Marcus Fong: First Steps Into Nonprofit Work
As the Marketing and Communications Intern for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, I’ve gained a deep understanding into the outreach, marketing, and storytelling that goes into the promotion of charity programs, initiatives, and events – all of which lead to the development of a more tight-knit and prosperous community. My first experiences with the organization were primarily concerned with getting acquainted with the various affiliated programs, such as Emergency Relief, Tax Assistance, and Inmate Reentry, as well as visiting several volunteering locations. With a previous unfamiliarity with how charity organizations worked, it was genuinely surprising and inspiring to learn how dedicated Catholic Charities was to providing assistance and support to the local community with the number of programs it has established.
In regards to my primary responsibilities, I create, organize, and schedule content for Catholic Charities’ social media accounts, including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. In assisting the Development, Communications, and Digital Media teams, I often utilize G-Suite and Meta Business Suite to ensure efficient time management and organized, timely posting. These technologies help maintain consistent communication and outreach, as well as fostering engagement and encouraging continued support from current donors. Because data analysis and market research are also integral parts to achieving Catholic Charities’ goals and objectives, I often conduct extensive research on donation best practices to execute efficient and impactful campaigns. This includes studying statistics and trends, analyzing performance metrics, and incorporating industry insights to refine content strategies and increase conversion rates.
By integrating this research, I develop targeted messaging and fundraising initiatives that resonate with our audience and inspire greater participation. Having met many individuals who have benefited from our programs and initiatives, I aspire to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to foster a thriving and connected community of supporters.