The TASC Group

The TASC Group

What to Watch Out for When Choosing The Right PR Firm

Selecting the right public relations firm is crucial for any organization looking to build and maintain a strong public image and an online reputation. When you begin your search for a PR firm, it is important to know what to look for and what to avoid. What are the essentials of choosing a PR firm, and how do you ensure the agency aligns with your needs and goals?

What Does a PR Firm Do?

A PR firm specializes in managing the public image and communications of an organization. This includes media relations, crisis management, community outreach and strategic planning to enhance brand reputation and engagement.

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Why Do Organizations Turn to PR Firms?

Organizations turn to PR firms to:

Overview of Common Services That Organizations Need

1. Media Relations

PR firms help secure long-lasting relationships with the media by pitching your story, crafting press releases, managing events and enhancing your overall social media presence. This also includes expertly equipping your internal team with tools on how to speak with the media. 

2. Crisis Management

Many organizations rely on PR experts to develop crisis communications strategies, which can include handling negative publicity and mitigating damage to the brand.

3. Content Creation

PR consultants are experts in developing impactful messaging that resonates with an organization’s target audience. This includes creating compelling content for various platforms to ensure the messaging is consistently engaged with and performing well online. 

4. Strategic Planning

A key tactic to ensure PR success is developing a long-term PR strategy that is aligned with the goals of the organization and leadership team. This requires in-depth market and audience research. 

What to Look for in A PR Firm

The vetting process is essential when looking for the right PR firm. How do you know the agency and/or consultant is the right fit? 

Make sure the PR firm has a range of services that suit your needs while aligning with your organization’s values and offering the personalized attention needed to accomplish your goals. 

What Questions Should You Ask? 

  1. What is your experience in our industry?
  2. Can you provide case studies or references from similar clients?
  3. What is your approach to crisis management?
  4. How do you measure the success of your PR campaigns?
  5. What will be the roles and responsibilities of the team working with us?
  6. What is your pricing structure?

Potential Red and Green Flags: What to Watch Out for

When choosing a PR firm, be cautious of vague and unclear communication. A firm should be transparent about how the public relations space works and outline its processes in a way that is easy to understand. This clarity ensures they can effectively partner with your organization.

Equally important is the firm’s flexibility in its strategies. Public relations is not a one-size-fits-all field, and a rigid approach is a red flag. The best PR firms are adaptable, tailoring their methods to fit the unique needs of your organization to deliver optimal results.

For nonprofit organizations, consider firms with experience in nonprofit public relations and a strong understanding of your cause and mission. For-profit organizations should look for firms that have demonstrated success in boosting brand reputation and handling crisis management. 

Did You Make a Good Choice? Evaluating the Success of Your PR Firm

  • Achievement of Goals: Assess whether the PR firm has met the objectives outlined at the beginning of your partnership.
  • Media Coverage: Review the quality and quantity of media coverage generated.
  • Public Engagement: Measure increases in public engagement and brand sentiment.
  • Crisis Management: Evaluate how effectively the firm handled any crises and implement preventative measures to avoid future crises. 

Are You Ready to Dive Into the World of PR?

Choosing the right PR firm can make a significant difference in your organization’s public image and success. If you need expert guidance and a tailored approach, contact TASC today to learn how we can support your PR needs.

The TASC Group is a leading public relations firm dedicated to helping organizations, both nonprofit and for-profit, navigate the complexities of public relations. With a focus on crisis management, media relations, and strategic PR planning, TASC supports clients to achieve their communication goals and build lasting relationships with their audiences.

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PR For Nonprofits: Why PR is Crucial for Mission-Driven Organizations

PR helps elevate, define and promote a nonprofit organization, its mission and its leadership through earned placements in the media, recognitions via awards and speaking opportunities and more. A good PR and communications strategy builds credibility for a nonprofit, introduces critical stakeholders to its work, positions it as a leader in its space and allows it to magnify its impact by showcasing how the issues it tackles can be handled on a national and international scale. 

For nonprofits, public relations can often be an afterthought. After all, their focus is on serving their communities and tackling pressing issues above all else. However a thoughtful and strategic PR and communications plan can increase capacity, open doors to legislative change, lead to new sources of funding, build new partnerships and much more – in essence investing in communications allows nonprofits to reach farther and do more. 

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Why Is It Crucial for Nonprofits to Have a PR Strategy?

Too many nonprofits are doing incredible work in anonymity. It’s understandable – nonprofits exist to do the work, not to talk about the work. But a good PR and communications strategy for a nonprofit doesn’t take away from an organization’s capacity for service; it expands its ability to serve and enables it to grow. 

Gaining positive media attention, getting in front of its core audiences and solidifying a reputation within its community can launch a nonprofit toward financial success, help it build relationships with local legislators and can help it reach more people in need of its services. 

Without a proactive PR strategy in place, a nonprofit will be defined by others: those it serves, those that hear about it in passing or those that compete with it for funding. Being proactive about reputation building allows an organization to showcase the work it’s doing, own its core issue area and amplify its impact. 

How Is PR for Nonprofits Different?

Because of their deep connection to the communities they serve and their unique approach to service, every nonprofit has a story to tell and a point of view deserving of attention. Nonprofits don’t need to sell a product, rather they need to communicate an idea, a solution or an approach to making the world a better place. 

Nonprofits are at the forefront of the most pressing issues facing our society. From closing education gaps to housing needs to health disparities and beyond, nonprofits have a pulse on the social issues affecting the most vulnerable communities. This means they have unique and valuable insight that deserves to be elevated through PR.  

In this work, it’s critical to elevate both the organization’s programmatic work and its thought leadership: how it tackles an issue, why that issue is deserving of attention and how others can work with them to change their community for the better. These must be treated as the life-saving and society-changing perspectives they are, and that requires a strategic approach to nonprofit public relations. 

Aspects of a Nonprofit’s PR Strategy

PR for nonprofits starts with storytelling. What does the nonprofit do? Why and how does the nonprofit do it? And critically, why is this issue so important today? 

From there that story needs to be shaped, shared and protected. This requires a targeted approach to:

No nonprofit is the same as another. Each has its own unique needs. A good public relations and communications strategy adjusts accordingly and maximizes what the organization has to work with. 

Why Work with An Agency for Nonprofit PR

Agencies, especially those specialized in nonprofit public relations, are able to build capacity for nonprofit teams. By working with outside specialists that understand the media landscape, how to shape a story, how to pitch reporters and how to build a lasting reputation for a nonprofit, mission-driven organizations can expand their reach and get in front of those that need to know about them. 

With the additional hands and decades of experience PR agencies bring, a nonprofit can rise above the noise of the day to day and start leading on the issues that matter on a local and national level. 

PR Elevates Nonprofit

PR may feel like an add-on for a nonprofit where there’s little extra budget to spare, but in reality it can be the tool that takes a nonprofit to the next level. Investing early in a communications strategy sets up an organization for long term success, allows it to define itself before others define it and introduces it to critical audiences to expand its reach, capacity, funding and reputation.  

If you’re considering public relations services for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations, reach out to The TASC Group. 

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The Importance of Nonprofit Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool for nonprofits to ignite change, rally community support and take their organization to the next level. But what exactly is nonprofit storytelling, and how can organizations leverage its potency? 

What Is Nonprofit Storytelling?

At its core, nonprofit storytelling is the art of weaving narratives that embody the essence of an organization’s mission, values and impact. It transcends mere storytelling; it’s about inspiring action and fostering a sense of community around a shared cause.

How Can Nonprofits Use Storytelling? 

Nonprofits wield storytelling as a catalyst for change, using it to amplify their voices, garner support and drive engagement. From showcasing the transformative journeys of beneficiaries to sharing the passion of dedicated volunteers, storytelling breathes life into the noble endeavors of nonprofits.

Why Is Narrative Development for Nonprofits important? 

The essence of nonprofit storytelling lies in its ability to humanize complex issues, evoking empathy and understanding. By crafting narratives that resonate with their audience, nonprofits can forge deeper connections, rallying support for their cause and fostering long-term engagement.

Compelling Storytelling Helps to Promote Your Cause 

Compelling storytelling serves as the cornerstone of effective advocacy, enabling nonprofits to captivate audiences and inspire action. Whether through emotive testimonials, impactful visuals or immersive multimedia, compelling storytelling has the power to spark movements and drive change.

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How to Develop an Effective Storytelling Strategy

From conception to dissemination, crafting a robust storytelling strategy is essential for nonprofits seeking to maximize their impact. By delineating key messaging, identifying target audiences and selecting appropriate channels, organizations can ensure their narratives resonate far and wide. 

6 steps to consider: 

1. Define Your Goals and Objectives

Before diving into crafting your storytelling strategy, it’s crucial to define clear goals and objectives. Ask yourself: What do we want to achieve with our storytelling efforts? Whether it’s raising awareness, driving donations, or inspiring action, having a clear understanding of your objectives will guide the rest of your strategy.

2. Know Your Audience

Take the time to research and segment your audience demographics, interests, and preferences. This will help you tailor your messaging to resonate with different groups and ensure maximum impact.

3. Craft Compelling Narratives

Once you’ve identified your goals and audience, it’s time to craft compelling narratives that evoke emotion and drive engagement. Your stories should be authentic, and relatable, and highlight the human impact of your organization’s work. 

4. Select the Right Channels

Consider where your audience spends their time online and offline, whether it’s social media platforms, email newsletters, your website, or traditional media outlets. 

5. Create a Content Calendar

To ensure consistency and maximize reach, develop a content calendar outlining when and where you’ll share your stories. This calendar should align with key events, campaigns, or milestones relevant to your organization. By planning ahead, you can maintain a steady stream of content that keeps your audience engaged and connected to your cause.

6. Measure Success

Track metrics such as engagement, reach, and conversions to gauge the effectiveness of your strategy. Use these insights to refine your approach, iterate on your messaging, and continue to evolve your storytelling strategy over time.

Nonprofit Storytelling Mistakes to Avoid

Alternatively, poor storytelling can lead to crisis and PR backlash and have far-reaching consequences on the reputation of an organization. By sidestepping common PR pitfalls such as inconsistency, insensitivity, or misalignment with organizational values, nonprofits can safeguard their credibility and impact.

Questions you should ask

When developing a PR strategy, organizations should ask themselves a few questions to ensure they avoid common PR mistakes: 

  1. Does your storytelling lack authenticity? 
  2. Are you considering the correct audience? 
  3. Are you overlooking the power of visuals? Of testimonials? 
  4. Are you lacking consistency in your messaging and overall brand communications?

These are just a few questions that help organizations avoid common pitfalls that can lead to larger consequences down the road. 

Ready to Share Your Story? 

Are you ready to form a compelling narrative to the public about your mission? Reach out to us today and unlock the power of storytelling to drive change, inspire action and make a lasting impact.

About The TASC Group

The TASC Group is a leading public relations firm dedicated to helping nonprofits succeed. With a focus on mission-driven PR, we provide strategic communication services to elevate your organization’s impact. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your nonprofit’s PR needs.

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Crisis Management for Nonprofits: A Guide

In the realm of public relations, a crisis can strike at any moment, disrupting operations, damaging reputations and undermining trust. For nonprofits, which operate on the goodwill and support of their communities, a PR crisis can be particularly devastating. This blog explores crisis management for nonprofits: what constitutes a PR crisis, what kind of negative impacts they involve and how nonprofits can effectively manage these situations to protect their missions and causes.

What Constitutes a PR Crisis?

A PR crisis is any event that threatens the reputation, credibility or operational integrity of an organization. For nonprofits, this can range from allegations of financial mismanagement to controversial statements or actions by staff members. Unlike regular business hiccups, a PR crisis often attracts intense public scrutiny and media attention, leading to a rapid escalation of the issue.

Negative impact: Backlash and Negative Media Attention

A PR crisis involves backlash from the public and stakeholders. Negative media attention can spread quickly, magnifying the issue and reaching a broad audience shortly after news of the issue breaks. This can result in a loss of donations, volunteers and support, which are the lifeline of nonprofit organizations. Additionally, a damaged reputation can take years to rebuild, hindering a nonprofit’s ability to effectively fulfill its mission and serve its cause.

Why Nonprofits Are Particularly Vulnerable in a PR Crisis

Nonprofits are inherently vulnerable in a PR crisis due to their reliance on public trust and support. Unlike for-profit businesses, nonprofits often operate with limited resources, which can constrain their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to a crisis. The cause-driven nature of nonprofits means that any negative perception can directly impact their mission and the communities they serve. Poor PR crisis management can lead to diminished donor confidence, decreased funding and reduced volunteer engagement, further exacerbating the situation.

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Examples of Nonprofit PR Crises

Nonprofits are not immune to PR crises, and there have been several high-profile cases that highlight the potential pitfalls. For instance, the controversy surrounding the American Red Cross’s handling of funds during disaster relief efforts drew significant media attention and public backlash. Similarly, Oxfam faced severe criticism and a loss of donor support following revelations of misconduct by staff members. These examples underscore the importance of effective crisis management and the severe consequences of poor handling.

Developing a Crisis Management Plan for Your Nonprofit: Step by step

Immediate Response Steps

  1. Activate the Crisis Communications Team: Assemble a team responsible for managing the crisis, including members from leadership, communications and legal departments.
  2. Assess the Situation: Quickly gather all relevant facts to understand the scope and nature of the crisis.
  3. Develop a Holding Statement: Prepare an initial public statement acknowledging the issue and committing to address it.
  4. Communicate Internally: Ensure that all staff members are informed and understand the messaging and protocols.
  5. Engage with Stakeholders: Directly communicate with donors, volunteers and other key stakeholders to maintain transparency and trust.
  6. Monitor Media and Social Media: Track the coverage and public sentiment to adapt the response as necessary.

Building a Long-Term Recovery Plan And Setting Prevention Measures

Long-term Recovery Strategy

  1. Transparent Updates: Regularly provide updates on the actions being taken to resolve the crisis and prevent future occurrences.
  2. Stakeholder Engagement: Rebuild relationships with donors, volunteers and partners through consistent and open communication.
  3. Reputation Management: Launch PR campaigns aimed at restoring the nonprofit’s image and reinforcing its commitment to its mission.

Prevention Measures

  1. Training Staff: Conduct regular training sessions on crisis management and communication for all staff members.
  2. Risk Assessments: Regularly evaluate potential risks and update crisis management plans accordingly.
  3. Simulation Drills: Perform crisis simulation exercises to ensure preparedness and identify any gaps in the response plan.

How PR Firms Specialized in Nonprofit Crisis Management Can Help

Partnering with a PR agency for nonprofits can provide invaluable expertise and resources during a crisis. These firms offer specialized services such as:

  • Crisis Communications Services: Developing and executing effective communication strategies during a crisis.
  • Media Relations: Managing media interactions and shaping the narrative to mitigate negative coverage.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Crafting tailored communication plans to maintain trust with key stakeholders.
  • Reputation Management: Implementing strategies to rebuild and enhance the nonprofit’s public image post-crisis.

Utilizing professional PR services can ensure that nonprofits navigate crises more effectively, protecting their missions and sustaining their critical work.

By understanding the unique vulnerabilities of nonprofits and employing strategic crisis public relations strategies, organizations can protect their missions, maintain public trust and continue to serve their causes with integrity. For nonprofits seeking additional support, partnering with a PR agency with experience supporting nonprofits or leveraging PR services more broadly can provide the expertise needed to manage and recover from crises. The key to successful crisis management lies in preparation, transparency and swift, decisive action.

About TASC


The TASC Group is a leading public relations firm dedicated to helping nonprofits succeed. With a focus on mission-driven PR, we provide strategic communication services to elevate your organization’s impact. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your nonprofit’s PR needs.

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How to Build an Effective Public Relations Strategy for Nonprofits

In today’s digital world, building an effective public relations strategy for nonprofits is more important than ever. With limited budgets and resources, nonprofits must still leverage public relations to raise awareness, promote their cause and manage their reputation. Here’s how to create a mission-driven PR plan that achieves these goals.

What Is a PR strategy?

A public relations strategy is a comprehensive plan designed to manage an organization’s communication with its audiences. It involves crafting messages, identifying target audiences and selecting the appropriate channels to convey the organization’s mission and values. For nonprofits, an effective PR strategy is essential to raise awareness and drive engagement with their cause.

PR Strategy for Nonprofits

Nonprofit public relations focuses on communicating the organization’s mission, values, programs and executive thought leadership to the public. This involves storytelling, media relations, social media engagement and more. A strong PR strategy for nonprofits helps to build credibility, foster trust and attract support from donors, volunteers and partners.

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How Nonprofits Can And Should Use PR

Public relations strategies are crucial for nonprofits because they help build a positive image and foster relationships with the community. By using public relations, nonprofits can:

Challenges Nonprofits Face With PR Strategies

Nonprofits often face unique challenges when it comes to public relations. Given their mission-driven nature and limited resources, they need a careful and well-thought-out communication plan. Poor PR can lead to backlash, undermining the organization’s efforts. 

How to Build an Effective PR Strategy for Nonprofit Organizations

Creating a successful PR strategy for nonprofits involves several steps:

1. Identify organizational goals and how PR can directly support

Your PR strategy should ladder up to your organizational goals. First, identify what those goals are and base your PR strategy around them.

2. Identify Key Audience

Make clear the demographics your organization wants to target and why. Knowing your audience is key to successfully executing a communications strategy. 

3. Flesh out Tactics and Timeline

Determine which PR tactics will best execute your goals, whether that’s social media, earned media, paid media, thought leadership, events, etc. Create a dated plan for when you will execute these tactics and how. 

4. Create Messaging and Storytelling

Develop clear, compelling messages about your campaign and/or organization, using storytelling to highlight the impact of your work and resonate with audiences.

5. Lead Media Training

Identify your spokespeople and conduct media training sessions to help them practice effective communication during media interviews. 

What to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls in nonprofit public relations:

  • Inconsistent messaging: Ensure all communications are consistent and aligned with your mission, programs, values and long-term goals. Concise and clear messaging is crucial for anybody to understand what you do and why. Without clear language, your message will get lost.
  • Minimal internal communication or information sharing: A good earned media strategy depends on whether PR has enough information to promote. Ensuring your nonprofit communicates internally about programs, upcoming events, participant testimonials, case studies and other happenings on the ground with leadership and the PR team. 
  • Lack of preparation: Always be prepared for potential crises and have a plan in place. Not having internal policies to address any kind of employee, participant or volunteer situation may lead to a PR crisis down the line. Ensure your policies are buttoned up and have a general communication crisis response plan in place.

Setting Objectives and Measuring Results

Set clear objectives for your PR efforts and measure your results to ensure your strategy is effective. Track KPIs and metrics such as media coverage, impressions, syndications, social media engagement and donor inquiries to gauge your success.

Who to Trust

When it comes to nonprofit public relations, professional help can be invaluable. Experienced PR firms can provide the expertise and resources needed to create and execute a successful PR strategy.

The Importance of Expert Support

While internal teams may be passionate about the mission, professional PR firms bring specialized knowledge and experience. They can offer strategic insights, crisis management skills and media relationships that are crucial for effective public relations. External teams have decades of experience working with other nonprofit clients. 

Building an effective public relations strategy for nonprofits is essential to raise awareness, engage the community, and manage crises. For expert guidance, get in touch with The TASC Group. Our experienced team specializes in nonprofit PR, helping you amplify your cause and achieve your mission.

About The TASC Group

The TASC Group is a leading public relations firm dedicated to helping nonprofits succeed. With a focus on mission-driven PR, we provide strategic communication services to elevate your organization’s impact. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your nonprofit’s PR needs.

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What Does Restricted Giving Mean and What Is Its Real Impact?

In the last few years, there has been a lot of talk about “restricted giving,” particularly after large-scale tragedies like the events of September 11th, the Tsunami in Indonesia and the ongoing Israel-Gaza humanitarian crisis. As a donor, you may wonder what it means to make a restricted gift to a nonprofit organization.

What Are Restricted Donations?

Unrestricted gifts are donations to a nonprofit organization that do not have any limitations placed on where or how the money is spent while a restricted gift specifies how the donation should be spent and requires the nonprofit to use it in the manner the donor has outlined. 

The Benefits of Unrestricted Donations

There are some benefits to giving restricted donations, and as a donor, it is your right to choose to make a restricted gift. However, sometimes such donations can actually harm the organization or not be as helpful as they could be. 

  • An unrestricted gift can help pay for monthly expenses that are vital to an organization’s existence: administrative costs, rent, salaries, fundraising, etc. The Visiting Nurse Association of Mercer County is one such nonprofit that relies on unrestricted gifts for its Annual Fund to continue to provide services.
  • Additionally, a gift without restraints may actually cover more programs and contribute to the overall success and health of an institution. 

The Targeted Priorities of Restricted Donations

One of the most significant factors in unrestricted giving is that the organization has the choice to use your funds in an area that will have the greatest impact at that particular time of the year. 

On the contrary, a restricted gift allows you to make a specific choice for the organization, often leading to a more active role in that particular charity. Many donors also find relief in knowing precisely where their money is being spent. In some instances, it may be clear to a donor that an organization is overlooking a specific part of a program that may be of particular importance to the donor. In this situation, restricted gifts not only allow the donor to allocate their money appropriately but also psychologically weld the giver to the cause they’re supporting. They can feel more attached and responsible. This type of symbiotic giving is healthy both for the donor and the organization. 

A Recommendation in Closing

We recommend that if a donor is making a larger donation, say a contribution of over $5,000, they should earmark a portion of that donation to a specific program, thus making it restricted. The remainder of the money could be unrestricted and used at the discretion of the organization. Five, six and seven-figure contributions should be managed carefully, and professional advice should be sought by the donor about how the donation would be best utilized by the organization.

As a leading PR agency in the nonprofit space, The TASC Group continues to monitor industry-wide PR trends to best serve our clients. To learn more about ways that The TASC Group can work with you, please visit our website and review some of our case studies.

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Navigating Social Media in The Age of Online Controversy

There’s just not much room for error on social media these days. All it takes is a few individuals to find something wrong with a brand’s message. Within minutes, word can spread like wildfire and everyone logged into any of the major social media sites will have been exposed to and can often add to the backlash. 

Social Media Backlash Through The Years

There’s no denying that the rules of social media changed in the wake of the 2016 presidential election. In 2017, Adweek published an article titled “Branding Social Etiquette in the Age of Trump” that discusses how social media etiquette changed with Trump in office. “Under a Donald Trump presidency, political conversations are trending on Twitter,” writes Jenny Wolfram. She mentions that even when businesses want no part of it, they are coerced into discussion on politics by consumers as the public looks to companies and brands to pick sides. As Wolfram puts it, “One wrong step can lead to a mass consumer boycott or a plummeting stock value.”

Her insight holds true today. From the 2017 “Live Bolder” Pepsi campaign that showed Kendall Jenner ending a political protest by offering a Pepsi as a token of peace to police officers to the Bud Light controversy of 2023, we’ve seen that as much as social media changes, it’s revelry in a brand’s tone-deaf mistakes stays constant. 

How to Handle Online Backlash

The bad news is that there’s no surefire way for a company to prevent criticism from the public, no matter what political or socially relevant or responsible messages they choose to make. So how, in a world in which consumers want brands to take a stand for political and social issues, can an organization protect itself against becoming kindle for internet outrage?  

There are ways to prevent a complete brand meltdown when criticism occurs, and a good crisis team can lead you through it.

In the case of Pepsi, apologizing quickly and getting back to business worked, since the company has a pre-established respected, recognizable brand. Bud Light on the other hand, fumbled its apology, refusing to stand behind the influencer it hired, neither winning back the customers it lost by working with a Trans influencer nor gaining new fans by proudly standing for Trans rights. Bud Light’s failure to quickly and decisively take ownership of its decision led to a drawn-out online outcry from both left- and right-leaning accounts. 

How to Spurn Conversation Rather Than Cancellation 

But the most effective tool for any company when wading into online activism is actually creating a campaign that opens up dialogue and reflects political conversations in a nuanced and informed way. This means avoiding pitfalls by bringing the right people to the table and “screen-testing” social messaging and online political campaigns with a diverse group – or better yet, creating diverse teams to work on them. Brands can certainly be both effective and retain their customer base when wading into political issues. 

Between offering crisis management, communications and public relations strategies, TASC can help your organization navigate how to best handle controversy online. Explore our comprehensive range of PR and Communications services to discover how we can assist in brand management. 

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How Does Charitable Giving Affect My Taxes?

As a donor to a charity you are frequently eligible for certain tax benefits that you may not realize. Giving to a valid nonprofit organization, such as a 501(c)(3), is always ‘tax deductible.’ However, the more important question is: Will I get any ‘tax benefit’ from my donation? A ‘tax benefit’ would be the amount of reduction on your total tax bill as a result of your charitable contribution. 

Giving to Qualified Organizations

In general, donations to religious organizations, nonprofit schools and hospitals, public parks and recreation facilities, 501(c)(3) charities, and war veterans’ groups are all deductible. Donations to civic leagues, political parties, social and sports cubs, labor unions, individuals and foreign organizations are not. To help guide you, the IRS provides an online search engine of Publication 78, which lists organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable donations. Additionally, Publication 526 provides important charitable contributions that are helpful when preparing your tax return.

Recording Donations

In order to actually receive tax deductions you must keep an organized record of all your charitable donations. It’s important to save either the receipt, letter of recognition, credit card bill or check stub as proof of your giving. Whenever possible, try to donate with a check or credit card, this way you’ll have an exact record of your financial transactions. If you do use cash for donations of $250 or more you will need to have a letter from the organization stating the amount of your donation. Frequently, people forget that when donating goods to the Salvation Army or other charities. The items are also tax deductible. To get tax credit for these donations, you will need to fill out Form 8283, as well as keep a detailed record of the item donated, its value, the organization you donated to and the date. 

Filing Taxes

In addition to recording your donations you must use Schedule A (Form 1040) to be eligible for tax deductions. If you take the ‘standard deduction’ when you file, there is no tax benefit. Depending on your ‘marginal tax bracket’ you will receive a tax benefit. Typically you can expect that the amount you contribute times your marginal tax bracket will give you your tax benefit.  

The most important thing is to donate to reputable and impactful nonprofit organizations making an impact on its community. You can find organizations to donate to by checking nonprofit databases like GuideStar by Candid and Charity Navigator, by reading, watching and listening to your local news to learn about impactful organizations making a difference in your city and looking into those serving populations you care about. 

Thoughts in Closing

The work of nonprofits is forever important and impactful, and here at The TASC Group we’re proud to partner with organizations changing the world for the better. Learn more about our work with nonprofits via our case studies. Some specific examples of efforts can be found in our case studies for the Bronx Rising Initiative, Destination Tomorrow and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

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PR 101: What Is PR and Why Is It Important?

Public relations (PR) stands as a pivotal component of reputation management, employing various communication strategies to nurture trust and foster positive relationships. It crafts compelling narratives, engages stakeholders, and upholds transparency within today’s interconnected environment. For organizations and companies, embracing PR is imperative as it not only safeguards against crises but also amplifies the showcase of core values and leadership. Prioritizing PR empowers entities to shape public perceptions, instill trust, and fortify their foothold in a dynamic and competitive marketplace.

The Basics  

Dictionary.com defines public relations as “the professional maintenance of a favorable public image by a company or other organization or a famous person.” There are several factors that go into cultivating a favorable image and maintaining a positive reputation for your client. Communicating effectively and efficiently with your client(s), colleagues and the media prevents mixed messaging. 

What Does PR Entail 

Storytelling 

Storytelling is the backbone of public relations. In PR, professionals create compelling narratives and craft messaging that most effectively communicates the client’s mission. Through these narratives, clients are introduced to the media with the aim of securing coverage in various publications. The goal is to establish strong relationships between PR professionals and members of the media, so that the client’s story can continuously be told whenever relevant. 

Crisis Communications 

The need for a crisis communications consultant can stem from various sources: legal disclosures, involvement in public scandals, or the circulation of damaging misinformation. During such instances, a proficient PR team becomes crucial. They navigate these crises by: 

  • Crafting press releases and statements to clarify any misconceptions about the company. 
  • Creating a comprehensive Q&A guide to assist company spokespeople in addressing tough questions from the media. 
  • Engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including investors, often within a legal context. 

Why Is PR important? 

There is an endless list of why PR is important for a company or individual.  

1. Establishing a Shield of Protection

PR is the bulwark that shields companies and individuals from potential crises. It creates a robust defense mechanism, preserving reputation and credibility even in challenging times. 

2. Dedicated Advocacy

Having a PR team means having a consistent advocate. They constantly look out for your best interests, offering guidance and support to navigate through various situations effectively. 

3. Strategic Partnership

PR professionals are more than advisors; they’re strategic partners. They collaborate closely, offering insights and expertise to refine ideas and shape effective strategies tailored to specific goals. 

4. Mastering the Art of Storytelling

A core competency of PR lies in crafting compelling narratives. They possess the knack for storytelling, ensuring your brand’s message resonates powerfully with the intended audience and garners successful media attention. 

5. Campaign and Event Execution

When specific events or campaigns play a role in your strategy, PR professionals excel in planning and execution. They orchestrate events flawlessly, ensuring that they align seamlessly with your brand’s objectives, further enhancing visibility and engagement. 

Interested in Diving Into the World of PR? 

PR is the cornerstone for success, serving as a multi-faceted tool that provides protection, advocacy, strategic guidance, impactful storytelling, and event management. These elements collectively contribute to building and maintaining a strong and favorable public image to maximize an organization’s reach.  TASC uses these PR strategies to help organizations generate institutional and community support. By establishing thought leadership and attracting media attention both nationally and locally, our agency helps elevate your mission and reach target audiences. Explore our comprehensive range of PR and Communications services to discover how we can assist in amplifying your organization’s mission.

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When You Should Call Your Lawyer and When You Should Call Your PR Firm

Who should you call – your lawyer or your PR firm?  

PR and legal teams typically have a symbiotic relationship with each other, often working together to support a client when there is a pending issue that involves both aspects, such as a corporate merger deal with investor relations impacts or a civil trial that has caught the public eye.  

At times, PR firms and law firms will even recommend each other to clients when there is a pressing need for their respective services. 

That said, at the very start of a crisis or even just a development that involves both legal and PR aspects, it can be tricky for clients to determine who they should contact for which matters and why and in what order.  

The Most Important Rule: If You’re in Legal Trouble or About to Be, Call Your Lawyer First

If you are arrested, about to be or even feel you may be about to/have crossed a legal boundary, please connect with your lawyer before talking to anybody else.  

The most important reason is that, unlike your relationship with a PR professional (normally), communication between you and your lawyer is protected and completely confidential under attorney-client privilege. This is right in line with the fact that you have a 5th Amendment right to be silent and not engage in self-incrimination. Your constitutional privileges are precious and valuable, so take advantage of them!  

If you speak to your PR professional before an attorney, your correspondence with them will not be confidential under the law, which could be damaging to your case, and your PR team may encounter their own legal liability. 

How Can You Still Talk to Your PR Team Freely If You Are in Legal Trouble? 

Fortunately, there is a way for your PR team to be involved if you face legal issues. Your designated legal team should be able to formally ‘hire’ your PR team on your behalf and incorporate their cost/retainer into your regular legal bill.  

Through this, your conversations with your PR team will fall under attorney-client privilege and your chosen teams should be able to work together to balance and harmonize the PR strategy with the legal strategy.    

When the PR team is formally hired by your lawyer, you should check with your lawyer on which types of correspondences (such as email, phone, text) fall under privilege and what conditions need to be applied (such as counsel being cc’d on each email to your PR counsel and vice versa). 

Don’t Know The Right Lawyer to Talk to? Try Your PR team!  

While you should be careful how specifically you describe your prospective legal dilemma to a PR professional who is not currently under attorney-client privilege, savvy PR firms well versed in crisis communications like The TASC Group often work hand-in-hand with law firms to connect clients with both PR and legal counsel.  

A quality firm should be able to point you in the direction of or, even better, formally introduce you to proper counsel for the legal matter you are dealing with. 

To learn more about The TASC Group’s work, see our PR and Communication services.

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