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How to create the perfect communications toolkit

How to create the perfect communications toolkit

When we get fellow advocates, board members, families, business leaders, faith leaders, and youth themselves involved in a cause, we’re unstoppable. But our partners and fellow advocates are BUSY. Like...eat some guac, chips and an apple for dinner and call it a well-balanced meal kind of busy. (It's me. I'm fellow advocates).

That's why to get partners involved, we need to make group advocacy easy. That’s where communications toolkits come into play.

Here are some questions and tips to get you started.

Brand/Materials Creation, Writing and Messaging, Media Relations, Storytelling, Nonprofit Communications, Communications CampaignsNiki JuhaszJanuary 20, 2026nonprofit grant proposals, grant proposal best practices, communications in grant proposals, nonprofit communications, nonprofit grant writing, how to write a nonprofit grant proposal

How to get people to remember your message

How to get people to remember your message

We all have our favorite stats. (Okay, maybe not all of us. But at Forthright, we have our favorite stats. We’re nerds.) One of mine is about what it takes for people to REALLY remember your message. It’s called the Marketing Rule of Seven, and it’s pretty simple.

A person has to see or hear a message about seven times before it starts to resonate. Add to this number (say… 14 times) if your topic is particularly tricky, such as infant mental health or adolescent brain development.

The key to the Marketing Rule of Seven is twofold:

Using the same or similar message to build understanding, interest and buy-in
Repetition, repetition, repetition

You start with your core messaging. You make sure *everyone* in your organization is using it. And then you use it everywhere, over and over. Not only does this save your team time and effort, it helps your audience remember your message, too!

So what does this look like? We’re glad you asked! Here’s just one example of it in action.

Brand/Materials Creation, Digital and Social Media, Communications Campaigns, Writing and Messaging, School District Marketing, Nonprofit CommunicationsNiki JuhaszJanuary 20, 2026how to save nonprofit team time, save foundation team time, how to make communications easier, creating nonprofit materials, creating foundation materials, Marketing Rule of Seven

Plan smarter in 2026 🚀

Plan smarter in 2026 🚀

I’m not the first person to tell you that more change is coming.

We need to take all the skills we’ve developed over the past few years and be nimble.

Right now, we’re telling most of our clients to create a three-month communications plan instead of an annual plan.

Simplify by breaking the work into quarters and be honest about what’s realistic with your capacity.

Here’s how to make it happen.

Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit Communications, Hiring and PeopleKatie Test DavisDecember 10, 2025strategic planning, communications plan, request for proposal, hiring consultants, nonprofit marketing, quarterly planning, capacity building, 2026 planning, agile methodology, nonprofit leadership

The real secret to coalition success

The real secret to coalition success

We’ve all felt that magic moment in a coalition meeting. That instant when two dozen different perspectives click into place behind a brilliant idea. We build coalitions for this very reason – to make change happen that can’t happen when we work in isolation.

I’ve helped manage coalitions, led task forces and been just a quiet participant, so I've also seen the flip side of that magic: the drain of 50 reply-all email chains about scheduling, meetings that drag, alignment that never quite crystallizes.

It’s no wonder this friction saps coalition members’ energy and stalls progress. Coalitions are often powered by passionate people squeezing this work in on top of demanding jobs.

This brings me to the real secret of coalition building. A coalition is only as effective as its internal communications. How we communicate *internally* creates the trust and alignment needed to win *externally.*

Writing and Messaging, Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit CommunicationsKatie Test DavisNovember 17, 2025internal communications, coalition communications, nonprofit coalition, communication strategy, meeting facilitation, email strategies, nonprofit leadership

From a not-for-profit to a yes-we-profit!

From a not-for-profit to a yes-we-profit!

Lately, we’ve seen an influx of nonprofit clients who are coming to us ready to turn their beloved programs into profit centers for their organization. Clients who are taking programs that have historically been paid for by foundations, and instead of solely relying on funding, figuring out ways to make them replicable, accessible and cheaper.

They are rethinking their income streams. While doing that, they are reclaiming their own self-sufficiency.

Ready to reclaim your non-profit’s power and become a yes-for-profit? Here are four phases and some questions to get you started.

Brand/Materials Creation, Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit CommunicationsKatie Test DavisNovember 12, 2025nonprofit revenue, earned income for nonprofits, nonprofit sustainability, how to generate revenue for a nonprofit, nonprofit business models, fee for service nonprofit, social enterprise, nonprofit leadership, nonprofit mindset shift

3 tips to start Year-End Giving off right

3 tips to start Year-End Giving off right

Before I joined Forthright, I worked at a DC nonprofit for several years. In my role, I focused on our policy initiatives and external communications. But I also partnered closely with our talented development team. (Hats off to them – that work is not easy.)

While it’s been nearly a decade since then, the key best practices I learned have stood the test of time.

I’m sharing them with you here as many of us gear up for Year-End Giving season.

Storytelling, Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit CommunicationsNiki JuhaszOctober 30, 2025nonprofit grant proposals, Year-End Giving Campaigns, building strong donor relationships, donor management, how to keep donors, how to keep supporters, nonprofit fundraising, fundraising

We dare you to say less

We dare you to say less

Starting my career in policy, I loved the long and winding wonky road. I believed more detail meant more credibility, and my early training taught me to love a 10-dollar word instead of a perfectly perfect 10-cent word. Our most important job, especially in 2025, is to be generous with our audience's time. That means doing the hard work of making our message simple. Here’s how to make it happen.

Digital and Social Media, Brand/Materials Creation, Writing and Messaging, Media Relations, Storytelling, Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit CommunicationsKatie Test DavisOctober 15, 2025nonprofit communications, advocacy, clear messaging, jargon, storytelling, call to action, strategic communications, simple writing, core messages, nonprofit leadership

Scaling a strong, consistent brand message

You are ambitious.

You want everyone to know your organization – you want the front page of the paper, the brightest billboard in Times Square, every celebrity endorsement.

You need to ensure you have a strong, consistent brand message. Yet you’re a small nonprofit., so (of course) you’ve got caviar dreams on a tuna fish budget.

You know what we say to that? Keep dreaming big.

Here’s our guide to making a big brand splash with a small team.

Brand/Materials Creation, Writing and Messaging, Media Relations, Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit CommunicationsKatie Test DavisOctober 6, 2025nonprofit marketing, branding, brand consistency, core messages, communications strategy, spokesperson training, marketing on a budget, public relations, nonprofit communications, small business branding, brand messaging, storytelling

Your 4-step advocacy playbook

Your 4-step advocacy playbook

It’s not just you. It’s… uh… very LOUD out there lately.

In a media landscape buzzing with endless options and digital noise, how do you make sure your organization is heard?

This quick guide will walk you through a proven framework to build a campaign that not only gets noticed, but gets results.

Let's get to work.

Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit CommunicationsKatie Test DavisSeptember 25, 2025call to action, audience targeting, nonprofit marketing, public affairs, campaign strategy, advocacy campaign, storytelling, nonprofit, strategic communications, social impact, messaging

Get cooking on LinkedIn 📈

Get cooking on LinkedIn 📈

In the advocacy world, LinkedIn feels like The Place to Be right now. Partners, funders, nonprofit leaders… decision-makers are all in the room, and the conversation is not quiet.

Maybe your executive director shares bold takes, or your VP of Programs highlights on-the-ground partners.

❓But, is your organization’s LinkedIn page doing what it should be?

If LinkedIn is the room where it happens, are you using this space to drive connections with the people who matter most and the people who make decisions … or is it more like a bulletin board without a strategy?

Communications Campaigns, Digital and Social MediaKatie Test DavisSeptember 19, 2025LinkedInStrategy, NonprofitComms, DigitalStrategy, LinkedInforNonprofits, SocialMediaStrategy, ContentStrategy

🤖 Is AI helping supporters find your org?

🤖 Is AI helping supporters find your org?

Is it just us or is the conversation about AI… a lot?

Yes, AI is quickly changing the way supporters and advocates connect with your mission. Today, we’re walking you through what this shift means and what you can do about it.

Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit Communications, Writing and MessagingKatie Test DavisAugust 21, 2025AI for nonprofits, ChatGPT, AI optimization, mission-driven messaging, nonprofit communications, foundation communications

How to get your board's buy-in

How to get your board's buy-in

We’ve all been there. You and your team have poured endless hours into crafting the perfect communications strategy or advocacy plan. You’re proud, you’re excited… but there’s one last step: bringing it to your board.

As a leader at a foundation or nonprofit, you know that board buy-in is so much more than a rubber stamp or a vote of approval. You want early, sustained trust and partnership that turns a great plan into a smashing success. Getting to that feeling of being "all in" together is the result of a thoughtful, ongoing process.

Here are four simple shifts in the way you work to get that process in motion and earn that buy-in… every time.

Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit CommunicationsKatie Test DavisJuly 17, 2025nonprofit communications, nonprofit board, board members, communications planning, communication goals, strategic communications, getting buy-in, nonprofit leadership

How to fund comms through grants

How to fund comms through grants

You’re working on that big grant proposal. I’m talking hours of research, planning and writing to craft that perfect pitch. But before you send it, wait! Did you remember to budget for actually telling people about the great work you’ll do if you win the funding?

Today, I’m sharing why you should include communications in your grant proposal.

Brand/Materials Creation, Writing and Messaging, Media Relations, Storytelling, Nonprofit Communications, Communications CampaignsNiki JuhaszJune 26, 2025nonprofit grant proposals, grant proposal best practices, communications in grant proposals, nonprofit communications, nonprofit grant writing, how to write a nonprofit grant proposal

The lawn sign that changed my life

The lawn sign that changed my life

It’s finally – FINALLY starting to warm up. (Your girl is not meant for the winter.) That means some days, I’ll take a lunch run to enjoy the sunshine.

I was on one of these runs last week, bored and thinking about needing to mix up my exercise routine. And then I passed a lawn sign. It simply said:

Free Outdoor Workout Classes

And then included a QR code.

While I’ve been a TAD dramatic saying it changed my life, this is brilliant marketing.

Here’s why:

Nonprofit Communications, School District Marketing, Brand/Materials Creation, Digital and Social Media, Communications Campaigns, Writing and MessagingNiki JuhaszMay 20, 2025billboard best practices, lawn sign best practices, smart marketing for nonprofits, smart marketing for associations, smart marketing for foundations, how to catch my audience's attention

Unlock your advocacy role

Unlock your advocacy role

Deepa has supported and led social justice work for over two decades with a focus on immigrant communities. Currently, she is the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Building Movement Project where she develops programs and narratives on solidarity and social movements.

Figuring out where you fit as an advocate – and how you can make the most positive impact – can be tough, especially when things are changing. Every. Single. Day.

We see this challenge, and we simply say: Game on.

That’s why I recently interviewed author, lawyer and activist Deepa Iyer. Deepa is the brilliant mind behind the Social Change Ecosystem Map (pictured above).

This tool helps you (and your organization) find your place in the justice and equity-focused movements we work within every day.

During our conversation, Deepa shared how to find your footing in turbulent times.

We’re including Deepa’s thoughts (from her point of view!) below.

Storytelling, Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit CommunicationsKatie Test DavisMay 15, 2025your role in the revolution, social change ecosystem map, Deepa Iyer, cp, communications campaign planning, coalition mapping, coalition roles, storytelling, storytelling for nonprofits

Why I’ve got LFG energy

Why I’ve got LFG energy

I’ve heard many experts compare the first few months of 2025 to the first few months of the COVID pandemic. People are feeling unsure, overwhelmed, confused and paralyzed. (That’s by design, by the way.) Yet, we learned during COVID that pausing your outreach and communications work is the wrong choice.

While we may need to shift our work – to change it to meet the moment – coming to a standstill is ultimately harmful for our communities. Here’s what you should do next.

Brand/Materials Creation, Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit CommunicationsKatie Test DavisApril 28, 2025nonprofit advocacy right now, how to move our advocacy forward, nonprofit storytelling campaigns, association storytelling campaigns, foundation storytelling campaigns, storytelling best practices, social media advocacy

How to find your trusted messengers

How to find your trusted messengers

In times of mistrust, it’s time to call in the reinforcements and boost your trusted messenger game.

Messengers are the people who influence your target audiences. They can support your work in a variety of ways – from sharing your posts on social media, to posting about your programs on their neighborhood listservs to sponsoring your programs.

Trusted messengers are people, or groups of people, your audiences are most likely to listen to. We’re sharing more strategies to harness their power in this blog.

Brand/Materials Creation, Most Popular, Writing and Messaging, Communications CampaignsEmily SwartzlanderApril 16, 2025trust, messengers, trusted messengers, messaging, audience research, core messaging, audiences, know your audience, finding the right messenger, identifying the best messenger

Why your people are stuck + how to fix it

Why your people are stuck + how to fix it

People are ready to fight back. They are ready to help. They are ready to "make good trouble."

Your audiences are looking for someone to tell them what to do.

If you’re a nonprofit or association leader, the person they are looking to is YOU. 🫵We’re sharing tips for how to do empower them today.

Most Popular, Brand/Materials Creation, Writing and Messaging, Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit Communications, About ForthrightKatie Test DavisApril 7, 2025flooding the zone, overwhelming your audiences, freeze mode, messaging clearly, simplify your messaging, building clarity in messaging, single ask messaging

Unlock stronger coalition comms with a unified brand

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how coalitions can improve advocacy efforts by aligning around core messages and creating easy-to-use resources to better reach your audiences.

Today, I want to talk about the next step in successfully communicating about your coalition: creating a coalition brand.

Most Popular, Brand/Materials Creation, Writing and Messaging, Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit Communications, About ForthrightKatie Test DavisApril 4, 2025brands, branding for advocates, coalitions, coalition comms, advocacy, partnership, how to brand, branding coalitions, coalition branding best practices

Perfect your post-conference email

Perfect your post-conference email

It’s the last day of your conference. You’ve been pounding the hotel hallways and working from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. You’re exhausted and ready to sleep in your own bed. But there’s just one thing left to do – send the final, perfect email to cap off your perfect conference.

Here are four tips to hit a game-winning home run for your last email to conference attendees.

Nonprofit Communications, Digital and Social Media, Communications CampaignsKatie Test DavisMarch 27, 2025conference, email best practices, association conference best practices, nonprofit conference best practices, your conference email sequence, how to send smart conference emails, what to send after your conference