Blog
Lessons from the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer
The global landscape is now defined by insularity. 7 in 10 people are hesitant or unwilling to trust those who differ from them in values, background, or even the facts they rely on. In this environment, your donors are retreating into "local circles" of trust - neighbors, family, and coworkers - while distancing themselves from institutions. If you don’t understand this and lean into it, this statistic will affect - or is already affecting - your organization.
If Everything Sounds Important, Nothing Actually Is: How to be Heard, Seen and Known in a Noisy World.
At Graf-Martin, we specialize in helping mid-sized organizations move from "noisy" to "known." Sometimes, a high-impact Brand Strategy Sprint is all it takes to align your team, refine your message, and give your community the clarity they’re starving for.
Leaders Navigating Uncertainty: Five Questions to Ask Right Now
We recently sat down with our founder, Ellen Graf-Martin, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing leaders of values-driven organizations today. Ellen’s not new to this game -- she started Graf-Martin Communications at the bottom of the “great recession” in 2008, and walked with a number of organizations through 2020. Her perspective, honed over 17 years of navigating market shifts, global trends and crises offers a compelling framework for not just surviving, but thriving in uncertainty.
Are We Making Fundraising and Communication Too Complicated?
Are we making fundraising and communications too complicated? Honestly… yes, sometimes.
But the solution is simple: Focus on people. Tell real stories. Streamline your process.
Your donors don’t want to navigate a maze of messages. They just want to understand the impact of their support.
When we give them that clarity, we amplify the mission.
Brand Clarity: The Hidden Key to a Strong Monthly Donor Program
In our experience, many organizations are frustrated with a lack of success in attracting new monthly donors, and feeling like their monthly giving program is the problem. But, here’s the truth: before you can grow a healthy monthly donor program, you need a healthy brand. Read on to learn more about how a clearly defined brand helps build donor confidence and support for your mission.
What Interac’s Consumer Spending Trends Tell Us about Donor Engagement this Fall
As summer fades and we transition into fall, it's worth reflecting on something fascinating that happened across Canada over the past few months. While economists debated inflation rates and consumer confidence, we witnessed a quieter but more revealing story unfold in how people chose to spend their money. This wasn't simply about spending more or less, it was about spending with purpose. If you’re a non-profit communications staffer, or a charity leader, Interac’s recent report reveals that your donors are showing you what they value through their everyday decisions.
Brand Consistency: The Key to Building Trust
This Spring I’m connecting with charity leaders who are doing incredible, hope-filled work across Canada. In every conversation we’re talking about what is shifting in the world - and let’s be honest, this is a rapidly shifting world at the moment. What’s important to me is how to support these organizations so they can stay ahead without burning out and ensure they’ve got what they need to make it through this season.
10 key trends you need to know about, and what they might mean for your organization this year.
This Spring I’m connecting with charity leaders who are doing incredible, hope-filled work across Canada. In every conversation we’re talking about what is shifting in the world - and let’s be honest, this is a rapidly shifting world at the moment. What’s important to me is how to support these organizations so they can stay ahead without burning out and ensure they’ve got what they need to make it through this season.
The Graf-Martin Story - Taking Our Place in Canadian Women’s History!
By living out their values of hope, generosity and justice, and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, Graf-Martin is helping change history, one brand strategy, PR campaign, or marketing plan at a time.
Marketing for Good - Ellen’s legacy on hope, generosity and justice
In this article, Ellen shares an incredible story that highlights how God doesn’t forget anything and uses everything. It illustrates how God weaves our accomplishments, experiences and stories together with others to fulfil His plan, and showcases the importance of building something bigger than yourself.
Stories That Inspire: Transforming Nonprofit Marketing with the Power of Narrative
Discover the transformative power of storytelling in nonprofit marketing with our insightful blog post, 'Stories That Inspire.' Learn how emotional narratives can build deep connections, foster trust, and create a community of supporters. Dive into the strategic approach of using compelling stories to differentiate your nonprofit, engage audiences, and build a lasting brand. Perfect for nonprofit professionals seeking innovative ways to inspire action and sustain advocacy.