Five Ways Public Relations Can Drive Revenue for Your Nonprofit

When used strategically, public relations is more than just visibility; it’s a revenue generating tool that helps build trust, deepen donor engagement and strengthen your organization’s mission.

Whether your goal is to secure major gifts, expand community partnerships or grow annual giving, PR can be a key an essential driver of your development strategy. It helps you show up consistently, communicate impact and inspire action.

At Curley & Pynn, we’ve helped organizations—from established institutions to emerging nonprofits—advance their missions and build momentum for more than 40 years by leveraging PR in five key ways:

1. Step back to move forward

In today’s competitive fundraising environment, successful organizations start with clarity. That means taking a step back to assess brand perception, target audiences and whether your message is connecting.  Through messaging workshops, audience research and stakeholder interviews, we help nonprofits define a clear voice that aligns with what matters most to their supporters. The result? Increased engagement, and in many cases, substantial financial support from current and new donors.

2. Empower every team member with your message

Your board, staff and volunteers are your best ambassadors, if they know what to say.  PR helps you equip them with talking points that are clear, consistent and mission driven. Whether they are speaking at an event or chatting with a neighbor, every ambassador should feel confident sharing who you are, why your work matters and how others can get involved. A unified message can unlock new connections and unexpected funding opportunities.

3. Integrate PR with development and marketing

When communications, marketing and development are in sync, campaigns work smarter.  Aligning PR with fundraising initiatives leads to stronger storytelling, improved visibility and measurable impact. Whether it’s a donor video, social campaign or media placement timed with a giving push, integrated messaging increases visibility with different audiences across multiple platforms.

4. Prioritize engagement that drives outcomes

Media coverage is an important strategic component in a communications plan, but it is only one part of the picture. Forming partnerships, cultivating ambassadors, securing speaking opportunities and nominating your leaders for awards will strengthen trust and expand your mission’s reach. The more visible and valued your organization becomes, the easier it is to attract partners, funders and advocates.

5. Audit your communications for clarity

If your message is not resonating or if you are unsure how it’s landing with your audience, it is time for a strategic communications audit. Reviewing your communications channels, brand narrative and public perception can reveal missed opportunities. We help nonprofits fine-tune their voice, clarify messaging and optimize social strategies. Whether you’re looking to grow your donor base, increase visibility or elevate awareness for your mission, strategic communications is a catalyst for achieving outcomes, not just recognition.

Tags:Advice & Counsel|Marketing Communications|Nonprofit PR|Revenue Growth|Strategic Planning