Celebration of Scholars
It is never too late: the importance of branding in the nonprofit sector
Name:
Rebecca Baader
Major: Marketing, Public Relations, and Communication
Hometown: Durand, WI
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Senior thesis
Abstract
Branding has allowed many for-profit companies to establish a place in the minds of the consumers. This has resulted in greater brand loyalty, greater market share, and increased profits.
However, in the nonprofit sector, branding has been minimally used. The concept of branding creates a great opportunity for an organization to provide consumers with a clearer picture of what the organization is all about, and creates a greater support base for the organization.
This research describes a plan for nonprofit organizations to strengthen their brand image and positioning. It describes the foundations of for-profit branding, and analyzes nonprofit companies that have applied branding successfully to their organizations.
Findings were gathered from examining secondary research that included practitioner and academic articles, and an analysis of nonprofit branding tactics in various media, e.g. websites and direct marketing.
The
outcome of this research suggests a plan and key issues that nonprofits could
follow to develop a strong brand image and positioning.