Unconventional (and Free) Ways to Promote Your Nonprofit

Marketing budgets at nonprofits are often tight (or nonexistent). That constraint can actually be an advantage. When you don’t have money to throw at ads or other paid channels, you’re forced to be creative, scrappy, and strategic about where you show up.

Here are a few overlooked (but effective) ways to get your organization talked about. Whether that means your current audience has expanded opportunities to engage with and share your content, or a way to capture attention from new fans, these are opportunities that you can run with to make a splash.

1. Request a mayoral or gubernatorial proclamation

If your organization has something worth celebrating like an anniversary, awareness week, or milestone, see whether your city or state offers official proclamations. Many do, and the application process is usually straightforward.

Turn the signing into a moment: invite media, funders, and partners; take photos; and share them across your channels. It’s an easy credibility boost and a natural hook for coverage.

2. Create a national day or month

We’ve shared this tip before, and one reader has confirmed it works. If you have an advocacy push or fundraising moment coming up, consider tying it to a national day or month. Don’t see one that fits? You can create your own and make it annual. It gives your audience a clear reason (and deadline) to engage, donate, or share.

3. Co-brand with a local influencer

Influence doesn’t have to mean millions of followers. Look for people your community already pays attention to: a local sports figure, meteorologist, musician, or small-business champion. Invite them to be an official ambassador for your cause.

Start with your existing supporters. You may already have a strong advocate in your donor base. Reach out directly, offer simple talking points, provide swag, and engage with their content. The worst that can happen is that they say “no” or leave you on read. And here’s what we’ve discovered – most of the time people really want to help if they’re able and you make it easy for them to support you!

4. Look for nonprofit or community columns in local media

Many outlets run nonprofit roundups or community sections that are easier to access than full feature stories. Even a short mention about a new initiative or upcoming event can build momentum and sometimes lead to deeper coverage later – especially if you consistently provide them with good content and are responsive and helpful with their requests. Building a relationship with the people curating these columns can be a great way to become a known entity at their publication.

5. Post your events on every community calendar you can find

Chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, neighborhood associations, and local media often host free event calendars. If the public is invited (think: galas, speakers, family events), submit everywhere. It’s low-effort visibility.

6. Stay in touch with the national players

If your organization is connected to a larger, national organization or association, don’t overlook opportunities to be featured on their channels. Stay in touch, and keep them in the know with what you’re doing. You may think that national coverage doesn’t impact your day-to-day, but a feature from a bigger organization can lend credibility to what you’re doing locally.

7. Invite people to tour your organization or meet the people you serve.

Allow elected officials, athletic teams, and other influencers the opportunity to see your work up close. Here’s how to make the most of a visit.

8. Ask local sports teams and farmers markets if they offer tables to nonprofits during their events.

Many sports teams and farmers markets have community tables that allow nonprofits to talk with attendees about their work. Explore if this is an opportunity in your area.

Free promotion isn’t about doing more. It’s about noticing opportunities others overlook.