Why should nonprofit organizations blog? To shape public opinion, position oneself as an expert on an issue, give volunteers and supporters a voice, and tell stories from the field (showing donors the impact of their contributions). A blog may also significantly increase traffic to an organization’s website, since web content is refreshed frequently through blogging.
In turn, a blog may garner media attention; journalists learn which local organizations are opinion leaders on certain issues through your blog. The personal commentary that is the hallmark of a good blog humanizes an organization and its mission.
Importantly, a blog needs to be updated frequently–once weekly as a rule of thumb. Nothing will make an organization look more overwhelmed and out of touch than a blog that’s been languishing for months without an update. Other blogs suffer from design issues that make them difficult to read, and lack varied content (read: photos and videos) that would entice the reader. Brevity and a focus on stories and commentary are key.
Listed in no particular order, here’s a round-up of 30 diverse Connecticut nonprofits who are blogging as part of their social media strategy. Take a look: who’s doing it well?
1. United Way of Greater New Haven
3. Danbury Museum and Historical Society
6. Connecticut Sports Foundation
7. Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut
9. Arts Council of Greater New Haven
10. Connecticut Humanities Council
11. Foodshare
12. New Britain Museum of American Art
14. Connecticut Nurses Foundation
15. connCAN
16. Operation Hope
17. Americares
19. Wallingford Public Library (3 blogs–general, children’s, teen)
20. Connecticut Trolley Museum
21. Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity
22. Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund
24. Wellspring
25. Connecticut Health Foundation
28. Health Care For All Coalition
29. Madison Land Conservation Trust
30. Health Justice Connecticut
Stay tuned for more from me on blogging best practices for nonprofits. If done well, blogging can be a key strategy for engagement.
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Photo by m.a.r.c, “I want change”, 12/24/04, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License



{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Thanks for the blog love, Carol! In complete agreement about your tips for good blogging.
Thanks too for curating the list. I’ll be sure to check out some of these other blogs that I’ve missed.