826michigan is a nonprofit writing and tutoring center serving 2000 students annually in Ypsilanti schools. With a small staff and budget, it relies on creativity for funding. It markets through efficiency, free contributions, and sponsorships. It uses testimonials from teachers, parents, and students in marketing. It builds alliances through volunteers' networks and relationships with donors, patrons, and companies. It hosts weird events and operates a weird retail shop to showcase its unique approach, having no fear of weirdness in marketing itself.

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826michigan
Amanda Uhle, Executive Director

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Nonprofit Marketing
What are the possibilities when budgets are so slim?
Marketing To How 826michigan
Nonprofits Markets Itself
• Efficiency • Using powerful
• Free stuff! people
• Alliances &
social networks
• No fear of
weirdness

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But, first!
A little context
 826michigan is a free writing and tutoring center, serving
about 2000 students ages 6 to 18 annually.
 Most work is in Ypsilanti Public Schools, but we operate a
headquarters and retail shop in downtown Ann Arbor.
 We have a tiny staff and a massive volunteer base.
 Because programs are totally free, we have to be very
creative about funding.

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Marketing To Nonprofits
Efficiency
Mission is
foremost.

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Marketing To Nonprofits
Free Stuff!
In-kind No fees
contributions

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Marketing To Nonprofits
Free Stuff!
Sponsorships

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Marketing To Nonprofits
Bottom line:
We have usually have little money, but we
have invaluable resources.

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
Using Powerful People

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
Using Powerful People

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
Using Powerful People
 Quinn Strassel, Huron High School Teacher,
“826michigan’s volunteers literally
change my life and the lives of my
students every single time you
visit my classroom.”

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
Using Powerful People
 Julia Colvin, parent of 826michigan tutoring student
“826 has inspired my child. He has
struggled with writing in school for
many years. The positive, accepting
attitude of 826 volunteers has been
so beneficial for a child who is not
social or successful in school and so
important to our family.”

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
Using Powerful People
 Manuel, 14 years old, 826michigan tutoring student
“You get to be yourself and get
your homework done on time.”

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
Alliances and Social Networks

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
Alliances and Social Networks

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
Alliances and Social Networks

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
Alliances and Social Networks

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
Alliances and Social Networks
 Volunteers’ employers
 Donors’ friends
 Companies we patronize
 Making relationships reciprocal

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
No fear of weirdness
Weird store

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
No fear of weirdness
Weird store

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
No fear of weirdness
Weird store

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
No fear of weirdness
Weird store

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
No fear of weirdness
Weird events

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How 826michigan Markets Itself
No fear of weirdness
Weird events

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Marketing To Nonprofits
Bottom line:
Use who you know, especially those who
are passionate about your work.
Make every connection you can; those are
more valuable than cash.
Be yourself!

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826michigan
115 E. Liberty Street
www.826michigan.org