How to Build a Simple Content Calendar for Your Nonprofit
If you’re running a nonprofit, you already know how hard it is to stay consistent with content. One week you’re posting every day, and the next… silence.
That’s where a content calendar comes in. It’s a simple tool that helps you plan, organize, and stay on track—so your donors, volunteers, and supporters always hear from you.
And here’s the good news: you don’t need fancy software or a marketing degree. A basic calendar can transform how you manage your nonprofit’s content.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Before you create a calendar, ask: “What do I want my content to achieve?”
For most nonprofits, the goals are:
Grow awareness of your mission.
Engage your donor community.
Drive donations or volunteer sign-ups.
Clear goals will guide what kind of posts you plan.
Step 2: Choose Your Main Platforms
You don’t have to be everywhere. Pick the platforms where your supporters are most active.
Instagram: Great for storytelling and visuals.
Facebook: Good for events and community updates.
Email: Still the most effective for donor retention.
Blog/Website: Builds credibility and helps with SEO.
👉 Start with 2–3 platforms you can manage well.
Step 3: Pick Content Themes
Themes make it easier to plan posts because you’re not starting from scratch every time.
Examples of nonprofit content themes:
Impact stories: Share a donor-funded success.
Behind the scenes: Show staff or volunteers in action.
Educational posts: Facts or stats about your cause.
Calls-to-action: Donate, volunteer, attend an event.
Gratitude: Thank donors, sponsors, and volunteers.
Step 4: Map It Out
Now, put it on a calendar. You can use:
Google Sheets (free and easy).
Trello or Asana for teams.
Even a paper planner if you prefer.
Step 5: Batch and Schedule
To avoid the “last-minute scramble,” set aside a block of time each week to:
Write captions.
Collect images/videos.
Schedule posts using tools like Buffer, Later, or Meta Business Suite.
Pro Tips from a Marketing Strategist
From my 10 years in marketing, here’s what I tell nonprofit founders:
Don’t aim for daily posts. Aim for consistent weekly posts you can sustain.
Repurpose content. One story = blog + social post + email snippet.
Plan around campaigns. Build your calendar around Giving Tuesday, year-end, or major events.
A content calendar isn’t just about organization—it’s about consistency. When your nonprofit shows up regularly with valuable stories and updates, donors trust you more.
Start small, keep it simple, and build momentum. Even a one-page spreadsheet can change how you manage your nonprofit’s marketing.
At Socials Runway, we don’t just talk about content calendars—we built one for you.
👉 Download your free Nonprofit Content Calendar Template here and start planning posts that save you time and grow engagement.
