Communications Training for NonProfits
The Purpose PRogram is a pro-bono training program sponsored by Scott Circle Communications (SCC) to help small, nonprofit organizations boost their public relations knowledge. SCC is deeply committed to making the world a better place and already works with nonprofits, associations and corporate social responsibility programs that are raising awareness and advocating for issues that matter. With this mission in mind, we decided to start in our backyard, recruiting participants who are making an impact in our local community.
Our goal is to mentor nonprofit organizations in the DC-area by helping them build a communications plan that will accomplish their goals. We created this program at no cost to the participants who will receive customized and targeted public relations training from the SCC team over a six-month training course. Each month, participants will attend a virtual, two-hour workshop centered around a specific component of a communications strategy. Participants will walk away with a unique and targeted plan curated to help them reach their communications goals, a network of other communications professionals and ongoing support from a dedicated SCC mentor.
Do you need to find a new way to communicate with your audience about an event? Do you want to develop a thought leadership program for your executive director? Are you trying to keep your nonprofit top of mind with potential volunteers, donors, and the media? This may be the perfect opportunity for you!
PROGRAM FEATURES
Each class will focus on a different component of a comprehensive communications plan. Please note: All sessions will be conducted virtually, over video Zoom.
PRogram 1: Find your purpose
Find out more about the building blocks of a communications plan through storytelling.
PRogram 2: Messaging
Communication starts with figuring out your audience and how to reach and talk to them.
PRogram 3: Planning
Plan your communication outreach with different tools and tactics.
PRogram 4: Digital Engagement
Communicating through digital platforms is a must in today’s world; find out how to appropriately manage those messages with plans and tools.
PRogram 5: Media Outreach
Cultivating media relationships is an important aspect to help spread your message.
PRogram 6: Present your purpose
Each Purpose PRogram participant will present their plan to the class as their final assignment.
FAQs
1. How many participants are you interested in accepting?
We will select three or four participants to ensure a very hands-on experience with dedicated mentors.
2. Will SCC create the communications plan, or will the participant?
There is a template for a communications plan that will be used as a reference point throughout the six sessions. The participants will fill in the various parts of the plan as they attend each of the sessions and have mentorship meetings with SCC staff. At the end of the program, participants will walk away with a full communications plan that is customized to their organization’s goals and can be immediately implemented.
3. What level of experience is SCC looking for in participants?
There is no particular requirement in terms of experience in the PR/communications field. We anticipate that some participants may be new to a communications role, and some may need a refresher of best practices today.
4. Why is The Purpose PRogram targeted towards smaller nonprofit organizations (versus larger nonprofit organizations)?
The Purpose PRogram is interactive and customizable. One-on-one mentorships make it a great professional development resource for smaller nonprofits with fewer resources or smaller teams/budgets. We believe that The Purpose PRogram can help these nonprofits as they work towards strengthening their in-house communications and PR skills.
5. What made SCC decide to start The Purpose PRogram?
At our 2019 annual planning retreat, our team brainstormed ways to use our unique expertise and talents to help the community. Our discussions resulted in the birth of The Purpose PRogram, which we have developed to invest in our local DC nonprofit community.
6. If an organization has an established communications department but would still like to participate in The Purpose PRogram, is that ok?
The Purpose PRogram is designed to help participants learn the skills needed to identify goals and develop a communications plan. If a junior member of a communications department would like to use this as professional development training, we are happy to consider them for The Purpose PRogram. On the other hand, we do not think a director or manager of a ten-person communications department would benefit from this particular type of experience.
7. Does the same person have to participate in all six sessions?
Yes, for consistency purposes as well as for the one-on-one mentorship, we require that the same individual participates in all six sessions.
8. Does the nonprofit have to serve the District, Maryland and Virginia area?
Yes, all applicants must be from organizations that are located in the DC-area and also serve/provide services to the community here, too.
9. Where will the training take place?
To ensure the participants’ safety and our staff, all six training sessions will take place virtually on a Zoom video conference call. Each session will be two hours on the designated days below in the application section.
APPLICATION
Important Application Dates
Application Period November: 29, 2022—March 3, 2023
Application Deadline: March 3, 2023
Purpose PRogram Finalists Announced: April 3, 2023
Eligibility Requirements for The Purpose PRogram:
Participant must be part of a nonprofit organization located and servicing the DC-area
The organization has to have been in business for at least two years
Proof of 501c3 - EIN number
Additional Requirements: You must be able to attend all in-person seminars. The sessions will take place at our offices: 1307 New York Ave., NW; Suite 702 in Washington, D.C. The dates for the 2022 sessions are below.
Thursday, May 18, 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Thursday, June 15, 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Thursday, July 20, 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Thursday, September 21, 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Thursday, October 19, 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Thursday, November 16, 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. ET
CONTACT & MEDIA
Questions or comments?
Contact Robin Morgan, vice president at rmorgan@scottcircle.com or call 202.695.8225
