The document summarizes discussions at the 2008 Washington Nonprofit Conference about what nonprofits want from agency relationships. Key points included that nonprofits want transparency in pricing, a collaborative approach, insights into best practices, thought leadership from agencies, and strategic long-term engagement. Nonprofits reported concerns about being overbilled or sold pre-designed packages without input. Agencies were warned against overly rigid styles or avoiding hard questions when working with nonprofits.

1. Agency Intelligence: Nonprofits Talk About What They Want 2008 Washington Nonprofit Conference January 24-25, 2008

2. 2008 Washington Nonprofit Conference January 24-25, 2008 Meant to engage and enlighten: A moderated discussion Nonprofits Agencies Creative Talent Consultants

5. 2008 Washington Nonprofit Conference January 24-25, 2008 Nonprofit Givens: Smaller budgets, needs unclear, decision by committee Nonprofit Clients: Give ‘em a break? Reasons a price break is in order: Philosophical—In interest of the common good Practical—if none, agency might lose the job

6. 2008 Washington Nonprofit Conference January 24-25, 2008 Nonprofit Clients: Give ‘em a break? Why it might not be advisable: It mixes business with charity, many service providers do not How agency management often feels: nonprofits are often disorganized and hard to work with, more work for less money

11. 2008 Washington Nonprofit Conference January 24-25, 2008 Style: Designers think strong style is important Clients see that as a rigid approach Designers & Clients: What’s important to each: Creativity: Designers think no such thing as too much creativity Clients want just enough to differentiate Experience: Designers think their experience is transferable to any situation or market Clients usually only comfortable with designers experienced in their area

18. 2008 Washington Nonprofit Conference January 24-25, 2008 Click Here for Andrea Apshago’s Contact Info Click Here for Guy Arceneaux’s Contact Info Click Here for Sarah Elder’s Contact Info Thank You!