Description

Heidi is a nonprofit communicator passionate about helping civic tech, human services, and food access organizations tell clear, human-centered stories. She believes marketing carries great responsibility and shapes how communities understand and access support. As the founder of Heidi Kerr Strategies, she loves building thoughtful campaigns and social videos that earn trust and inspire action.

Key Takeaways:

• Marketing in nonprofits is not just about fundraising but about shaping how communities understand and access support. When treated as strategy and education, it becomes core to the mission, not an afterthought.
• Short-form, phone-shot videos often outperform highly produced content. Imperfect, human storytelling builds more trust than scripted perfection ever could.
• Pair real stories with data while protecting dignity and consent. The person sharing their experience should be the hero, not a prop for fundraising.
• Strong marketing equips teams with reusable tools, aligned messaging, and clear goals. Capacity-building creates momentum that lasts beyond a single campaign.

“When you ask them to create a short form video… ‘who is the star?’ And my answer to that is the people you serve - the humans in your organization.”

“The data is out there that those little videos - informal, authentic - they outperform anything fully branded or anything fully produced.”

“One thing I just can't talk about is ethical storytelling and trauma-informed storytelling, and the importance of ensuring that you're not having people perform for their poverty.”
- Heidi Kerr

Reach out to Heidi Kerr at:

Website: heidikerr.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidikerr/

Substack: https://substack.com/@heidikerr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidikerr/

Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence

1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders

Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward.
 

2. Team Coaching + Training

I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together.
 

3. Board Retreats + Trainings

Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results.

Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com

Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs:

https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect

Book Maryanne to speak at your conference:

https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker