CAMDEN — Next in United Midcoast Charities’ free educational series is Learn with UMC: Nonprofit Marketing and Branding 101 and 102.

Presenters from United Midcoast Charities’ communication committee will offer an interactive and hands-on series of workshops on March 8 and April 5, drawing on their 190 years of combined experience in the field to help address current marketing needs of local nonprofits.

Nonprofit marketing is often called outreach, but the goal is the same under either name – to develop a base of supporters who know and care about what an organization does, according to UMC, in a news release. Effective marketing is essential to successful fundraising and robust community involvement. Marketing strategies can encompass a huge range of activities: developing a logo, sending press releases, writing email campaigns, creating original content videos, and much more. The possibilities can be overwhelming, but even small steps help to build sustainability and impact.

Join the United Midcoast Charities’ Communication Committee for a series of two workshops designed to help nonprofit organizations develop a marketing plan or enhance marketing efforts.

“Whether organizations don't know where to start, or have started and would like some guidance as they take next steps, this workshop series can help,” said UMC.

UMC’s Communication Committee has a collective 190 years of experience in marketing, communications and branding. With expertise spanning sales, strategic planning, direct response marketing, journalism, copy editing, community public relations and media relations, advertising, design, print, web, and promotional products apparel, members have served organizations large and small.

The communications committee is chaired by Jill Lang, communication manager at Allen Insurance and Financial. Other committee members are Peter Palermo, Lori Alexander, Joan Phaup and John Viehman.  

“The committee looks forward to helping local nonprofit leaders improve their marketing and communications,” said UMC.

Attendance at both workshops is strongly encouraged, as one leads into the other. Those who are unable to commit to attending both events should call the UMC office before registering.

There is no cost to participate, but space is limited so registration is required.

Sign up under events on unitedmidcoastcharities.org or call UMC at 236-2299 for more information.

United Midcoast Charities, founded in 1942, is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to energize Midcoast Maine nonprofit agencies through finance and guidance, supporting a network of resources stronger than any single organization. 

The organization’s areas of focus are food, housing, health and safety, and economic security.

In 2018 UMC awarded grants totaling $500,000 to more than 40 agencies as part of their community-led competitive Grants Program.

More information is available at www.unitedmidcoastcharities.org.