If you’ve ever worked in a small arts nonprofit, you already know what it feels like to be Elphaba before she ever touches that broom—doing the impossible with no applause. Balancing rehearsals, fundraising, newsletters, social posts, and board reports feels a lot less like “running a theatre company” and more like trying to keep Oz spinning with bubble gum and borrowed glitter.

But what happens when we balance empathy with insight—when we blend heart and head?

If you’ve felt like your content has to be polished and hyper-produced to work… Threads says otherwise. This platform could be your new favorite sandbox to test messaging, repurpose existing content, or simply connect without the pressure of being “Instagram-perfect.”

Don't miss out on the most loyal, event-attending, art-loving generation out there: Generation X.

Your arts organization is trying to increase attendance, boost donations, and attract a loyal audience. You’ve tried appealing to Millennials (who, let’s face it, are still drowning in student loans), and you’ve reached out to Boomers (who love the arts but aren’t necessarily engaging with new formats).

In the grand desert of nonprofit work, marketing often feels like an unrelenting sandstorm—shifting priorities, endless to-do lists, and the ever-present question: “What are we even posting this week?” A content calendar is your stillsuit, designed to conserve precious energy and keep you alive in the face of chaos.

By following this workflow, you’ve automated outreach, built engagement, and created a sustainable marketing pipeline—all in about 6-8 work hours.

Are you telling your story in a way that moves people to action, or are you just listing facts and hoping they resonate?

In the world of nonprofit arts marketing, the principle of Measure Twice; Cut Once translates to building capacity and setting yourself up f

Messaging is what convinces your audience to choose you over football, streaming TV, or a night at the bar.

These goals will guide your decision-making, help allocate your limited resources, and allow you to evaluate what’s working and what isn’t.

Now, let’s dive into the next five steps, which focus on implementation, evaluation, and refinement.

Creating an effective marketing plan for your nonprofit doesn’t have to be overwhelming

Now that you’ve crafted a tight, actionable mission statement and know who your organization serves, it’s time to take the next step:

Evaluate Your Mission Statement If your organization already has a mission statement, use the SAVICC checklist to assess its strength.

All nonprofits must have a mission, right? It’s the guiding principle that directs everything an organization does.