NFPs boost social media presence

Lifeline WA, HeartKids WA and Manna Inc. are among 10 Western Australian not for profits set to receive more than  $10,000 each from the Bankwest Foundation to help them design and develop social media strategies.

It’s understood no-one else in Western Australia offers social media funding to not-for-profit organisations, prompting almost 50 applications for the grants provided by the Bankwest Foundation in partnership with the Australian Scholarships Foundation.

Among this year's successful applicants was Crime Stoppers WA, which expects setting up Facebook, Twitter and other social media presences for the first time will be a valuable addition to the organisation, which relies on interaction with the public. 

Crime Stoppers WA chief executive Kim Harrison said his small organisations was also keen to use social media to strengthen its communication and engagement with potential volunteers.

Other grant recipients were People Who Care, 12 Buckets, Girl Guides WA, Murdoch University Guild of Students, WA AIDS Council, and Australian Red Cross.

The grant program, which is currently in its second year, with a third round to be opened in October next year, will be delivered by Hancock Creative, which will provide ongoing media training, mentorship and support.

Hancock Creative director Alecia Hancock said not for profits were increasingly relying on social media to capitalise on an engaged and loyal following, particularly as attracting funding became more challenging.

She said one grant recipient from the first round in 2014 had increased its social media reach from 1,600 to more than 28,000 in eight months.