Communicating for Impact

Communications is a powerful tool that can provide numerous benefits to organizations. It is often used to educate or inform people about an issue, but it can also help recruit volunteers by eliciting their interest in an organization’s work. It can provide leverage with funders by showing the value of their financial support. And communications can also be used to secure political backing in order to influence policy making.

Whatever an organization’s particular goals are, an effective communications plan can help. The Communications Toolkit, developed by HHD especially for non-profits, shows how to create and implement a simple, manageable communications plan.

An easy-to-follow process is outlined in the toolkit to guide organizations through the main components of communications planning. Each step includes a description along with worksheets, examples, and documents needed to complete a communications plan. A list of resources are also included that provide additional information.

Many forward-thinking businesses have a well-developed communications strategy to get a particular message out or generate interest in their work or products. A proactive communications plan is essential to the sustainability of an organization, and it is particularly important for programs with short-term funding and resources.

For more information contact Diane Barry at dbarry@edc.org. This toolkit was created for grantees funded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

May 1, 2008