Giving Portland Nonprofits a Strategic Boost in 2024 Through the AMA PDX Agency Program
One of the things that defines Rose City is its vibrant nonprofit sector, an industry that employed 189,300 people in 2022 and closes gaps for resource access across the community in order to make the deepest impacts with their programs. Nonprofits and community organizations must communicate effectively with their clients, regional media, community partners, and donors and volunteers.
The regional chapter of the American Marketing Association—AMA PDX— is home to a pro bono Agency program that has been offering a unique blend of marketing expertise and community service since 2007.
The Power of Strategic Marketing
At AMA PDX Agency, we understand that strategic marketing isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. That's why our Agency program pairs talented marketing professionals with local nonprofits, giving our nonprofit clients the tools to amplify their missions and drive meaningful change.
Service, Growth, and Impact
The AMA PDX Agency program is a win-win-win. Nonprofits gain valuable marketing support, volunteers gain real-world experience and build their portfolios, and the Portland community benefits from stronger, more effective community organizations.
The 2024 Agency Program Cohort: Cultivating Change and Growth
This year's AMA PDX Agency program is partnering with three dynamic nonprofits delivering profound socioeconomic impacts in Oregon and SW Washington:
ELSO Inc. is dedicated to creating equity in STEAMED (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Environmental Design) education. ELSO works to eliminate the achievement gap for Black and Brown students in STEAMED fields. Working with our AMA PDX Agency, their goal is establishing repeatable and sustainable marketing and brand strategies that foster a sense of belonging, and expand their community impact and donor reach.
Rooted School Vancouver is building technology pathways for success. Rooted School Vancouver gives global majority high school students the tools to thrive in the ever-changing tech landscape, creating a pipeline into higher education and career placement. Working with AMA PDX Agency, their goal is to further define their target audiences, and establish a student recruitment and enrollment strategy and timeline.
Outside the Frame is empowering youth through filmmaking. Outside the Frame provides homeless and marginalized youth—many who identify as LGBT+—with creative outlets, job skills, and a sense of dignity through filmmaking and production. Working with AMA PDX Agency, they're looking to refine their brand voice to authentically reflect their mission and the transformative power of film, and develop a pitch deck for growing the organizational model in new geographies.
Join Us in Celebrating Community Impact
These organizations are tirelessly and relentlessly working to address critical issues like educational equity, youth empowerment, and technology access. The AMA PDX Agency program is honored to play a role in their organizational growth. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate, share our expertise, and witness the meaningful ways these nonprofits are transforming our city. Together, we’re building a better, brighter, Portland that will allow all of its roses to grow.
To join us in this work, learn more about our 2024 nonprofit clients, follow AMA PDX socials to learn more about our Agency work, and consider applying to volunteer with our 2025 program when the applications open in fall 2024.