For nonprofit organizations, donations and contributions are the driving force behind their ability to fulfill their missions and create meaningful impact. That’s why building genuine, lasting relationships with donors and supporters is so important. But what does it take to truly connect with donors and cultivate loyalty?
Strategic storytelling.
Donors don’t want to feel like a checkbook – they want to feel genuinely connected to the cause they support. And when it comes to developing this sort of emotional investment, nonprofits must go beyond just sharing facts and figures. Data – while important for validating a cause – also makes it feel abstract. To make a mission feel human, nonprofits need to shift their approach to storytelling that highlights the actual humans and communities being helped.
At MJ2 Marketing, this type of storytelling is something that we specialize in.
Our Approach to Nonprofit Marketing
Working with a boutique agency like MJ2 Marketing means our clients experience personalized, high-touch marketing solutions that are backed by data and tailored to their needs. Over the years, we’ve worked with countless nonprofit leaders, including Executive Directors, Boards, and professional fundraisers, to develop impactful digital marketing strategies that support campaign efforts and elevate the story of why their work matters.
In doing so, we don’t just drive awareness – we give nonprofit leaders valuable time back to focus on what matters most: building donor relationships and driving their mission forward.
Here are a few examples of non-profit clients we’ve walked alongside:
Case Study: Dublin Food Pantry | “Everyone Eats Here” Campaign
Our 2022 partnership with Dublin Food Pantry and Cramer & Associates on the “Everyone Eats Here – #FeedDublin” capital campaign is a powerful example of using strategic storytelling to drive donor support.
The campaign’s goal was to raise $3 million to purchase and renovate a new facility for the Pantry – one that could better serve the growing needs of the Dublin community. To lay the foundation for this effort, we conducted in-depth community research and engaged key stakeholders in conversations to fully understand the need for the Pantry.
Using these insights, MJ2 developed the campaign’s central theme: “Everyone Eats Here”. We crafted not only creative assets, but also the campaign’s voice and messaging, to bring this theme to life. Our goal was to tell the story of the Dublin Food Pantry in a way that felt personal and real and to show the true need in the community and the powerful impact donors could have by getting involved.
Case Study: One Dublin | “Spread Sunshine” Initiative
More recently, MJ2 partnered with One Dublin to launch the “Spread Sunshine” campaign – an initiative aimed at reintroducing the organization following its rebrand from Welcome Warehouse. Though One Dublin’s name had changed, the mission remained the same: to support Dublin neighbors facing challenges through small acts of kindness.
To help bring new visibility to their cause, MJ2 developed fresh creative, including updated iconography and a full social media refresh. These assets were used to promote the opening of the new location of the One Dublin Community Free Shop and encourage monetary donations to help ensure basic needs were met for those facing unexpected job loss, health crises, or other disruptions.
The Cleveland Pops Orchestra
Our collaboration with The Cleveland Pops Orchestra is a unique example of how strategic branding and digital marketing can significantly enhance brand awareness, ticket sales, and donor engagement.
In our initial discovery, we found that The Cleveland Pops faced several pressing issues, including an aging audience that led to a decline in ticket revenue, as well as a lack of modern marketing efforts.
To tackle these challenges, MJ2 executed a comprehensive strategy featuring a complete brand revitalization, including a new logo, tagline and thumb stopping creative. We launched this alongside email campaigns, paid and organic social media efforts, and updated landing pages to engage a younger, mobile-friendly audience – without alienating its core supporters.
Ohio State Parks Foundation (OSPF)
MJ2 has also worked closely with the Ohio State Parks Foundation (OSPF) to drive donor engagement, increase donations, and inspire referrals through a variety of strategic digital campaigns. As part of our strategy, we collaborated closely with the OSPF leadership team on the development and execution of specific campaigns around giving opportunities, providing social media, email, and design support, including the creation of the logos for OSPF and the Heart of the Parks membership program.
Why MJ2 Marketing?
We understand that every nonprofit has a story worth telling and when it is told with intention and heart, it can move people to act. Through our personalized, high-touch approach, we don’t just help organizations meet their fundraising goals; we help them forge deeper donor relationships and elevate their impact.
Whether you’re launching a capital campaign, refreshing your brand, or simply looking for a partner who “gets it,” we’re ready to help you bring your mission to life through smart, strategic storytelling. Let’s work together to tell the story your donors won’t forget.
