Let's Think About It
Too often, messaging in the philanthropy and nonprofit world is bogged down by jargon, acronyms, and complex language that distances people from the important work being done. If people can’t quickly understand what you do and why it matters, how can they be expected to support you?
Now, more than ever, your ability to win in the court of public opinion is as critical as the work itself. With increasing scrutiny on philanthropy and nonprofits and an evolving policy landscape that can affect operations or funding, simplifying your message isn’t just about good communications—it’s about survival.
The Problem: Jargon Creates Barriers
If you work in philanthropy, you’ve probably seen messages like these:
- We advance equitable capacity-building initiatives for at-risk populations.
- We drive intersectional systemic change for marginalized communities.
- Our approach centers on multi-stakeholder collaborations to amplify impact.
While these statements may be accurate, they don’t connect with the average person. They lack emotion, relatability, and most importantly, clarity. This disconnect has consequences. It makes it harder for the public to grasp the value of your work, which in turn makes it harder to mobilize donors, advocates, and stakeholders to support you.
Why should it matter to you?
- Public Perception Shapes Policy and Funding
Recent government actions have signaled a growing skepticism toward philanthropy and nonprofits, with vague executive orders questioning the tax status or funding for these groups. If the public doesn’t understand what you do, they are more likely to distrust or disregard your work.
- Attention Spans Are Shorter Than Ever
In the digital age, you have seconds to make an impression. If your message isn’t clear and compelling right away, you risk losing your audience.
- Trust and Connection Drive Support
People stand up for and donate to causes they understand and believe in. If your messaging is too complex, you may be losing potential supporters who would otherwise champion your work.
How to Simplify Your Messaging
Here's a great test–could your aunt, neighbor, or a high school student understand what you do in just a few sentences?
1. Ditch the Acronyms and Industry-Speak
- Instead of: "We implement DEI-centered interventions to foster inclusion."
- Try: "We help companies build fair and inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued."
2. Focus on the People You Serve
- Instead of: "We provide capacity-building support for under-resourced communities."
- Try: "We help families in need access safe housing, good jobs, and quality education."
3. Use Storytelling to Create Emotional Impact
- Facts and data are important, but stories make your work personal. Instead of leading with statistics, highlight a real person’s journey and how your organization made a difference.
4. Make Your Call to Action Simple and Clear
- Whether you want people to stand up for your work, donate, sign a petition, or volunteer, tell them exactly what to do in as few words as possible: “Donate today to help a child stay in school.”
How We Can Help
At Fire & Bliss, we specialize in helping philanthropies and nonprofits communicate their work in a way that resonates with their core audiences, stakeholders, policymakers, and potential donors.
Our approach includes:
- Messaging audits to refine and simplify how you talk about your mission.
- Strategic storytelling to create emotional connections with your audience.
- Crisis communication strategies to navigate political challenges and misinformation.
- Media and public speaking training to ensure your leaders speak with clarity and confidence.
Your work is too important to be lost in translation. Let’s make sure people understand, support, and champion what you do.
Ready to sharpen your messaging? Let’s talk.
