Case Study: Youth Off The Streets

This is a guest post written by our friends at Market Aid! They post regular blog content about the latest trends and advice for not-for-profit organisations, which may be helpful for some of our Entreprenerds.

Youth Off The Streets is a non-for-profit organisation founded in 1991 that has expanded rapidly in recent years due to the integration of digital media. They aim to support young people who are experiencing hardship in their life such as homelessness or substance dependency. The organisation aims to turn their life around and overcome the trauma. Throughout the years, the organisation has created more than 25 services with funding from both the community (65%) and government (35%), raising $1,487,132 in 2010/11, highlighting their broad reach within the community and online. The organisation is based in Sydney and expanded their presences within the local King Cross area, securing strategic relationships with a number of corporations.

Youth Off The Streets has adapted to the growing use of technology, particularly in this demographic. In doing so, they can maintain current relationships and develop new ones through different platforms. They regularly contact their audience through email marketing to keep them well informed about upcoming events and garner a close relationship. They are able to support young people by actively posting on social media. They use real life examples to provide users a better understanding of their services. Aside from its digital platforms, word of mouth has also contributed towards its expansion where participants discuss their own experience with others to create positive first impression.

What can other non-for-profit entrepreneurs learn from Youth Off The Streets?

• Set up a website and a variety of social platforms (depending on your resources and demographic) and actively update it. Employ keywords to optimise the search result and create a clear first impression that generates viewers’ interests.

• Consider email marketing to keep your eager audience updated. This is especially important during the current COVID-19 situation as people may not have the opportunity or motivation to research what your company is. It will also minimise the negative impacts.

Thanks for reading! We also posted an article on Market Aid’s blog; a case study on Project Everest Ventures, click here to check it out.

Sound off in the comments below: Are you running a non-profit? How would you use digital marketing for your business? Meet other entrepreneurs in the forum!