www.mtnonprofit.org

SITUATION
In 2009, Gallatin Public Affairs partnered with the Montana Nonprofit Association to launch a pilot program to help its member groups improve communication efforts.

Called the “Excellence in Nonprofit Communications” grant, the idea was unique. The recipient would be teamed with a small group of professionals who were donating their time and expertise to build or restart a successful, comprehensive communications strategy to help the nonprofit organization succeed.

The first recipient was Helena Food Share, a local food bank. The organization’s director, Ann Waickman, had often struggled to balance day-to-day operations with a fundamental goal – eliminating hunger in the community. Said Waickman: “There’s no reason our neighbors should go hungry. Ever.”

STRATEGY 
Gallatin helped Waickman and her volunteer board develop a succinct message that would resonate with the community – volunteers, donors, corporate sponsors – and raise the group’s profile as an organization that could really make a different.

OUTCOME
In the fall of 2009, Helena Food Share held a community event and news conference to unveil a new logo, new Web site and a new, succinct message: “Creating a Hunger-Free Community.” The pilot program was extended, and the partner professionals, including Gallatin Public Affairs, remain involved on a pro-bono basis to help nonprofit organizations succeed.