Frequently Asked Questions about Nonprofit.ist Expert Membership

I've been listed in other directories and they haven't worked for me. Why will Nonprofit.ist's directory be different?
Good question! Part of the genesis for this project was that we've had the same experience. Nonprofit.ist is different in three key ways:

• Recognition that a lot of the work we get comes from other experts referring nonprofits. The current database makes those connections and referrals easy, and we plan to add other tools to help members connect. 
• Focus on actually attracting nonprofits to the listings. Our collective funding will go into online advertising, building useful content, sponsoring events - the strategies that attract nonprofits who want to work with our experts. 
• Super user friendly, searchable database. Instead of flipping through pages of consultants or accountants and reading a paragraph about each, Nonprofit.ist is fully searchable with pictures and links to your website and LinkedIn profile.
• Our reach is not bounded by geography, issue area, or type of expert. You don't get work from just one city or in one issue area, and a comprehensive online directory should reflect that.

Why is there a cost to join?
Your $199 yearly membership fee covers the database we use, website hosting, managing the site and the business, and advertising to attract nonprofits to the site. Membership for nonprofits will be free, and we hope to be able to attract paid advertisers to the site over time.

What's included in my profile?
Your profile includes a profile photo, your choice of categories (see next question), a lot of room to describe yourself and your work, and links to your website and social media pages. You can view a sample profile for more details. 

What are the categories I can choose from?
Right now, our categories are: Accounting and Business Administration, Board Development, Coaching, Communications and Marketing, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Evaluation and Learning, Executive Transition, Fundraising, Legal Issues, Meeting Design and Facilitation, Strategic Planning, Organizational Assessment, Technology and Other. You can choose as many categories as apply to your work and you can add searchable details - like skills and focus areas - in the other sections of your profile. As we grow, we'll be adding more categories.

How do I get an invitation? 
The best way is to connect with someone already listed that you know. If you don't know anyone, request an invitation here: https://www.nonprofit.ist/joinrequest. 

What if I have more questions? 
Feel free to be in touch at heather (at) nonprofit.ist.