Newsletter: The Stuff to Grow Your Partnership Program (No Fluff!) ☁️ ; How to Do Cause Marketing with a Credit Union 🏦 ; The U.S. Island That Speaks Elizabethan English 👑
Want to keep your corporate partners around longer - and attract new ones?
You’re not alone. In today’s unpredictable climate, nonprofit partnership teams aren’t just asking, “How do we grow?” - they’re asking, “How do we grow smarter?”
That’s why I’m teaming up with Melanie Newell, el presidente of Rocket Social Impact, on Wednesday, April 9, at 1 p.m. EDT for a FREE webinar packed with practical ideas on celebrating, retaining, and expanding your corporate partnerships.
Because here's the thing:
You don’t need fluff. You need a strategy. You need content that makes partners look good. You need assets that travel across teams and timelines. You need smart storytelling that hits with employees and execs alike. And you need fresh thinking to keep your best partners hooked—and hungry for more.
Melanie and I will share examples from organizations like No Kid Hungry, Alzheimer’s Association, and Operation Warm.
You’ll leave with:
✅ Proven ways to deepen partner relationships through customized content.
✅ Thought leadership strategies that spotlight your partners (and make them love you for it).
✅ Tools to elevate your storytelling, from employee engagement to impact reports.
✅ Smart, scalable ideas for turning existing relationships into long-term wins.
If you want more from your corporate partnerships in 2025, this webinar will show you how to get 'em and keep 'em.
Melanie and I will walk you through step-by-step practical advice you can use IMMEDIATELY. No fluff, promise!
Save your spot today and join us on April 9th!
✍️ Partnership Notes
In my "Partnership Notes" section, I share stellar corporate partnership programs and show you how to do your job better!
1. Stop trying to close a partnership deal with the first email. Do this instead. Or, take a different approach all together and pick up the damn phone!
2. How to do cause marketing with a credit union and a college basketball team.
Speaking of college athletics, the University of North Florida’s athletics department announced it's adopting a new round-up program to get unrestricted gifts from younger donors. Interesting!
3. Don't forget that today - Wednesday - is Jersey Mike's Subs' day of giving! 100% of sales go to charity! Seventy-four of those stores will support a great Boston charity: the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. They are doing a great job promoting the partnership!
🤑 Marketing Your Cause
In my "Marketing Your Cause" section, I share strategies to grow your brand and audience - two key ingredients for securing more partnerships.
1. The end of the inbox is coming. Soon, AI will decide which emails you actually see. This article explains how to protect yourself so AI doesn't filter you out.
Create content that can’t be summarized.
Own the relationship beyond email.
Don't be a commodity.
2. Add this slide to your pitch deck: Which Brand Messages Are Consumers Likely to Engage With?
Here's how I would interpret this chart for a prospect:
"The fact that 'brand-purpose related activities' shows up near the bottom of this chart might seem like bad news, but it’s actually a great reminder of where brand purpose fits in the customer journey.
Brand purpose becomes a powerful tie-breaker once price and product meet expectations (and let’s face it, they’d better). It’s the 'why' behind the 'what,' and it’s what helps consumers connect with brands on a deeper level.
Think about it. People lean into values when products are similar and prices are competitive. They want to feel good about where they’re spending their money. That’s where brand purpose steps in. It builds trust, creates emotional connections, and keeps customers coming back - not just because they need something but because they believe in what your brand stands for.
So yeah, brand purpose may not be the first reason someone tries your product - but it can absolutely be the reason they stay."
3. Which AI-driven tactics have been most effective for marketers? Next, read this article on five AI prompts to help your content.
😎 Cool Jobs in Cause
In my "Cool Jobs in Cause” section, I share open partnership positions so you can discover your next adventure.
1. RE/MAX Program Director, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Remote ($90k - $115k)
2. Manager, Corporate Relations & Sponsorships Sales, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Philadelphia ($55k - $65k)
3. Corporate Partnerships & Events Manager, Friends of the Children, Boston ($70k - $75k)
🧠🍌 Brain Food
In my "Brain Food" section, I share things that spark inspiration, fuel curiosity, and bring a smile to your face!
1. Toronto-based Public Inc. makes an excellent case (with research!) for why DEI is good for business.
2. Trump is recruiting sponsors for this year's White House Easter Egg Roll. Check out the sponsorship packet.
3. The U.S. island that speaks Elizabethan English. And people say my Boston accent is crazy.
