20 Feb 2013 2 Comments

6 steps to reinforcing your nonprofit’s credibility


Your nonprofit’s credibility is directly tied to your reputation. The more credible you are the better reputation you have. Strong credibility is especially important when asking for donations. An integral part to a donation decision lies in whether an individual feels an organization is credible or not – essentially asking, will my hard earned money be used legitimately? Donors assess your credibility as a way to manage risk.

Here are 6 ways to build your nonprofit’s credibility.

1. Consistency, consistency, consistency

One of the best ways to build credibility is to be reliable. This means being consistent, clear, and exact with your messaging and actions. When your nonprofit says it’ll do something, do it. Make sure you deliver what you promise. Trust is built on a foundation of kept promises. A good track record will do wonders for your credibility.

2. Deliver greatness

Delivering extraordinary results makes you credible. It establishes authority. Not only can you talk the talk, you can walk the walk. Note, a nonprofit can be consistent but never delivery value. If you want to boost credibility, your organization must consistently delivering greatness.

3. Be risk free

Limit risk by letting others verify you through unmistakable metrics. Back up your claims with undisputable numbers. What are the facts that support your statements?

Can you limit risk by giving away free products or information? Does your nonprofit have a blog a potential donor can subscribe to? Can your organization wave any fundraising minimums for first time fundraisers? How can you limit any barriers to adoption?

4. Positive testimonials matter

Strong, positive testimonials hedge social risk. Are there other credible individuals who can back up your claims? Can someone exceptionally credible like the Dalai Lama point to you and say, “This (your) nonprofit is doing excellent work.” Boost your credibility by leveraging others’ reputations. Note that people will only recommend you if you have a good track record, if you don’t they run the risk of tainting their own credibility. This is the reputation economy.

5. Look the part to play the part

Though your mother warned against this, people often judge a book by its cover. If your nonprofit has a poorly designed website, numerous spelling mistakes in an email, or out of date information, you will look less credible. You don’t have to look like a million bucks but you should keep up appearances. It’s the little things that count!

6. Step away from the curtain – Transparency is key

Be transparent with how you process donations. Where do the funds go? How are you helping the cause? What are the dollar breakdowns? Don’t just assume your donors will trust what you’re doing with their money. They want to make sure their donations are being put to good use. Be open and accessible.

Credibility takes time, losing it doesn’t

This is your nonprofit’s name. Nurture it and treat it well. There are no short cuts.

online fundraising, peer-to-peer fundraising, nonprofit software

Photo Courtesy Dell’s Official Flickr Page 2012

by Dan Fonseca in Nonprofit Resources Tags: