Project Goal:

"Advocate Fundraising seeks to enhance its online presence by revitalizing its website to be more compelling, engaging, and user-friendly. Currently, the Advocate Fundraising website is inactive and outdated, and we aim to collaborate with students to create a platform that effectively addresses client needs, promotes our services, and inspires engagement with our mission. Through this project, we hope to establish a modern and dynamic website that not only informs visitors but also encourages them to take action."

Context for Professors:

As digital engagement becomes increasingly important, the current website does not effectively reflect the organization's mission or engage potential donors and supporters. By partnering with students, Advocate Fundraising aims to leverage their creativity and fresh perspectives to transform its online presence. This project not only serves as a meaningful learning experience for students but also benefits a vital community organization in need of revitalization.

Tasks and Activities Learners Will Engage In:

1. Research and Analysis:

 - Conduct research on effective nonprofit and fundraising websites to identify best practices in design, user experience, and content that resonates with potential clients and supporters.

  - Analyze the existing Advocate Fundraising website to pinpoint areas needing improvement and gather data on the target audience's preferences.

2. Content Development:

  - Collaborate to create compelling content for new and existing web pages, ensuring it is engaging, informative, and aligned with the Advocate Fundraising brand voice and messaging.

  - Develop tailored calls to action that direct users toward services and important initiatives.

3. Website Structure and Navigation:

  - Assist in restructuring the website layout to improve user navigation, ensuring that information is easily accessible and intuitive.

  - Design wireframes or mockups reflecting the proposed layout and features of the new website.

4. Web Page Creation:

  - Use Squarespace to create new web pages, including sections for services, causes supported, and a revamped home page.

  - Ensure that all new pages are visually appealing and consistent with the Advocate Fundraising branding color palette and logo.

5. Review and Editing:

  - Review and update existing web pages to ensure the information is accurate, relevant, and aligns with the new content strategy.

  - Edit content collaboratively to maintain consistency in tone and formatting.

6. Feature Recommendations:

  - Propose potential upgrades, features, or interactive elements (such as donation buttons, volunteer sign-up forms, etc.) that could enhance user engagement and functionality.

  - Discuss and brainstorm ways to incorporate multimedia elements (photos, videos, graphics) into the website for better storytelling.

By engaging in these tasks, students will gain hands-on experience in web design, content creation, and digital marketing while contributing significantly to the revitalization of the Advocate Fundraising website. This collaboration will provide students with insights into real-world applications of their skills and help Advocate Fundraising connect more effectively with its stakeholders and the community.

Learners will be expected to complete the following tasks and deliverables to achieve the project goal of revitalizing the Advocate Fundraising website:

1.Existing Web Page Review Document:

• Prepare a review document that identifies outdated content and design elements on the current Advocate Fundraising website. This document should outline suggested updates or revisions to enhance accuracy, relevance, and user engagement.

2.Market Analysis Report:

• Conduct a thorough analysis of effective nonprofit and fundraising websites. This report should identify trends, best practices, and features that resonate with target audiences.
• Include recommendations on design elements, content strategies, and user engagement techniques that could be adapted for Advocate Fundraising.

3.Content Development Plan:

• Create a content development plan that outlines messaging, tone, and key content areas for the new website.
• Develop compelling and relevant content for the following sections:
• Home Page
• Services Overview
• Causes We Support
• Upcoming Events
• Testimonials/Success Stories
• Contact Information and Call to Action

4.Page Layout Designs:

• Design layouts for at least three key pages of the Advocate Fundraising website (e.g., Home Page, Services Page, and Causes Supported Page). These layouts should illustrate the proposed structure, navigation, and content placement.

5.Web Page Creation:

• Complete the actual creation of at least five new web pages on the Advocate Fundraising website using Squarespace. This includes:
• Home Page
• Services Overview
• Causes We Support
• Testimonials/Success Stories
• Contact Page with a Call to Action

6.Feature Enhancement Recommendations:

• Create a proposal for at least three potential upgrades or features for the Advocate Fundraising website. This should include:
• Interactive elements (e.g., donation buttons, volunteer sign-up forms)
• Improved navigation features
• Multimedia enhancements (such as photos, videos, or infographics)

7.Final Presentation:

• Prepare and deliver a final presentation to Advocate Fundraising stakeholders, summarizing the findings from the market analysis, showcasing layout designs, and demonstrating the completed web pages. The presentation should highlight how the new design and content can improve user engagement and support the organization’s mission.

By completing these tasks and deliverables, learners will not only contribute to the revitalization of the Advocate Fundraising website but also develop valuable skills in research, content creation, web design, and project management. These deliverables will provide a comprehensive framework for the organization to enhance its online presence effectively.