Maybe cause affinity and brand awareness were enough to attract loyal supporters to nonprofits a decade ago, but the rules have now changed. Like their for-profit peers, nonprofit marketers are being forced to rethink marketing strategies and maximize their digital presence in order to compete for attention in a crowded online space.
Social media is just one of many advanced platforms that are defining how nonprofits compete for visibility, loyalty, and donations. While it goes without saying that nonprofit marketers should be mindful of where their audiences reside online when choosing social media platforms, many are looking to Twitter to help drive cause awareness, thought leadership, news updates, and fundraising goals.
So what makes a nonprofit Twitter account worthy of following?
- Inspirational stories?
- Striking photos?
- Compelling videos?
- Engaging or funny tweets?
Arguably, any one or all of the above characteristics can play an important role in making a nonprofit Twitter feed stand out. We’ve created a list of 10 awesome nonprofit Twitter accounts we follow (and you should too). Take a look below.
1. The Nature Conservancy (@nature_org)
Their mission: To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends
Why we follow them: Besides having breathtaking nature photographs, this account is an excellent source of information on ecological preservation. Followers can learn all about the dynamics of climate change and wildlife refuge, as well as interesting nature facts. And who can resist those fun quizzes?
2. Bread For The City (@BreadfortheCity)
Their mission: To provide vulnerable residents of Washington, DC with comprehensive services, including food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services, in an atmosphere of dignity and respect
Why we follow them: The Bread for the City Twitter feed projects an aura of enthusiasm and gratitude to engage and rally their supporters. We also recognize their willingness to tweet about broader issues in the community in which they serve, including news and events on behalf of other local causes.
3. The Humane Society (@HumaneSociety)
Their mission: To provide direct care, rescue, and services for animals in crisis
Why we follow them: The images alone on this feed are enough to capture the hearts of animal lovers and drive supporters to join the national fight against animal cruelty. Besides all the cuteness, you’ll find tweets about new legislation, pet adoption, and some yummy-looking meatless Monday recipes (for humans).
4. The Kennedy Center (@kencen)
Their mission: To increase opportunities for all people to participate in and understand the arts
Why we follow them: Where shall we begin? Well let’s start with stunning performance photos—both past (#TBT) and present—National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) video clips, behind the curtain peeks at dress rehearsals, and free concert announcements. Shall we go on?
5. St. Jude (@StJude)
Their mission: To advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment
Why we follow them: St. Jude’s Twitter account features heartwarming photos/videos and inspirational stories profiling some of the most courageous kids imaginable, along with their families. A fair share of #TBT photos and quotes from Danny and Marlo Thomas are also featured prominently in the feed.
6. Little Kids Rock (@littlekidsrock)
Their mission: To ensure that all students have the opportunity to unlock their inner music-maker
Why we follow them: Little Kids Rock tweets about the value of music education and illustrates their mission with photos and videos of kids rocking out across the country with instruments donated by supporters. From time to time, you can catch these kids sharing the stage with some big-name artists.
7. Girl Effect (@girleffect)
Their mission: To change the world for girls and enable girls in their unique capacity to change the world
Why we follow them: Girl Effect leverages their Twitter account to present a strong advocacy voice for international issues relative to girls, including gender equality. Aside from powerful images of girls and uplifting quotes from prominent supporters, followers can expect to see infographics used to shed light on disparity statistics and other cause-related proof points.
8. DoSomething.org (@dosomething)
Their mission: To impact every cause, from poverty to violence to environment to literally everything else—any cause, anytime, anywhere
Why we follow them: Expect to find plenty of diverse conversations on this feed. These guys are tweeting about campaigns related to education, water conservation, homelessness, child welfare, anti-bullying, and so much more. They also do an amazing job at using Twitter to engage with and shout out to individual supporters.
9. Wounded Warrior Project (@wwp)
Their mission: To honor and empower Wounded Warriors
Why we follow them: The Wounded Warrior Project’s Twitter feed primarily focuses on bringing awareness to the challenges faced by injured vets and their families. Followers can count on compelling stories and images, as well as tweets highlighting successful programs and services made possible by their generous supporters.
10. Heifer International (@Heifer)
Their mission: To work with communities to end world hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth
Why we follow them: Heifer International takes their battle against hunger and poverty to Twitter with giving campaigns front and center on its feed. There’s also an engaging mix of stories, interactive quizzes, and educational “Did you know?” features. But the central call-to-action is always clear: Give now!
Feel free to share some of your favorite nonprofit Twitter accounts in the comments.
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