Three Miami non-profits breaking through the noise

For most non-profits, investing in marketing and public relations is considered a luxury.  But with 1.44 million nonprofits in the U.S. competing for donations, it’s vital to effectively communicate your message to prospective supporters.  Good news is you don’t need a big budget or celebrity endorsement to launch a creative public relations or marketing campaign.

Here’s a look inside a few Miami non-profit campaigns that are breaking through the noise.

Switchboard’s Bachelor Auction

It’s easy to get behind Switchboard of Miami, which provides telephone counseling and crisis hotlines for individuals, families and high-risk youth in Miami-Dade County. In an effort to raise funds for Switchboard’s programs and services, the organization’s Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) decided to ditch the black tie chicken gala and create a bachelor auction – one of the most anticipated events of the year.

By offering reasonably priced tickets to the event and a cocktail reception, the organization has exceeded yearly attendance and fundraising goals. In addition to providing a fun and interactive event for supporters, new business relationships and even a few love connections have resulted from the event. And thanks to our very own Yudi Fernandez, who sits on the WLC, the event has been featured in a number of newspaper and magazine articles and television segments.

Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science’s Venus Orbit program

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science launched the Venus Orbit initiative in an effort to bring together women to support the construction of the museum’s new planetarium. The “Galactic Team Captains” recruit nine women to join and donate $1,000 each toward the project. So far, 1,000 women have joined and the museum has raised $1 million.

InterContinental Miami Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

In 2014, the iconic InterContinental Miami hotel joined with the Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale chapter to raise breast cancer research funds. Through “Canvas for the Cure,” supporters donated $50 in honor of a friend or loved one.  In return, the honoree’s name appeared on the building’s 19-story digital canvas. Names were visible for miles away and across Biscayne Bay. 100% of the proceeds went directly to the nonprofit organization.