Your digital footprint often serves as your most important impression. But many nonprofits struggle to find the resources and expertise to develop their digital brand.

“Nonprofits are often left years behind the business community when it comes to new media,” says Mana Ionescu, founder and president of Lightspan Digital, which is providing a social media package worth $3,200 to the winner. “At least for a few small nonprofits, we’re going to close that gap.”

Transforming Chicago Nonprofits

To help some of Chicago's most important nonprofit, six digital media innovators created Chicago Cause, an innovative program for city nonprofits that awards a package of digital media tools and training valued at more than $45,000.

Joining Lightspan in the program are Orbit Media, Flanigan Communications, Digital Third Coast, Bottleneck Management and ShiftFocus Productions. The combination of web development, PR consulting, site audit and SEO services, video production, social media services and training create a philanthropic package that will live far beyond a one-time donation.

“We’re giving them a toolbox to execute a sustainable messaging and promotional program that will earn them more support, more volunteers and more awareness,” Ionescu says.

First, second and third place winners will receive one or more of the following prizes, a total donation of $45,700:

●     A website (design + development) valued at $16,000 (Orbit Media Studios)
●     Social media management for three months valued at $3,200 (Lightspan Digital)
●     Site audit and six months of SEO services valued at $11,500 (Digital Third Coast)
●     PR consulting valued at $5,000 (Flanigan Communications)
●     Video production valued at $10,000 (ShiftFocus Productions)

This Year's 2012 Chicago Cause Finalists

This year the 10 finalists are a great group of organizations giving back in Chicago.

Build Inc. works in some of Chicago's toughest neighborhoods to provide at-risk youth with alternatives to gang activity and violence.

Direct Effect Charities is a “hands-on” charity that serves children in need through Chicago's highest poverty public schools. They reach more than 15,000 needy children each year through their Letters to Santa and Build a Backpack programs.

Deborah's Place breaks the cycle of homelessness for women in Chicago. Through a continuum of housing options, women succeed in achieving their goals of stable housing, sustainable income and greater self-determination.

Family Focus provides after-school programming in 29 area schools serving 37,000 children, offering academic enrichment and arts activities, as well as positive alternatives to risky behavior, educating youth about their personal responsibilities and boundaries.

Math At No Cost provides free math tutoring to students in grades 1 through 5. Their belief is that in helping students build strong math skills they will feel a sense of accomplishment, build self-esteem, and help give them a strong foundation upon which to build future successes.

West Town Bikes promotes youth social skills and a safe place for urban youth to get educated on the most environmentally friendly urban mode of transportation.

Family Rescue has been dedicated to eliminating domestic violence in the Chicago community. Over the past year, they have served 1,517 clients, provided 10,881 nights of safe shelter, 25,496 nights of affordable housing and answered 2,265 crisis calls.

Snow City Arts is a pioneering program that provides arts, cultural, and educational programming to hospitalized children unable to attend school because of serious illness.

The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization that works to provide housing, health care and human connection to members of our community who are struggling with poverty or homelessness.

Food Desert Action (dba) Fresh Moves brings fresh foods at competitive prices in accessible locations, responding to families who seek to consume more fruits and vegetables and foster healthier lifestyles.

A Night of Celebration

The celebration of the 10 Chicago Cause finalists will be held Oct. 25. The celebration will bring together some of the city’s best community leaders to network, celebrate and create new connections. The prize winners will be announced Oct. 30.

Chicago Cause Finalists’ Reception
Old Town Pour House
Oct. 25, 6–9 p.m.
1419 N. Wells Ave.
Chicago, IL 60610
www.chicagocause2012.eventbrite.com
@chicagocause

Visit www.chicagocause2012.eventbrite.com to RSVP for the Finalists’ Reception.