Non-profit Influencer Marketing: A Comprehensive Guide For 2024

Influencer marketing for nonprofits has become a game-changer in building effective digital strategies.  Although influencers are often linked with commercial brands, they can be just as impactful for nonprofits as well, even if they don’t seem like an obvious fit at first. 

By collaborating with influencers who align with their mission, nonprofits can foster authentic connections, inspiring not just awareness but active support, whether through donations, event participation, or volunteering. With the right partnerships, nonprofit influencer marketing can help with building a community of dedicated advocates, turning online engagement into meaningful action.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE RIGHT INFLUENCERS FOR A NONPROFIT ORGANISATION

To truly resonate with the target audience, it is essential to partner with influencers who embody the spirit of the nonprofit organisation. Influencer marketing for nonprofits can be particularly effective when connecting with individuals who inspire their followers to take meaningful action. Here are five recommendations for nonprofit organisations to connect with the right influencers.

Look for influencers who align with your mission

Identify influencers who naturally reflect your nonprofit’s mission and values. For example, an organisation focused on environmental conservation might partner with eco-conscious influencers like Kathryn Kellog. Known for promoting a low-waste lifestyle, Kathryn frequently collaborates with sustainable brands and organisations. Influencer marketing for nonprofits can be especially impactful when influencers already champion causes aligned with yours. For instance, in one of her posts, Kathryn supported the ‘How Life Unfolds’ campaign by the Paper and Packaging Board, furthering her commitment to mindful living.

Collaborate with micro-influencers

Micro-influencers, with their close-knit communities of under 100,000 followers, may not have the largest audiences, but they’re certainly more engaged. Their authenticity makes them both impactful and relatable. For example, Delilah Isabel, a sustainability-focused micro-influencer, could be the perfect fit for eco-conscious organisations looking to forge a genuine connection.

@delilah_isabel

This is 100% not just on her but it does point to a much larger problem that needs to be discussed. A big fanbase and a lot of good deeds don’t absolve responsibility and accountability – they aren’t mutually exclusive. #taylorswift #jacksweeney #taylorswiftprivatejet #climatechange

♬ original sound – Delilah

Find influencers with already established credibility and trust

Partner with influencers who have cultivated trust and credibility within their niches. Influencer marketing for nonprofits can significantly elevate your organisation’s reputation by collaborating with inspiring thought leaders like Baraa Bolat, renowned for her dedication to raising awareness and funds for orphaned children in need of care. 

Check creator’s content quality

Ensure that the influencer’s content resonates with your brand’s quality standards and tone of voice. Captivating visuals and engaging captions can profoundly influence how your message is perceived.

Evaluate audience demographics 

Make sure the influencer’s audience matches your target demographic. Tools like Creator IQ can help you understand and verify the demographics of your ideal supporters.

IDEAS FOR NONPROFIT INFLUENCER MARKETING

Once you have identified the right influencers to partner with, it is time to start brainstorming creative campaign ideas. Influencer marketing for nonprofits works best with purposeful and effective strategies. Here are a few to consider:

Engaging Influencers at nonprofits’ events

Invite influencers to be part of your nonprofit’s offline events! Their presence can transform the atmosphere, spark excitement, and capture media attention. As they share real-time updates and personal reflections, influencers have the power to spotlight the incredible work your organisation is doing. To create a buzz and draw in more attendees, they can announce their participation on social media, inviting their followers to join in on the fun and experience the impact firsthand. Let their enthusiasm amplify your cause and make the event unforgettable!

Hosting live stream sessions

Harness the power of live streaming to create a dynamic connection with your audience. Host engaging sessions where influencers share their personal stories and insights tied to your cause, breathing life into your mission in an authentic way. This interactive experience not only sparks excitement but also builds a strong sense of community, inviting followers to join in the conversation.  As they engage in real-time, influencer marketing for nonprofits can deepen the audience’s connection to your cause, turning followers into passionate advocates.

Sharing knowledge through educational content 

Join forces with expert influencers to craft educational content that both informs and inspires your audience. Opt for dynamic formats like articles, infographics, social media posts, and videos that shine a light on themes central to your nonprofit’s mission. Influencers can bring their unique perspectives to the table, transforming complex topics into relatable narratives that resonate with their followers. Influencer marketing for nonprofits benefits when influencers bring their unique perspectives to the table, transforming complex topics into relatable narratives that resonate with their followers.

Featuring influencers in podcasts

Podcasts are a uniquely powerful way to engage listeners on a personal level, creating space for deep, meaningful conversations. By featuring influencers who are passionate about your cause, you can reach new audiences while sharing the heart and soul of your mission. Invite these influencers to be guests or even co-hosts, giving them the chance to share their personal journeys, insights, and motivations for supporting your work. Influencer marketing for nonprofits through podcast discussions fosters a genuine connection with listeners, encouraging them to see your cause through the eyes of someone they admire.

Documenting influencer’s visit to the organisation in a vlog format

Bring your mission to life by inviting influencers to experience and document a day at your organisation through a vlog. This behind-the-scenes content captures genuine reactions and interactions, providing an authentic look at your nonprofit’s daily impact. In this case, influencer marketing for nonprofits allows followers to gain an inside view of your work, helping to create a stronger, more personal connection to your cause. This approach not only highlights your efforts but also encourages followers to feel part of the journey, bringing them closer to the heart of your mission.

@milliegooch

HELP 🦮 #rescuedog #rescuedogs #rspca

♬ original sound – Millie Gooch

Written by: Polina Obratzsova