Investment
How much should nonprofit marketing cost?
One of the most common questions nonprofit leaders ask is, 'How much should we budget for marketing?' The honest answer is probably more than you think — but maybe not for the reasons you'd expect.
Real costs
Why does marketing cost more than most organizations expect?
Good marketing is a lot of work — most of it invisible to the finished product. Behind a single website launch or campaign is a long list of real costs: professional expertise, creative work, strategy, technology, printing, photography, video production, paid advertising, software, accessibility, website hosting, ongoing maintenance, and — most of all — skilled human time.
We don't share this to make anyone feel guilty. We share it because the more clearly a leader understands what they're paying for, the better they can plan, prioritize, and make the case to their board. An honest conversation about cost is the beginning of a healthy engagement.
"If you won't invest in telling your story, why would anyone else invest in it?"
— Joe Graves, "Why Marketing Costs More Than You Think"
Investment, not expense
Isn't marketing supposed to be an investment?
Yes. Good marketing creates systems — and those systems keep working long after the launch date. A well-built website keeps welcoming donors every day. A strong brand keeps making your team look credible in every proposal. An SEO foundation keeps introducing you to new supporters while you sleep. A story library keeps fueling appeals, newsletters, and reports for years.
Websites, SEO, brand identity, email systems, story libraries, photography, campaign assets — this is infrastructure. Strong marketing compounds over time.
Transparency
Why don't we publish exact pricing?
Because every organization is different. A five-page church website is a different project from a statewide fundraising campaign, and pricing them the same would be dishonest.
Instead of forcing every client into a package, we provide transparent starting investments and build a customized proposal for your specific mission, audience, and goals.
Starting investments
Transparent starting points.
Every engagement begins with a conversation and a written proposal. These starting figures give you a realistic frame for planning.
Website Design
Customized to your scope
Branding & Design
Customized to your scope
Fundraising Campaigns
Customized to your scope
Content & Storytelling
Customized to your scope
SEO & AI Search
Customized to your scope
Social Media Support
Customized to your scope
Marketing Retainers
Customized to your scope
Always included
What's included in every project?
Regardless of scope, every engagement includes the fundamentals that make a project actually finish — and finish well.
- Discovery and strategic planning
- Dedicated project management
- Clear, professional communication
- Quality assurance and thorough review
- Training for your team
- Launch support and post-launch care
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can we start small?+
Yes. Many of our long-term partnerships started with a single, well-scoped project. We'd rather begin with something small that goes well than something large that overwhelms your team.
Do you offer monthly retainers?+
Yes. For organizations that want ongoing marketing support without hiring internally, we offer flexible monthly retainers scoped to your capacity and priorities.
Can you work with our internal staff?+
Yes. We regularly partner with internal marketing, communications, and development teams — either taking on specific projects or supporting the team's ongoing work.
Can we complete projects in phases?+
Yes. Phasing a project across a budget cycle or fiscal year is often the most responsible way to move forward, and we'll help you sequence the work accordingly.
Do you work with organizations outside Indiana?+
Yes. We're based in Indiana and love our local partners, but we work with mission-driven organizations across the country.
Our philosophy on pricing
Honest conversations about cost.
We believe nonprofit organizations deserve honest conversations about cost. No hidden fees. No confusing packages. No unnecessary upselling. Just practical recommendations that align with your mission, goals, and budget.
"Stopping advertising to save money is like stopping your watch to save time."
— Henry Ford
Let's talk
Ready to amplify your mission?
Whether you need a website, fundraising campaign, branding, or ongoing marketing support, we'd love to learn more about your organization and explore how we can help.