When I was a kid my best friend, Sandy, and I spent much of our days outdoors. As next-door neighbors, together we climbed trees, waded creeks, and explored acres of woods that made up our combined properties. Above all, we rode bikes. So, after all these years, when Sandy and I recently connected for a project, it was only fitting that it be related to outdoors and bicycling.
Sandy is a go-getter. She’s a strong advocate for improving people’s lives. This past year she initiated a Cycling Without Age (CWA) chapter in her community of Anne Arundel, MD, and successfully raised funds to purchase its first trishaw bicycle. She now provides free rides to senior care residents and holds training sessions for volunteer pilots. Did I mention she’s is a go-getter?
I hadn’t heard of Cycling Without Age (CWA) before talking with Sandy. Boy, was I not in the know. I was intrigued to learn it started in 2012 in Copenhagen, Denmark, and there are now chapters throughout the world. Coincidently, Sandy shared that Wisconsin is known for having more CWA programs than any other state in the country and Oshkosh was the first U.S. chapter. No matter where they’re located, CWA chapters are part of a caring organization that enables seniors to get outdoors and remain active in their community.
“Giving them the right to wind in their hair,” as trishaw pilots like to say.
My Part in the Project
Sandy needed a few edits to the organization’s materials to accommodate her chapter’s identity, things like an I.D. sticker for the trishaws and stationary for writing to donors. It was a relatively easy job—easy because CWA has done excellent work branding itself and making its visual elements available to those who promote the organization.
Let’s talk about why this is a big deal.
Every non-profit knows the importance of benefactors, whether they’re donors, volunteers, or someone simply passing along a good word. Wise non-profits also understand their responsibility in making it easy for such benefactors. They help people to help them.
Here’s what CWA and Sandy are doing right in helping their benefactors. Consider how you might use these practices in your own organization.
- CWA’s website fully covers its “who, what, where, when, why and how” in a user-friendly format. It even includes CWA’s articles of association and annual reports, a transparent action that builds credibility. All this enables potential donors to easily learn whatever they need to know about the organization.
- CWA’s donate button is located in the top right menu of the website, right where it should be. It’s easy to find and quick to use with PayPal or a credit card. Quick and easy are necessary if you want people to donate.
- CWA makes its visual brand and promotional materials readily available to chapters. This allows them to consistently identify with the organization when reaching out to potential donors.
- Sandy gave me access to the organization’s style guide and working files. This made my graphic design work for her extremely efficient and me enthusiastic about helping the organization.
Does your non-profit need help with its branding and communication? Let’s talk. Adunate is honored to work with caring organizations to make the world a better place.