Two rows of wrapped gifts representing donations from year end marketing for non profits
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Making the Most of the Season of Giving: Year-End Marketing Strategies that Work

The season of giving is upon us, and for nonprofits, that means it’s go time. According to Nonprofit Source, 30% of annual giving occurs in December, and 10% occurs in the last three days of the year. Year-end fundraising is one of the most critical opportunities for nonprofits, and effective marketing is what brings those…

NAPEX logo
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Case Study: National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) 

Services: Rebrand, Logo Design, Naming, Social Media Management  Background  The National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) represents the nationwide network of over 300 APEX Accelerators. Managed by the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), these accelerators offer no-cost assistance and resources to businesses interested in government contracting.    Challenge  APEX Accelerators were formerly…

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Person-First and Identity-First Language: Why Both Matter 

Language shapes how people view themselves and how they view others. In conversations around health, disability, and identity, the words chosen can either reduce someone to a label or affirm their full humanity. That’s where person-first language comes in, and it matters not just in daily interactions but also in the way businesses and organizations…

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Crayons & Marketers founder elected as AMA Nashville’s 2025-2026 Chapter President

Hayes, newly elected board aim to connect, educate, and elevate local marketing professionals NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 4, 2025) – The American Marketing Association Nashville Chapter (AMA Nashville) announced its newly elected 2025-2026 board of directors, naming Jacqueline Hayes, Principal and Chief Marketing Strategist at Crayons & Marketers, as the new chapter president. “I am very honored…

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Reimagining Healthcare Marketing To Reach Every Community

In 2020, COVID-19 exposed what the numbers have long shown — historically marginalized groups are not getting access to the healthcare they need. CDC data revealed higher mortality risk ratios among Native Americans, Hispanics, and Black Americans compared to White Americans during the pandemic.   But these disparities aren’t limited to public health crises. Between…

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[Watch] Up Close with Jacqueline Hayes and The Lira Group

Jacqueline Hayes, founder of Crayons & Marketers, was recently featured in The Lira Group’s Business Spotlight, a series that highlights some of Nashville’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. The spotlight is hosted by Gabriela Lira, a top 1% residential real estate broker in Nashville. “It was a pleasure to join Gabriela to discuss the passion and purpose…

Website Accessibility: A Step Towards an Inclusive Internet
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Website Accessibility: A Step Towards an Inclusive Internet

As technology has rapidly evolved, society has become more reliant on the internet than ever. From ordering groceries to accessing healthcare and financial services, nearly every aspect of daily life can now be managed online. However, many websites on the internet lack accessibility, posing difficulties for users with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive,…

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Cultivating Diverse Donors: A Practical Roadmap for Nonprofit Leaders

For nonprofit leaders, the landscape is changing quickly. Executive orders, economic uncertainty, and shifts in donor behavior have made it clear that funding can be unpredictable. Depending on the same grants or funders is no longer a reliable strategy. Now is the time to take a closer look at the types of revenue funding your…

A diverse group of individuals including people of different genders, ages, and abilities standing together in a row
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Inclusion Isn’t a Dirty Word: Why Smart Brands Do Inclusive Marketing  

Somewhere along the way, the word inclusion became loaded. For some, it triggers eye rolls. For others, it’s a corporate buzzword stripped of meaning. But for the most effective leaders running some of the most successful brands, inclusion isn’t controversial – it’s essential. It’s not a political move or a PR tactic but an ethical…

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How Brands Can Win with Women Through Inclusive Marketing

Women drive most household purchases and control up to 80% of consumer spending, yet many brands still struggle to connect with them. It’s important to remember that women are not just one audience—they are every audience. They are CEOs, athletes, doctors, artists, engineers, mothers, and innovators. They come from different racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds,…

3D image representing a bank with gold coins surrounding it financial inclusion
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How Inclusive Marketing Can Help Banks Reach the Unbanked

Having a safe space to stash your cash is important. Financial institutions like banks and credit unions have long fulfilled this role by offering secure and reliable ways to safeguard your funds. As of 2023, 96% of U.S. households had a bank account, leaving approximately 5.6 million unbanked. Among them, Black, Hispanic, and Native American…

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Crayons & Marketers’ Brandon Tubbs Earns Google AI-Powered Shopping Ads Certification

Crayons & Marketers’ Paid Media Specialist, Brandon Tubbs, has earned the Google AI-Powered Shopping Ads Certification! This achievement underscores our commitment to continuous learning and exceeding client expectations. As e-commerce demand grows, artificial intelligence (AI) can transform how brands engage with their audiences. Brandon strengthened his skills in optimizing AI-powered Shopping Ads and Performance Max…