INCREASE SUPPORT
How much more would your nonprofit be able to do if you turned your one-time contributors into regular, ongoing givers?
Fundraising experts say better and more regular communication is how to make that dream a reality.
Since 1990, I’ve used photography and storytelling to make people care about the important things going on in the world.
After decades working as a news photographer and picture editor, I now work exclusively with nonprofits to help you raise more funds and attract more volunteers … so you have the “fuel” you need to continue making this world a better place.
Published in:
Awards from:
I’M MARK
Pulitzer-winning photojournalist. Picture editor. Visual storyteller.
Life For Real, my company, helps nonprofits attract donors and volunteers by making sure your future supporters “get it.” Once people realize why the things you do matter, the rest is easy.
There are no day rates or project fees to work with LFR, and there are no licensing or creative fees to use the content we create for you. All we ask of clients is to provide for our travel, food and shelter needs.
LFR wasn’t started to make a profit. I do this work because I’m good at it, I enjoy it, and because it’s important.
“Mark is a joy to work with - open, fun and professional. His stunning photography, storytelling skills and deep understanding of our organization has allowed us to stay 100% focused on mission-critical work, confident that he'll capture it all on camera and in a polished presentation."
-- Carey L., Operations & Ground Team Manager, Nonprofit (Missouri)
Donors and Volunteers need a vehicle for bringing positive change to the world.
Let’s convince them that YOU are that vehicle.
STAY IN TOUCH
A recent Global Trends in Giving report found online communication – led by social media – is the #1 way of inspiring donors to give.
Ongoing communication accounts for up to 80% of the lifetime value of a donor, so regular contact with your donors and volunteers is now essential.
Getting people to feel the impact you’re making – thru pictures and stories – can be a nonprofit’s secret weapon in building and sustaining support.
SHOW YOUR SIGNIFICANCE
Donors and volunteers contribute when they believe their support can make a difference.
Your pictures and your stories must illustrate:
(1) the need your organization addresses,
(2) the transformation you enable, and
(3) how donors + volunteers are the bridge between what is and what can be.
It’s hard work … but if your pictures and stories achieve these three things, attracting donors and volunteers becomes (almost) easy.
QUANTITY + QUALITY
Communication strategies rely on quality and quantity.
Quality creates the impact essential to drive donor action.
Quantity allows for regular contact … the “secret sauce” in any communication plan.
A single LFR project produces months – maybe years – of content for your social media, fundraising campaigns, website, newsletters, presentations and reports.
Working together, you can have the exceptional content you need to attract and grow donor & volunteer support.
Our Mission Grown Blueprint illustrates how to effectively add storytelling to your overall development strategy.
"Working with Mark was a real eye-opener. We've worked with other professional photographers, but Mark captured the spirit and struggles of the communities we serve – and portrayed the scope of our impact – in a way that hadn't been done before. "
-- Amy M., CEO, Nonprofit (Toronto)
Partners in Progress
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR US TO WORK TOGETHER?
DO IT YOURSELF — WORK + LEARN OPPORTUNITIES
I Teach, We Fish (but mostly me).
Learn More!
I Teach, You Fish.
Learn More!
EXPERIENCE ON YOUR SIDE
I’ve photographed complex news events, national politics, professional sports championships, and the joys and struggles of daily life … receiving awards and accolades – including a Pulitzer prize – for those efforts.
I don’t share that to brag, but to let you know you are in good hands. If we decide to partner on a project, you can relax in the knowledge this isn’t my first storytelling rodeo.
OUTCOMES & BENEFITS YOU CAN EXPECT
More donors, dollars and volunteers
Publication & presentation-ready materials
Well-planned, streamlined projects
Multiple/Mixed content formats – photo, video, audio
MONTHS to YEARS of at-the-ready social media content
Photo and video training for staff
Being the hero of your marketing &/or development department ;-))
"I don't have formal training, but it is still my responsibility to make pictures and videos for our organization. Mark taught me about good photography, and storytelling. I now make much better photos and videos, which is fun for me and very helpful to our marketing team.”
-- Philip M., Community Advocate, Nonprofit (Kenya)
WHO GETS BEST RESULTS
Growth-minded Nonprofits & NGOs with:
Under-nurtured major donors
Too few donors and volunteers overall
Overloaded marketing & fundraising staffs
Short supply of social media content
Reliance on generic stock photos
Donor retention challenges
Lots of inactive donors (who can be reactivated)
