The fact is, most non-profits don’t feel like they can afford to invest in key branding initiatives so they ask people to do it for cheap. You get what you pay for. Perhaps there are board members breathing down the [financial] necks of the people doing the work. Perhaps there is a concern that if their identity is perceived as “too valuable”, people will stop donating money. I’ve heard them all, but the truth is being hidden in all of these excuses. In order to succeed, every organization needs to understand their own brand, to know their place in the market and be striving toward their next goal. Without a solid identity, their ability to progress is greatly inhibited.

And so, FORGE launched “FORGE Your Dot Org 2010″.

FORGE Your Dot Org 2010 Website

So, Why is FORGE Giving Away Their Services?

Now that the program is in swing and we’re accepting applications, people are asking, “Why would FORGE give away their creative services for an entire year?”. The truth is actually 2-fold.

Dayton, Ohio Rocks

First of all, we love this community. There are so many non-profits doing great work here. We’ve been accepting applications for FORGE Your Dot Org (affectionately known as FYDO at FORGE HQ) for over a month now and I can tell you that it’s not going to be an easy decision. These groups are doing amazing work that affects the lives of real people in our region. It’s so easy to find motivation when the organization you’re working for is meeting a visible need.

Education Through Experience

Secondly, we hope to begin to educate some of the non-profit groups in this region on the importance of a brand. The reality is that people will only support organizations that they trust. Without intentionally addressing this in the branding process and at every touchpoint, it’s very difficult to achieve.

Help us Spread the Word

2010 will be the first year for FYDO and we’re excited. We believe this will be a much more effective way to handle non-profit work at FORGE. We’re looking for an organization that has big vision, is willing to push themselves and has a real need. If you know anyone at a non-profit in our region looking for branding, fundraising, web development, direct mail campaigns or anything else, please send them our way. We’d love to have them apply.

You Can Help

If you feel you have something to offer and you’re willing to donate your services with us, perhaps you’re a photographer or copywriter, please don’t hesitate to let us know! There is a “Get Involved” like on the FYDO site where you can submit your info. We’ll keep you on file and call on you as we need what you can offer!

Keep a Look Out for the Announcement

We’ll be officially selecting the winning non-profit in the middle of December. It will probably be announced on Twitter (@forgeideas) and on the FORGE website and FYDO website. I’m sure I will make an announcement here as well.