In this latest episode of GrantTalk, Libby Hikind, CEO of GrantWatch and author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, chats with friend and expert PR professional, Sandy Collier of Hey, Sandy! PR & Communications. Together, they highlight the role of public relations (PR). They explore transformative stories and effective strategies for success, and why PR is essential for creating opportunities, fostering trust, and amplifying impact, particularly for nonprofits and small businesses.
Hey, Sandy Explains Why PR Matters for Nonprofits and Small Businesses 🌟
Nonprofits rely heavily on community support for funding, volunteers, and board members. Yet, as Sandy points out, “You can have the best program in the world, but if nobody knows who you are, then what’s the point?” PR bridges that gap, ensuring your mission resonates with the community and inspires action.
PR helps:
- Raise awareness about your organization.
- Attract donors, volunteers, and stakeholders.
- Establish credibility and trust.
- Highlight your impact on the community.
Sandy emphasizes that PR isn’t an optional expense; it’s an investment: “You can’t afford not to have PR!”
Getting Started with PR 📣
For organizations new to PR, the process begins with preparation. Much like being “grant-ready,” as Libby highlights, you must have your ducks in a row. Sandy shares an inspiring story of working with Lisa from Love Serving Autism. When Lisa first approached Hey, Sandy, she wasn’t ready to leverage PR effectively. However, after taking a year to organize her licenses, programs, and goals, Lisa reconnected with Sandy and was fully prepared.
The results?
- A successful pickleball challenge.
- Two galas that raised over $300,000.
- A $100,000 grant from Impact 100.
- Expansion into franchise nonprofits.
Maximizing the Benefits of PR
PR isn’t just about media coverage; it’s mostly about storytelling, and both Sandy and Libby love telling a good story! They help nonprofits and businesses communicate their vision and build lasting relationships with both funders and their audience. Storytelling (for both PR and grant writing) ensures your message reaches the right people at the right time.
Like Sandy says, “People need to know what your business is, why it’s important to the community, and how it’s making a difference.”
Successful public relations (PR) is never a one-and-done effort. And, since relationships are the backbone of PR, they take time and effort to cultivate. The news industry receives thousands of press releases daily, so standing out requires a PR team with established connections and the ability to tell your story in the most compelling way.
Hey, Sandy’s Advice on Choosing a PR Firm
When choosing a PR firm, consider their ability to understand your goals, their relationships within the media, and their track record of success. The chemistry between your team and the PR firm is also super important. You must feel comfortable enough to collaborate closely. For example, it’s essential to have someone on your team who is skilled in building off of what your PR firm offers.
However, as Sandy points out, hiring a PR firm is a personal decision. Choosing a team that aligns with your goals and understands your mission is critical. At the start of the relationship, a good PR firm will provide a thorough questionnaire to assess your objectives, past efforts, and readiness for public exposure. This lays the foundation for a tailored strategy that includes creating bios, press kits, and headshots—key elements for showcasing your organization professionally.
PR Tips for Nonprofits and Businesses
- Develop Strong Relationships: Connect with journalists and media outlets to ensure your press releases are noticed.
- Create a Professional Image: Invest in high-quality headshots, updated bios, and a polished press kit.
- Maximize Media Coverage: Share every appearance widely and repurpose it for various social media platforms.
- Understand the Process: PR takes time; set realistic expectations and commit to the journey.
Libby Hikind and GrantWatch
As the conversation turns to the need for understanding and accessing grant funding, Libby’s expertise also shines through. She emphasizes that “no more money for grants” is a myth. Appearing on WPBF and Good Morning Washington, Libby demonstrated her ability to break down barriers for nonprofits and grant seekers. With over 6,000 grants available in Florida alone at the time, she assured audiences that opportunities abound—but you need to know where and how to look!
Libby doesn’t just talk about solutions; she educates, mentors, and creates opportunities for nonprofits and small businesses. Her approach is a testament to the power of preparation and storytelling in securing grant funding.
The Last Word
As the episode concludes, it’s clear that public relations and grant readiness share a common thread: they need for preparation and storytelling as drivers for success. As Sandy and Libby emphasize, PR builds trust and amplifies impact, while knowing how to find and secure grants creates opportunities. Together, these strategies empower nonprofits and small businesses to grow, thrive, and make a real, lasting difference!
For more insights, subscribe to GrantTalk. Explore Libby’s book The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO on Amazon or at GrantWatch.com/book. And remember—there is money for grants. You need to know how to get it.
📌 Contact Information For Sandy Collier and Hey, Sandy
🔗 Hey, Sandy website: http://www.heysandypr.com/
📞 Contact Hey Sandy PR: 561-386-5262
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