Marketing in the not-for-profit sector: a beginner’s guide

(Former name: NFP marketing: a beginner's guide)

Course summary

This one-day course offers an introduction to marketing for not-for-profit organisations wanting to understand the basics of marketing and how the principles can be applied to the work of charities. It will give you a good grounding in the marketing fundamentals necessary to develop your own marketing strategy and help your organisation grow. This course is not recommended for private companies - we have a more suitable course - Marketing: getting your message across - https://www.the-centre.co.uk//courses/detail/marketing_getting_your_message_across

“The course gave a wonderful range of situations and solutions. We were given a lot of information, but at an easy to digest pace in a very inspiring and comfortable environment.”

— EP, British Heart Foundation

“The course gave a good overview of the field and allowed us to bring in our own challenges, it had a good practical approach with a personable trainer.”

— RG, SEDA

“The trainer was great and very knowledgeable. The Centre is exactly my type of place and I loved all of the little touches!”

— CW, Alliance for A Cavity-Free future

Course dates and location

We can deliver this course virtually for your organisation, on a date and time that suits you. If you have four or more people who would like to attend this course then group training could be the most cost-effective option. Contact one of our Training Coordinators on 020 7490 3030 or email for more information and a quote.

If you would like to attend this course then register your interest with us. Currently, this course is run on request meaning that a date will be scheduled once we have at least three people interested in attending this course.

There are no dates available at the moment.

Course outline
The course will cover:
- benefits of marketing
- setting objectives
- market research and planning
  - SWOT
  - PEST analysis
  - identifying and understanding customer needs
- market segmentation and targeting
- branding
  - brand values
  - brand positioning
- the marketing mix
- advertising, promotion and public relations
- a year of free support
All our training courses are delivered virtually. The webinar systems used do not require software download.
Who is this course for?

The course is designed for anyone working in the voluntary and charity sector who want to understand the basics of marketing with a view to implementing a strategy in their organisation. It is however best suited to small or medium sized charities and not suitable for experienced staff within larger charity marketing departments.
What will this course help me do: learning outcomes?

By the end of the course, you will have the understanding and confidence to research, plan and develop a marketing strategy to help your organisation grow.
Other courses to consider

The Centre's other marketing course, Marketing: getting your message across may be of use if you do not work in the not-for-profit sector, however also of use to those who do work in this sector. It is an introductory course for anyone who needs to develop a marketing programme, and looks at creating a marketing plan and how best to reach your audience.
The Centre also offers a wealth of opportunities for other communications and marketing related courses. Some courses you might consider would be PR strategies that work, Handling the press and media: how to get your story covered, Influencing skills, Managing your organisation's reputation: building your brand and values, and Networking and representing your organisation.
And as proofreading is always a major part of a marketer's work, try the Centre's Proofreading course.
Course fee
- £589 plus VAT not-for-profit price (applies to charities and all other not-for-profit organisations, including public sector and housing)
- £654 plus VAT standard price (applies to all other organisations)