INCREASE SUPPORT
Here’s a scary stat: between a third and a half of first-time donors to nonprofits do not donate a second time.
How do you stop that from happening to you?
The simplest, least expensive way is to communicate more — and connect more deeply — with those supporters.
As a photojournalist for three decades, I focus attention on the important things going on in the world and help people understand why it matters. Now, Life For Real’s ongoing mission is to photograph the impact your nonprofit is making, then deliver storytelling content you can use for fundraising and attracting volunteers … so your organization can continue making this world a better place.
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Awards from:
I’M MARK
Pulitzer-winning photojournalist. Picture editor. Visual storyteller.
In 2024, I converted Life For Real to a nonprofit. We are dedicated to helping other nonprofits elevate donations and galvanize support … so you can take on bigger challenges and expand their impact.
My singular goal is to help your nonprofit accelerate positive change for the communities + causes you serve.
“Mark is a joy to work with - open, fun and professional. His stunning photography, storytelling skills and deep understanding of our organization has allowed us to stay 100% focused on mission-critical work, confident that he'll capture it all on camera and in a polished presentation."
-- Carey L., Operations & Ground Team Manager, Nonprofit (Missouri)
Donors and Volunteers need a vehicle for bringing positive change to the world.
Let’s convince them that YOU are that vehicle.
STAY IN TOUCH
A recent Global Trends in Giving report found online communication – led by social media – is the #1 way of inspiring donors to give.
Ongoing communication accounts for up to 80% of the lifetime value of a donor, so regular contact with your donors and volunteers is now essential.
Getting people to feel the impact you’re making – thru pictures and stories – can be a nonprofit’s secret weapon in building and sustaining support.
SHOW YOUR SIGNIFICANCE
Donors and volunteers contribute when they believe their support can make a difference.
Your pictures and your stories must illustrate:
(1) the need your organization addresses,
(2) the transformation you enable, and
(3) how donors + volunteers are the bridge between what is and what can be.
It’s hard work … but if your pictures and stories achieve these three things, attracting donors and volunteers becomes (almost) easy.
QUANTITY + QUALITY
Communication strategies must be long on both quality and quantity.
Quality content creates impact. That’s essential because without impact there’s no action.
Quantity makes regular contact possible, which is the “secret sauce” in any communication plan.
A single project produces months – sometimes years – of compelling content for your social media, fundraising campaigns, website, newsletters, presentations and reports.
Our collaboration means you’ll always have the content you need to attract and grow the donor & volunteer support, without sacrificing time and attention to mission-critical work.
"Working with Mark was a real eye-opener. We've worked with other professional photographers, but Mark captured the spirit and struggles of the communities we serve – and portrayed the scope of our impact – in a way that hadn't been done before. "
-- Amy M., CEO, Nonprofit (Toronto)
Partners in Progress
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR US TO WORK TOGETHER?
DONE FOR YOU
PRACTICAL PETE
”We need to outsource photos + videos, but it has to be a reliable, experienced resource ... one that won’t cost a fortune, or take up a lot of our time.”
I Do All the Fishing (no teaching).
Learn More!
DO IT YOURSELF — WORK + LEARN OPPORTUNITIES
FRUSTRATED FIONA
”It would be great if we could do this ourselves, but we’re so busy with our mission … and no one here has the expertise or time to learn. Help!”
I Teach, We Fish (but mostly me).
Learn More!
TEACH ME TONYA
”If I could get some training on photography, video and, interviewing, I know I could create better marketing materials. But where do I start?”
I Teach, You Fish.
Learn More!
EXPERIENCE ON YOUR SIDE
I’ve photographed complex news events, national politics, professional sports championships, and the joys and struggles of daily life … receiving awards and accolades – including a Pulitzer prize – for those efforts.
I don’t share that to brag, but to let you know you are in good hands. If we decide to partner on a project, you can relax in the knowledge this isn’t my first storytelling rodeo.
OUTCOMES & BENEFITS YOU CAN EXPECT
More donors, dollars and volunteers
Publication & presentation-ready materials
Well-planned, streamlined projects
Multiple/Mixed content formats – photo, video, audio
MONTHS to YEARS of at-the-ready social media content
Photo and video training for staff
Being the hero of your marketing &/or development department ;-))
"I don't have formal training, but it is still my responsibility to make pictures and videos for our organization. Mark taught me about good photography, and storytelling. I now make much better photos and videos, which is fun for me and very helpful to our marketing team.”
-- Philip M., Community Advocate, Nonprofit (Kenya)
WHO GETS BEST RESULTS
Growth-minded Nonprofits & NGOs with:
Under-nurtured major donors
Too few donors and volunteers overall
Overloaded marketing & fundraising staffs
Short supply of social media content
Reliance on generic stock photos
Donor retention challenges
Lots of inactive donors (who can be reactivated)
WHO IS NOT A GOOD FIT
Nonprofits and NGOs that:
Don’t believe in storytelling as a fundraising or brand-expansion tool
Are satisfied with things as they are
Do not have the infrastructure to effectively use better content, even if they had it