We have found many of the clients we work with do indeed have increasing budget challenges, and indeed budgets are being cut in these times of austerity. But where an organization has decided to invest in a campaign or fundraising strategy and the objective is clear i.e. fundraising, influencing government policy, attracting investors, submitting a grant application etc – we have received feedback that the objectives have been met, even exceeded and indeed we have had the pleasure of working with some struggling organizations to reclaim their stability and grow, and/or have managed to influence government policy on their campaigns.

In all cases, targeted, focused, planned approaches seem to work well. We work with these notforprofits to a specific aim relating to the above, and work closely with them to ensure the objectives are met and efficiencies are achieved where possible. Where budgets are constrained we offer innovative payment structures, or cost-effective solutions: At the simplest level – multimedia, rather than full video solution may work well as, once the audio and visual documentation is collated, multimedia allows multiple uses from the raw footage, audio and photography and creative commercial solutions can be negotiated around this – but at least the footage is captured and available for use. From our perspective, connecting with the viewer, bringing notforprofit or corporate responsibility organizations’ passion and objectives onto the screen, computer, and now the ipad, is an exciting moment. Receiving the feedback that the combined team met funding objectives, influenced government policy or won a new grant award is just great. Of course it may take time to achieve these, but again there’s every reason both short term goals and long-term goals be built into a visual approach, the commercial approach and the rollout plan.

I agree with you, as it does puzzle me when responsible corporate organizations and notforprofits are trying to be seen and heard above everyone else that the budget for communication is savagely cut – where our clients have phased the budget, against specific objectives and usage, and explained this us – we have worked out a creative solution – not just on highlighting the challenges of service users, celebrating the achievements of the organization, and bringing a call to action – but also we have provided clients with creative project plans and payment solutions that ensure both the notforprofit and the supplier can practically and effectively phase budget spending as the campaign grows. Indeed, the payment structure is often an added motivation for us to get the communication tools we develop right for both the client and the viewer! It is often said that times of austerity bring creativity, in our times, we may just need to be efficiently creative with the budgets as well – hence with effective and efficient communications now, organization will ensure they remain strong into the future.

Thoughts and comments appreciated

Kindest
Morag

http://www.livingstonesphotos.com
http://www.nutmegcommunications.com
Posted by Morag Livingstone Nutmeg Communications