Local nonprofit organizations in South Florida in need of marketing materials can now apply for University of Miami School of Communication’s seventh annual PhilADthropy.
In 25 hours, students under the direction of faculty, alumni, and industry professionals create advertising campaigns, branding initiatives, public relations pieces, social media strategies, and a variety of other marketing materials at no cost to the nonprofit organization.
“PhilADthropy is an opportunity for our students to put their classroom skills to the test while learning the value of using these skills to give back to the community. At the same time, the community is given a wonderful opportunity to receive great work that may not have been affordable otherwise,” says Meryl Blau, professor at University of Miami School of Communication, founder and faculty adviser of PhilADthropy .
Since its inception in 2010, PhilADthropy has helped more than 75 nonprofits streamline their marketing efforts and conceive fresh ideas. On the day of the event, selected nonprofit organizations are asked to visit UM School of Communication to discuss with their assigned teams what their marketing and creative needs are. Each team is then given 24 hours to create pieces ranging from brand identities to full blown campaigns.
Cameron Sisser, Director of External Relations at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, says PhilADthropy is a “true gem in our community.”
PhilADthropy volunteers created a campaign for Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired that was displayed on billboards around South Florida. The students developed the slogan “It’s possible to see without sight,” and described how a person with a visual impairment can experience the world through their other senses.
“The students that spend 24 hours creating ideas and coming up with concepts are a priceless offering to many local nonprofits that might not otherwise be able to afford these services,” says Sisser.
Jonathan Spikes of the Jonathan Spikes Foundation/Affirming YOUth, received services form PhilADthropy volunteers in 2014 and says the experience “was very beneficial in helping me pitch our organization’s services in a clear and concise way which has increased our marketability.”
“In October 2014, our highly lauded ‘Let’s Talk It Out Program’ was promoted by the Florida Department of Education which I attribute to the assistance and hard work of the volunteers who helped me craft an effective elevator pitch that has increased our brand awareness and financial contributions far greater than I could have imagined,” said Spikes.
To apply for 2016’s PhilADthropy and to view past work, visit www.philadthropy.com. The event takes place on Friday, February 5, 2016, at 11 a.m. and runs through 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2016.
Interested nonprofits have until January 15th, 2016 to apply, and students until February 1, to volunteer. Applications can be found on the website.
“Come prepared to have the experience of a lifetime,” says Blau.
