How Powerful Is Social Media?
Social media has come to define the
way modern relationships are
formed and maintained.
In the nonprofit world, social media is
an invaluable tool for organizations
to foster meaningful connections by
engaging supporters and igniting
participation.
The number of social media platforms is
constantly growing...
Whether your organization is small, large, or
somewhere in between, learn a few tips & tricks
from these 15 nonprofits...
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
#GreatFuturesMoment
Featured directly on the Boys & Girls
Clubs’ homepage, this nonprofit
celebrates the academic achievements of
the thousands of children’s lives it
impacts under the hashtag
#GreatFuturesMoment. With submissions
from the nonprofit’s many branches—as
well as from individual supporters—this
social media initiative unites all those
involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs from
every corner of the nation.
Key Takeaway: Make social media a
priority. Supporters will understand and
appreciate how much you value their
communication and participation over
these platforms from the get-go.
via http://greatfutures.org/pages/
The Bubble Foundation
#WearYellowForSeth
On March 27, 2015, the whole world came
together to support a young boy, Seth, in his
fight against Severe Combined
Immunodeficiency by wearing his favorite
color, yellow. Sparked by his YouTube video
(now with 20 million+ views), the social media
campaign not only rallied support for Seth, but
also for others with his condition as part of the
small UK nonprofit known as the Bubble
Foundation.
Key Takeaway: One share can lead to
millions of hits! Even small nonprofits can
spark global awareness with the power of
social media and its collaborative
community.
via https://www.justgiving.com/bubblefoundation/
via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tlTZSGhi-g
charity : water
$10k on 10/1
It’s 10/1/13. The mission? Raise
$10k+ for clean water in Orissa,
India. Through a series of Google
Hangouts hosted by thought
leaders and entrepreneurs, people
participated by purchasing seats in
the hangouts and posting to social
media over a 24-hour period. The
result? Success.
Key Takeaway: Shorter social
media campaigns can pack a
bigger punch than longer ones.
Build a sense of urgency around
your nonprofit’s event to get
people excited and involved
quickly.
via http://socialmediathon.org/category/entrepreneur-interview/
Citizen Schools
Daily Twitter Themes
With over 10k followers, Citizen
Schools has some major Twitter
game. How did they get there? With
their active social media presence. A
successful tactic of theirs is posting
highlights and anecdotes using the
hashtags #MotivationMonday,
#GivingTuesday,
#WisdomWednesday, and the classic
#tbt (Throwback Thursday).
Key Takeaway: Creative methods,
such as daily themed hashtags, can
help you focus your content and
keep your supporters engaged on
a day-to-day basis.
via https://twitter.com/cschools
City of Hope
#LastChemo
A leading nonprofit cancer research
center, City of Hope features profiles
on brave individuals who have
conquered cancer. They’ve brought
these stories to social media with the
hashtag #LastChemo, showcasing the
inspiring obstacles and triumphs of
these patients and reflecting the
impact that City of Hope continues to
have on the lives of these individuals.
Key Takeaway: Go beyond the
numbers. Heartfelt, personal stories
are greater reflections of your
nonprofit’s work than any percentage
could ever encompass. images via https://twitter.com/cityofhope
The Dana Farber Institute
#DiscoverCareBelieve
Ranked #4 on the Nurse Journal’s top
100 social media friendly hospitals in
2014, Dana Farber is a leader in
leveraging social media to support their
fight against cancer. Not only do they
have profiles on Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Google+,
and even Vine, they encourage
supporters to download one of their
signs to post their own message of
“how, why, or what you
#DiscoverCareBelieve.”
Key Takeaway: Embrace social
media wholeheartedly and use it to
discover exactly what supporters
love about your organization.
images via http://www.dana-farber.org/How-to-Help/Social-Media/What-do-you-Discover-Care-Believe.aspx
The Field Museum
@SUEtheTrex
Among their many other social media
accounts, the Field Museum has
created a Twitter account personifying
SUE, the largest, most complete, and
best preserved T. Rex in history. With
nearly 10,000 followers and engaging
daily content, SUE’s Twitter account
doesn’t seem to be going extinct
anytime soon.
Key Takeaway: People often go to
social media for a good laugh. Bring
some lighthearted fun to your
social media initiatives to brighten
the day of your supporters and
bring personality to your nonprofit’s
brand.
via https://twitter.com/SUEtheTrex
The Home for Little Wanderers
#WhoAmI
At their 11th Annual Voices & Visions
fundraiser, The Home for Little
Wanderers encouraged attendees to
post on social media using the hashtag
#WhoAmI in support of the event’s
theme. Not only did it bring attention to
the night’s festivities, but it also raised
awareness for The Home’s work in child
welfare, as they featured the inspiring
artwork of the children in their care.
Key Takeaway: Make your next
fundraising event multidimensional
by introducing a virtual experience.
Drive attendance and awareness by
encouraging guests to post, tweet,
and Instagram throughout the night. via http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=news_events_voices_visions_photos#.Vbk_RxNViko
“As an organization that embraced social media early on, today The
Home for Little Wanderers uses multiple platforms—including Twitter,
Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn—to stay engaged with
donors, alumni, staff, and supporters of all ages. Events like our
annual Voices & Visions gala and Generous Masters Golf Marathon
provide us with a great opportunity for supporters to connect with
others and show their generous philanthropy using social media.”
- Meredith Bryan, Vice President for Development and
Communications, The Home for Little Wanderers.
It Gets Better Project
YouTube & Beyond
With the goal of preventing suicide among
LGBT young adults, this Internet-based
nonprofit uses social media to convey
inspiring messages. The website
showcases YouTube videos of LGBT
adults telling their stories and encouraging
youth to stay strong throughout their
struggles. With over 50 million views, this
video project has seen incredible growth
since 2010.
Key Takeaway: YouTube and other
video sharing platforms are great
channels to spread your nonprofit’s
message. Encouraging individuals to
actively participate by speaking out
about their experiences brings a face
to your mission.
via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Gets_Better_Project
The Joe Niekro Foundation
#SurvivorSelfie
A nonprofit dedicated to supporting the
research and treatment of brain
aneurysms, AVMs, and hemorrhagic
strokes, the Joe Niekro Foundation
supplements their efforts with social
media activity on several platforms.
Their #SurvivorSelfie campaign is a
great example of igniting strength
within a community bravely fighting for
a cure.
Key Takeaway: Selfies have swept
the nation—and nonprofits are
starting to jump on board. Showcase
the fearless individuals whom your
nonprofit is fighting for and raise
awareness about your group’s cause.
via https://www.facebook.com/JoeNiekroFoundation
The Northeast Animal Shelter
Animal Features
Who can resist an adorable dog or cat
photo? One of New England’s largest
nonprofit, no-kill animal shelters has
brought irresistible cuteness to
Facebook by featuring shelter pups and
cats looking for homes. With nearly
300,000 likes on their page and
hundreds of shares on these pet
features, NEAS’s social media presence
has helped the team gain a strong, loyal
following.
Key Takeaway: For shelters, animal
features via social media are a great
way to reach a broader audience and
catch the attention of those who have
yet to visit the shelter or may have
never considered adopting.
via https://www.facebook.com/northeastanimalshelter
Operation Smile
Smile Steward
A volunteer medical service organization,
Operation Smile has developed a
program called Smile Steward to spread
awareness about the deformity of the
cleft lip and cleft palate. The program
encourages students to share their
knowledge of the condition over social
media—even providing sample tweets for
easy sharing. Operation Smile leads the
way in using social media as an
educational tool.
Key Takeaway: Today’s youth
understands the power of social
media. Even if they aren’t ready to
give, encourage them to get involved
with your nonprofit as social media
stewards to ensure the future of your
organization. via http://studentprograms.operationsmile.org/get-involved/create-awareness/
Peabody Essex Museum
#HistoricHouseCrush
As one of the oldest continuously
operating museums in America, PEM
extends its celebration of art and culture
by asking visitors to share their PEM
experience on social media. Visitors can
post photos and use the hashtag
#HistoricHouseCrush while visiting one
of PEM’s several reconstructed historical
houses around the North Shore area of
Massachusetts.
Key Takeaway: Let your fans do the
promoting! People love to show off
their latest adventures and excursions
on social media; tap into that behavior
to score some free publicity for your
organization or institution.
via http://connected.pem.org/now-trending-historichousecrush/
Project Aware
#DiveAgainstDebris
A growing team of divers working to
protect the precious ocean
ecosystems, Project Aware highlights
the work of its volunteer divers with
captivating videos and images of the
divers in action. Educating viewers
about the pressing threats that the
world’s marine life faces, Project
Aware brings visual attention to a
global movement for sustainability.
Key Takeaway: Volunteers are the
heart and soul of your nonprofit.
Make sure to feature their work over
social media to show appreciation
for their commitment to your cause!
via http://www.projectaware.org/about-movement
UNICEF
Ami Musa
Pinterest is often used to create wish
lists for expensive items, from
designer clothing to fancy furniture.
UNICEF flipped the script by creating
a fictional Pinterest profile for a 13-
year-old girl named Ami Musa, whose
Pinterest board featured basic
necessities such as food, clean water,
and soap. Each pin then led to a
giving page. UNICEF’s use of social
media surely made us all stop and
think about how we could contribute.
Key Takeaway: Challenge the
status quo and don’t be afraid to
be provocative in your nonprofit’s
approach to social media.
via https://www.pinterest.com/AmiMusa/really-want-these/
About EverTrue
Since 2010, EverTrue has been empowering fundraising teams with intuitive
web and mobile software. Today, 300+ nonprofit institutions, with a
combined $17 billion of giving data (and counting!), rely on EverTrue to
identify, prioritize, and manage their prospects.
With EverTrue, fundraisers spend less time and effort getting the answers
they need. We surface insights from your database as well as from our
powerful integrations with Google Maps, LinkedIn, Facebook, Zillow, and
more. And instead of waiting days for information and reports, fundraisers
equipped with EverTrue can find prospects in milliseconds, whether for
portfolio-building, moves management, trips, campaigns, or events - all in
one intuitive platform. EverTrue is headquartered in Boston, MA and is a
Bain Capital Ventures-backed company.

15 Nonprofits #CrushingIt on Social Media

  • 2.
    How Powerful IsSocial Media? Social media has come to define the way modern relationships are formed and maintained. In the nonprofit world, social media is an invaluable tool for organizations to foster meaningful connections by engaging supporters and igniting participation.
  • 3.
    The number ofsocial media platforms is constantly growing...
  • 4.
    Whether your organizationis small, large, or somewhere in between, learn a few tips & tricks from these 15 nonprofits...
  • 5.
    Boys & GirlsClubs of America #GreatFuturesMoment Featured directly on the Boys & Girls Clubs’ homepage, this nonprofit celebrates the academic achievements of the thousands of children’s lives it impacts under the hashtag #GreatFuturesMoment. With submissions from the nonprofit’s many branches—as well as from individual supporters—this social media initiative unites all those involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs from every corner of the nation. Key Takeaway: Make social media a priority. Supporters will understand and appreciate how much you value their communication and participation over these platforms from the get-go. via http://greatfutures.org/pages/
  • 6.
    The Bubble Foundation #WearYellowForSeth OnMarch 27, 2015, the whole world came together to support a young boy, Seth, in his fight against Severe Combined Immunodeficiency by wearing his favorite color, yellow. Sparked by his YouTube video (now with 20 million+ views), the social media campaign not only rallied support for Seth, but also for others with his condition as part of the small UK nonprofit known as the Bubble Foundation. Key Takeaway: One share can lead to millions of hits! Even small nonprofits can spark global awareness with the power of social media and its collaborative community. via https://www.justgiving.com/bubblefoundation/ via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tlTZSGhi-g
  • 7.
    charity : water $10kon 10/1 It’s 10/1/13. The mission? Raise $10k+ for clean water in Orissa, India. Through a series of Google Hangouts hosted by thought leaders and entrepreneurs, people participated by purchasing seats in the hangouts and posting to social media over a 24-hour period. The result? Success. Key Takeaway: Shorter social media campaigns can pack a bigger punch than longer ones. Build a sense of urgency around your nonprofit’s event to get people excited and involved quickly. via http://socialmediathon.org/category/entrepreneur-interview/
  • 8.
    Citizen Schools Daily TwitterThemes With over 10k followers, Citizen Schools has some major Twitter game. How did they get there? With their active social media presence. A successful tactic of theirs is posting highlights and anecdotes using the hashtags #MotivationMonday, #GivingTuesday, #WisdomWednesday, and the classic #tbt (Throwback Thursday). Key Takeaway: Creative methods, such as daily themed hashtags, can help you focus your content and keep your supporters engaged on a day-to-day basis. via https://twitter.com/cschools
  • 9.
    City of Hope #LastChemo Aleading nonprofit cancer research center, City of Hope features profiles on brave individuals who have conquered cancer. They’ve brought these stories to social media with the hashtag #LastChemo, showcasing the inspiring obstacles and triumphs of these patients and reflecting the impact that City of Hope continues to have on the lives of these individuals. Key Takeaway: Go beyond the numbers. Heartfelt, personal stories are greater reflections of your nonprofit’s work than any percentage could ever encompass. images via https://twitter.com/cityofhope
  • 10.
    The Dana FarberInstitute #DiscoverCareBelieve Ranked #4 on the Nurse Journal’s top 100 social media friendly hospitals in 2014, Dana Farber is a leader in leveraging social media to support their fight against cancer. Not only do they have profiles on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Google+, and even Vine, they encourage supporters to download one of their signs to post their own message of “how, why, or what you #DiscoverCareBelieve.” Key Takeaway: Embrace social media wholeheartedly and use it to discover exactly what supporters love about your organization. images via http://www.dana-farber.org/How-to-Help/Social-Media/What-do-you-Discover-Care-Believe.aspx
  • 11.
    The Field Museum @SUEtheTrex Amongtheir many other social media accounts, the Field Museum has created a Twitter account personifying SUE, the largest, most complete, and best preserved T. Rex in history. With nearly 10,000 followers and engaging daily content, SUE’s Twitter account doesn’t seem to be going extinct anytime soon. Key Takeaway: People often go to social media for a good laugh. Bring some lighthearted fun to your social media initiatives to brighten the day of your supporters and bring personality to your nonprofit’s brand. via https://twitter.com/SUEtheTrex
  • 12.
    The Home forLittle Wanderers #WhoAmI At their 11th Annual Voices & Visions fundraiser, The Home for Little Wanderers encouraged attendees to post on social media using the hashtag #WhoAmI in support of the event’s theme. Not only did it bring attention to the night’s festivities, but it also raised awareness for The Home’s work in child welfare, as they featured the inspiring artwork of the children in their care. Key Takeaway: Make your next fundraising event multidimensional by introducing a virtual experience. Drive attendance and awareness by encouraging guests to post, tweet, and Instagram throughout the night. via http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=news_events_voices_visions_photos#.Vbk_RxNViko
  • 13.
    “As an organizationthat embraced social media early on, today The Home for Little Wanderers uses multiple platforms—including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn—to stay engaged with donors, alumni, staff, and supporters of all ages. Events like our annual Voices & Visions gala and Generous Masters Golf Marathon provide us with a great opportunity for supporters to connect with others and show their generous philanthropy using social media.” - Meredith Bryan, Vice President for Development and Communications, The Home for Little Wanderers.
  • 14.
    It Gets BetterProject YouTube & Beyond With the goal of preventing suicide among LGBT young adults, this Internet-based nonprofit uses social media to convey inspiring messages. The website showcases YouTube videos of LGBT adults telling their stories and encouraging youth to stay strong throughout their struggles. With over 50 million views, this video project has seen incredible growth since 2010. Key Takeaway: YouTube and other video sharing platforms are great channels to spread your nonprofit’s message. Encouraging individuals to actively participate by speaking out about their experiences brings a face to your mission. via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Gets_Better_Project
  • 15.
    The Joe NiekroFoundation #SurvivorSelfie A nonprofit dedicated to supporting the research and treatment of brain aneurysms, AVMs, and hemorrhagic strokes, the Joe Niekro Foundation supplements their efforts with social media activity on several platforms. Their #SurvivorSelfie campaign is a great example of igniting strength within a community bravely fighting for a cure. Key Takeaway: Selfies have swept the nation—and nonprofits are starting to jump on board. Showcase the fearless individuals whom your nonprofit is fighting for and raise awareness about your group’s cause. via https://www.facebook.com/JoeNiekroFoundation
  • 16.
    The Northeast AnimalShelter Animal Features Who can resist an adorable dog or cat photo? One of New England’s largest nonprofit, no-kill animal shelters has brought irresistible cuteness to Facebook by featuring shelter pups and cats looking for homes. With nearly 300,000 likes on their page and hundreds of shares on these pet features, NEAS’s social media presence has helped the team gain a strong, loyal following. Key Takeaway: For shelters, animal features via social media are a great way to reach a broader audience and catch the attention of those who have yet to visit the shelter or may have never considered adopting. via https://www.facebook.com/northeastanimalshelter
  • 17.
    Operation Smile Smile Steward Avolunteer medical service organization, Operation Smile has developed a program called Smile Steward to spread awareness about the deformity of the cleft lip and cleft palate. The program encourages students to share their knowledge of the condition over social media—even providing sample tweets for easy sharing. Operation Smile leads the way in using social media as an educational tool. Key Takeaway: Today’s youth understands the power of social media. Even if they aren’t ready to give, encourage them to get involved with your nonprofit as social media stewards to ensure the future of your organization. via http://studentprograms.operationsmile.org/get-involved/create-awareness/
  • 18.
    Peabody Essex Museum #HistoricHouseCrush Asone of the oldest continuously operating museums in America, PEM extends its celebration of art and culture by asking visitors to share their PEM experience on social media. Visitors can post photos and use the hashtag #HistoricHouseCrush while visiting one of PEM’s several reconstructed historical houses around the North Shore area of Massachusetts. Key Takeaway: Let your fans do the promoting! People love to show off their latest adventures and excursions on social media; tap into that behavior to score some free publicity for your organization or institution. via http://connected.pem.org/now-trending-historichousecrush/
  • 19.
    Project Aware #DiveAgainstDebris A growingteam of divers working to protect the precious ocean ecosystems, Project Aware highlights the work of its volunteer divers with captivating videos and images of the divers in action. Educating viewers about the pressing threats that the world’s marine life faces, Project Aware brings visual attention to a global movement for sustainability. Key Takeaway: Volunteers are the heart and soul of your nonprofit. Make sure to feature their work over social media to show appreciation for their commitment to your cause! via http://www.projectaware.org/about-movement
  • 20.
    UNICEF Ami Musa Pinterest isoften used to create wish lists for expensive items, from designer clothing to fancy furniture. UNICEF flipped the script by creating a fictional Pinterest profile for a 13- year-old girl named Ami Musa, whose Pinterest board featured basic necessities such as food, clean water, and soap. Each pin then led to a giving page. UNICEF’s use of social media surely made us all stop and think about how we could contribute. Key Takeaway: Challenge the status quo and don’t be afraid to be provocative in your nonprofit’s approach to social media. via https://www.pinterest.com/AmiMusa/really-want-these/
  • 21.
    About EverTrue Since 2010,EverTrue has been empowering fundraising teams with intuitive web and mobile software. Today, 300+ nonprofit institutions, with a combined $17 billion of giving data (and counting!), rely on EverTrue to identify, prioritize, and manage their prospects. With EverTrue, fundraisers spend less time and effort getting the answers they need. We surface insights from your database as well as from our powerful integrations with Google Maps, LinkedIn, Facebook, Zillow, and more. And instead of waiting days for information and reports, fundraisers equipped with EverTrue can find prospects in milliseconds, whether for portfolio-building, moves management, trips, campaigns, or events - all in one intuitive platform. EverTrue is headquartered in Boston, MA and is a Bain Capital Ventures-backed company.