It’s a noble calling to dedicate yourself to helping underserved communities, rooting out unmet needs, and striving to make the world a better place. For lots of non-profits, their work is personal and inspiration comes from a passion for their cause. But reality demands funding to keep the lights on, pay staff, and expand the reach of your program. And that funding is often hard to come by, and even harder to stretch. Organizations that rely on fundraising to operate rarely have the kinds of budgets necessary to effectively tell their story, either through an impactful awareness campaign or with an effective website. Instead, many have to cobble together marketing initiatives and fundraising efforts that fall short of their goals. The ones who most need to get their story out there seem to be the ones with the least means to do it.
At SeaMonster Studios, we work with clients to build websites and launch marketing efforts by tapping into what makes a particular business tick, sharing that story with their customers, and helping them hit big goals. It’s always been important to us that we put our skills to good use and work with non-profits and NGOs on pro bono or sliding scale projects. But even then, there’s only so much we can do. We too need to pay the bills, no matter how fulfilling a pro bono project might be. I’ve been thinking a lot about how to give back recently, and I’m excited to have found a place with the board of NuHope Street.
NuHope Street gives non-profits the means and wherewithal to get their story out there. We’re a collection of local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals that have come together to offer our expertise, networks, and track record for success to bring awareness and drive fundraising for Northwest non-profits benefiting children, families, and education. I’ve joined a passionate group that has a proven knack for getting results and making some serious impact. NuHope is an opportunity to give back what I really have to offer: my years in marketing, my experience starting and growing my own company, and my commitment to leaving the world a little better than I found it.
-- Wes Buckwalter, Board Member
