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Big Duck

@bigduckcoop.bsky.social
158 followers 278 following 111 posts

Smart communications for nonprofits. Big Duck is a worker-owned cooperative. We’ve been building brands and campaigns, creating communications plans, and offering trainings for decades.

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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Make the most of your nonprofit’s budget with swag that tells a story. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, we discuss how to create merchandise that reflects your organization’s character and serves as a powerful communications tool. bit.ly/3TvkNAr
Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP221: How can you move from swag to storytelling?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Strong communications start with a clearly defined “why.” Sign up for an informative webinar on October 8, where we explore how to focus on and clearly share what makes your organization unique. We’ll also share real-world examples from our partners at BCS and MoMA. Register: bit.ly/4dOthcz
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
As we approach the year-end giving season, donor engagement is top of mind. In our latest article, Farra Trompeter, co-director, shares seven ways nonprofits can improve donor communications, build trust, deepen relationships, and engage supporters beyond year-end. Learn more: bit.ly/4AjCH9I
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Seven ways to build stronger donor relationships - Big Duck
Explore seven ways nonprofits can improve donor communications, build trust, deepen relationships, and engage supporters beyond year-end fundraising.
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Reposted by Big Duck
Tony Martignetti @tonymart.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Thanks to the @bigduckcoop.bsky.social team for having me on their Smart Communications Podcast to talk about planned giving #fundraising for #nonprofits of any size: buff.ly/evUf6vC
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How can you accelerate planned giving? - Big Duck
Planned giving can be done without a big budget. Learn a simple three-step framework to launch your program and secure long-term donor support.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Launch your planned giving program with a three-step, one-week framework. In our latest episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, we discuss strategies that make planned giving easy, accessible, and affordable for nonprofits of any size to start their own programs. bit.ly/3TwOlgY
Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP220: How can you accelerate planned giving?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Are you curious about who we are and what we do? Learn more about Big Duck at our September Open House! Join us on Zoom as members of our staff provide an overview of our co-op, give you a behind-the-scenes look at a recent project, and answer your questions. Sign up here: bit.ly/4Ae79Cc
IMAGE ID: Yellow graphic with image and text: September Open House
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
For many nonprofits, 30% of individual donations come in December. That’s why your year-end fundraising campaign matters. Ready to plan? Sign up for our two-part webinar series to learn what makes a campaign successful. bit.ly/4gbps1A
Blue graphic with text: How to plan, create, and evaluate a year-end fundraising campaign. Webinar promo, Sept 30 and Oct 7 from 1:30-3:00pm ET
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Video storytelling doesn’t have to be complicated or require a large budget. In our latest episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, we discuss how to make authentic video content a regular part of your nonprofit’s communications strategy. bigduck.com/insights/how...
Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP219 How can nonprofits make videos sustainably?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
What if your marketing and fundraising team could be even bigger? Learn how to amplify your work with brand ambassadors. Register for our webinar on 9/16 where we’ll share strategies to turn supporters into active fundraisers and vocal advocates. bigduck.com/events/build...
Blue graphic with text: Building brand ambassadors: Turning passion into action and donations. Webinar promo, Sept 16 from 1:00-2:00pm ET
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Smart communications = ethical, effective storytelling. The Big Duck team was so inspired to collaborate with Community Change to help them find and leverage their voice for the bold, structural change so many of our communities need right now.
Yellow image with a quote from Ryan Young, Managing Director at Community Change
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
How does a 250-year-old nonprofit celebrate its anniversary? Phi Beta Kappa’s director of communications and digital strategy shares the process behind the organization’s historic campaign, “Where knowledge inspires action.” Learn more: bit.ly/4gz9NcC
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Celebrating a major milestone with an anniversary campaign: An interview with The Phi Beta Kappa Society - Big Duck
How one national nonprofit launched a compelling 250th anniversary campaign to engage audiences and garner support. Read the article.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
How can you update a brand and ensure cohesion across a federated network like @unitedwayworldwide.bsky.social In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, we discuss how a data-driven process built on trust can help brands balance global consistency with local autonomy. bit.ly/4qry4WJ
Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP218 How can you update a brand across a federated network?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
#GivingTuesday is only 110 days away! Have you started planning your year-end campaign? Register for our two-part webinar series where we’ll discuss emerging trends and help you build the foundation for a successful campaign. Sign up by Aug 31 for 20% off with the code EARLYDUCK. bit.ly/4gbps1A
Blue graphic with text: How to plan, create, and evaluate a year-end fundraising campaign. Webinar promo, Sept 30 and Oct 7 from 1:30-3:00pm ET
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Monthly donors are the foundation of your nonprofit’s fundraising. Anne Fellman, chief marketing officer at Bloomerang, shares tips on building a communications strategy that helps you acknowledge donors and encourage them to do even more. Learn more: bit.ly/4wMTwrs
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4 tips to build a monthly giving communications strategy - Big Duck
Discover how to build a robust monthly giving communications strategy. Equip your nonprofit with approaches to foster long-term donor relationships for better results.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
As nonprofits across the country face ongoing challenges, leaders must guide their organizations forward. But what does it really mean to navigate a crisis? In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, we discuss what leaders need to make difficult decisions. bit.ly/3SaUHlv
Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP217 What do leaders need to make difficult decisions?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
From raising awareness to recruiting volunteers, social media content pillars solve your “What should I post?” problem and ensure you cover the right information across your nonprofit’s channels to generate action. bit.ly/4fZe4a7
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Post with purpose: How to build an engaging social media presence - Big Duck
Learn how your nonprofit can create social media content that tells a story and brings its visual brand to life. 160 characters max.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Staff engagement starts with a simple principle: For staff to feel seen, they have to see you. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, we discuss how to break silos and build strong internal communications that boost morale and help staff feel connected to your mission. bit.ly/4fS9Ujp
Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP216 How can you get staff to feel seen in your communications?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
✨CLIENT SPOTLIGHT ✨ Fun fact? Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy is Big Duck's longest running client! So, needless to say, we were thrilled to develop a campaign to support their 30th anniversary back in 2023-2024.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Will a new name really help your nonprofit build brand awareness? In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, we discuss when it makes sense to change your organization’s name, how to make sure it resonates with your audience, and how taglines can strengthen your brand. bit.ly/4gqbnPG
Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP215 Does your nonprofit really need a new name?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Amidst growing attacks on the value of an arts and sciences education, The Phi Beta Kappa Society is celebrating its 250th anniversary with a campaign that amplifies the power of knowledge and energizes members to advocate for the arts and sciences. bit.ly/4aHPho7
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
If your fundraising efforts are not producing results, more fundraising alone is not the solution. In today’s episode of our podcast, we discuss how a strong brand—from a powerful vision statement to brand personality—can help organizations become fundable and findable. bigduck.com/insights/why...
Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP214 Why can’t more fundraising fix your fundraising?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
✨CLIENT SPOTLIGHT ✨ Who doesn't love spending a sunny afternoon exploring Governors Island? The Big Duck team worked collaboratively with the Trust for Governors Island to update and refresh their public art signage.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Your brand is your identity; it’s also a mission-critical tool. We profile three social change leaders who share strategies for building action-oriented brands that have the power to unite communities, reassure audiences, and energize movements. Learn more: bigduck.com/insights/bra...
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Brands that bolster: Three social justice leaders share strategies for building brands that create momentum - Big Duck
Explore three real-world nonprofit rebrands and the branding strategies they used to engage supporters and advance social change.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Transforming your board’s relationship with fundraising can drive sustainable revenue for your organization. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, we unpack strategies to leverage board members’ natural strengths and turn them into confident fundraisers. bigduck.com/insights/how...
Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP213 How can you get your board to fundraise?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
How do you rebrand a 100-year-old foundation? 🤔 By honoring its history while building a brand that's ready for what's next. Review our latest case study: bigduck.com/work/reframi...
An image of Greater Hartford Gives’ digital brand guide alongside wearable pins that feature the H symbol and tagline.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Conflict can be productive and move things forward. Embracing “conflict bravery” can deepen relationships and drive meaningful change. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, we explore becoming braver by reframing conflict as a positive force at work. bigduck.com/insights/how...
Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP212 How can we be brave and embrace conflict?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Curious about Big Duck? 🦆 Join our Open House for an informal chat! Get a glimpse into our co-op, engage in Q&A with our team, and network with others. Perfect for job seekers, career changers, and nonprofits eager to learn more about us on Wed, June 10, 4-5pm ET. bigduck.com/events/june-...
IMAGE ID: Yellow graphic with image and text: "June Open House, Wednesday June 10, 4-5p ET" and speakers Michelle Behar and Menaka Chandurkar"
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Does your visual brand need a glow-up or a full overhaul? 🧐 Take this 6-question quiz to help your nonprofit assess whether your organization needs a refresh, refinement, or more significant change — and where to focus first. bigduck.com/insights/doe...
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Does your visual brand need a glow up or overhaul? A 6-question quiz that points the way. - Big Duck
Related Content Brands VideosStrengthen your nonprofit’s brand with a better brand guideWatch and discover how to build a brand guide that evokes feelings and ignites generosity in alignment with your...
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Communications teams aren’t just there to “get the word out”; they can shape strategy, strengthen impact, and help organizations connect with its communities. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, we explore why communicators need a seat at the table. bigduck.com/insights/why...
Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP211 Why do communicators need a seat at the table?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Join us for a webinar next Tuesday 5/12, 2-3pm ET: "Powerful branding for social change in a time of disruption" us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... We will explore how orgs can build and rebuild brands that are grounded in mission, rooted in community, and strong enough to adapt in uncertain times.
Blue background with white text: "Powerful branding for social change in a time of disruption" webinar graphic with speaker's names and titles. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 2-3pm ET
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
People do their best work when they feel supported to learn and grow. Guest blogger, Jennifer C. Loftus, founding Partner, & National Director for Astron Solutions explores practical ways to support professional development through training, mentorship, coaching, & ongoing learning. bit.ly/4neRbBv
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Strengthening nonprofit culture through professional development - Big Duck
Discover how professional development can improve nonprofit culture, increase staff retention, and build stronger teams.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Four years into being a worker-owned cooperative, we’re still learning, growing, and building together. Today, on May Day, we’re celebrating workers everywhere and the movements continuing to push for dignity, equity, and shared power at work. #MayDay #Cooperative #WorkerOwned
IMAGE ID: Pink background. As a worker-owned cooperative, Big Duck believes the people doing the work should have a voice in shaping it.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Your brand isn’t just for donors, it’s your first interview with candidates. @farratrompeter.bsky.social, co-director, and Olivia Freire, director of operations, share how to align your brand + hiring to attract the right people (and keep them). 🎧 bit.ly/4w1k8ou
IMAGE ID: Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP210 What is the connection between your brand and hiring?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
A new name won’t fix unclear messaging or a fuzzy strategy. If your audiences aren’t defined & your team isn't aligned around goals, a rebrand w/ a new name can create more confusion. Ryan Gerhardt, copy director, shares when a name change makes sense and when it’s time to dig deeper. bit.ly/4mLID54
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Will an updated name or tagline fix your branding problem? - Big Duck
A brand check-up can help guide organizational change by assessing the effectiveness of your current name, tagline, visuals, and other identity elements.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Trust is low. Division is high. But comms can be part of the solution. @farratrompeter.bsky.social, Doug Hattaway, president of Hattaway Communications, & Erica Pelletreau, founder & CEO, the Pelletreau Group share how to bridge divides, & build trust grounded in research. bit.ly/482Shdx
IMAGE ID: Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP209 How can we build trust, bridge divides, and engage communities?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Stuck in reactive comms mode? 😵‍💫 Join @farratrompeter.bsky.social, & Ally Dommu for Developing Your Nonprofit’s Communications Plan Leaning Circle, & walk away w/ a plan you can actually use. Brought to you by our friends at Nonprofit New York ⏰ Registration closes April 15 ⏰ www.tfaforms.com/5210197
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Learning Circles: Self-Assessment Form
In order to be able to resume this form later, please enter your email and choose a password.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Audience research doesn’t have to be complicated. In our new ebook, “Get to know your community: A guide to audience research for nonprofits,” we help you effectively gather insights to strengthen your organization’s communications and inspire action. Download now: bit.ly/4t38mrw
IMAGE ID: orange background. Ebook cover: Get to know your community: A guide to audience research for nonprofits
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Strategic planning, but make it inclusive ✨ @farratrompeter.bsky.social and Dr. Renee Rubin Ross, author of Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits, explore how inclusive strategic planning leads to stronger alignment, deeper buy-in, and more actionable outcomes. bit.ly/3O0Y8ZO
IMAGE ID: Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP208 How can you lead an inclusive strategic planning process?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
What if you didn’t need a different message for every audience? Nicole Tufts, copywriter, explores how audience research can help you uncover the common threads that connect your donors, volunteers, and advocates, so you can build messaging that’s both consistent and compelling. bit.ly/4byueW0
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Using audience research to create a cohesive messaging approach - Big Duck
Learn how to use audience research to uncover shared motivations and create clear, cohesive messaging that connects with your audiences.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
📢 Applications are open for @aspenpolicyacademy.bsky.social’s Building Nonprofit Advocacy Capacity course! This free, part-time, virtual program (May 11–15) helps nonprofits build policy advocacy plans from scratch. Details and application: aspenpolicyacademy.org/program/buil...
IMAGE ID: Blue and orange text on a white background. Building Nonprofit Advocacy Capacity. Apply for the Aspen Policy Academy’s free and virtual Building Nonprofit Advocacy Capacity short course by April 5, 2026
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
How can organizations truly center community voices in their messaging? @farratrompeter.bsky.social sits down with Logan Herring, CEO of The WRK Group, to talk about practical ways to build messaging rooted in authenticity and lived experience. bit.ly/4bFrJA6
IMAGE ID: Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP207 How can you center community voices in messaging?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Don’t miss the early bird! 🐥 Planning a milestone anniversary? Make it more than a celebration. In our 2-part webinar series, learn how to turn your anniversary into a strategic campaign that engages supporters and inspires action. Save 10% with code EARLYDUCK by 3/13. Register: bit.ly/4syuhH3
IMAGE ID: Blue background with white text: How to leverage your anniversary campaign to engage supporters (two-part series). April 16th and April 21st, 2-3 pm ET
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Planning a big campaign this year? 🎉📣 @farratrompeter.bsky.social, co-director, talks w/ Cherian Koshy, author of Neurogiving, about how neuroscience can strengthen anniversary, capital, + year-end appeals without sacrificing ethics or trust. bit.ly/4rZyNOL
IMAGE ID: Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP206 How can you use science to engage donors?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Grants matter. But if funders want transformational change, investing in nonprofit capacity is just as critical. From trust-based listening to training and coaching, Michelle Behar, senior strategist, shares how to move beyond restricted funding and support long-term impact. 👇 bit.ly/4789Iso
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Beyond the grant: how funders can invest in nonprofit capacity - Big Duck
See how funders can support nonprofits with equitable, trust-based capacity building that fuels long-term success.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Are your grant proposals telling the right story? @farratrompeter.bsky.social, co-director, & grant writer & fundraising strategist, Dani Faulkner, explore how nonprofits can move away from jargon and extractive storytelling and toward values-aligned, community-centered fundraising. bit.ly/46d7NCA
IMAGE ID: Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP205 Why is it important to change how you talk to funders?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Is nonprofit communications finally growing up? 🧠🦆 @farratrompeter.bsky.social, co-director, and @kivilm.bsky.social, founder and chief strategy officer of the Nonprofit Marketing Guide, unpack 16 years of trends, where maturity is showing, and what comes next. bit.ly/4aizoUc
IMAGE ID: Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP204 Is the field of nonprofit communications coming of age?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Our annual Words to Avoid 2026 edition is here, crowdsourced from all of you and compiled and curated by Nicole Tufts, copywriter, and Ryan Gerhardt, copy director, highlighting overused and harmful phrases and what to say instead to help you communicate w/ more clarity and care. bit.ly/45Epcnn
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Words to Avoid – 2026 edition - Big Duck
Explore Big Duck’s Words to Avoid 2026, an annual guide to nonprofit language that’s overused, vague, or harmful, with tips for clearer, more effective messaging.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
A fresh identity for a powerful movement. 💙✊🏽 We partnered with Community Voices Heard (@cvhaction.bsky.social) on a nonprofit brand refresh rooted in community voice, equity, and action. 💙 See the case study: bit.ly/3M51B8R
IMAGE ID: CVH at work. 
Whether it’s on the streets or in the halls of New York’s capital, CVH members show up making a strong and unified impression.
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Belonging isn’t about polishing language; it’s about making space. @farratrompeter.bsky.social, co-director, and Sadé Dozan, vice president of advancement at Borealis Philanthropy, unpack narrative strategy, plain language, and how words can build bridges (or barriers). bit.ly/49UiwTm
IMAGE ID: Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP203 How to bridge belonging in your narratives?
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Big Duck @bigduckcoop.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
AI is showing up across nonprofit work, but many teams are still asking where to begin. @farratrompeter.bsky.social, Cheryl Contee, chief innovation ofcr @ BrightWorksAI.com, & Darian Rodriguez Heyman, founder of Helping People Help digs into practical, ethical ways to put AI to work bit.ly/4jCfsQn
IMAGE ID: Green graphic with image and text: The Smart Communications Podcast EP202 How can you put AI to work for your nonprofit?
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