Long Island Imagine Awards’ Post

I'm almost afraid to post this. I know there are many who vehemently disagree. However, I've just read another post about how social impact organizations should get out of the event business. And I get it. I really do. But I don't fully agree. I understand that many in the social impact space seriously dislike events or put up with them as a necessary part of our work. Why don't we like them? They tend to have high costs to raise a dollar. We rarely factor in staff time to the expense ratio and too often -- they don't align with our mission. Further, events come with a high opportunity cost. Small staff teams find their time hijacked with event details instead of researching grant opportunities or meeting with potential individual donors or stewardship of current donors or professional development. Events often involve a considerable amount of volunteer management. However, events are also a relatively accessible way for a wider group of donors and potential donors to support and share in our mission. They are a good 'first gift' opportunity for individuals who want to learn about our work. As long as they are part of a diversified revenue generation portfolio and either woven into the organization in a seamless and integrated manner (i.e. a signature event) or delivered as a fully third-party community event -- I think they have their place. For me, signature events are most effective when we can afford to invest in experts like Hala Events & Communications Inc. Third-party community events are a joy when we have amazing folks like Anita Dhillon and Navdeep Gill who are leading the charge this weekend for the Ride for Raja in support of Peel Children's Aid Foundation. Finally, and equally important to thinking and caring about donors, sponsors, volunteers, board members and the communities we work alongside, as they relate to events, so too must we ensure we are doing our best for the staff team. I'm grateful every day for this incredible team. We are accomplishing great things together and that makes every day meaningful, purposeful and a privilege. (Missing from the photo are Joan Forde and Nada Ali who manage the Community Care Centre.) Thanks for all you do Joan, Nada, Christopher Kannampuzha, Farzana N., Ambar Syed, CFRE, BA, (me), Taqwa Ibrahim and Ursula Ladner #GoTeamGo #SocialImpact #philanthropy #events #purpose

I will never understand why sponsors for events will not allow their donated dollars to go towards accessibility or want to fully sponsor to ensure their events and conferences are accessible! To you I say… Missed Opportunities for Inclusivity: By not allocating sponsorship dollars toward accessibility, events miss the chance to create inclusive spaces that welcome all attendees, including those with disabilities Negative Brand Perception: Sponsors risk being associated with exclusivity and inaccessibility, which can harm their reputation and alienate potential customers or clients Legal and Ethical Concerns: Accessibility isn’t just a courtesy—it’s often a legal requirement, and failing to prioritize it could lead to compliance issues or ethical criticisms Limited Reach and Impact: Ensuring accessibility allows events to reach a wider audience, maximizing the sponsor’s exposure and ROI through a more diverse and engaged attendee base Demonstration of Corporate Responsibility: Investing in accessibility shows a sponsor’s commitment to equity and social responsibility, aligning with values that are increasingly important to consumers #AccessibleEvents #DonationDollarsForAccess #RemoveTheAsk ID: a green background with white font that reads make your event accessible for everyone

Why SSI 𝐂𝐚𝐧 Feel Misaligned for Nonprofits (and How to Fix It) LinkedIn’s 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐱 (𝐒𝐒𝐈) is inherently sales-focused, measuring prospecting, relationship-building, and brand influence—metrics that 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦 mismatched for nonprofits that don’t “sell” in the traditional sense. However, the disconnect stems from framing, not SSI’s core value. 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲: |||● 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦: SSI’s sales-oriented language (“selling”) alienates nonprofits focused on 'mission-driven engagement', not transactions. Nonprofits prioritize storytelling, donor retention, and community trust—goals not explicitly reflected in SSI’s scoring algorithm. Worse, aggressive sales tactics (e.g., cold outreach) can damage a nonprofit’s authenticity. |||● 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐱: 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐒𝐈 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐒𝐒𝐈’𝐬 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐝: 1. Professiadoptedand (SSI Pillar 1): A polished LinkedIn presence attracts donors, partners, and grantmakers. Share impact stories, not “pitches.” 2. Engagement (Pillar 3): Commenting on posts by foundations, corporate CSR teams, or influencers builds visibility without “selling.” 3. Relationships (Pillar 4): Use LinkedIn to nurture long-term partnerships (e.g., sponsors and volunteers) instead of chasing quick wins. |||● 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐒𝐈: - Targeted Ads: Google’s $10k/month Ad Grants drive donations and event sign-ups from audiences *actively searching* for causes. - Immediate Action: Donors in “giving mode” click ads to donate; LinkedIn engages those in “learning mode.” |||● 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: - SSI for Trust: Use LinkedIn to position your nonprofit as a thought leader (e.g., articles on systemic issues you address). - Google for Conversions: Deploy ads for fundraising campaigns, volunteer drives, or urgent calls-to-action. |||● 𝐊𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 SSI isn’t “negative”—it’s a tool often misapplied. Nonprofits should 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 but leverage LinkedIn’s network for stewardship, advocacy, and partnership cultivation. #NonprofitLeadership #SSIForGood #NonprofitMarketing #FundraisingStrategy #DigitalStorytelling #CSRPartnerships #GoogleAdGrants #SecretsOfNextLevel

In the dynamic world of philanthropy, nonprofits are constantly exploring innovative ways to maximize their impact. One of the most effective strategies is the formation of strategic partnerships. These collaborations can significantly benefit nonprofits, offering a multifaceted approach to success that can propel your organization to new heights. 1. Strategic partnerships can take various forms, including corporate sponsorships, joint campaigns with other nonprofits, and collaborations with companies that specialize in nonprofit support. Each of these partnerships brings unique benefits and opportunities for growth. 2. Corporate sponsorships provide a platform for nonprofits to demonstrate their trustworthiness and social responsibility, appealing to the modern consumer. These partnerships often involve a mutually beneficial marketing strategy, where businesses show their willingness to support a worthy cause, improving their public image and becoming part of a larger cultural conversation. 3. Joint campaigns with other nonprofits offer a chance to increase the overall good your organization can accomplish. Collaboration is transformative, allowing nonprofits to take on a new structure and a shared mission, functioning in balance with the greater whole. 4. Collaborations with companies that specialize in nonprofit support can help your organization optimize its online presence. By incorporating SEO strategies and keyword research, your organization can increase its visibility and reach a wider audience,. However, forming strategic partnerships is not just about securing funding and resources. It's about building relationships, learning from those who have achieved what you aspire to, and creating opportunities to help others. It's about intentionally pursuing personal relationships with leaders, donors, and influencers, showing appreciation, and opening doors to new opportunities. Remember, each partnership should be tailored to the specific goals and needs of your organization. When approaching businesses for partnerships, it's crucial to clearly communicate your mission and the impact you hope to make. By leveraging the power of strategic partnerships, nonprofits can build stronger relationships with their communities and achieve their goals more effectively. In conclusion, strategic partnerships offer a powerful tool for nonprofits to maximize their impact, reach a wider audience, and achieve their goals. So, let's embrace these partnerships and take our organizations to new heights! #Nonprofit #StrategicPartnerships #Philanthropy #CorporateSponsorships #JointCampaigns #NonprofitCollaborations #SEO #KeywordResearch

🌟 Elevating Nonprofit Impact Through Thought Leadership 🌟 In today's rapidly evolving landscape, nonprofits must embrace innovative strategies to achieve their missions. One powerful approach is thought leadership—a vital strategy that not only amplifies our voices but also steers our organizations toward greater impact. Thought leadership is about sharing insights, sparking conversations, and influencing the sector with fresh perspectives and actionable ideas. By positioning ourselves as experts and visionaries, we can inspire change, attract support, and drive our missions forward. Here are key takeaways on harnessing thought leadership for nonprofits: ✅ Authenticity is Key: Be genuine and share stories that resonate with your audience. Authentic voices build trust and credibility. ✅ Engage with Your Community: Listen to your stakeholders, understand their needs, and address their challenges. Engagement fosters loyalty and a deeper connection to your cause. ✅ Consistent Value Creation: Regularly provide valuable content that educates, informs, and inspires. Consistency reinforces your position as a thought leader. ✅ Collaborate and Share Knowledge: Partner with other leaders, organizations, and sectors to amplify your reach and impact. Knowledge sharing accelerates progress for all. #NonprofitLeadership #ThoughtLeadership #Impact #NonprofitSector #CommunityEngagement #JECG https://lnkd.in/ewQp8GzS.

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, effective outreach is critical for organizations striving to make a meaningful impact. Whether it's a community event, a charitable initiative, or a corporate social responsibility program, outreach efforts help organizations connect with their audience, build trust, and foster positive relationships. At the heart of these efforts lies the need for strong executive leadership. Here’s 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 top reasons why having executive leadership in outreach events is essential: ➡ 𝙎𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙤𝙣𝙚 Executive leaders are the visionaries of an organization. They have a clear understanding of the organization's mission, values, and long-term goals. ➡ 𝙀𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 Having executives lead or participate in outreach events enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of the organization. ➡ 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 Outreach events often present opportunities for forming strategic partnerships with other organizations, businesses, or community groups. #DevelopingExecutives | #Outreach | #StrategicPlanning | #KeepingtheClientourFocus | #doxandassociates ➡ To learn more, check out the full version in the latest DOX Blog here: https://lnkd.in/ecNm2_Uc

Community Events As A Tool for Development. By Fatima Muritala Do we have a goal in mind when we plan events, aside getting contents for social media? Activities aimed at raising awareness and enlightening people are excellent ways to connect with diverse #communities, advance knowledge, create education, and support #policy implementation processes. Considering the impact of interpersonal #communications between beneficiaries & state actors during and after the event should also be a priority in event design; a good audience analysis makes this efficient. A strong physical and mental bond takes place during events, it also give the opportunity to share stories that could inspire change. As a #development strategy, community engagement requires more than just conjecture; it needs to be deliberate and goal-oriented. The first thing I look for when I see events aimed at raising awareness or addressing poverty, enlightening farmers, developing #communities, and other related topics is "what proportion of beneficiaries, state actors & policy makers are present at the event? Imagine creating a program to raise #cancerawareness and finding that, of the total attendees, only 5% were cancer patients. How many participants will actually return after the event to #educate the primary benefactors? There is a need to prioritize audience analysis when designing an event. How long do we plan to keep creating, implementing, and innovating policies in order to achieve the desired results? We might consider redefining our event management systems to better track interactions that culminate in success stories from grassroots initiatives. Event planning is a strategic tool for raising awareness, sharing knowledge, networking, and development, among other things—but only if we give careful consideration to making the most #significant attendees of the event available. #communication #StrategicPlanning #communityevents #strategydevelopment #communitydevelopment #stakeholders #nonprofit

🎤 Call for Speakers XLerate is back -- and with a twist! If you know us already, you know that XLerate is low on institutional ‘old ways of conferencing’, and high on understanding what the nonprofit sector needs now, and delivering that in a compelling event that leaves people challenged, their purpose renewed, feeling connected and inspired. What we’ve been hearing is that we need a place to gather, talk and listen to other leaders, facing similar challenges. We need to hear other perspectives, new ideas and ways to solve problems around: ➡️ Stale nonprofit tropes and narratives, ➡️ Brand equity and the fight for positioning in a corporate-brand-dominant society, ➡️ Team culture and wellness, ➡️ Technology, AI and the uncertainty of where, when and how to invest ➡️ Board governance, and ➡️ Impact and measurement. We’re hearing that with everything getting harder (fundraising included), new approaches in leadership are critical. But leaders don’t have the tools, supports or expertise to make critical decisions as well as they want to. That’s why we’re excited to announce our first XLerate Symposium! Happening in Toronto November 13th, this one day event brings together senior leaders, thought provokers, and visionaries, to ask -- and generate answers to -- some of our sector’s biggest questions. deliver the most impact for you. So why not join us as a speaker. Apply today: https://lnkd.in/giDggy-G by October 1st! Gather with other leaders for a day to share, learn, connect and energize. The XLerate Symposium organizing team: Candela Strategies Inc., Ryann Miller Consulting, and Engaging Networks #Conference #Nonprofit #Fundraising #Charity

🥂 Registration Now Open for DIDF 15 Years Anniversary Gala Dinner! Back in 2009, Dialogue in the Dark launched in Hong Kong, followed by the opening of Dialogue in the Dark Exhibition opened on February 20, 2010. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate 15 remarkable years! Originally founded as a social enterprise, Dialogue in the Dark has evolved into a charitable organization dedicated to promoting social inclusion. Over the past 15 years, we have continuously evolved, innovated, and transformed to meet challenges head-on. We invite all our supporters and partners to join us in commemorating this significant milestone and to reflect on our achievements and contributions together. 🎉 The dinner will feature exciting programs and performances, including a Fireside Chat hosted by Mr. Stephen Chan, with participation from Mr. John Tsang, Mr. Chong Chan-yau – Chairman of the Board, and other social innovators. 🔥 Additionally, there will be a variety of interactive booths for you to experience. With such a rich program, be sure to arrive early! 🥂 Details of DIDF 15 Years Anniversary Gala Dinner Date: 20 February 2025 (Thursday) Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Booths and Registration Open 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Gala Dinner Venue: Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel(180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong) All proceeds from the dinner, after deducting costs, will be donated to Dialogue In The Dark (HK) Foundation to support our operations and continue our 5 Pillars of Social Projects in the coming years, including: Social Education, Special Need Education, Services for the Elderlies, PoDs Employment, and Inclusive AI applications. 🏆 “I&D Appreciation Awards 2025 Awards Presentation Ceremony” will also take place on the same day at 5:00 pm, where Dialogue in the Dark will present awards to organizations contributing to social inclusion. Please register in advance to attend the award ceremony; registration details will be announced shortly. #DialogueintheDark #DialogueExperience #15YearsAnniversary #PeopleofDifferences #I&DAppreciationAwards2025

🎉 Join us on Friday, September 13th, 2024, for the 40th anniversary of the San Antonio and South Texas Chapter’s annual Education Conference! 📅 Why sponsor? Influence, impact, and unparalleled access to decision-makers in South Texas nonprofits.  -Influence and Impact: Our network spans 75 organizations with over $1.4 billion in annual budgets and $4.4 billion in assets, providing your brand with unparalleled access to decision-makers in South Texas nonprofits.  -Strategic Alignment: By sponsoring this event, you will reach nonprofit professionals looking for solutions that align with their goals. Your support helps you meet your own corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives while contributing to nonprofits mission- driven initiatives.  -Brand Visibility: Tailored sponsorship packages ensure maximum brand exposure at the conference, whether through direct engagement at the Exhibit Hall or recognition during the event sessions. With your support, we can magnify the impact of mission-driven nonprofits and empower fundraisers as catalysts for change across South Texas. Together, we aim to:  +Create a networking opportunity for nonprofit professionals, promoting interagency collaboration, idea sharing, and effective resource stewardship.  +Provide cost-effective continuing education opportunities for nonprofit professionals at every stage of their career.  +Provide a framework for ethical fundraising that adapts to the ever-evolving landscape of our contemporary society.  +Recognize and advance the work of emerging leaders in the San Antonio & South Texas nonprofit landscape. #AFPConference #SponsorOpportunity #40thanniversary #strategicalignment #sanantonio #educationconference