through my money, my talents and my time. Perhaps you have been fortunate enough to do the same, and for that I thank and congratulate you.
One of the biggest needs non-profits have beside more money and more volunteers is more awareness in the communities they serve. In fact, a higher awareness would help with their money and volunteer needs. Non-profits are struggling to keep their doors open, so a marketing budget is often times only a dream; or even more likely not even on the radar. But there is help, and you can help spread the word.
Google has put in place a grant program for most 501 (c) 3 non-profits, giving them $10,000 PER MONTH in marketing dollars to be used on the Google platforms for key words and such. These key words can be used for fund raising, getting volunteers, seeking out people who need services and general outreach. The qualifications are minimal for this program, and renews with ease for the qualified not-for-profit.
Details on the program can be found at http://www.google.com/grants/. I'm on a few boards, and have made sure all the organizations I'm associated with know about this program. I encourage you to do the same, and help spread the word of this great program from Google, and spread the word of your local 501 (c) 3 organization.
A number of marketing groups, such as the American Advertising Federation does a lot of pro bono work with agencies in their market, helping them create a marketing program to raise awareness of these worthy organizations. It is easy to find the needs for helping with marketing for these groups, but finding the media to use can prove difficult. With Google Grants, budget it not a problem. In fact, on average non-profits are only using $331 of the $10,000 grant each month.
There is plenty of budget and opportunity available. We are marketing professionals need to make sure we're making them aware of this program, and helping them take advantage.
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