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THE ACCELERATOR

expert coaching. proven shortcuts. real results.

All the tools, support, and accountability you need to execute with confidence.

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You already have a clear message and a plan. But if you’re like most nonprofit leaders, your to-do list is overflowing, your inbox is full, and your brilliant strategy keeps getting buried.

The Accelerator is your shortcut to follow-through. We help you move from intention to implementation—with expert guidance, proven templates, and a supportive community.

here's what you get when you join

Live Weekly Q&A Calls – Solve real problems in real time—from technical help on sending mass emails and implementing digital advertising, to overall communications strategy and fundraising campaign development. 

Live and On-Demand Masterclasses – Actionable trainings on the marketing moves that matter most, updated monthly.

Monthly Content Planning and Quarterly Action Planning Sessions – Dedicated sessions to map out your editorial calendar and lay quarterly campaign plans, with our frameworks and assistance.

Resource Library – Plug-and-play templates, campaign kits, email sequences, social calendars, and planning tools.

Fresh Ideas from Other Organizations – Stay inspired with real-time examples and peer feedback.

On-Demand Feedback – Ask questions. Share drafts. Get expert help.

before the accelerator

You're overwhelmed and pressed for time.

You're unsure what to prioritize or how to execute.

You're reinventing the wheel for every campaign.

You second-guess your messaging.

You feel alone in the work.

after the accelerator

You have shortcuts, templates, and real support.

You get clear direction on where to focus.

You launch campaigns faster, with less stress.

You feel confident in your message and materials.

You're part of a community that keeps you inspired and on track.

Hi, I'm Lori Bower!

Kansas farm girl turned marketing strategist, obsessed with helping nonprofits avoid random acts of marketing.

Fresh out of Kansas State University, I started my career as a 4-H extension agent in Butler County, Kansas. My goal? Grow membership. My budget? Basically zero. So when a kind 4-H supporter donated $500 for recruitment, I took a big swing on a local radio ad. It was 1998—email was barely a thing and social media didn’t exist—so radio felt like the best bet.

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One problem: the station covered nine counties (not just mine), and they started airing the spot without my approval. I was horrified when I heard it—they mispronounced the donor’s last name.

So no new members. One unhappy donor. A $500 mistake. And one very clear realization: I needed to understand marketing if I was going to lead real change. And if I’d had just 10 minutes of advice from an unbiased marketing pro, I’d have made better decisions.

That moment launched a career. I joined a Wichita marketing agency, then worked at several firms in Chicago before founding BowerComm in 2010. Over the last 25 years, I’ve helped nonprofits and foundations across the U.S. stop wasting time and money on things that don’t work—and start making strategic choices that actually move people to action.

I believe nonprofit leaders can make exponential progress with just a little guidance, smart tools, and a solid framework. That’s why I built The Accelerator—to give you exactly that. 

meet your coaches

Lori Bower

Lori Bower

Strategy and Planning Coach

Jo Hoffman

Jo Hoffman

Digital Media Coach

Mike Berkley

Mike Berkley

Graphic Design and Visual Communications Coach

Caitlin Kroeker

Caitlin Kroeker

Content Planning and Creation Coach

Amy Bower

Amy Bower

Fundraising and Donor Development Coach

how coaching works

You get two live sessions each week, hosted via Zoom:

Essential Tuesdays – A work-along hour with live Q&A to help you overcome obstacles and make quick progress

Thursday Special Topics – Rotating focus based on the month: 

  • 1st Thursday: Social + Email Troubleshooting

  • 2nd Thursday: Live Masterclass

  • 3rd Thursday: Quarterly Planning (Dec, Mar, Jun, Sept) or Editorial Calendar Planning 

  • 4th Thursday: Design and Materials Critiques

masterclass topics

Available On-Demand:

How to Develop a Communications Plan (multi-part series)

Developing a Brand Message Platform

How to Name an Organization or Initiative

How to Gain Insights from Stakeholders Through Interviews

How to Assess Your Peers' Communications

Strategic Social Media

How to Launch a Drip Email Sequence

How to Raise Money During Grant Cycles

Building a Year-End Giving Campaign Without the Frenzy

Creating a Donor Welcome Email Series

Annual Reports Without the Angst

Quarterly Planning Templates and Systems

Estate Giving Mini Campaigns

UPCOMING LIVE CLASSES

  • Activating Your Board as Ambassadors 

  • The Power of Testimonials 

  • Do You Have a Message Problem? 

  • Discovering New Donors 

  • Email 101 

  • DIY Video Production 

  • Tips & Tools to Manage Your Communications Workload 

what's inside the accelerator portal

Masterclass Library -

Searchable and updated monthly.

Tools + Templates -

Pre-written emails, social content, campaign guides.

Private Forum -

Get feedback and share wins.

Calendar + Replays -

Never miss a session.

Chat Access to Coaches and Peers -

Ask questions between calls and connect with other members. 

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what our members say

Their guidance helped us connect with our community—and one of our monthly emails led to a donor dropping off a $100,000 check. I could’ve never imagined that! The support is priceless.

MOLLY WILLIAMS

Republic County Community Foundation 

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While this is about a communications strategy, for us it ended up being a deeper look into our entire strategy as a community foundation. We have a renewed energy.

KIM JONES

President, Community Foundation of West Georgia

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BowerComm's Community Foundation Growth Institute has a great, responsive staff that is accessible for varying parts of the process. We’ve had more consistent and ‘on point’ marketing/communications through their team than with a dedicated person on staff. The Institute understands a community foundation of our size very well and can impart strategies from other community foundations that are effective. They also stay on top of new, smart ways to reach and engage new constituents. Lori Bower is a true believer of community foundations and has a passion for helping them grow.

JESSICA HUBBARD

Philanthropic Services Manager  |  Placer Community Foundation

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Working with BowerComm's Community Foundation Growth Institute has been a game changer for us. Before, we struggled to find a communications partner who truly understood the unique needs of a community foundation. Their team not only grasped our mission but brought creative and strategic solutions that saved us time and delivered results. Our 2023 stats are proof that something is definitely working, and the Institute played a big part in that success. Lori and the team are rockstars—innovative, efficient, and fun to work with. If you're looking for a partner who gets things done, I highly recommend them.

SARAH CASEY

Director of Strategic Communications  |  West Central Initiative

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faqs

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let's make your plan happen

You bring the vision. We’ll help you get it done.

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