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How to avoid the dreaded "scramble" 🍳

How to avoid the dreaded "scramble" 🍳

It’s a familiar feeling. You know the one…

“OOPS! We completely forgot. It’s time to do that project again.”

It sounds like…

“Oops – we totally forgot to start on the Annual Report and now we need to run a sprint to meet the big donor meeting deadline.”

“Oops – we forgot to do our yearly update of the website, and now an important policy partner is reviewing last year’s outdated information.”

It’s the WORST! I hate it when an annual project that you KNOW (gosh darn it!) happens every year sneaks up on you, and you’re left scrambling to get it done.

So let’s make a pact – eh? This year will be the last year that projects sneak up on you from behind and spook you into action. Here’s how to prevent the dreaded scramble.

🤖 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

KAK Orlando Conference Recap

KAK Orlando Conference Recap

The Forthright team just got back from sunny Orlando, Florida, for the annual Krimes Against Kids conference.

It’s a powerful event that brings together everyone from law enforcement and child protective services to survivor advocates.

Honestly, being in a room with so many people dedicated to protecting children was just incredible. As a firm that only works with organizations that help kids and families, we left feeling totally inspired.

Niki and I even had the chance to present on a topic we're incredibly passionate about: Reaching Families Without Internet Access.

In a world that’s so online, it’s crucial to remember that not everyone has the same level of connectivity.

Digital and Social Media, Writing and Messaging, Storytelling, Nonprofit Communications, About ForthrightKatie Test DavisAugust 21, 2025Krimes Against Kids, Florida, Florida communications firm, Florida public relations firm, Florida child advocacy, Communications for Florida advocates, Nonprofit marketing, Children's advocacy centers, Social media for nonprofits, Community outreach, Conference recap, Digital divide

Ensure reporters attend your next event

Ensure reporters attend your next event

So you’re going to host an event. And…you think it’d be great if local reporters were there.

Time for a media advisory!

Media advisories are essentially a heads-up to journalists about an upcoming event, such as a media briefing or a conference presentation. (Not to be confused with a press release – media alerts are much more basic.)

Today, we’ll break down when to use them, share some tips and even show you a (Harry Potter-themed) sample…

Media Relations, Nonprofit Communications, School District MarketingNiki JuhaszAugust 7, 2025nonprofit grant proposals, media alerts, media advisories, media relations, how to write a media advisory, example media advisory, when to send media advisory, media alert example, media advisory tips, media advisory best practices, event planning, how to get journalists to attend your next event

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

Is it time to redesign your website?

Is it time to redesign your website?

The average lifespan of a website is 2 years and 7 months, according to OrbitMedia.

Which probably makes you wonder…When was the last time you updated your organization’s website?

My guess is that it’s been longer than 2 years.

Is it time for a website update or redesign? Maybe.

Here’s how to tell.

School District Marketing, Nonprofit Communications, Hiring and PeopleKatie Test DavisJuly 11, 2025webite redesign, How to know it’s time to refresh your website, Signs its time to redo your website, Redevelop website, Changing mission on website, Updating website look and feel

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

Why you should share the happy

Why you should share the happy

Data shows that a little happy goes a long way, from building stronger teams to reducing negative feelings overall. Today, we’re sharing how we share the happy at Forthright, along with research-backed tips for how you can share the happy within your own organization!

Nonprofit Communications, About Forthright, School District MarketingNiki JuhaszApril 21, 2025how to build a happier team, compassion fatigue, how to recognize your staff, nonprofit teams, foundation teams, association teams, nonprofit management, foundation management, association management, nonprofit best practices

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

Our best project management tips

Our best project management tips

You worked so hard on that campaign. It’s so, so close to finished…and then someone comes in and blows it all up. 💥

We’ve all been there. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You CAN have smooth processes and easy review rounds. We promise a brighter future exists.

Today, we’re sharing three tips – tactics we use with our own clients – to make sure your projects have a clear process and a clean launch.

How do we do it? Let’s dive into our special sauce.

Nonprofit Communications, Brand/Materials Creation, Communications Campaigns, School District MarketingNiki JuhaszMarch 19, 2025smart nonprofit project management, how to get design feedback, how to plan a nonprofit project, smart foundation project management, smart association project management, association communications, foundation communications

Help People Donate Anonymously

Help People Donate Anonymously

I’ll say it – things are pretty 🍌 bananapants 👖right now.

That means we have to adjust how we work and what we share to meet the moment.

That’s why today, we’re talking about a new challenge we’re seeing under the current administration – along with your specific next steps to adjust.

Nonprofit Communications, Writing and MessagingNiki JuhaszMarch 14, 2025donor trends, how to attract donors, new nonprofit trends, how to communicate with donors, 2025 donor relations data, nonprofit communications best practices

Calling coalitions: 3 steps to advocate effectively

Calling coalitions: 3 steps to advocate effectively

Coalitions have the power to create real, lasting change for children and families. And in times of uncertainty (like – you know – right now), coalitions can be particularly powerful.

But to create successful advocacy campaigns, coalitions need thoughtful, data-backed communications that work for all partners involved. On top of that, coalition leaders must ensure your work together is aligned so audiences can understand your vision and know how to take action and support your efforts.

Fortunately, coordinating your coalition’s communications work is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Nonprofit Communications, Writing and Messaging, Brand/Materials Creation, Communications CampaignsEmily SwartzlanderMarch 7, 2025coalitions, advocacy, coalition comms, toolkits, logic model, partnerships, network, advocates

How to message $ cuts with clarity

How to message $ cuts with clarity

You’ve heard the news. We all have.

“There are major cuts coming to nonprofit funding.”

“Funding is being stripped from federal grants.”

“School districts face funding cuts.”

That leads you to the following question: What should you do when you need to talk about funding cuts…even while the news is still unfolding?

As a leader, your role as a communicator is really critical right now.

The heaviness is real. Freezing or waffling could create panic or more confusion.

That’s why today, we are offering three tips to help you communicate clearly about funding cuts.

Nonprofit Communications, Writing and Messaging, Media Relations, About ForthrightZoe Alexis WhitehornFebruary 26, 2025communications leadership, crisis communications, advocacy', internal communications

Get the right eyes on your new report

Get the right eyes on your new report

So you have new data, and you want to share that information with the world!

A report release can be a wonderful way to get eyes on your organization. But, take it from me – as someone who LOVES a good, ole’ fashioned report release – they can be a TON of work.

Before you start putting pen to paper, I want to share a few key questions to ask yourself as you prepare for your own report release.

Digital and Social Media, Brand/Materials Creation, Writing and Messaging, Media Relations, Storytelling, Communications Campaigns, Nonprofit CommunicationsKatie Test DavisFebruary 17, 2025report, report release, report writing for nonprofits, public relations for research reports, data visualization for reports, education research dissemination, nonprofit report release strategy, early childhood policy report, how to engage stakeholders with data, visualizing data in education reports

5 web basics to know before designing a website

5 web basics to know before designing a website

You’ve used a bad website before.

It takes forever to load. You can’t find what you’re looking for. The text blurs as you try to read it.

You can avoid these mistakes by going back to the basics of web design. Whether you’re revamping your decade-old website or starting from scratch, ask yourself these five questions:

Accessibility, Nonprofit Communications, Digital and Social MediaKatie Test DavisFebruary 3, 2025web design, web writing, bad website, web requirements, homepage, call to action, creating a nonprofit website, how to create good websites, how to start a website, smart web design